She swallowed the panic threatening to bubble over and took a deep, steadying breath. 'No... I can't lose my cool. I have to think this through. Whoever did this doesn't know about the switch. They think I'm the same Evelisse.'
Fluffy trembled beside her, its tiny, pink body puffing up as if trying to make itself appear larger and more intimidating. "Princess... this is bad. Really bad."
Evelisse clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. 'I know. But I can't let them see me break down. I have to act like I'm completely oblivious. No one can know I'm suspicious of anything.'
Fluffy nodded slowly. "You're right. If they sense you're aware, it could get worse."
Evelisse forced herself to take another breath, loosening her clenched hands. 'I'll complete the fluffy task first. The tea party will give me a chance to get closer to my brothers and gather information. After that... I'll find out more about those who kidnapped the original Evelisse. They must know something.'
Fluffy's eyes shone with a strange mix of pride and worry. "That's brave of you, Princess. Just... be careful."
Evelisse smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. 'I didn't survive a miserable life and cancer just to die in this one. I'll find out the truth, and I'll make sure nothing happens to me. But first, I have to get through this tea party.'
With a final glance at the ribbon fluttering in the breeze, Evelisse turned on her heel, forcing a bright, innocent expression onto her face as she made her way back to her room. She had a tea party to prepare for.
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
Once inside, Evelisse sighed in relief. 'One problem at a time,' she thought, glancing at the large, ornate clock on the wall. There was still time to prepare for the tea party, but she needed to look the part.
Just as she was contemplating her outfit, a soft knock sounded at her door. One of the maids peeked in, bowing politely.
"Your Highness, may I assist you in preparing for the tea party?" the maid asked, her voice gentle and sweet.
Evelisse hesitated, her cheeks flushing. 'Being bathed and dressed by someone else again... I'll never get used to this.'
"Of course," Evelisse replied with a small, polite smile.
The maid walked in, carrying a basket of bath essentials. She had soft brown hair neatly tied back, warm hazel eyes, and a kind, motherly aura. She wore the typical maid uniform of the castle—an elegant black dress with white lace trim and a crisp, white apron tied securely around her waist.
Evelisse couldn't help but relax a little in her presence.
"My name is Marta, Your Highness. I'm here to make sure you look your best for the tea party," the maid said cheerfully, setting the basket down.
Evelisse gave a shy nod. "Thank you... Marta."
Marta's smile brightened. "Let's start with a bath, shall we?"
Evelisse hesitated. 'Again? I just had one this morning! How many times do I have to scrub myself clean?'
Marta seemed to sense her reluctance and laughed lightly. "Royal etiquette, Your Highness. You must always be pristine for any formal gathering."
Evelisse pouted, but didn't argue. 'It's just like when I was bedridden... the nurses would have to help me clean up. I hated it, being so weak and helpless.'
Marta began filling the large, porcelain tub with warm, fragrant water. The scent of lavender and rose petals wafted through the room, soothing Evelisse's nerves. As the steam rose, Marta motioned for her to step out of her nightgown.
Evelisse hesitated, embarrassment prickling her skin. "I... I can wash myself."
Marta gave a gentle smile, clearly amused. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but it's my duty. I'd lose my job if I didn't take proper care of you."
Evelisse bit her lip, glancing away. 'She's teasing me... but I guess she's right. I don't want her to get in trouble because of me.'
Marta noticed the conflicted expression and knelt beside the tub, placing a comforting hand on Evelisse's shoulder. "Don't worry, Princess. I'll be quick, and we'll make sure you're looking as cute as a button for your party."
Evelisse gave a resigned nod, allowing Marta to help her undress. As the warm water enveloped her, she felt herself relax despite the awkwardness. Marta was thorough but gentle, humming a soft tune as she washed Evelisse's hair.
"You're so brave, Princess," Marta said softly, combing her fingers through the wet strands. "After everything you went through... to wake up and smile like this. It's admirable."
[♡Affection Points Increased: +5]
[Total points accumulated so far: 19♡]
Evelisse's chest tightened as she stared at the status and thought back on what Marta said. 'If only you knew... the real Evelisse didn't make it out unscathed. I'm just borrowing this life.'
Marta gently rinsed Evelisse's hair, careful not to get soap in her eyes. "Your brothers will be so happy to see you looking your best. They've been planning the tea party all morning."
Evelisse couldn't help but smile at that. "Really?"
"Yes," Marta confirmed. "They want to make it perfect for you."
After the bath, Marta wrapped Evelisse in a soft, fluffy towel, drying her hair with a smaller one. Evelisse allowed herself to relax, even if the experience still reminded her of those long hospital days.
Evelisse found her mind drifting back to her past life—the sterile, white hospital room where nurses had bathed her with practiced, detached efficiency, their expressions carefully blank as they wiped down her frail, hairless body. She remembered the shame and humiliation she had felt, the bitter resentment that had burned in her chest as she realized how weak and helpless she had become.
'No,' Evelisse thought, her small hands clenching into fists beneath the warm water. 'I'm not that weak, dying girl anymore. I have a second chance now. I'll become stronger. I'll make this life mine, no matter what.'
Once dried and powdered, Marta helped Evelisse into a pale yellow dress with detailed floral embroidery.
She then set to work brushing Evelisse's long, fiery hair, weaving it into a loose, elegant braid that hung over her shoulder, small, pearl-studded pins tucked into the strands like tiny, shimmering stars.
When the maid finally stepped back, her eyes bright with pride, Evelisse caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and couldn't help but be surprised. She looked... radiant. Her green eyes sparkled, her hair gleamed like molten fire, and her cheeks glowed with a healthy, youthful flush.
'I look... cute.'
Marta's eyes sparkled with pride. "You're truly beautiful, Your Highness."
Evelisse felt her cheeks heat up again, and she quickly looked away, mumbling a shy, "Thank you, Marta."
As the maid moved to tidy up the room, Evelisse's gaze drifted over to the corner where the creepy doll had been placed. Her heart skipped a beat as she noticed one of the other maids—a quiet, mousy girl with dull, brown hair and downcast eyes—lingering near the shelf, her thin fingers brushing over the doll's glassy, unblinking face.
Evelisse felt uneasy as she sneaked a peek. 'Why is she...?'
Before Evelisse could say anything, the maid quickly straightened, her head bowing low as she hurried out of the room, her footsteps nearly silent against the plush carpet.
Evelisse's eyes narrowed, her heart pounding. 'Fluffy... did you see that?'
Fluffy floated closer, its bright blue eyes narrowing as it watched the maid disappear through the doorway. "I saw. I'll remember her face. We should be careful."
Evelisse forced a small, calm smile as she turned back to the other maids, who had begun arranging fresh flowers around her room, their cheerful chatter filling the air. 'Stay calm. Act clueless. No one can know you're suspicious.'
"Ready for the tea party?" Marta asked.
"Yes," Evelisse replied, her heart pounding for a different reason. 'I need to keep my eyes open... that maid might know something.'