Lucy shudders, her eyes opening in the darkness. She felt the softness of her bed, smelling jasmine and knew she was in her bedchamber. Lucy sits up, her hair cascading over her shoulders, feeling stiff and limb. "Wha!" Lucy grabs her loose hair, pulling it out to inspect the length.
Her eyes widen. Although she could barely see, Lucy felt her formerly shoulder-length hair now pooled around her hips. How long have I been asleep? Lucy wonders slipping out of bed. Her body was still as small as ever, so she hadn't slept for years at least.
Lucy tiptoes past Selena, and sits on the grass of the courtyard, looking up at the stars.
So bright. So clear. So different. Lucy takes a deep breath and smiles.
Lucy's eyes sparkle in the moonlight. I have gained so much coming here. Mom, Selena, even Papa. I have been blessed. It's okay to miss Earth, but I won't mourn anymore. Lucy nods, deciding. How long or far this would take her, no one knew.
"I wonder what else the potion did?" Lucy asks. Strengthening, right? So maybe I'm stronger? Lucy's eyes rest on a rock she'd almost killed her self trying to move. Can't hurt to try. Lucy walks over, and just... lifts it.
Lucy blinks staring at the big rock in her hands. Wow, this is odd. Lucy tosses the rock aside. I wonder what else I can lift? She didn't notice the pit the force of her toss created.
Lucy entertained herself for a few minutes, trying to pick stuff up. Her body was definitely stronger and had more endurance.
However, Lucy covers her tummy with her palm. I'm going to starve, ah. Exercise burns calories, such a bad idea!
Lucy sneaks back to her bedchamber and kneels by Selena's bed. Slowly, she pulls Selena's bag toward herself. Once she has it, Lucy tiptoes back to her bed and dumps it out. Wrapped cookies, bags of carrots, jerky, and nuts, wrapped bread, cheese, and a tin of candies. Lucy licks her lip.
Let's be healthy and eat the carrots first. Lucy munches on it as she leans back.
Wonder if Mommy and Selena will agree to invite Rosemary over? I want to see what her powers look like. Lucy sighs. Her concubine mother will probably make another excuse as to why Rose can't come. It's better to ask Papa, so I can't be blocked.
Oh, I want to give Mommy a gift when she gives birth. I wonder what I should give her?
Lucy's eyes suddenly sparkle. Rocking chair! Perfect! She had yet to see a rocking chair here, and it was such a basic thing, perfect for rocking babies.
I need to sketch it and take the sketch to a carpenter to have it made. Lucy tilts her head puzzled. How long would it take to be made? Lucy bites her lip.
Oh, I should probably have something made for the babies as well. Maybe I could have rattles made? Or blocks? But the varnish or paint might be harmful. Lucy shoves a cookie in her mouth, tilting her head. After swallowing, Lucy mutters. "I wish I could go shopping"
"If Little mistress wants to go to the shops. Little Mistress should request it of Imperial Prince Jing" Selena says, making Lucy jump.
"Selena, you awake," Lucy says, tugging her quilt to cover the snack pile. Selena snorts, pulling it back. "It'd be hard to sleep with so much rustling, hmm," Selena says, sitting on the side of the bed. "Anyway, it's not unreasonable for you to leave the manor with an appropriate escort," Selena says, returning snacks back to the bag.
"But, Mommy can't," Lucy says, furrowing her eyebrows. "Concubine Meng is a concubine. it would be improper for her to leave her courtyard without reason, let alone being alone to show herself in public," Selena explains.
"Lady Mother Isabelle goes out. She takes Big sis Lena to visit her friends" Lucy says. Selena nods. "Lady Isabelle is a Consort. Her status and family background allow more privileges," Selena says. Lucy puffs up her cheeks. So ridiculous. Mom is the legitimate daughter of Duke Meng. Her background grinds that merchant family to dust. Lucy sighs.
Favor, and profit. Duke Meng felt Mom was a disgrace, while Lady Isabelle's family treated her as a treasure. If she was unhappy it would affect the business deals between Papa and her family.
If not for Uncle Ru, and Aunt Mei caring about Mommy, she would have zero support in this Palace beside Lucy. Lucy shakes her head, choosing not to think of it. "Sent Papa a note, then. I want to go shopping" Lucy says, sneakily grabbing a wrapped cake.
Mmmm, Lemon! So yummy! Lucy licks her lips after finishing it off. Now I want peanut butter cookies. Wonder if Chef Janice could do that. Lucy lay back, thinking of good snacks. It's a good thing I have void whatever or else I'd weight as much as an elephant by now.
Selena sighs, watching the child who'd wandered off into her own thoughts again. "Sleep, little mistress," Selena says, covering Lucy with the quilt