Silent Pain

42

The night went on smoothly for Alcina until 3 in the morning, when Claudia started crying, getting out of bed quickly, she rushed across her room to the nursery, leaning over the crib as she looked at the crying infant, unsure what to do as she picks her neice up and gently rocks her, trying to calm her down before settling her in the changing table as the infant continued to cry.

"Shhh, it's okay, Claudia." She calmed as she unbuttoned her sleeper and changed her diaper, struggling with the items and trying to be gentle. At 9 feet tall, it was difficult to be gentle with the infant, given her ability to shatter someone's spine. Hearing the crying child, one of the maids gently knocked and peeked in. "Mistress, would you like some assistance?" She asked, and the countess sighed. 

"I'm trying to be gentle," she said as she furrows her brows. The maid smiled and came over, gently taking the bottle of baby powder and helping her lady. "Just like this." The maid showed her how to do it, walking her through it. "I... appreciate it, maiden, I may require more assistance." The maid smiles and chuckles, "It's okay, I have two daughters in the village, so I understand. Your daughters are practically adults, and I guess it's not easy for someone of your height and strength to do something this gentle." 

The countess smiled gently as she nodded and looked down at Claudia, watching as the infant giggled and squirmed. "I guess you're right." The maid buttoned the sleeper as Claudia calmed, and Alcina scooped her up and bounced gently, patting her bottom as she smiled, "It's okay, we will get through this together, yeah?" Claudia smiled and giggled before yawning and rubbing her eyes sleepily. 

"If you'd like me to stay, I can warm up a bottle for her." Alcina nods, "I'd like for you to show me how to warm one up, if you may." The maid smiled and nodded, having Alcina follow her to the kitchen, where she pulled an already prepared bottle from the icebox. The maid took it out and boiled some water, not to be too hot, before setting the bottle in the sink and gently rotating it while giving gentle instructions to Alcina, who paid attention while cradling Claudia. 

She handed the defrosted bottle to her, helping her support the infant's head as Alcina bottle-fed the baby. "Mother?" Alcina turned around and smiled at her middle daughter, "Cassandra, somehow I knew you'd be awake," she said softly, looking down at the infant. Cassandra hesitantly took a step forward and looked at Claudia. "Was she crying or.. Whatever she does?" The brunette daughter seemed anxious around the infant still, "Yes, she was, and this maid's schedule shall be changed for tomorrow. She should assist me with Claudia." 

"Alright, note taken. I will tell Bela." Cassandra said softly, before swallowing, and then left the kitchen. "Cassandra, would you mind escorting this maid to her room and meeting me in the nursery, please?" Alcina said as she left the kitchen and traveled to the stairs, "Of course, Mother." Cassandra nodded and took the maid back to her chambers. 

By the time Cassandra met Alcina in the nursery, the woman was rocking in the chair, cradling the infant. "You wanted to see me?" Cassandra whispered, "Yes, dear, I would like to know why you're so hesitant about being around Claudia. I understand her cries can be shrilling and loud, and I know you three don't like piercing noises." 

Cassandra swallowed and sighed, "The truth, right?" "Is there ever a time you lied that I didn't know about?" Her middle daughter shook her head and sighed, "I get anxiety about being around her because I am worried about hurting her. I am the most violent, and sometimes it's hard to control that tendency. I don't want to hurt when she starts to cry." 

Alcina nodded and considered her words, "I can assure you, you won't hurt her." She said, "It's different to be nervous about her being so small and fragile than being insecure about your strengths, sometimes our emotions get in the way of our thoughts or wants. When or if you feel comfortable with holding, I will make sure to be there so you don't have to be nervous."