“I’m already awake,” I corrected her bitterly, although the only thing that came out was a pitiful coo as I babbled.

Julian, was an impossibly perfect-looking child. With long, curly silver hair and honey skin a few shades lighter than Suha’s and cool brown eyes like the Duchess’. I was very sure he was not human–he and Philippe seemed to be the product of combining the Duchess’ blood. She’s sure she read about it at some point in time.

It was a forbidden art…was it not?

Perhaps that’s why this child looks so…not of this world. No that wasn’t good description since he is of this world, technically. Not entirely human was much better. Even the way he floated around the room fits that much better.

“She’s already awake, Nanny,” Julian says smugly as he hovers closer–much too close. “See? I didn’t wake her.”

The young woman—Nanny, my wet nurse I realized belatedly, sighs heavily.

“That’s not the point, and you know it. Now behave yourself, or I’ll have to report your behavior to the Madame.” Julian doesn’t listen to her, his attention fully on me now. He floats closely to my bassinet and looks at me with the expression of someone looking at a bug.

“This is the child everyone’s fussing over?” he said, leaning over the edge of the crib. “You don't look so special to me.” 

I responded by sucking on my fist, staring up at him with what I hoped was a look of utter disinterest.

Julian frowned, clearly unimpressed by my lack of reaction. “What's so great about her, anyway? She's just a wrinkly little thing. I was a much prettier baby.”

Oh, not this again, I thought, scowling internally.

“Julian,” Nanny warned, her tone was sharp. “Enough.”

But he wasn't done. He leaned closer, his face hovering inches from mine. “I bet you can't even do anything interesting,” he taunted. “You're just a boring little ugly baby.”

That's it. That was the final straw. 

Summoning every ounce of indignation my tiny body could muster, I opened my mouth and let out a forceful spit-up that landed directly on Julian's smug, perfect face. 

What follows is a silence that even I'm a bit embarrassed by. 

Did I go too far? 

Julian froze, his expression one of complete shock as the nurse gasped audibly. I, meanwhile, realize that I am indeed just the baby. Who would even think I would do that on purpose? Are you going softly, the sound is unbidden but immensely satisfying.

“Did she just—” Julian began, his voice dripping with disbelief. His face was also dripping with breast milk but…

“Oh my,” Nanny says, though her tone is laced with poorly-hidden amusement. “She got you good, didn't she?” 

Julian wiped his face with a handkerchief Nanny gave him, glaring down at me. “You did that on purpose!”

I giggled again, the sound bubbling up uncontrollably. Served him right, saying that I was an ugly baby. I was able to see myself in a mirror and I'd like to say that I was rather cute. 

“You little—!”

“Julian!” Nanny interrupts, her voice firm. “Out. Now.”

“But—”

“Now,” she repeats, her brown eyes narrowing.

Julianne Hough dramatically, his round rosy cheeks puffing out in frustration as he floated backward towards the door. “She's not even that cute.” He motives as he leaves, slamming the door behind him for good measure.

Nanny sighs, shaking her head. “That boy,” she mutters. “He's not good at lying. He's lucky he's a charming child or he'd be in trouble every other day.”

I coo softly and respond, my earlier ignorance fading into a sleepy haze. The excitement of the morning drained my little energy, and my eyelids grew heavy once more.

“Ah, the milk has gotten to you, hasn't it? There, there “ She hums, gently tucking the blanket around me. “You've had quite an eventful morning, haven't you?”

She presses the soft kiss to my forehead before stepping back, leaving me to drift off. 

As sleep creams me once more, I wonder what else I'll experience during this second life.