6 months later .
Nathan could already hold his head steady by himself and sit with a little help from others.
He had started rolling over as early as 4 months old and rock back and forth on his hands and knees.
Violet put Little Nathan on her lap with his feet on her legs to help him bounce up and down.
This was said to encourage the baby to stand on his own.
Violet would sing silly songs and tickle her son's tummy whenever she changed his diaper.
Nathan seemed to enjoy listening to Violet's voice as he would stop crying whenever she sang.
Her son . Yes .
Violet had accepted Little Nathan as her very own.
This little bundle of joy had crept into her heart slowly but surely and broken down all the invisible barriers she had built.
Little Nathan was far healthier than everyone had expected and that brought relief to Violet's heart.
He would occasionally get sick on windy and colder days , otherwise , he rarely had any problem.
" A child is the most beautiful gift this world can give."
This was what Violet had read in a book and had come to believe over the course of six months.
"Your Majesty, it is time to feed His Royal Highness."
"Oh. Bring his food here.
I shall feed my son myself."
After 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding,
the doctor had recommended that breastfeeding should be combined with the introduction of soft solid foods.
Violet had taken good care of Nathan despite her reluctance at the beginning.
Violet slept on the same bed with Nathan though a separate room was prepared for him.
Nathan was her comfort on nights that she woke up from her nightmares.
The nightmares were less frequent now but that did not mean that they stopped haunting her.
Violet had rarely met the Emperor except on official occasions that could not be avoided.
Lady Olivia did not come to meet with Violet either.
"Here , darling. Open your mouth. Ahh " ,
Violet said as she blew on the hot food and brought the spoon to Nathan's mouth.
"Ma-ma. Ma -ma " , Nathan babbled with incoherence.
He had started saying "ma-ma" for almost a week.
Violet did not know if it was just random words , but she'd rather interpret it as her son calling her mommy.
" Yes , darling. It's mommy. Let's eat okay?"
"Ma-ma. Ma-ma."
Violet watched as Nathan heartily ate his food.
"I love you , darling. Make sure you remember that."
"Ma-ma ."
"Oh ! Did my darling say 'I love you too' to mommy?"
"I love you most , Nathan darling."
In this Palace , Nathan was her little flower that was blooming beautifully amidst the storm.
When he smiled , Violet felt that light lit up in her soul.
When she looked at him , she knew she was home.
" I hope I can teach you how to love.
How to stand up for what's right.
How to respect women.
How to be kind.
There's so much to learn , darling.
But don't grow up too fast."
"Ma-ma" , Nathan babbled and giggled as if he understood her.
" You've been such a blessing to me , darling."
Violet kissed Nathan on his forehead and asked, " Shall we go for a walk ?"
" Ma- ma"
" I'll take that as a yes." , Violet chuckled as she stood up to take the little prince for an afternoon walk.