The next morning exploded with the scent of caramel and sibling panic.
"WAKE UP, O SUGAR-CHOSEN ONE!" Jared thundered, bursting into Evelisse's guest room with the elegance of a caffeinated unicorn.
She sat up, hair in tangles. "Did the kingdom fall?!"
"Nope!" Jared tossed a glitter-drenched apron at her. "But today is the Royal Cake Relay, and you, dear cupcake commander, are leading Team Siblings!"
Felix poked in, face smudged with strawberry jam. "Leo tried to slice butter with a dagger. We need leadership. Preferably from someone who doesn't burn water."
"I'm seven," Evelisse croaked.
"Exactly. Peak chaos age," Jared said proudly.
"There's frosting. Everywhere."
"WHY?" she wailed.
"Because it's tradition," Jared said proudly. "Siblings versus noble kids. A messy, sugary chaosfest where reputation and whipped cream are on the line!"
"And you signed me up?"
