A Lovely Princess and her Faithful Servant

Chapter Eight: Routine

By the time I had reached Jennette's bedroom and opened the door while balancing the weight of the tray with the other, the little girl had been standing up in wait for me.

"Eee-eee!"

Jen was bouncing while clinging onto the painted wooden bars of her crib, jeweled eyes twinkling like a newly polished gem. Whatever thoughts of the previous hour that had troubled my mind flew away in an instant, feeling my cheeks warm at the sight of her chubby baby face.

"My little princess!"

I gently set the tray on the desk, switching directions shortly thereafter to take the baby, whose hands were reaching up to me, out of her chamber of sleep. Jennette babbled joyfully as I lifted her high in the air before carrying her comfortably in my arms. She nestled into my chest, face pressed against my neck as her tiny fingers clung to the fabric of my uniform shirt. Jennette was wide awake, so she must have woken up long before I came back. I hope she didn't stay alone for too long. My trip to the kitchen for her food and milk sometimes happens before or after she wakes up, but I try to make them as short as I can. There wasn't any danger in leaving babies unattended as long as they were safe, but I also didn't want to risk another maid or servant to enter while I'm not there.

"Are you hungry? I'm sorry for taking so long. But you can't eat just yet," I tell her, even if she doesn't know what I'm saying. She coos, so regardless I take it positively. Instead of turning toward the desk, I straighten and lower myself onto the rug and blanket on the floor. While laying Jennette down with one hand, I reach beneath the crib for a diaper—or at least, Obelia's version of a diaper. It isn't very colorful or made of synthetic and easily stretchable cloth like how it is in the modern world, but it's not just a piece of fabric either. It's actually pretty absorbent and cushiony.

As I unbutton her onesie, she giggles and babbles away. Jennette's a pretty well behaved baby, and doesn't usually stir unless pretty upset. Even then, her temper is easy to manage as long as she gets distracted. As long as I hand her one of her smaller, sound making toys or continue to talk to her, she's satisfied. Jennette seems to enjoy analyzing her surroundings while I change her diaper otherwise. Luckily, she hasn't pooped during the night—though that does mean I should expect something sometime today.

Her diaper changing ends quickly, and I take her into my arms again. After I stand up, I still don't go towards the food immediately though. About two rooms down is actually a small bathroom with an old faucet. It's not in the best shape or well maintained since our quarters are farther than the others, but it still works. With Jennette against my chest, I make a quick trip to said bathroom to wash my hands.

While Jen is still learning to use her hands and utensils to eat, I still have to help her.

The trip is also quick, so before long I'm entering her nursery again. The door creaks slightly as I push it with my foot before walking forward to the desk. Just as I outstretch a hand towards the plates, I notice something. There was an object that wasn't there before. At least, I didn't think so. It was a napkin of sorts towards the right of the tray.

Did Axon slip it there earlier before I left?

I was a bit glad since juice was trailing beads of liquid across the tray, collecting under the plates most definitely. Jutting my foot out, I pulled Jennette's baby chair over. Since I started feeding her solids, the Duchess had procured me a baby chair to help feed her.

'Babies can be very messy when they eat, especially as they start using their hands. You can't be feeding her solids on the sofa forever!'

A small smile spread across my face at the memory. She was a charming woman. It was hard to believe that snow-haired duke managed to marry a girl like her. Though, it most likely could have been an arranged marriage. Even though I could tell they were happy with each other, love and care could still be found in a marriage not originally made for love.