Time is a fickle thing, and for Angels it is something that no matter how close any of them were to God it wasn't something that could be stopped, slowed or reversed. Mari-Ann is no stranger to the wish of wanting to control time. It has been a few months since Arthur left the hybrid child, Matthew, in her care. He is a good child, and since she isn't always around she is afraid that the boy might get separation anxiety. She never spent too long holding him or touching him, she lays him propped up on a pillow to feed him, keep baths quick, and sing to him if he is having a rough time getting to sleep. Keeping all they're contact short and sweet and having nothing else to compare Mari-Ann's methods the hybrid boy is content with or without the nanny's presence.
Alfred however, is a different story. Keeping her promise to Arthur, Mari-Ann makes sure that Alfred comes first, even if it means leaving Matthew alone until Alfred is put to bed. She worries that someone will hear him cry when he gets hungry or needs to be changed even if the chances were slim. No one ever went up there and when someone asks, she tells them she wants to be alone. The beta is always watching her back to make sure no one finds out what she is doing, this infant can have her killed and she'd never be able to forgive him if it came to that. She never signed up for this, but she will do whatever it is her master desires.
The weight of looking after both children is still very difficult and hard to keep concealed. It is late nights looking after Matthew and early mornings with Alfred. Her sleep schedule is completely thrown and if she even gets any, she sometimes finds herself asleep by the nest of blankets and pillows Matthew sleeps in. The brown eyes of the beta have heavy bags under them, her skin is looking paler and even with the few naps she gets in when Alfred naps it doesn't help her performance. Mari-Ann has noticed herself nodding off while feeding Alfred only to open her eyes to Arthur's glare.
Arthur never talks about Matthew just like he said and Mari-Ann doesn't bring him up. She hasn't even told the male beta that Simon named the boy Matthew. Loyally doing her job is what she was raised to do, so no matter what she won't fail to keep this a secret. Arthur will not be put in danger because he couldn't kill a monster that is so alike to Alfred. Though it may be nearly impossible for Mari-Ann to keep up, she won't let her master down.
Those were the thoughts that kept her going for months. Keep Arthur happy, keep Alfred happy, keep Matthew alive, but now six months after Matthew's arrival the brown haired beta isn't seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Matthew is taking longer to feed now that he needs to eat more, taking away time she is supposed to be with Alfred. Her excuses to run off and check Matthew are starting to be noticed by Arthur. It seems to Mari-Ann that Arthur has all but forgotten that the hybrid even exists and isn't understanding what she could be running off to do while Alfred is take his naps. The nanny can hardly fathom that she's still able to walk at this point.
It doesn't surprise her when Alice confronts her about it. She has just ran back from the tower after giving Matthew a bottle and putting him down for a nap. The bags under her eyes are deep and gray, her hair has lost its shine, and her skin even has a gray tone to it. She stumbles through the doorway right into Alice's path and falls promptly onto her backside. The brown-haired woman is so out of it she doesn't even realize who she has just bumped into, merely mumbling an apology and attempting to get to her feet.
Alice reaches out a hand to grab her by the upper arm to help her stand. Once the disorientated female is on her feet her eyes widen in shock. Tugging her arm free from her Lady's grasp Mari-Ann clasps her hands together and bows as deeply as she can.
"Please forgive my insolence my Lady, you don't usually come this way so I didn't expect to see you! I'm so sorry please forgive me." Mari-Ann begs, feeling tears build in the corners of her eyes. How could she have not seen Alice? Once Arthur found out about this it'd be the end for her. He'd send her to earth where demons and humans would pray on her and defile her in the most brutal of ways.
"Calm yourself Mari-Ann," Is Alice's simple reply to the maids begging. To which she lifts her head to look at her, appalled at the calmness she uses. It is quite shameful of a high ranking Lady to be so lenient with such a rude servant. Not that Mari-Ann will ever say such disregarding things out loud to her Lady. The omega is unusually composed for being just run into. It makes Mari-Ann unsettled and has her mind running a mile a minute. Was Alice composed because she knows why Mari-Ann is running off? Was the master's wife here in his place to give Mari-Ann the news that she was being sent away? "Mari-Ann are you going to explain what in Heaven's name is amiss with you as of late?" The voice of the omega snaps the nanny out of her unruly thoughts.
"N, Nothing my Lady," stutters the beta, her eyes glancing downwards in shame, rubbing absently at her forearm; a nervous habit. The beta focus' hard to make sure her wings don't twitch and make her lie more obvious. If Alice finds out about Matthew it'll be all over, the hybrid will be killed and more importantly, herself. She is risking her life for this hybrid and upon retrospect she asks why. A question she already knows the answer to, but can't help wonder if everything would just be easier if she got rid of the child herself. Arthur will even know and her life can go back to normal. Life isn't that simple though, is it? The exhausted beta will never be able to live with herself if she took someone else's life. Making it worse, it will feel as if she were killing another part of Alfred, seeing that they look so similar.
"Don't lie to me Mari-Ann," Alice tells her sternly, a hand is placed on her hip, gaze disapproving. A pang of fear shoots up Mari-Ann's spine, making her stand straighter and her wings ruffle at Alice's stare. She has to tell Alice the truth, or maybe just part of the truth and save her own skin.
"I've been extremely fatigued in looking after the young master my Lady, nothing to worry about, I'm sure I'll be back in spirits soon." Mari-Ann says, a wry smile on her lips. It essentially is the truth, just missing the reason why caring for Alfred is hard and Alice hasn't asked that so there isn't anything to worry about.
"Then why haven't you said anything?" Alice asks curiously "you know we want what's best for Alfred and if you aren't fit you may ask for help, he is my son after all." A sweet smile is directed at Mari-Ann that makes her heart melt. Help? Lady Alice is offering her help? Not that she thought her lady was rude or unkind, but being offered assistants by the omega isn't something Mari-Ann was expecting.
"Really? I mean, yes please my Lady, for the best interests of your son I humbly ask for your assistants." Mari-Ann says with a respectful bow.
"Very well then, I'll contact the-"
"Mari-Ann are you here?"
A voice from behind the brown haired beta cuts off Alice's sentence. Mari-Ann turns around just as Simon enters. He immediately stops upon seeing Alice behind Mari-Ann, his white wings snap out slightly at the surprise of seeing Alice at the entrance of the servant's quarters. He bows his head after a harsh glare is thrown at him by the beta woman. His whispered apologies are dismissed by a wave of Alice's hand.
"If you must speak with Mari-Ann I'll only be another moment Simon, yes?" Simon nods at Alice's request to stand aside while she finishes. Alice turns back to Mari-Ann letting out a small sigh. "As I was saying, I'll contact the third realm to have someone come and aide you. I'll ask for someone with experience with children and you'll take shifts with them. Will these condition suffice?" Alice asks, though her eyes give the nanny a look that says she doesn't really have a choice.
"Yes, my Lady. Thank you for your aide." Mari-Ann bows her head respectfully and gives Alice a tired smile before the female omega takes her leave.
Once Mari-Ann is certain her lady is out of earshot she lets out a heavy sigh, the tension in her wings melt away as she absently rubs the back of her stiff neck. Anxiety and stress from the last few months has left the beta woman feeling much older than she is. Had she known she would have to put up with this, she might've had second thoughts on asking to work for Arthur all those years ago. It is only for a little longer she tells herself. Alfred and Matthew won't be babies forever, plus now she'll be getting extra help. Extra help will make things run more smoothly and possibly put an end to the glares Arthur sends her way.
Turning to her left she sees Simon leaning against the stone wall, frowning. Simon is the only person who knows about Matthew, meaning he's also the only person who truly understands Mari-Ann's struggle. He could've helped her had he not been an omega. It would have been his only chance to raise a child. She shakes her head at the thought, having sympathy for temptation, how pitiful. The brown haired Angel doesn't feel bad for the male omega, she'd rather say it is a feeling of disappointment in not being able to use him. With one last shake of her head to brushes those thoughts away; she takes a step towards Simon.
"What can I help you with, Simon?" She asks, puffing her wings out considerably and straightening her posture. Just because he is a soldier and she's a nanny doesn't change the fact that she has a higher class over the omega. Having a good dominant aura around Simon reminds him of his place and gives Mari-Ann a swell of power that makes butterflies flutter in her stomach.
"I've noticed your fatigue and was going to offer my help." Simon replies, pushing off the wall seemingly unfazed by Mari-Ann's act of dominance.
"It would seem Lady Alice beat you to that request, and either way I'd refuse. Milord has already forbade you from merely looking at this demon let alone care for it." Mari-Ann says, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head disapprovingly. Why would Simon even entertain the idea of caring for the child? Is it because he can't have one of his own? Or did he maybe have alternative motives? Either way Mari-Ann found it completely ridiculous.
"I know what Arthur said, I just feel so useless. It's sad to see you in such a state when there is someone willing to offer you help." Simon says.
Mari-Ann bristles at the comment. The feathers of her wings puff out larger in the instant of the few steps to get in Simons face. How dare a mere omega call her state 'sad', she can take care of herself. The light at the end of the tunnel may have be completely non-existent, but with her Lady Alice's help that light is now there, though dim.
"Watch your tongue omega." The fuming beta snaps. "Know your place and leave here before I report you for seducing the chef like the slut you are." Simon let out a pained whimper when his arm is roughly grabbed by the beta who shoves him away from the entrance of the servant's quarters. Holding his aching arm Simon flees without any other kind of contact. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Mari-Ann checks herself over, making sure her hair is still in a tight bun and her clothes unwrinkled.
Authority is what the brown haired woman strives for. Being trusted by Arthur so well gives her the upper hand when speaking with other residents of the house. She'll be grateful of her master's trust till the end of her days. She always tells herself that this is enough, she doesn't need more authority than she has now, but the rush from pushing around Simon like that has her heart pounding in her chest and her cheeks sporting the blush of arousal. The day would come when she'll have more, but for now it is one step at a time. And soon the biggest step would be getting out of her way.
Not a week later a beta woman from the third realm showed up. She's obviously been around for a while, with her hair and wings having gray streaks in them. Despite the newcomers aging looks she is very spirited. Alfred has taken to her the moment the woman smiled at him. The same could be said for the young master's parents as well, they were pleased with her instantaneously. Nonetheless, Mari-Ann isn't threatened by the new nanny since her position is only temporary.
They decide that Mari-Ann will have three days off in a week plus if needed, she can ask the new nanny for assistance at any time. The exchange is simple and to the point, just the way Mari-Ann likes it. The beta woman has also enjoyed the fact that the ageing beta woman has submitted to her without a quarrel when Mari-Ann confronted her. A simple quick exchange without violence reminds the new beta that Mari-Ann is above her and the other servants. Having no problems with the new temporary employee makes taking care of Matthew simpler too.
Even with the extra time, the Angel woman never stays in Matthew's vicinity longer than need be. She did however, notice that he is changing, which of course she expected but he seemed to grow differently than Alfred. She figures it is because Matthew is an omega and Alfred an Alpha. The hybrid boy's skin stays softer and paler, though she blames that on the lack of sunlight. Matthew is also not growing as fast as Alfred, almost a year into his life Alfred was walking, running and learning phrases. Yet Matthew is slower, still only walking a few steps here and there and only just grasping the sounds of words.
When Matthew did talk he would read. Mari-Ann has been reading to help Matthew sleep since she'd brought him up to the stone tower. The books she gives him are Alfred's that he doesn't use, but the books she read to him are mostly for her. She won't read out loud to Matthew if it isn't something she cannot enjoy too, even if he cannot understand now one day he would. The beta does help him read his simple children's books when she is in the mood. It is easier to teach Matthew than Alfred, but she doesn't focus on Alfred's reading, she'll leave that to his teachers when he is older.
The day Mari-Ann brings paper and colouring pencils to Matthew she's never seen him smile so brightly. It isn't often that the older Angel will bring new things for Matthew, so when she does he is over the moon. It isn't always easy sneaking away Alfred's books and small toys that he either forgets about or no longer plays with. The tower only has a small bookshelf that is now lacking space, Matthews nest directly below the window, small plastic Angel warriors that lays in a neat pile next to the bookshelf. A small basin for baths is next to the door, an old worn out red rug lays in the center of the room, and a woven basket with Matthews few pieces of extra clothes sit next to his nest.
She chuckles to herself at his reaction as she lays them down on the stone floor. They sit quietly together, during the time Mari-Ann shows Matthew how to use the colouring pencils. He is a quick learner, though she won't expect much talent from him in drawing, only in his reading. The faster and more advanced his reading level is he less work Mari-Ann will have to do when it comes to Mathew's education. Even if Matthew is an abomination, she won't be able to put up with an ignorant fool. He'll learn everything that a normal Angel child would, yet will always be reminded that he is a humiliation to the Angel race.
As the sun began to set she stands, taking the pencils and paper over to pile it with the Angel warrior figurines. Matthew whimpers at the loss of his new treasure, he crawls over to the bookshelf attempting to get past his caretakers legs to get at the paper. Mari-Ann reaches down and picks him up, walking over to the nest and lays the boy down. He is reasonably bigger and will soon be needing something bigger to sleep in.
Matthew fusses and squirms, making grabby hands and flapping his tiny wings in an attempt to sit up. It isn't often that Matthew will whine, it normally only happens when he's overtired or wants more time with his new treasure. A tired sigh escapes Mari-Ann's lips. She gently pushes the boy down onto his back, reaching under him to flatten his wings. Touching the infant's wings has bothered her for a long while, it isn't easy getting used to. Washing her hands is normally the first thing she does when she returns to the servant's quarters. But touching them and making the hybrid comfortable is better than having him up all night crying.
Draping a soft white blanket over Matthews's small body, Mari-Ann reaches out a hand to gently trail a finger down the baby's nose. A gesture that she remembers Simon doing while he'd named the child. It calms him when he is upset or having a hard time sleeping. The boy's now purple eyes slowly close as he falls into sleep. It hasn't taken long for the blue of the newborns eyes to fade in a purple. Alfred's eyes stayed light blue, Matthew's have changed to purple, so there is one thing that set them apart physically.
Getting to her feet, Mari-Ann leaves the tower and makes her way to the kitchen. Light coming out of the kitchens entrance and voices make her frown. No one should be working at this hour, let alone be awake. The kitchen area fell silent as she enters. Four pairs of frightened eyes gaze at her, waiting for her to yell at them. One male and three female Angels that tend to the kitchen are standing around the island that is a mess of fruits and different assorted baking ingredients. Mari-Ann frowns and gestures to the clutter on the island.
"Oh this? It's what we'll be using for the young masters first birthday." The male, the head chef, says visibly relaxing knowing that Mari-Ann isn't yelling at them.
Realization hit Mari-Ann like a ton of bricks. Alfred's second birthday is only three days away. She'd completely forgot since the last three days she's been off and looking after Matthew. How could she have been so dense? Her young masters second birthday is going to be a very important event and she hasn't even started planning the party. It irritates her to no end that she's put Matthew before Alfred. That boy is already tempting her and he isn't even a year old yet.
Matthew isn't even a year yet, then when would he be? She knew that it has been a little over a month after Alfred's first birthday that Matthew was found, but it will be too hard to remember if she has nothing to connect it too. Her shift with the caretaker Angel would finish today, she'd also brought a gift for Matthew today. Today then, three days before Alfred's birthday would be Matthew's birthday. It is simple and easy to remember, not that she'll make an effort to do anything special for the birth of a demons spawn, but she saw nothing wrong with choosing when his 'special' day would be.
"Very good then, you may all retire for the night. Tomorrow I will be overlooking all the plans and making the young masters first birthday a day to remember." Mari-Ann says with a wave of her hand to dismiss the other servants. They thank her, bow and leave with haste. The beta rubs her neck, walking over to blow out the candles that illuminate the kitchen. She leaves the quarters wrapping her wings around her shoulders as she walks towards the garden, enjoying the last minutes of silence before tomorrow.
It's a warm summer's day when the elder caretaker Angel packs her bags and left. Arthur, Mari-Ann, Alice, and Alfred propped on his mother's hip, all wave goodbye to her as she leaves. Her three years of service has done the family good, she's made Alfred happy and also made Mari-Ann's life easier. The retiring beta's joyous spirit has greatly influenced Alfred. It is something Mari-Ann will certainly not miss. The family waves goodbye until the figure of the woman can no longer been seen. Alice put her son down, the boy hardly wastes a second before he is running off.
Alfred is growing up to be very free spirited and doesn't like to listen. It isn't any help that his mind has been brainwashed with stories of heroes, epic battles and romance. The last thing the young alpha needs is a hero complex overtop of his dominant alpha genes. Cheering, yells and screams of excitement is a normal noise among the house. Alfred has no friends his age yet, which in turn gives most servants a headache from his constant demands to be played with. Thankfully, Arthur is there to control his son. The older Alfred becomes the less he will listen to his father, Mari-Ann and everyone else know exactly why too. Alfred was an alpha, his natural instincts are developing and those instincts don't yield to a beta.
The alpha gene is most certainly making its mark on Alfred. He is much larger than a normal three, soon to be four-year-old, it is obvious to tell Alfred will be tall and muscular after puberty works its magic. His wings are setting in nicely, the feathers completely white, the longest primaries brushed the middle of his thighs. His sweet smile and innocence hid the fact that Alfred can probably knock his own father on his ass. Mari-Ann knows Alfred has no knowledge of the strength he has and may exaggerate the reality of that power when she tells the other servants of his strength, but it's for Alfred. If she makes the others fear Alfred, but stays completely unafraid of him the others will possibly envy her and see her as an extraordinarily strong beta.
His physical changes doesn't just make their mark on his body, no the most noticeable changes are in his face. And what a gorgeous face it is. Mari-Ann condoned her master and Lady on making such a beautiful child. His dark blue eyes becoming sharper and more dominant looking. His skins lost most of its baby-soft touch and is lightly bronzed from his time in the sun. His blond hair is thick, polished and impossible to tame. The young boy has always had a dazzling smile, but now with his teeth grown in- though still baby teeth - are white and eye catching. He is in a sense, the perfect alpha. If only he has a brain to go with his looks.
Mari-Ann is over herself that Alfred will be starting classes in another few months. Perhaps he'll find himself a good educator who can teach him about more practical things and not heroes. Alfred will be a leader of an entire realm when he succeeds his father, there is no room for fun and games, especially for the sixth realm. Angels of the sixth realm need to be battle ready, strong and fearless. They are warriors of God. Warriors that will put their lives on the line to protect everyone beyond the sixth realm. Hopefully hearing something like that from a well brought up teacher will put an end to his silly games and have him think about something seriously for once.
The beta woman excuses herself from Arthur and Alice's presence and makes her way to the tower. With Alfred being older, Arthur is now spending the afternoons with him for father and son bonding time. It is assuming to watch Arthur fail so miserably. It isn't in Arthur's nature to be a father, she thinks it a pity that he doesn't know that.
She unlocks the tower door to find Matthew sitting on his cot engrossed in a book. Not too long ago a young maid had thanked Arthur for letting her train under him and left for the third realm, leaving her bedroom effects behind. Mari-Ann took the mattress off the frame of the bed, the bookshelf and a side table that has three drawers in it, up to Matthew's tower. The mattress lays on the floor under the window, covered in pillows and blankets; keeping the shape of a nest. The new bookshelf has books filling the bottom and second shelf. The older, smaller bookshelf only has two small shelves compared to the new ones four, both filled with most of Matthew's small easy children's books. Finally, the side table is on the left side of the mattress. It doesn't completely sit right up against the wall, only the corners because the room is round.
Matthew's head shoots up when she walks in. He places his book mark- a sheet of ripped paper- in the book, closed it and places it on the side table. He stands up and bowed his head respectfully.
"Welcome back, ma'am," he says, his voice is soft and inexperienced. She's been teaching him words and phrases that some may have found advanced to be teaching a two almost three-year-old, but she'll make him learn it no matter what measures must be taken. Mari-Ann has of course started out simple, but the simplicity hasn't lasted very long. Her first words to teach him has been for him to call her Madame or ma'am, she refuses to be called anything else. From there it's greetings, names of objects and of course reading out loud from his books.
"I assume everything has been well in my absence." She says pulling out an English grammar book from the top shelf of the new bookshelf. Matthew stands on the rug in the center of the room, frowning. His toes curl and uncurl, a nervous habit he acquired when he doesn't understand or have a response. She sighs, shaking her head disapprovingly, he doesn't understand what she's asked him, typical that he hasn't grasped such complex words yet, exceedingly inconvenient. "Nothing bad happened while I was gone?" She ask in a simpler manner.
"Yes ma'am." The young hybrid says, now understanding what Mari-Ann was asking of him.
"It's rude to make me repeat myself, so please try harder on your studies from today onward." The beta says as she begrudgingly sits herself on the rug. "Grab your pencils and paper, we'll be starting where we left off last time." She instructs him, pointing at the woven basket where Matthews's pencils, colouring pencils and paper are kept. Ever since she brought the colouring pencils. The black-winged boy has gone through multiple sets of them. Some days he colours all day, till Mari-Ann tells him enough, that he is wasting them and they should only be used when they are in a lesson. Matthew learns best through visuals, so he draws pictures of the things Mari-Ann teaches him.
The small omega is quick to grab his supplies and sit himself next to her, keeping a respectable distance between them at all times. A large hard cover book is used as a writing surface, and as soon as the pencil is in Matthews's hands she begins their lesson.
Teaching Matthew is never a burdening task for the beta. He does what he is told, focuses well and hardly complains. He's well behaved because he doesn't know how to misbehave. Never being exposed to anything but a respectful environment, Matthew doesn't understand the action of 'disobey'. Mari-Ann prides herself in the success she's has in raising Matthew. And what a beautiful little thing he is nonetheless.
Unlike Alfred, Matthew has stayed far more petite than him. His size is that of an average boy his age, though he is a bit too skinny for her liking. That can't be helped though, it is hard enough sneaking food into the tower let alone three full meals a day. The omega's skin is a delicate pale color and smooth to the touch. His silky, strawberry blond hair has grown out to just pass the tips of his ears. Long black eyelashes framed his deep violet eyes, accompanied with small pink lips give him a more feminine look. Male omegas don't all look as femininely as Matthew, but most do as children, it is a simple way to attract the attention of a suitable mate for the future. Another ghastly feature God has giving them to tempt his better children with. So all in all, Matthew was a well-rounded omega.
The differences between Alfred and Matthew is quite stunning, it makes the beta Angel wonder what they would be like around each other. Chaos, she concludes, it would be complete chaos.
When their lesson is complete, Mari-Ann returns the grammar book to the top shelf of the bookcase. Matthew asks her kindly if it's ok if he keeps colouring. The older Angel tells him it's fine as long as he cleans up after himself. Nodding Matthew returns to the rug and pulls out a blue colouring pencil and brings it to the page.
"I'll be back tomorrow morning for breakfast, be dressed and ready to eat by the time I arrive." She tells him sternly as she opens the door.
"Yes, ma'am" he replies.
There is never a set time for breakfast because it's never known when Mari-Ann will have a chance to sneak up something for Matthew to eat. She's mostly able to make it an hour or two after the sun rises, but Mari-Ann knows Matthew is up with the sun just in case. Nodding Mari-Ann leaves, locking the door behind her.
Matthew continues to draw after Mari-Ann's departure. He colours the whole page in his favourite colour, blue. The same blue that the sky is when the sun is out. The omega boy loves when the sun shines and there is no clouds in the sky. It's the best days to spot an Angel flying, just like he saw today. He draws a stick figure in black flying towards a yellow ball scribbled on the page, with the white he draws the wings of the Angel, though they are duller because of the blue and white mixing.
Its Matthew's dream to one day have white wings like everyone else, but for now he's perfect the way he is.