Surprise!

Just a moment later, one of the boxes right at the top of the pile opened on its own. A hissing and rattling sound could be heard. 

No one dared to make a sound. They were all staring at the box, wondering what was inside it. 

Athena approached it carefully. But Wendy grabbed hold of her hand before she could get any closer. 

"No, princess! It could be dangerous!" She warned. 

By now the guards outside had been alerted. They also went to inform Sir Daric who'd been patrolling around Hemlock Mansion. Hearing the rattling and hissing once more, Athena was certain she knew what it was. 

"It's alright, Wendy. I can handle this," She reassured her maid. 

She looked around the room and eventually found what she needed from the pile of gifts. She picked up a bouquet of lavenders. 

Athena carefully made her way towards the opened box while holding out the lavenders. The hissing and rattling grew a little softer.