Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 5

Mila was approaching her first birthday, a milestone that might have gone unnoticed if not for the fact that she had survived so much in her short life. The day wasn't expected to be marked by any grand celebration; after all, she was still just an infant, and her birthday fell near the quiet end of fall. The crisp air outside carried the scent of dried leaves and the promise of the colder months to come.

The memory of her mother's attempt on her life still cast a shadow over the household, a somber reminder of the fragility of her existence. Because of that incident, Mila had been moved to a room closer to her father's chambers. Duke Reynard had insisted on keeping her nearby, his protective instincts heightened by what had happened. Leo's room was also close, ensuring that she was always within reach of those who cared deeply for her.

One afternoon, the family doctor, Bert, made his usual rounds to check on Mila's progress. Mila had never met the doctor before, but Bert had served the family for generations. His gentle demeanor and experienced hands had helped countless members of the household over the years, and today, his attention was focused on the little girl who had been through so much.

As Bert entered the room, Mila's eyes lit up at the sight of Henry, the Herb Feathered Kakapo, who had once again come to keep her company. The small, magical bird fluttered around her, his soft feathers shimmering with a gentle green hue that brought a smile to Mila's face. She reached out with her tiny hands and gently petted Henry's head, giggling softly at the sensation of his soft feathers under her fingers.

To Mila, Henry wasn't just a creature; he was a friend, a comforting presence in her world. The bond between them was clear as she giggled and cooed, her small fingers running through his feathers with care. Bert watched with quiet amusement, noticing how calm and content Mila seemed in Henry's presence. Usually, Henry wasn't one to linger around humans for long, especially when they were distracted or engaged in other activities. But with Mila, there was something different, a quiet connection that kept him close.

'Bert! I want to see her soon!!!' Henry's voice echoed in Bert's mind, his small herb-colored tail wagging enthusiastically behind him as he perched near Mila.

Bert smiled, shaking his head slightly at the eager little bird. "We have our duties, Henry. We can't just come and go as we please," he replied softly, understanding Henry's desire to spend more time with the child. Despite his gentle reprimand, Bert couldn't help but feel a touch of warmth at the bond forming between them.

Henry let out a small groan, clearly disappointed by Bert's words but unwilling to leave Mila's side. He stayed close, his bright eyes watching her with affection as she continued to pet him.

"Bied," Mila suddenly said, her voice soft but determined as she tried to mimic the word for 'bird.' The sound wasn't perfect, but there was a clear effort in her tone, and Bert noticed the little girl's concentration as she practiced the word.

Mila's face lit up with a mixture of pride and determination. 'I'm almost there,' she thought to herself, knowing that with just a bit more practice, she would be able to say it correctly. The sense of accomplishment in her small triumph was evident, and Bert couldn't help but smile as he observed her progress.

As the quiet afternoon continued, Bert finished his checkup, satisfied with Mila's condition. He knew that her journey was just beginning, and there would be many more milestones to come. But for now, it was enough to see her happy, healthy, and surrounded by those who cared for her.

Henry, still perched contentedly by her side, chirped softly as if to encourage her, his presence a reassuring comfort. And in that moment, as the light from the window bathed the room in a warm glow, everything felt right. Mila was safe, loved, and on the path to recovery, with a bright future still ahead of her.