I got a present in the mail today. No address or anything--just my name scribbled on the box, wrapped up right with twine and dull pink ribbons. I didn't want to open it, lest it contain something evil, so I just left it there by the street. That would have been that, had the box not suddenly appeared in my room. It was still closed, but now the twine and ribbons were undone. I took the box and threw it out the window.
I went into the bathroom to wash up, and upon me descending the staircase the box was there, under out decorated Christmas tree, with the top wide open.
Nestled in the old, yellow newspaper was a well crafted, very dignified nutcracker. There was a note, too, which read:
Dearest Princess,
Accept this gift as a token of our hopes for you. Throw it away again and you will regret it.
Merry Early Christmas,
Viceroy Almaric Drosselmeyer
Whoever this person was, he was an amazingly good stalker. I could have called the police, but what could I have told them? Instead I called Naomi to vent. She answered after two rings, and I talked about what happened.
"Holy crap, girl. Call the cops and report this dude. And who is this 'we' they are talking about?"
"No clue. But I'm not happy about this. I'm not going to throw it away or anything--the note told me I'd regret it. I can't keep it here, either. What if it comes alive and slits everyone's throats with its little sabre?"
"I suppose you can just put it in a container. We'll be at your house for the party, so maybe we'll take a look at it."
"I guess. He's handsome, I'll give him that. The Swarovski crystals are a nice touch, too."
"Love the look already. I have to get back to making these cookies for Christmas, but if anything chances, call me."
"I will. Love you."
We hung up together and I stared at my gift. It didn't move or blink...but I hated what it could bring. Who is this Viceroy, and what doe he want?
