Such a fool

As soon as Maria stepped through the grand entrance of the mansion, Princess, who was pacing in the hallway, spotted her and practically flew over. Without a word of greeting, she grabbed Maria’s arm and tugged her down the corridor.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Maria asked, her voice laced with confusion as she stumbled to keep up.

“Just trust me,” Princess said, her voice urgent. She didn’t look back, but Maria could see the intensity in her cousin’s eyes.

Maria tried to pry her arm free, but Princess was relentless. “Seriously, Princess, where are we going? What are you doing?”

“Just trust me!” Princess repeated, her tone brooking no argument. “You’ll understand in a minute.”

They turned a corner and headed straight for her grandfather’s office. The tension between them spiked, and Maria’s nerves were getting the better of her. She felt a hint of frustration as they approached the heavy oak door.

Without knocking, Princess swung it open and pulled Maria inside. The room was filled with