章節 22: Number 4

Lucy yawns lazily on Mother's lap, as Mom's gentle voice narrated Princess Delilah's Curse to her. Her days had settled into a serene routine. Every morning Miss Selena combed, and braided Lucy's hair, tying it off with a silk ribbon. Lucy washed her face with rosewater, brushing her teeth with salt than swished coconut oil in her mouth.

She was fed nourishing porridge subscribed by Imperial Physician Li, directly aimed at strengthening her body, and drank milk, or green tea. Next came this part of the day, where Lucy just had to cuddle Mom, and listen. A maid pours tea into Lucy's cup. {If this Winter's Kiss doesn't work, I'm done with this. The small brat just gets a fever, no matter she is fed.} Lucy looks at the maid through her eyelashes. That's four.

Tammy. Bin. Wanda. And now Liz. Four maids who tended the Butterfly Courtyard had poisoned her. Lucy frowns. How to get rid of them? As young as I am, I can't tell Mom or Father that they are poisoning me. Lucy sighs, wanting to bang her head against the wall. Such a young child was really helpless. Ai, why is this so hard? I can't wait to grow up!

"Consort Meng" Mom freezes and then kneels, still holding Lucy. "My Lord" Mom greets Father. Wiggling out of Mom's arms, Lucy runs over to Father, hugging his shins. "Papa!" Lucy calls. Father ruffles her hair. "Sweets! Papa!" Lucy demands. I haven't seen you for two days, I need chocolate! {Little one is my affectionate treasure. The other stiff dolls can't compare at all} Father thinks. Lucy privately rolls her eyes. Her brother and sisters were already being tutored in etiquette despite their small age. Even Mom attempted to teach Lucy to restrain her behavior toward Father.

Father's really strange. No one, besides her cheap Father wants his children unruly and adores it when they are demanding. "Come" Father picks Lucy up ignoring her Mom, taking Lucy to his study.

Lucy smiles, as he settles at his desk. "What sweet?" Lucy asks, her gaze glued to the platter of cookies. "These are called peanut butter cookies," Father says. "They are from the Moon Empire." Just give it to me. Lucy quickly tastes the one, Father passes her. Lucy chews, It could be a little moister, but it tastes fine.

Father begins to attack his stack of papers. I wonder just what keeps Father so busy, Lucy stares at the papers not able to read any of it. Lucy shrugs grabbing another cookie and climbs off his lap.

Time for my laps. Lucy begins walking circles around the study. Selena took Physician Li's advise so seriously, that if Lucy tried to walk around the courtyard, she was forced to take a nap.

Seriously, being so idle will make me fat! Fat, and lazy! Every time Lucy passed the desk, she grabbed a cookie to snack on. Lucy didn't stop until her legs, and lungs began to burn. Lucy squats, breathing slowly. Aw! My side! I have a stitch in my side! Lucy looks up when the door opens, Father's attendant Carlos was holding a tray of tea that he lays on Father's desk.

Lucy jumps up, rushing over. She dances in place while Carlos pours a cup of green tea, and snatches it as Father reaches for it. Draining it, Lucy licks her lips and puts the cup back, and locks gaze with Carlos. Father laughs, "Pour the little one more. She's thirsty" Father says, leaning back in his seat, a smile on his face.

Lucy ignores him as she drains the pot of tea, her body slowly recovering. My stamina is too poor. Lucy criticizes. {This brat is so daring. His other brats are much better} Lucy ignores Carlos and listens to Father. {This little glutton really seems to like green tea. I better prepare it for her with her snacks} Lucy smiles. Father is the best!

"Bring another pot" Father orders. He smiles wryly, patting Lucy's hair. "And another cup. Also, bring some pitted cherries" Carlos nods, "Yes, Your Highness" Carlos says. Once he leaves, Father pinches Lucy's nose. "Such a little glutton. Greedy little thing" Father scolds with a warm smile. Lucy just sticks her tongue out. So what? You like it!