Chapter 26: Meeting the Family (2)

The warmth of the arms surrounding her was lulling Lila to sleep. Shutting her eyes to the rest of the world, Lila let herself relax.

When Lord Mano entered the room, he saw this scene of mother and child in their own world. Not wanting to break the tranquil picture, he held himself back. Yet he mistakenly thought everyone else would do the same.

When the midwife, told Lord Mano he could go see his daughter now. All the other people in the room stood up as well. Despite the fact that only one person's name was 'Mano'.

Lady Thalia was the first one to sit beside Lyra on the bed to peer at the new addition to the family.

"She's beautiful, Lyra." Thalia hushed voice reached over to the other wives who happen to be looking around the birthing room rather than looking at the baby. Seeing that they were being too obvious in their search for the extra honey. The wives came close to the bed to give to insubstantial compliments towards the mother and child.

"Can we see?" A little voice spoke out from the other side of the bed. Lyra turned her head to see three young faces staring back at her.

Kamryn, Sienna and, Lula were Lord Mano other three daughters by his first wife, Lady Jaelah and third wife, Lady Delju.

Lady Lyra never expected to see the little ones so soon. It was traditional for the older siblings to visit the newborns after six months to give gifts to welcome them into the family. Seeing the three anxious faces Lady Lyra decided to forgo this little tradition. Given the approval to see their half-sibling, Lula being the youngest stepped forward immediately to catch the first glimpse.

Although Lila still had her eyes closed in semi-sleep, her ears were wide awake. She picks up on the conversation taking place; however, she paid it no mind. She was enjoying being in the cradle of her mother's arms.

Lula's little pudgy finger happens to come out of nowhere, poking at Lila's cheek.

"Is that it?... Why does it look so ugly?" Lula's high pitch confident voice broke the sweet mood Lila was in.

"Who's ugly!?... Man, someone is jelly." Despite Lila not being able to speak, it didn't stop her from crying out loud.

It has to be said that Lila's looks didn't look ugly at all. With Lady Lyra and Lord Mano as parents, Lila had received the best from both their features. Even at the infant age, anyone could tell she was going to be a beauty.

However, when these words were spoken no one in the room came to Lila's defense. Lady Lyra thought it would be improper to argue with a child, Pia couldn't speak against the young miss. Especially in the presence of her mother, first wife Lady Jaelah.

The rest felt refreshed by the child's obvious jealous actions. Who would like their children looks to be sub-par to someone else's.

"I'm right, right mother.... this baby is ugly." Lula smiled smugly in Lady Lyra face. Whether she thought everyone actually agreed with her, or they were afraid to say something to contradict her Lula continued on with her spitefulness.

Her older sister Kamryn, and mother, Lady Jaelah, stood on the sidelines not caring at all for the rude comments their sibling/daughter was making.

Lord Mano had watched silently from the back of the room. He was disgusted by the acts Lula had towards her seventh mother and half-sibling. Lord Mano usually spoiled his daughters; giving them leeway on things he would never allow his sons to do but this was going overbroad. Maybe it was time to rein in his children.

"Let me see if I created any ugly children?" When hearing Lord Mano's voice Lula's face went pale. She had forgotten her father was still in the room, witnessing her imprudent behavior.

Lord Mano made his way to Lady Lyra in steady self-assertive strides. Bending down he took Lila from Lady Lyra's arms. Carefully putting Lila in the cradle of his arms.

Lila distinctly felt the difference between the two. In her mother's arms, she felt comforted soft warmth. In her father's arms, she felt strength loving protection. Liking the feel of both Lila settled in.

Mano peered down into his youngest daughter's face. Mano saw both himself and Lyra in her face. The perfect mix of the two. He could guess why Lula acted the way she did. Even he could admit his looks were striking and dignified. However the majority of his children just had above average looks, yet in this young one's looks, he could already see himself.

Noticing Mano delighted by the baby's looks, the wives in the room faces took on a more irritated appearance.

"My lord, What should we name her?" Lyra asked Mano. Glanced at Lyra before drawing back to Lila's face.

"Hmm...How about Mikaela?" Lila heard the name. Testing it out before opening her eyes and grabbing onto Mano's pinky finger, agreeing with his choice.