The playroom was quiet, save for the soft clinking of plastic cups. Hildegard was sat on the plush rug, her back to the door, carefully lining up her dolls for a tea party.
Adrien stood in the doorway, clutching a Superman action figure and a handful of Legos. He watched her for a moment, feeling a strange tug in his chest. Uncle Valentin told him he was the most important person in the house, so why did he feel so lonely?
He marched over and stood over her. "Can I join your tea party? My toys want to come too."
Hildegard didn't even look up. She adjusted a tiny pink hat on a teddy bear. "No."
Adrien's jaw dropped. "No? Do you know who you're saying 'no' to? I'm a King! Uncle Valentin said I'm the King now, and you can't say no to a King."
Hildegard stood up slowly. She was the same height as him, and when she narrowed her eyes, they were the exact same shade of blue.
"You're not a King," she pouted, her voice small but sharp. "You're a party blooper."
