Mommy & Papa

The new courtyard falls from Lucy's eyes as a young girl of 17 steps out into the sunshine. "Mommy!" Lucy whispers, her gaze locking on Meng Lani. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Lucy shouts, leaning for her, wishing nothing but to jump forward. Selena sets Lucy on her feet, and she bolts forward, not even noting Prince Jing standing Concubine Meng. Lucy ran straight into Lani's legs. "Mommy, hug! Mommy hold me!" Lucy demands, trying to climb up her. Damn this is hard, Lucy thinks as her grasp slips again on the silk dress Mom was wearing. It's easier to climb the walls here than a silk dress.

Mom picks her up. Lucy breaths in her spicy floral scent. "Mommy," Lucy says, laying on her shoulder. "Love you, Mommy," Lucy says. Despite her better judgment, Lucy no longer wanted to smother the words in her heart. Mom strokes Lucy's curls. "I love you, baby" Mom whispers into her ear.

Bao Benin stares at his third daughter cuddle her mother, his mouth twisting. She didn't even see me. Ungrateful brat. Bao Benin sighs, taking the babe from her mother. "Come here, Third Miss" Bao Benin says, startling the child. Her wide eyes almost overtake her face. "Papa," She says in protests not letting go of Concubine Meng. He lifts an eyebrow. So she does remember me. "Come, little thing. I have chocolate in my study." Bao Benin coaxes. Instead of jumping into his arms as she should, she just tightens her grip. "Want Mommy," Lucy says.

"Go with your Papa, Lucy. I'll be here later. Be a good girl now" Concubine Meng speaks up, gently dislodging Lucy's grip on her clothes. Lucy pouts but settles in his arms. Such a heartless thing. She doesn't even care that I got a Royal Reprimand for her. Bao Benin shakes his head but holds her tighter. His lips graze her forehead. Yes, my babe should be heartless like this. Not knowing of death, or hate. My babe will grow just like this, safe from such ruthlessness.

Papa carried Lucy to his study, reading more documents. Lucy glances around, seeing for the first time since she did her poison stunt. It was flawlessly clean. Lucy leans back, feeling boneless in Papa's arms. Why is he so comfy? Should I? Hmm... Lucy bites her lip, and tugs on his hair. "Papa" Lucy whispers, "You're warm, Papa," Lucy says, fighting to keep her eyes open. It's too early to nap. I'll be awake all night. Lucy tries to convince herself, but Papa's steady breathing and the crackle of the fireplace melted any resistance she attempted. Lucy curled closer to him, slipping into sleep.

"Ning Family is really daring. Sending such message for the little thing's name-day feast." Papa's voice rouses Lucy, it was so cold. Cracking her eyes open, Lucy sees Papa's aide Carlos. His's boots were damp. "General Ning said they would pay a visit the day after Third Miss' Name-Day Feast," Carlos says softly. Papa sneers, waving Carlos off. "Write that we won't dare tire them. They can stay away if they don't come to the little one's name-day" Papa says. My? Nameday? Isn't that what Mom called my birthday last year? Lucy wonders, curiously reaching for Papa's mind.

A second later, a sharp whine escapes her. It was dark, so dark, the car's on me. It's so heavy. So hot. It hurts. Lucy whimpers again. "Shh, little one. I'm here" Warm hands stroke her head, and back. The horrible pressure disappearing. Lucy sits up, tears slipping from her eyes, as she shivers. What was that?

Lucy meets Papa's eyes. What were you feeling that is so horrible? Lucy's eyes burn, struggling not to sob. "Papa," Lucy says hoarsely. "Papa. It's so scary" Lucy snuggles into his chest. "Don't be so angry, Papa. I'm here, Papa" Lucy says, without thinking. Please, Papa, I love you. Even if you're really moody. Papa, don't be so sad. Lucy hugs him tightly, her thin arms were barely able to reach both sides of his chest. "Little thing?" He says, looking down at her. She woke up because I was angry?