Baby Talk

Chapter 42 Lucille felt herself bounce in Hazel’s arms as she stepped up the staircase. Even with the cold outdoor air and the rushing sound of a jet engine firing up, she was halfway between being awake and asleep. It was simply way too early for her to stay awake right now. The sun was barely up - and besides, they were boarding the plane on an empty stomach.  The group had left the castle in a hurry to catch their early flight. Lucille was dressed in a basic t-shirt and skirt, her hair was messy, and she hadn’t even had her breakfast yet. Her tummy rumbled and Lucille groaned in her sleep, clinging tighter to her Nana.  “Shh, you rest up, Princess.” Hazel cooed at the sleeping Little.  In her half-sleep, Lucille saw flashes of half-dreams, the kind that bounced from place to place and between strange, nonsensical settings with no rhyme or reason. One minute she was reliving her debut party, the next she was chasing some kind of magical creature through an enchanted forest, and the next she was in some kind of restaurant - as Lucas - having dinner with someone whose face was at once familiar and too indistinct to identify.  Lucille murmured to herself and eventually awoke, rubbing her eyes and suckling on a pacifier. She awoke to the bright light and background hum of the family’s private plane in flight. Sitting up, she looked around and saw she was in a section unseen to her on past flights - it was some sort of small, purpose-built nursery room.  She was lying in what appeared to be a travel crib, with foldable mesh walls. It was much more compact than a regular sized crib, leaving just enough room for her body. Also in the room was a changing tray which pulled out from the wall and a couple of basic toys on the floor. Two chairs faced each other around a single window - Hazel was in one, reading quietly.  “Nana…” Lucille grumbled, rubbing her eyes. “Oh, you’re awake.” Hazel looked away from her book and smiled at Lucille. “I’m glad you slept through takeoff. We still have a little while in the air if you wanna get some more rest.” “S’okay.” Lucille stretched her limbs as best she could in the confined space with a mild squeal.  “Wanna stretch?” Hazel asked. Lucille nodded and lifted her arms in the air expectantly. Hazel promptly lifted her from the crib and placed her on the floor, face down.  “Tummy time is always good for sleepy-heads.” She chirped.  “Fanks.” Lucille spoke around her pacifier. She didn’t quite see the point of tummy time, but was too tired to argue. She began to idly wriggle about on the floor, stretching her muscles until she was more awake. She eventually rolled onto her back, and soon found herself with her feet in the air. She found herself oddly entertained by the act of trying to grab them as they hung above her.  Hazel watched as the Princess sleepily tried to grab her feet, diaper exposed, and felt her heart pound a few extra beats at just how cute she was being today. She couldn’t help but join in, kneeling down next to Lucille.  “Ooh, what’s this? Trying to catch your feetsies?” Lucille looked to Hazel, and was slightly unsure of how to answer. She wasn’t even really sure what it was she was doing. She simply suckled on her pacifier and continued grabbing at her feet in the air.  “Not if I catch them first!” Hazel grabbed Lucille’s foot and pulled it gently towards her, prompting an immediate giggle from Lucille.  “Ahh! Nana!” She protested between bouts of uncontrollable giggling, attempting to flee.  “And now I’ve got those widdle toes!” Hazel replied in a playful tone before bringing Lucille’s feet to her lips, making exaggerated mock-eating sounds. “Om nom nom!” “Nanaaaa!” Lucille giggled, her pacifier falling from her mouth. “Quit it!” Hazel saw Lucille’s shirt ride up in her struggle to break free, and decided to pull out the last stop in her impromptu playtime. She moved her mouth toward’s the Little’s exposed tummy and began to loudly blow raspberries onto it. Lucille was unable to control her laughter, and the raspberries seemed to go on forever despite only lasting a few seconds.  When the two were all giggled out, Hazel sat on the floor and pulled Lucille into her lap, kissing her forehead. Lucille caught her breath and embraced her Nana.  “That woke you up, huh?” “You’re silly, Nana.” “It’s true, you do have a very silly Nana.” She smiled. Lucille yawned. “Where are we going again? And why are we up so early?” “We’re going to another country, Princess, a couple of hours away. It’s a big, special party that your Daddy and big brother are going to attend.” “Why am I going?” “Your Mommy thought it would be good for you to go and see what it’s like.” “Will I have to do stuff? Like ballet?” Lucille asked.  Hazel shook her head. “Nope. We will do a brief refresher on your etiquette soon, just to make sure you remember all the proper ways to greet important people. But other than that, you don’t have to worry that pretty little head.” Lucille pouted. “Great. Etiquette…” she stumbled around the last word a bit, finding it tricky to pronounce.  “Oh, you’ll be fine. Princesses have to… well, Princess sometimes. Anyway, your Mommy wanted you to spend some time with Daddy on this trip. Won’t that be fun?” Lucille didn’t answer. She felt a lump in her throat as she considered that. Most of the Amazons were intimidating to her, but there was something about Alexander that was especially imposing, not only because of his size, but his commanding presence and cold exterior. She’d had very little experience with Alexander since she arrived, and didn’t know quite what to make of him, or what he made of her.  Lucille embraced Nana tighter, pressing against her face for comfort.  “Oh, I almost forgot! You’re probably hungry, huh? Poor thing.” Hazel lifted Lucille up and carried her to the seat by the window. Sitting in her lap, Lucille watched as Nana unbuttoned her blouse before popping her breast from her nursing bra. She didn’t realise it until this moment, but she was indeed very hungry, and felt her mouth began to water at the sight of Hazel’s nipple.  “Eat up, Princess.” Hazel gently guided Lucille’s head to its correct position, and the Little began to nurse with no hesitation. Lucille’s mind began to cloud over in the familiar way, focused only on drinking down every drop she could. Her eyes fluttered shut, and the two sat in content silence for some time while Lucille got her fill. Eventually, there was a knock on the door which broke Hazel from her blissful focus.  “Come in.” The door opened and in walked Leo. As soon as he laid eyes on Hazel nursing Lucille, his face flashed red and his eyes darted towards the wall.  “Oh, um, sorry, I’ll just…” he turned to leave.  Hazel rolled her eyes. “What is it, Prince Leo?” Leo stopped in his tracks but did not return his eyes to look at Hazel. “It’s just… father asked me to inform you that the schedule has moved up. You should get Lucille dressed and ready on the plane before we land. Whenever you’re finished with… that.”  Leo’s blush deepened as he tried to ignore the sound of Lucille’s hungry suckling filling the room.  Hazel nodded. “Thank you, Leo. I’ll get her ready as soon as she’s finished eating.” Leo nodded and promptly left the room, shutting the door behind him.  “Teenagers. So easily embarrassed…” Hazel sighed. She looked down at Lucille - content, vulnerable, gentle - and was silently thankful for the progress this Little one had made, and for the fact that she didn’t have to worry about such moodiness from her, at least as much as she had at the beginning. — Two hours later they were disembarking the plane. The airfield they landed on had been cleared of most other traffic to make way for the royal procession, and a red carpet had been laid on the tarmac at the base of the stairs from the private jet. Alexander descended the staircase first, followed shortly afterward by Leo. Behind him, Hazel carried Lucille down the steps, which were much too steep for a Little to safely climb down.  Following the late breakfast, Hazel had gotten Lucille ready for the day in their private room on the jet. She had brushed her hair, placing it into two elegant pigtails which flared and curled at the ends; Lucille’s hair had grown to the point where her pigtails were now almost reaching her shoulders. Her attire for the day was fittingly formal; a lilac dress, accentuated with the frills and bows that had become a regular part of the wardrobe for such events. The dress was unusual for Lucille, however, in its length; rather than poofy, short sleeves, it had long sleeves which fit her arms snugly and ended at the wrists in frilled cuffs. Likewise, the skirt was far longer than she was used to with her normal dresses, reaching all the way down to the ground and covering her legs and Mary-Jane clad feet. Beneath the skirt and its petticoats, a pair of white opaque tights clung to her thin legs and stretched tight over her diaper. Overtop the tights, a frilled diaper cover gave the appearance of modest underwear.  It was an unusual style of dress for her, like a miniature version of something she would expect to see Charlotte wearing. Its length had made crawling around the plane basically impossible, which drew Lucille’s frustration, as by now crawling had become her go-to method of moving around. As it was, her only options were to be carried or to walk upright - which brought its own challenges, as her balance was certainly not what it used to be. Hazel had promised to hold Lucille’s hand at any time she was walking on her two feet.  The royal family met with a welcoming party at on the red carpet, who greeted them with great enthusiasm and decorum. Unlike the welcome party Lucille had received at the CrinkleCare photoshoot, which was far more corporate in nature, this was clearly a larger, more ceremonial affair. An older gentleman approached King Alexander and bowed before shaking his hand.  “Your Royal Highness, King of Avalir, I welcome you to our nation of Broadsland. I am Claude Montague, Minister of State Affairs. It is a great honour.” “It is an honour to be invited to your nation, Mr. Montague. Please, allow me to introduce my son - Crown Prince Leo.” Leo gave a short bow of the head. “An honour, Minister.” Alexander turned to look at Leo, and saw Hazel standing not far behind with Lucille in her arms. His face tightened a bit.  “And… this is my daughter, Princess Lucille… she will be in the care of her nanny, Miss Hazel.” “Charmed, Miss Hazel… your Highness.” Mr. Montague bowed, though his tone of voice was ever so slightly shaky.  Hazel gave a one-handed curtsy in response. She sensed a touch of unease as he addressed them, though Lucille didn’t really pay attention.  The group continued on down the red carpet, Alexander speaking with Claude and Leo following nearby. Lucille looked out to a crowd that had formed nearby to witness the arrival of the Avalir royals, and several of their gazes were fixed on her. Their stares ranged from curious to something resembling condescension. It made her unease. Her grip on Hazel’s dress tightened reflexively.  Taking notice, Hazel tightened her own grip a bit. “Don’t worry, Luci,” Hazel said in a hushed tone close to Lucille’s ear. “Nana’s got you. Anything you need, just say the words.” Lucille nodded. She would just have to take what comfort she could from Hazel’s words in this unfamiliar place.  Leo glanced back at Hazel and Lucille. His expression furrowed a bit before he turned his attention forward again, towards his father, who he managed to catch for a quick and discreet conversation.  “They’re staring at her.” “I am aware.” “Bringing her was a mistake. It was supposed to be just the two of us…” Leo sulked.  “Well, she’s here now. It’s unbecoming to sulk, Leo. We shall just have to make due.” Leo grumbled in response. It was easy for Alexander to say they’d just have to “make due” when he was the one going off and doing all the important things. In Leo’s experience, every time he went somewhere with Lucille, he inevitably ended up as impromptu babysitter… The joys of being the eldest child.  — The four proceeded to meet with a number of officials from every level of social status - there was much hand shaking and curtsying in each brief encounter. Finally, they had a chance to rest up in their designated hotel before the day’s main events.  They were placed in what seemed to be the grandest, most prestigious hotel in the city, and they of course were given the penthouse suite. Lucille stood at the window, staring out in awe at the cityscape which sprawled before her. The buildings in this country had a distinctly different character to the ones she had become used to seeing in Avalir, which boasted modern architecture. Here, the buildings were ornate, distinguished looking - Lucille would compare them to many buildings in Europe of her world, for what little she knew of Europe. She had never gotten a chance to travel. Nonetheless, it was a breathtaking sight here.  “Pretty view, huh?” Hazel said, watching Lucille look out the window.  “It’s… really big.” “You got that right.” Lucille placed her face right up against the glass, allowing her to look down… all the way down. This penthouse was pretty far up. In short order, the dizzying height sent Lucille’s feet shuffling backwards, tripping over the length of her skirt. Had it not been for Hazel’s quick reflexes, the Little would have fallen hard.  “Oopsie-daisy! Nana’s got you. Better stay away from the window…” she scooped Lucille into her arms and carried her over to the couch.  “Why’s my dress so long, anyway?” “The people of this country have different tastes when it comes to fashion, Luci. It’s just a way of being polite for them.” “But I can’t even crawl in this thing.” Lucille huffed.  “Well, good thing you’ve got Nana to carry you, isn’t it?” “I don’t like it. The skirt is so long, and the top part is too tight…” she squirmed in Hazel’s lap, pulling at the midsection of the dress which clung closely to her frame. She also fidgeted with the sleeves, which constricted around her arms and wrists in a way she wasn’t used to. “Don’t fidget with your dress, baby. We can get you into something more comfy later on. Deal?” “I hate Princess clothes.” She crossed her arms.  Hazel tutted. “If you ask me, the outfits a Princess gets to wear are the most fun of all.” “How?” “Well…” Hazel looked around the room to make sure they were alone - Alexander and Leo were in the next room of the suite, going over some points for the upcoming event. “Just look at what your Daddy and big brother wear. Very regal, very nice clothes - but they’re kinda the same thing every time, right?” Lucille hadn’t much thought of it. She was often much more focused on what she was wearing than anyone else. But now that Hazel mentioned it, the men of the family did tend to wear pretty much the same kind of outfit for every occasion, in the same dull colours. “They only get one kind of outfit to wear, but you get a different fun outfit every day! Any colour you can think of, cute designs… you’re one lucky Little Luci.” She poked Lucille’s side for emphasis.  “I guess so… but I never get to even pick them out. You or Mommy do.” “Even better! A Little Princess’s job isn’t to worry about what to wear, after all.” “And what is a Princess’s job?” “Looking cute,” Hazel said, kissing her forehead, “and having fun.” “You make it sound easy.” “You make it look easy!” Lucille rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but crack a smile. These little moments of wordplay with Hazel were always uplifting in their own small way - like islands of respect and maturity in a sea of babyhood. The feeling never lingered long, but it was always welcome.  Hazel rose to her feet, lifting Lucille. “Now, let’s get a little more etiquette practice in, hm?” Lucille groaned. There it was - a Princess’s real job. — In the next room, Alexander was helping Leo put the finishing touches on his royal attire. They stood before a mirror, where Leo pored over the smallest details of his uniform.  “Remember, stand up straight, shoulders back. Speak clearly and project. You have a tendency to mutter.” “Yes, father.” Leo answered, already trying to put the advice into practice, mimicking the deep, confident tones of Alexander’s speech.  “I’ll greet them first, then introduce you. Then simply proceed as we discussed.” “Yes… erm…” Leo trailed off in thought.  “Hm?” Alexander asked, sensing his son’s apprehension.  “And what about Lucille, father?” Alexander furrowed his brow a bit. “I’ll introduce her after you.” “I see.” “You seem unhappy.” “Not unhappy… I’m just… I want things to go smoothly. I don’t want any… unforeseen embarrassment.” “I take your point…” Alexander sighed, thinking of all the ways a Little could make trouble for them. “I’ve spoken to Hazel, and she’s going to try and keep Lucille on a tight leash for the event, as it were. I have confidence that she knows what she’s doing.” “It’s just… whenever Lucille is around I somehow end up babysitting. I was really hoping it would just be you and I, father… and I want to make a good impression, especially because of how Littles are viewed here.” “Yes… they do have different attitudes to Littles, especially compared with Avalir. But regardless of how you or I feel about the matter, Lucille is a member of the royal family. So long as she is with us, she must be treated the same way you would be.” “I suppose you’re right…” “I don’t expect you to babysit, Leo, but at the same time it is important to maintain a united front as a family. We must be seen as a strong unit. That is one of the principal roles of being the leader of the family, as you will be.” Alexander placed a hand on his son’s shoulder, which strengthened Leo’s resolve.  Alexander continued. “Just… remember what we talked about the other day. It’s important to be supportive of the family members under your care… but there is a certain decorum to be maintained for us men. You don’t want them thinking you’re soft, either.” Leo nodded, now a bit less self assured again. “Yes, father, I understand.” And there continued the delicate balancing act Leo found himself in. To be a patriarch-in-training, supportive of his younger siblings, but not doting in a way that was unbecoming a future monarch. He had to be strong and protective, a leader, but maintain those clear boundaries which his mother and Hazel had slowly begun to break down. There could be no sense that Leo was a soft young man who would even conceive of changing a diaper.  He had to be a Prince, so he could one day be a King.  He wished that his history lessons were more like instruction manuals… maybe then the whole thing would be easier.  — The family arrived some time later at a kind of grand hall, bustling as usual with crowds of onlookers, press media and others clamouring to get beyond the confines that local security had set for them.  Lucas sat impatiently in the back seat of the limo, buckled securely into a heavy booster seat. His face was red and glistened with a thin layer of sweat as the heavy and restrictively tight dress began to grow increasingly uncomfortable. What’s worse, Hazel had amended his outfit shortly before leaving, at the behest of Mr. Montague and his cohort of attendants.  Strapped tightly around Lucas’ head was a large baby bonnet, of a decidedly old-fashioned style. It jutted forward enough that it obstructed his vision from either side, meaning Lucas had to fully turn her head if he wanted to get a good look at anything. It was lightweight, but bulky in a way he certainly was not used to.  It seemed to accomplish little besides making him feel even sillier and more out of place than usual, as if that were even possible at this point.  “Nana?” Lucas asked in a low voice, turning his head to see Hazel sitting beside him.   “Mm?” “Why do I have to wear this thing?” “You heard Mr. Montague, Lucille. It’s customary here.” “But why? What’s it even for?” “Bonnets are good for a couple things… but mostly, they’re just a fashion item, like we talked about earlier. It’s the generally accepted attire for little girls in this kingdom.” Lucas crossed his arms. “I look dumb.” “Oh honey… it is a little different to fashion tastes in Avalir, I’ll admit. But it really does look cute on you, and it goes a long way to showing your respect for the people of Broadsland.” “You say that like I have a choice in it.” “Just trust me, baby. You’ll only need to wear it for a little while. Can you do that for Nana?” Lucas looked up at Hazel, who looked back with a warm smile. He rolled his eyes, signalling his capitulation. He found it hard to argue with Nana’s smile.  “Fine.” The limo doors opened, and Lucas was unbuckled and whisked out into the frenzy of this strange new place.  The clamouring from the crowd was immediate, as were the flashes of cameras. It was nothing that Lucas hadn’t seen before, but it never got any less weird, not least because of the fact that he was in a whole new country for the first time since he’d arrived in this dimension. His eyes zipped from one side of the crowd to another, never lingering too long to avoid their hungry gazes, and seeming to catch the bright flash of a camera no matter where he looked, leaving blurry after-images lingering before him.  His breathing quickened. The noise, the lights, the sudden chaos of it all. He couldn’t stand it. This dress was too tight. The bonnet made him look silly. His diaper was riding up. He wanted to go home. Anywhere but here… Hazel dutifully carried the Princess through the crowd, who were thankfully confined to secure areas behind velvet ropes and security guards. She followed behind Alexander and Leo, who maintained a stern composure before the crowds. She looked down to see how Lucas was faring. One look at his body language was all she needed to know - his body was tense, and his eyes were cast downward to the floor. One hand gripped Hazel’s dress tightly, while the other was by his mouth. He appeared to be sucking on his fingers nervously, absentmindedly, a thin stream of drool running down his chin.  Hazel gently but firmly pulled Lucas’s hand from her mouth, drawing a nervous whine.  “It’s okay, baby. Here.” Hazel reached into her pocket and pushed the bulb of a pacifier between Lucas’s lips, which he welcomed easily. His suckling began instantly, and he felt his body begin to slowly soften, releasing the tension he didn’t know he’d been holding.  “Fank oo Nana…” Lucas muttered behind the pacifier.  “You’re doing great, Luci.” Hazel bounced LucZ gently in her arms for encouragement and continued toward the large building before them.  It was strange, Lucas thought to himself - the power this pacifier held to calm him down. A simple rubber teat with a plastic shield felt like a suit of armour, protecting him from the many strangers of the world who wanted his attention. The simple act of suckling on it brought his mind to memories of safety - nursing in Nana’s lap, gently swaying in the rocking chair, with only the dim nightlight to illuminate the room and Nana’s sweet lullabies to listen to. Even memories of being bottle fed by Charlotte came to mind and brought some comfort to the Little.  He was glad to have it, at times like this. His paci. — Inside the large hall, the royal family followed Montague along a long red carpet, flanked on both sides by what looked to be assorted government officials and manor staff standing at attention as they passed. Lucas tried not to let his stare linger on any single one for too long, as the very thought of eye contact with these strangers threatened to undo the calm his pacifier had afforded him. Nonetheless, they all stared eagerly, at Alexander and Leo as much as at Lucas.  Lucas heard the voice of Montague at the head of the party.  “Your Highnesses, King Alexander, Prince Leo, and Princess Lucille of Avalir, I present you, as esteemed and honoured guests, to Lord Julien and Lady Margaret of Broadsland, as well as their daughter, Lady Rebecca.” Montague stepped aside to allow the trio of well-dressed individuals to approach. Alexander stepped forth to greet them.  “Lord Julien, Lady Margaret, a pleasure to grace your kingdom once more.” Alexander spoke with reverence and gave a bow - controlled and regal. Julien bowed in kind and extended a hand to shake Alexander’s.  “An honour to have you, your Highness. It has been entirely too long.” “That it has. I look forward to catching up. Of course, you remember my son, Leo.” Alexander signalled toward Leo, who stepped forth to greet the foreign royals. He gave a short bow, much like his father’s, practiced to near perfection.  “It’s an honour, your highnesses.” He said. “The honour is all ours.” Julien returned the bow.  “My, Prince Leo! The last time we spoke you were only a little one.” Margaret beamed. Leo’s face tinged red, but he hid his embarrassment well.  “He’s becoming quite the mature young man.” Alexander placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder.  “And a new addition, I see?” Margaret tilted her head to get a better look at Lucas and Hazel, who were standing behind the two men of their family.   “Yes, of course - may I introduce Princess Lucille, my daughter. She is accompanied by her nanny, Miss Hazel.” Hazel smiled and gave a one-handed curtsy to the royals before placing Lucas down on the ground, having removed his pacifier from his lips, as much as they had fought to keep it in. Standing on his own two feet, he now doubted their ability to carry him forward to perform the proper greeting etiquette. But nonetheless, he had to try. Both families had their eyes on him, and he could feel every one.  He took his first trepidatious steps forward. At first things seemed to go well enough, but eventually Lucas’ persistent clumsiness got the better of him, and he stumbled forward for the last couple of steps, tumbling into Leo’s legs. He clutched onto Leo’s pant legs to stop himself from falling over entirely, and Leo - by reflex, it would seem - reached out a hand to ensure that Lucas would not fall onto the ground, though his intervention seemed unnecessary.  “Oh my!” Hazel said, moving to help Lucas along, before being stopped by Alexander.  “It’s alright. Go on, Lucille.” He said, with a warm tone that nonetheless left no room for another option.  Lucas hesitated by Leo, and looked up at him for some reassurance. Leo averted his gaze and offered none to the Little.  Lucas swallowed with nerves and decided that if he wasn’t going to get any help, he’d just have to toughen up himself. After all, it was just a greeting. He’d done this before. What was he even worried about? He straightened his body out as best he could and took the remaining steps towards Julien, Margaret and Rebecca. Though he was seeing them now from the remarkably low vantage point that a Little looking up at Amazons was afforded, he was just now getting a good look at them.  Julien seemed in many ways similar to Alexander, standing statue-like in full regalia, a coat adorned with medals and decorative flair. He was less solid looking than Alexander, though, with a more slender frame and a moustache ending in somewhat exaggerated curls instead of Alexander’s full beard.  Margaret wore a teal dress similar to the kind that Charlotte would wear, though less ostentatious in its design and certainly less revealing. Her hair was black and tied back into some kind of complex braided bun behind her head. Diamond earrings hung glistening from each ear and caught the light in a way that briefly mesmerised Lucas. Margaret’s stare was the most striking of each of the three, as she seemed to be the only one somewhat curious about him.  Finally there was their daughter, Rebecca. She was a young girl, who looked to be about 12-13 years old. She wore a dress similar to her mother’s, with the added accessory of a matching bonnet, much like Lucas’s. Her face portrayed no warmth, and a mild scowl seemed to poke through the frilled bonnet which cast it in shadows.  Lucas straightened again and remembered his etiquette. He felt the solid ground beneath his feet and gripped the hem of his dress on each side, between the thumb and index fingers, pinky fingers raised delicately. He lowered his body down as he lifted the heavy skirt up at either end, accompanied by the sound of petticoats rustling and diaper crinkling underneath.  “I-it is… lovely to meet you.” Lucas spoke in a soft, quiet voice, and without even intending to, his tone took on a more feminine quality than it usually had. After holding his position for a brief moment, he rose to stand upright again. And just in time, too, because he worried that he was going to lose his balance and fall over if he held it a second longer.  “Charmed, mademoiselle.” Margaret said with a grin. As she spoke the last word, Lucas noted the hint of what seemed similar to a French accent from his world - a strange thing to hear, but not terribly surprising considering the Amazons seemed to also speak his world’s English. If only their writing system was so intelligible.  “We have heard much about you, little one… I do look forward to getting to know the newest Avaliran royal.” she said. Her tone was at once both curious, almost eager, while at the same time sounding like she was teasing him somewhat. All of his interactions with Bigs in this land had had the same strange undertone thus far. Maybe Littles were a novelty here… he wasn’t sure if that was better or worse.  “Come, Lucille.” Hazel’s voice sounded reassuringly from behind him. Lucas blushed and turned back toward his family, rushing as fast as he could back to Hazel’s waiting arms without tripping over his long skirt.  “You remember our daughter, of course… Rebecca?” Julien signalled for Rebecca to step forth. And that she did, wasting no time in taking her position and curtsying as if it were as easy (and quick) as waving hello. Her face remained static in its scowl all the while, and she quickly stepped back to stand by her mother.  “Well, with introductions out of the way, why don’t we head to the parlour? We have much to discuss, and many questions to field, before dinner.” Julien said, ushering the families towards the large doors which stood at the end of the hall.  As they began to move, he turned to one of the staff members standing at attention nearby. He snapped his fingers at her and gestured to Lucas.  “Would you kindly?” She nodded her head and stepped with intent towards Hazel. Reaching her arms out for Lucas, she spoke in a no-nonsense voice.  “I’ll take her, Miss Hazel.” Hazel gripped tighter by reflex. “Oh?” Julien turned toward Hazel. “Ah, my apologies, Miss Hazel - these official matters are no place for little ones, you see. Madame Pauline will be happy to take care of the Princess until dinner is served.” “Oh, that’s very kind, but I really don’t mind…” Hazel said, still trying to keep hold of Lucas as Pauline attempted to take him.  “Nonsense! Broadsland is the land of hospitality, and you are as much a guest as the next, Miss Hazel. You may consider yourself relieved for now.” “It’s alright, Hazel.” Alexander chimed in. Hazel looked wordlessly to the King, unable to argue further. She looked to Lucas with a silent apology as she slowly handed him off to Pauline.  “N-Nana…” Lucas murmured, gripping the fabric of Hazel’s dress.  “It’s alright, sweetie… won’t be long.” “Has the little one any special requirements?” Pauline asked, now gripping Lucas firmly.  “Oh, erm…” Hazel started, still taken aback. “No, she may just be a little tired. Oh, she should take this…” Hazel retrieved his pacifier from her pocket and held it out. Pauline nodded and took the pacifier. Lucas opened his mouth expectantly to take the rubber teat in, but watched as Pauline placed it in her own pocket. She nodded to everyone before heading off, whisking Lucas over her shoulder without another word. Lucas watched the families grow more distant as Pauline took him down a different corridor. His heart began to pound again. Whatever this was, it was the last thing he needed today… “Go with Madame Pauline, Rebecca.” Margaret said to her daughter.  Rebecca scowled further and gave a small huff. “Mother… must I?” “Yes, darling. Tout de suite.” Rebecca gave a small tut of irritation before curtsying to the remaining royals and then taking her leave, following after Pauline though in no hurry to catch up with her.  “Children. Bundles of joy, but… well, I’m sure you know how it is to try and do business with them around, hm?” Julien said with a smirk to Alexander.  “Indeed I do,” he chuckled. “After you.” Silently, Leo was thrilled. Not only because his little sister was no longer around to embarrass him, but because he had not been sent off with Madame Pauline - implicitly meaning he was seen as no longer a child by the royals of Broadsland. He felt renewed confidence - and relief. He remembered when he was last here as a young one, when he had to spend an evening with Madame Pauline… he had no desire to do so again. 

Not to spoil anything, but there’s some corruption in the future.

I'm right at the line between 39 & 40, as well - in the Rearz products, I tend to fit best in XL, whereas in MegaMax's, I can put a medium on, but large is probably the right size. The waistbands on diapers tend to sit higher than the waistbands on jeans, for example, so I'm probably over 40" measured around my tummy. 

To be continued? I'm surprised to see that given that you both basically covered everything. I wonder what could possibly be next?

thank you for the chapters. The story is getting intense