The Revolution (WMMAP reader insert/OC)

Part 7

It was fascinating to realize that the little girl's thirst for vengeance was far greater than her small frame. The flaring madness seeped from her, rage like fire as she clenched her hands into fists.

The time is now, she thought to herself. For what happened in the lake... You gotta take one punch! As she raised both fists over her head, a small Choco-nut slipped from her sleeve without her noticing.

The fact that it was heading straight toward the person she despised most made her blood run cold. Once he wakes up, when the chocolate hits him, it's all over. For her, her sister, and everyone! They're doomed.

And so it happened. The chocolate hit Claude square on the forehead, then bounced away into the unknown. Her eyes widened in shock. Claude slowly opened his eyes, still dazed. Then, he looked at Athy straight in her wide, panicked eyes. As she gently lowered her arms and began patting him like she was lulling him back to sleep, she started to sing, "Sleep tight..."

What on earth am I doing..? she asked herself, terrified, but continued singing, "the moon smiles down on you."

"Goodbye to the day... the baby smiles at the stars too." Without realizing it, she sang softly and with genuine emotion, "Tomorrow will bring a brighter morrow... so dream a pretty dream... and sleep tight, my child."

Claude stared at her, still dazed. It wasn't clear if he was enjoying it, but let's just assume he was.

What did my face look like when my arms were up?

"You look weird as sh!t, my dear sister."

She heard him speak just before she could respond to her sister.

"What song was that?"

Athy answered, "A song to say 'bye-bye' to bad dreams." This dude doesn't even know a lullaby? she thought. Everyone in this empire has heard it.

She gave him a beaming smile. "Good morning, papa!" Claude remained silent for a moment before replying,

"It's not morning."

"Then, good evening!"

He noticed something—or—something missing. "Where's your—" he stopped when he felt a weight over his legs as he tried to stand. There she was: the person he was looking for. The little girl, Athy's twin sister, Anastasia. What in the world...? He wondered why he hadn't noticed her there earlier, sleeping on his legs.

He sighed, running his fingers through his golden locks. Without realizing it, he gently shifted Ana off his legs, trying not to wake her. As he bent forward, preparing to stand, Athy flinched—her father's eight-pack abs now fully on display.

Claude stood tall, robe loosely draped and hair messy, scratching his head. "I should tell them to prepare our dinner. And wake your sister before dinner," he said, while Athanasia awkwardly averted her eyes.

The emperor exited the room, leaving the two girls behind, currently mid-conversation.

"How in the world are you still alive?"

Ana shrugged sleepily. "I found it comfortable..."

Her sister shushed her for talking so loudly. "Sorry..."

Athy sighed, patting her sister's head. "Papa said to wake you up before dinner." Upon hearing the word "dinner," Ana perked up immediately, energy suddenly returning.

"Dinner?!" she exclaimed. Without hesitation, she grabbed Athy—who flinched a little, and dragged her out of their father's room, running straight to the dining area.