"What, Papa?" Lucy asks. "It's a surprise" Papa answers walking over. He picks up her scattered sketches. "My babe is more talented than some of those court artists," Papa says idly. "I see this is your Imperial Aunt. Did you draw a picture of me, little thing?" Papa asks. Lucy shakes her head, sighing as his mood dips sharply. Seriously! Why so needy? Lucy closes her sketchbook. "I don't want to mess Papa up" Lucy flatters, standing. Her stomach rumbles, her head spinning. Lucy covers her tummy, giving him a pathetic look. "Hungry" Lucy pleads. Papa pats her hair. "One cake." He answers. Lucy scowls, turning away from him.

Children shouldn't be on diets. I'm a growing girl I need foooood! So hungry. Lucy crosses her arms "Little thing, don't give me that look. You are allowed an entire cake, and three plates of dessert a day. You don't need more than that" Papa says sternly. Lucy droops. But I'm starving, and I need chocolate! Only three meals and such meager snacks a day is not enough. Do you know how much energy I burn just breathing! I don't either, but it's a lot!

"Come see your surprise, Little thing" Papa coaxes. Lucy hugs Mommy's waist. "No!" Lucy says while feeding the fetus more energy. "Want Mommy!" Lucy says. Who knows how long you'll keep me. What if my little brother or sister disappears while I'm gone? Not going! "I have chocolate chip cookies, and milk" Papa tempts. Lucy shakes her head, tightening her grip on her Mom. "Carlos just restocked my box of charcoal pencils. I have lots of extra paper" Papa tries. Lucy turns her face away. "I'll summon Rosemary to play with you," Papa says, triumphantly.

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Lucy hesitates than shakes her head. "No. Want Mommy" Lucy says. Papa stares, a stunned look on his face. {She won't come for even cookies, drawing, or Rosemary. Does she hate me?} Lucy wants to bang her head on the wall. Why are you so insecure, Papa. Toddlers go through clingy phases all the time, d.a.m.n it. Don't be so sad. Lucy looks at him. "Papa you can stay here, and scribble on your paper while I draw by Mommy" Lucy offers. I don't hate you, you idiot.

A breeze stirs the willow, "I suppose I can do some work here. I'll bring your surprise as well" Papa says, then leaves. Lucy relaxes. Good. He didn't drag me off. Lucy goes back to her sketching. My husband better not be as needy as Papa, or I'll murder him. Lucy pauses. Oh, yeah. I'm betrothed to what's his name. Ning something. I wonder if I can shape him to my preference. Thinking of how his family didn't show for any of her Name day celebrations Lucy frowns. Probably not, since Ning Family is so hostile.  Lucy shrugs. Whatever, I will wait and see. I can figure something out if I really hate him.

Papa comes come in less than 20 minutes, a middle-aged man by his side. Lucy jumps up, and curtseys. "This daughter greets Royal Father," Lucy says. Papa laughs. "Little thing this is Master Gavin. He will be your tutor" Papa says. Lucy blinks. Tutor? She stares for a moment, do I curtsy? Or just incline my head? Is a polite greeting enough?

Finally, Lucy does a slight dip, inclining her head. "Third Imperial Miss Jing greets Master Gavin," Lucy says. He nods approvingly "Not bad," Master Gavin says. "Let's start with the Zilic alphabet. Commander Jing a.s.sures me you've started learning it. So we shall review." Master Gavin says. Lucy nods. "Yes, Master Gavin." She looks at Selena. "Clear the gazebo table for us to use" Lucy suppresses the please on her tongue. Not allowed to thank Selena or the other servants. Weird, stupid etiquette!