I shoved the library doors open, making a banging sound as I entered. I didn't see him anywhere. Where was he? I turned around and was abruptly greeted by the Mr Jack.

“Good morning, young miss.” Mr. Jack, the Whalen family's librarian, said as he pushed his glasses up his nose bridge. “I left everything as is.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you. Have you seen my stuffed horse or Master anywhere?”

“Oh? I believe Duke Aderlyn grabbed your stuffed horse when we was putting you to bed yesterday.” I could feel the color drain from my face drastically. “A-are you alright, young miss?

“Ye-yes! Thanks! Good morning, Mr. Jack!” I waved goodbye as I ran out of the library and headed to the dining room. The door was already open as I made my tense entrance. My family was casually sitting down around the table with breakfast in front of them. I ignored them, scanning for Master. My eyes landed on the tall, dark purple haired man and I let out a sigh of relief.

My knees buckles and I slumped to the floor, getting gasps of surprise from those in the room. Master was by my side in a second and helped me up.

What the actual heck!? I complained to him. He winced, but smiled anyway. This made me narrow my eyes at him.

“Mallory... are you okay?” Liam, so kindly, as me, shifting in his seat. Master placed my next to Liam and then stood behind me, looking all knight-like.

“I'm alright, Liam, just hungry.” I smiled at him. It wasn't a lie. I was very hungry, but I had completely forgotten about that when I went into a panic not being able to find Master. My stomach hadn't forgotten though as it grumbled loudly at the site and smell of the food. My cheeks flushed a little in embarrassment as all on were now on me.

“Let us eat then!” Grandfather announced. He elegantly dug into his eggs, signaling for the rest of us to start. I said my thanks for the meal silently and began eating. The sausage was juicy, the eggs were scrambled to perfection, and the pancakes were so fluffy today that I devoured my meal, not leaving a morsel behind. I gracefully dabbed the corners of my mouth with my napkin and sat back in my chair, waiting for everyone else to finish.

Seriously Master... what happened? I almost shouted in my mind at him.

My apologies My Lady. Your Mother and Father wished to speak to me. My face scrunched up in confusion.

What do you mean? Mr. Jack informed me that Grandfather took you.

He did grab me in the plushie form, swinging me around by my back leg... I resisted the urge to giggle at the offended voice coming from him. But he brought with you, indeed. Your Mother came to get me this morning.

I don't understand... Were you standing guard or something? I truly didn't get it. It was a secret that he was also my stuffed horse plushie and he had come with me in that form... right? I pictured a gown adult man with dark purple hair being swung around by his leg by Grandfather as he brought the both of us to my room last night. Master then suddenly snorted aloud, making all of us look over at him. He coughed into his hand, straightening himself out with a smile.

That most certainly did not happen, My Lady. I covered an amused smile with my napkin, realizing he was given the image I just imagined.

“Mallory, dear.” Mother interrupted Master and I. I looked over at her, curious as what she was going to say. “Your Grandfather has offered to take you and I shopping today.” She was giving me the mother look that said I must be on my best behavior... or possible death. That kind of look.

“Really?” I said with a huge fake smile, looking towards Grandfather. “What are we shopping for?”

“Whatever you and your mother want!” His smile was wide and showed off his pearly white teeth. I clutched my dress skirt, keeping a matching smile. Oh... this was just unbelievably marvelous! It was going to be a long, long, looooong day...