Lady Amber’s new doll

Lazaro knocked on the snow white door, the tiny Kelly still hovering in the air next to his wand.

Lazaro grinned to the helpless squire.

“Lady Amber simply adores creating diorama scenes with the dolls I bring her. A few of them are genuinely craftwork toys…but many are defeated would-be heroes like you.”

Lazaro chuckled to himself.

“Oh, and don’t fret. Your body is completely frozen to be posed anyway the Lady chooses. You won’t get tired, or get hungry. But you’ll spend all your days a pretty little princess either having tea parties or being courted by princes!”

Kelly’s heart sank as his eyes darted around. He still couldn’t move or emote, and everything about his new appearance felt strange down to the way his dress skirts shimmered through the air when Lazaro moved him.

The door creaked open and a single eye poked past its frame.

“Mister Lazaro.”

The voice of the girl beyond the door spoke in a flat monotone. Her expression was just as still and focused as her gaze shifted from Lazaro to Kelly’s floating form.

“Oooh…You brought me a new one?”

She opened the door the whole way. Lady Amber wore an elaborate brown plaid dress and shawl, her hair adorned with a pair of ribbons.

Her expression was still, almost doll-like herself, doubly so as her head tilted.

“…She’s so pretty.”

Lazaro chuckled.

“Isn’t she? It’s been a while since I brought you one, so I decided to have another made for you.”

With a flick of the magician’s wrist, Kelly felt himself glide gently into Amber’s open hands.

“…Wow…such a refined lady. I know exactly where to place her.” Amber’s eyes shifted away from Kelly to Lazaro. She bowed her head, giving a subtle curtsy.

“Thank you, good wizard.”

Lazaro whooshed his long sleeves about as he went to an over exaggerated bow of his own.

“Ah…it is my pleasure, my lady. Enjoy.”

He postured pompously with his hand as he backed away and around the corner out of sight.

Amber watched him go, pulling the door closed as she turned to lift Kelly up in the light.

“I think you will go…”