Born at thirty-five weeks gestation, the youngest royal child was classified as premature, and spent the first month-and-a-half of her life in the neonatal care unit at “Regions Memorial Hospital” in East Zeerk. The queen gave the infant the name, Gretchen Garrick, and was pleased to find that the baby looked like her father. Luna was released from Doctor Alderman’s care three days after giving birth, but she rarely left the hospital. Sitting in the nursery and feeding and taking care of the little one was her first objective, and the second was praying to the goddesses in “The Rainbow Sanctum” that they would find favor to spare the infant’s life. At the time of her birth, Gretchen weighed five pounds and eight ounces, and she could not be released from the hospital until the scales read that it was up to six pounds and higher. As much as Kouper wanted to be with Luna and Gretchen, he was the planetary king and the father of seven other children, therefore, he spent his days at the hospital with his wife and newborn daughter, and at night, after putting the other kids to bed, he handled the king’s affairs.
It did not take long for the oldest royal child to find out that her baby-sister had been released, and when the Royal Carriage arrived at the citadel, the princess was waiting for everyone outside; she wanted to meet the newest royal family member, and no one was going to stop her. Kouper asked his step-daughter to allow himself and their mother to take the little one inside, and then, he agreed that Ecko could hold her sister. As soon as she was able to hold Gretchen, the princess realized there was something missing from her life, but she was not sure what that could be. The royal family sat in the throne room in order for the queen and king to take care of any necessary business, and they did not pay attention to their two daughters.
With the queen and king distracted, Ecko saw an opportunity to take advantage of their duties, and she manipulated her way into taking the baby to Devereux Estates; it was the first time the princess was deceptive to her biological mother, but it would not be the last. If she were honest with herself, the idea of lying to Kouper made her stomach twist into knots, but it did not bother the princess to speak falsehoods to the queen. Before anyone was aware of what she’d done, Ecko was already back at Devereux Manor, and had an excuse as to why the baby would have to stay overnight.
When Jasmine saw her daughter with the baby stroller, the educator’s first thought was not the best one that could have come to mind, but she knew the princess had always been a well-balanced individual, therefore, a benefit of the doubt was given in order to receive a rational explanation.
“Mamma, look what I’ve got!” Ecko shouted.
“Don’t you mean, ‘Look whom I’ve got’? I mean, if you have an inanimate object in that stroller, it is a ‘what’, but if there’s a being in there, that being, whomever is in there, is not a ‘what’, but in fact is a ‘whom’. I thought I’d taught you better than that, I mean, I’m not trying to be harsh, but think about how you’d feel if I called you a ‘what’ instead of a ‘whom’. I know that these lessons seem ridiculous, but you always have to consider the other one’s feelings”, she told her daughter.
“Did you ever stop to think that I was actually talking about the stroller, itself, and that it is the ‘what’ I was referring to?” The princess asked.
“Oh, well, of course I’d thought of that, however, I know the way your mind works, and I guess, you could say that I jumped to conclusions. That is a very terrible habit I have, it’s not fair that I’m like that, and I promise to work on making it an obsolete thing that I do,” her mother said.
“Oh, mom, You don’t have to do that, I find it an endearing trait that is only a small part of what makes you, uniquely you, and it would be a shame if you were to change it. Then again, I am biased towards you, since you are my mother,” Ecko said.
“Alright, I’ll keep that habit, especially for you, now, whom do you have in that stroller?” Jasmine inquired.
“My sister, Gretchen,” the princess replied.
“Oh, really, now how did you manage that?” The educator said.
“I don’t think you really want me to answer that question,” she told her mother.
"What I really don't want is problems with her parents, like it or not, I am your biological mother's best friend, and you can believe I'm gonna hear about it, so you have no other choice but to tell me, in case I need to defend my child," her mother said.
"Well, I knew that because she was born premature, Luna and Kouper would want to keep Gretchen close, but when I held my baby-sister for the first time, I knew I couldn't and wouldn't be completely happy unless she came home with me," the princess explained.
"That's one part of it, but the most important piece of the puzzle is missing. I need to know what exactly it was you said in order to get permission to bring her home, but you can tell me that while I get something on my stomach. My sugar levels are starting to drop," Jasmine said.
"Are you seeing stars, dizzy and light-headed, how bad is it?", She asked.
"I'm alright, for now, but it needs to be addressed. Take your shoes off, wipe your feet, because I just mopped, and help me, please," the educator stated.
"Alright, mamma, I'm gonna take Gretchen into the kitchen, and I will be right back," the princess said.
"Az should be around here, somewhere, but I'm not sure exactly where he went. Send him a message, and let him know we need him here. My connections don't go out well when my levels are low," Jasmine said.
"Yes, ma'am, I'll get in contact with him while I'm taking the baby inside," she told her mother.
*************************************
A few minutes later, the princess ended the telepathic connection with her brother, and as she predicted, before she had the baby taken care of, Azleal was coming from the east end of Devereux Estates. The demon did not like receiving messages from his sister involving their mother being in a bad way, and because of the message from the princess, he was moving rapidly. As he approached, an evaluation was made, Jasmine's condition had worsened, and the demon's instincts took over. Immediately, he went to her side, warned that he was going to lift her, and swung the educator across the back of his shoulders.
"Bubba, I'm working setting up an intravenous-line for mamma, I had to find her things, but all I need now is, the patient," Ecko said when her brother entered the main sitting room with their mother.
"She's right here. Are you sure you can do that without hurting her?" Azleal inquired.
"Mamma and grandma have both allowed me to use them as pin-cushions so that I could learn for just such an occasion," the princess assured him.
"Do whatever you have to do, but I cannot stay inside. If something - -", his words were cut short.
"While you were worrying about my hurting our mother, I've already got the line in, and I'd appreciate it if you could help me tape it down," Ecko said.
"I've got to admit, little sister, I'm totally impressed, and I owe you an apology. I'm sorry for doubting your ability to take care of our mom, byt I wasn't aware of what you'd learned," the demon said.
"Maybe if you'd spend more time here with me where you belong, you'd know these things," she replied.
"I'm sorry, but I've been ensuring the continued safety of this family. Somebody has to keep a constant eye on things" Azleal said.
"Alright, you two, there's no reason for either of you to get irritated, and I'm better, in case y'all care," Jasmine said.
"Mamma, I wasn't expecting you to be up so quickly, but it's good to see you've come around," the princess said.
"When you put this needle in my arm, it dispensed a sugar substitute that is as close to natural as one can get to pure sugar without killing me, so you should know from everything mother and I have taught you that, it wouldn’t take long for my vital functions to begin to recuperate at a rapid rate. However, that is not the current issue at hand,” the educator said.
“Alright, tell us what we’re facing,” the demon said.
“Well, I’m not exactly sure how long it will take for everything to function correctly, as with everything else in life, it will take longer than it would for either of you to get better, and that’s because of my age. Therefore, I’ll need one of the two of you to stay close, and keep an eye on me over the next couple of days,” their mother replied.
“That’s not going to be an issue for either of us,” the princess said.
“Now, just because I’m going to need some help around here, doesn’t mean that I’m not going to address the ‘elephant’ in the room, because this family does not hold grudges, and lest we for get what happened when you were enchanted. So, the two of you are going to talk about whatever it is that’s been going on between y’all, and I will not tell you, again,” Jasmine said.
“Mamma, you’re getting over something that is more than emotionally draining, that took a lot away from you physically, and our issues are not something we need to address at the moment,” Azleal said.
“Besides, I need to take care of Gretchen,” the princess added.
“Shayde will be here in a few minutes to start preparing for lunch, I’ll ask her to take care of the baby until y’all get things worked out, and I know she won’t have a problem with it because she loves babies. There are no more excuses left, however, there is a solution to your problem, and neither of you is leavin this room until this is settled. I’ve been watchin the two of you act hateful to each other for long enough, I’ll call my mother, and have her help me referee this feud between y’all if I have to”, the educator said.
“No, ma’am, do not get grandma involved, please, mamma,” the demon said.
“Why not, big brother, are you worried,” The princess inquired.
“Well, not to be a sexist pig or anything, but I don’t see the result of that coming out in my favor with three females,” Azleal admitted.
“Do you really think that Grandma Gwendolyn would referee an unfair fight? I should tell her what you said,” she challenged.
“That’s not whom I was talkin’ about, and you know it,” her brother shot back.
“Yeah, I know, you were talkin’ about me, but there’s no call for all of that. Last time I looked, I’m not the one who’s acting like an over-grown baboon,” she replied.
“Enough with the name calling, Ecko, that’s not going to solve anything, and you’ll make matters worse. So knock it off before I call your grandmother,” Jasmine threatened.
“You have some nerve callin me an over-grown baboon, I have done nothing, but try and keep this family safe, little sister. But, for some narrow-minded reason, you’re too stubborn to understand where I’m comin from,” the demon said.
“Well, I might could understand it a whole lot better, if you would tell me what it is that you’re protecting us from. I mean, don’t get me wrong I love you, but since I came out of the effects from that enchantment you’ve been actin awfully weird,” the princess said.
“There’s a reason for that, but it’s complicated. It’s not exactly the easiest thing on the planet to talk about,” her brother said.
“Why is that, brother, would that reason happen to be that you’re trying to protect this family from me? I mean, you’ve got to tell me that you’re not serious, I would never harm our mother, and you know that. Stop and think about it. That elf was the one who answered the door that mornin’, and she agreed to adopt me. How could you ever think I would intentionally cause her harm? I don’t understand you,” she said.
“That’s the point, I know you would never hurt one hair on her beautiful head, but who’s to say what will happen the next time someone slips you a magixical roofie?” Azleal asked.
“Alright, that’s where your issue lies, and that can be fixed. However, it’s gonna take a lot of effort from the both of you,” their mother chimed in.
“Mom, why did you have to be a psychologist?” Ecko asked.
“I became a psychologist when I realized that I was a mother, it just seemed to be the natural thing for me to do, and I’m sure glad I did,” the educator said.
"Yeah, you and I both. It has come in quite handy over the years," a voice said from the kitchen.
"Mother, is that you? We're in here, the educator said.
"Yes, my child, it is I, your mother, and it sounds to me like you three are in the middle of something pretty thick. Is there anything I can do to help?" The family elder asked.
"You are always a big help in matters of the heart, and I don't have all the strength required to referee them by myself," Jasmine said.
"Oh, my stars, and to the goddesses above, what happened to my baby?" Gwendolyn inquired.
"Mom, don't worry, Ecko took care of me," she said.
"Obviously, someone has taken care of you, that's not a hard conclusion to draw with that in your arm, however, that does not explain what happened, Jazzi," she pressed.
"Her sugar got scary-low, and I gave her the drip-line, like y'all showed me, Nanna Gwen,"the princess explained.
"You set it up for your mother?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am, I did. Why is there something wrong with my work? Ecko wanted to know.
"No, quite the contrary, baby girl, you did a great job, and nanna is proud of you," the elder said.
"She did just fine, but nanna showing up, doesn't get you out of what we were dealing with, Missy, so nice try," Jasmine interjected.
"What's that supposed to mean, ma?" Ecko said.
"You're hoping nanna will be a distraction, and you won't have to talk to your brother. I'm on to you," her mother warned.
"Well, what do you expect whenever I'm going up against that son of yours? I mean, I am not the one on trial here, and Azleal doesn't make things easy with his unwillingness to forgive my only transgression. It's not like I knew what was goin' on the whole time, but let him tell the story. He'll have y'all convinced that I'm not trustworthy, and that I cannot protect this family. My family, his family, our family, and it hurts my feelings that he doesn't trust me," the princess said.
"I have not ever told you any such nonsense like that, and you know it," her brother said.
"No, of course you haven't, you're too decent to come right out, and make that kind of accusation to my face. Mamma would take you for a few trips around the switch-tree if you did, however, with the way you're constantly keeping watch over this place, you don't have to. Besides, you seem to have forgotten one tiny, little, minuscule detail in all of this," she said.
"Oh, really, and what might that be?" The demon asked.
"That you have to listen to whatever I say to you, that I am, technically, your owner, and that I can forbid you to continue on with the things you've been doing. That's exactly what I am talking about," she barked.
"You wouldn't dare," he challenged.
"Don't push me, or so help me, I'll do it, and you know I will," Ecko threatened.
"Wait a minute, now, that is a train-wreck of emotional hurt that neither of us is capable of dealing with, and I will not allow my home to continue to remain divided. Now, if y'all cannot find a decent way to settle your feud, nanna and I will come up with a solution, and neither of you wants that, because it will not solve your problem,” Jasmine said.
“The two of you ought to be ashamed of yourselves, and I’ve gotta tell y’all that I am thoroughly upset with you both. Yes, you heard me, and I did not stutter. So, sit down, close both of your mouths, and listen to every word that comes out of my mouth. No, Jasmine, you are not allowed to interfere, and I’m pullin’ rank over you on this matter. If you don’t like it, we’ll settle our differences later, but for now, I’m in charge. You two have allowed one simple mistake to come between y’all for long enough, and this will be settled before I leave here. Now, I have been here throughout the years since your mother adopted the both of you, I have helped to settle some pretty bad feuds, and until my daughter asked me to lend a hand, I’ve stayed out of your business. However, today, is not one of those days when I 'stay out of it, and mind my own business'. Since your grandpa John passed away, I have done whatever was necessary to keep this family from falling apart, and I've got to tell y'all that has been no easy task. Especially since, neither one of you is even the same species of being, and seeing as how the both of you is as stubborn as me. There’s only one way I can think of to settle this, and I’m honestly surprised that neither of you has thought of it yourselves,” Gwendolyn said.
“Really, mom, how come you never said anything before?” Jasmine asked.
“Honestly, I never said anything until now because I just thought of it, but I wouldn’t have suggested it before because I’ve tried to allow you to be their mother. I mean, the days of my being your mohter ended years ago, and I didn’t want to cause any emotional rifts between the two of us,” the family elder said.
“That’s not true, mother, and you know it. I’m not talking about you not wantin to cause problems between you and I, but I am talking about something else you said,” the educator said.
“What are you talking about then?” Her mother wanted to know.
“You and I both know that when we signed-on to be a mother, our job is an endless and thankless job, and for you to say, ‘the days of my being your mohter ended years ago’, is a bunch of malarkey. Those days shall not end until your spirit moves onto the afterlife, and you rejoin my father in “The Rainbow Sanctum”. We’re both mothers until the day we die, and I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Still, you have a plan, and I’m dying to hear it,” Jasmine prompted.
© P. L. Watson-Atwell