Lucy Reborn - 36 So that's Why

A sharp knock jars Lucy away from the story. Papa tails off mid sentence.  Carlos, Papa’s assistant enters, holding a stack of papers. “Concubine Chen has arrived for her appointment. She has brought First Miss” Carlos says, as he sets the papers on the desk.

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Papa puts Lucy’s book to the side. “Let them come,” Papa says. Lucy stays quiet, simply lowering her shields, allowing herself to sense emotions. Concubine Chen comes in Rosemary on her tail. She drops to her knees, softly saying “This Concubine greets My Lord” Papa just nods, his gaze on Rosemary, a fond feeling drifting from him. His thoughts drift into Lucy’s mind. {She looks good in blue. I shall have the tailors make her more dresses in that color.} Papa’s pride, and indulgence obvious. At least until Rosemary curtsies and says. “This daughter greets Royal Father” Rosemary lowers her eyes, as his lose their warmth.

Rosie’s anxiety pikes, Papa’s mood dives. His anger, annoyance, and pain batter Lucy. “Rosemary” Papa says, his voice stern. Poor First sister, she tries so hard to please Papa, but he hates her courtesy. To distract Papa from his temper, Lucy grabs his carvet pin, yanking it out to admire its gemstones. “What do you think you’re doing, little thing?” Papa asks, his gaze dropping to her. Lucy flashes him an impish smile. “Mine,” Lucy says, tucking the pin into her pocket. Papa snorts, tugging on her braid. “Be good, little thing,” Papa says, his tone lacking any sternness at all.

Lucy nearly jumps as an itchy, painfully itchy sense of envy ate at her senses. Her gaze falls on Concubine Chen {Why is he so good to that trash’s brat? My child is so cute, and obedient. Why does he like such an ill-mannered child?} Concubine Chen eyes’ were nearly throwing daggers at Lucy. “My Lord, Third Miss seems to be lacking in courtesy. Perhaps Concubine Meng is overwhelmed by her responsibility. I’d be happy to help instruct Third Miss in etiquette” Concubine Chen says. Her mind full of ways to torment Lucy and turn Papa against her.

A cold air slams down, making Concubine Chen pale, falling onto her hands. “My.. my- ” Concubine Chen stutters. “Don’t overstep,” Prince Jing warns, his eyes cruel. Lucy resists her urge to stick her tongue out at the woman, glancing at the shivering Rosemary. Lucy sighs. No. No. No. You can’t look scared, no matter what Papa does. It upsets him.

“Papa, I’m hungry” Lucy interrupts before he can notice Rosemary’s fear. It would make him rage, frightening her further. They both need some training on how to deal with each other. Lucy tugs on his loose carvet. “Papa!” Lucy says insistly. Concubine Chen’s eyes darken. {It was right to keep Rose from visiting the Third Miss. Just look how uncivilized she is. A child nearing her 2nd Name Day should know not to interrupt. Concubine Meng can’t even educate her child.} Her contempt, and anger nearly chokes Lucy. She has to slide her shield up a bit.

“Carlos, bring a plate of cookies, and some tea for the little thing,” Papa says. The look. Lucy giggles, at the look on Concubine Chen’s face. Laughing so hard, she wheezes. Laughing so hard, it turns soundless, and she can’t breathe. Papa hits her on the back, making Lucy gasp for air. Calming, Lucy blinks. That’s why First Sister never comes to see me. She plays with me at the Rimes Manor, but not at home. It’s her mother doing it.

Lucy sits back, settling to half listen while they began their talk about Rosemary’s upcoming Awakening. It was scheduled three months after her 6th Name Day, and Concubine Chen was here to talk over the details. Wow, this is mind numbingly boring. Lucy thinks, glancing at Rosemary. She sat there, in the chair hands folded in her lap, a blank look on her face. She might as well be a doll.

I need to teach First sister how to deal with Papa, right. She’s practically driving him away with her prim, and distant behavior. Hmm. How should I do this? For one thing, she has to stop calling him Royal Father. That just pisses him off. Lucy tilts her head. Why does that piss him off? Lucy looks up at Papa. He was handsome, and looked focused. Why are you so weird, Papa? What made your attitude so odd towards children?

Carlos comes in, silently placing her cookies by her side. Lucy puts a few in a napkin, handing it to him, and points to Rosemary. Carlos obediently carries it over, making Rosemary smile. There! That’s so much better, Papa loves us smiling. Adoring how badly Concubine Chen wants to reprimand  Rosemary for eating, but not daring interrupt Papa.

When their talk is done, a hint of impishness grips Lucy.  “Papa, I want First Sister to play with me,” Lucy says. “Papa you read papers. First Sister will play with me” Lucy states, in case her point wasn’t clear the first time. “Oh, no. I couldn’t leave her behind. She’d be such a bother” Concubine Chen protests.

“First Miss will stay,” Papa says, rejecting Concubine Chen’s protest. “Carlos go fetch some dolls for the girls and see Concubine Chen out,” Papa says. Excellent. Lucy grins at Rosemary. It’s time to duel! I’m mean learn. Time to learn how deal with Papa. I’ll be your Yoda. Lucy nods, confident she could get Rosemary to be pleasing to Papa’s eye.