Lucy was enjoying it, and eager to know what happens next, so when a maid calls out. "Imperial Prince Benin arriving" Causing Mom to drop the book her chair, and kneel. Lucy scowls from her ba.s.sinet. Father ignores Mom, and comes to her ba.s.sinet, observing her. Lucy holds his gaze, still unhappy. It was in such a good part, and you ruined it!

    "She has wise eyes" Father says, picking Lucy up. Lucy looks up at her Father, slightly frightened by his serious face.  Why the frown, man? I know I don't look like much now, but I guarantee I will be amazing. Father touches her cheek, "Her temperature is normal. How has my daughter's health been?" Father asks, finally looking at Mom.

    "Young Miss ran a fever two days after birth, it lasted for three days. She hasn't had a fever since, my Imperial Lord." Mom answers, still kneeling, head bowed. Father smiles at last. It's a brilliant one, making Lucy notice his handsome face. He's a lady killer! "Bring the ba.s.sinet" Father says, and strides off. Quickly, Lucy recognizes the room she shares with Mom. Why are we here? Less than a minute later, Lucy had her answer as they laid her in the ba.s.sinet, and Father began to ravish Mom. Oh. Oh. No! My poor mind, and ears! There's a baby here! Why? Couldn't you have left me with the maids?

    Lucy was forced to close her eyes, and attempt to ignore the noise. Night had begun to fall, by the time Father left Mom limp, and panting in bed. Poor Mom. She was tortured by him. Several times, Lucy felt exhausted just thinking about that much activity, but Mom kept being hara.s.sed by Father who seemed to be just as energetic as when they started.

    For the first time, Lucy believed the maids whispers. Father probably did visit his 4 wives, three consorts, and over 40 concubines regularly. If he was like this all the time, Lucy would believe his women never had a rest of  more than four days, just as the maids said.

    How come I only have 2 sisters, and a brother? I should have a horde of siblings! Lucy brushed it off, as Father picks her up. Seeing his stern face, Lucy impishly reached up, and tugs on his scruffy bread. It was a short trim beard. Just long enough, her little fingers could grasp it.  Father suddenly smiles. "I hope you make it, little one. You've got quite the plucky heart. Most of my offspring falter under my gaze" Lucy rolls her eyes. You look like a big bad wolf, with keen eyes. Of course a child would quail under that gaze. Father puts her back in the basket, and lets himself out. Lucy watches him go. Despite being absent the first three months of her life, he didn't seem too bad.