The doll had seen better days. Time had faded the patterned dress which once displayed vibrant plaids. The yarn that sufficed for hair was limp and threadbare. Only one of the button eyes that had been lovingly stitched onto the face remained. The knitting of the hands, arms and face were stained and yellowed. The threaded smile, however, had never faded, which gave the doll a macabre affect overall.

“Yes, Polly. I miss Duala also. Terribly much.” Duada said soothingly, looking down upon the doll he held tenderly in his hands. “What’s that? Yes, forgive my impropriety, Ms. Peachum. Most indecorous of me to address you by your first name.” he said quietly to the doll.

“I am quite certain that we will see her again before too long.” He said, his tone confident and assuring. “Now, we must both get some rest Ms. Peachum. We will speak again on the morrow.”

The prince began wrapping the doll in what appeared to be a small blanket that was as threadbare and worn with age as the doll was. Suddenly he stopped.

“I’m sorry? Yes, the clamor outside is quite unsettling Ms. Peachum. But we are quite safe in here, I assure you.” He said. He tilted his head toward the doll, as if listening, and a grave and over-serious look came upon his face. “Of course.” He sighed after a moment. “I will sing you your favorite lullaby to put your mind at ease.”

The prince began gently humming, rocking almost imperceptibly. The meter and tone were measured and graceful, the melody was haunting.

“Wolves asleep amidst the trees
Bats all a swaying in the breeze
But one soul lies anxious wide awake
Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths
For your dolly Polly sleep has flown
Don’t dare let her tremble alone
For the witcher, heartless, cold
Paid in coin of gold
He comes he’ll go leave naught behind
But heartache and woe
Deep, deep woe
Birds are silent for the night
Cows turned in as daylight dies
But one soul lies anxious wide awake
Fearing all manner of ghouls, hags and wraiths
My dear dolly Polly shut your eyes
Lie still, lie silent, utter no cries
As the witcher, brave and bold
Paid in coin of gold
He’ll chop and slice you
Cut and dice you
Eat you up whole
Eat you whole”