After five years the time had finally come. The time that Humility had to surrender her precious little one to the hands of fate. The time for Odette to meet Derek.
Humility desperately wished that she could see her little one and help her along her way. However, despite her pleading, she would have to stay and govern her husband's kingdom. William was afraid that if he appointed a steward he would appear to be playing favorites.
Humility could understand her husband's reasoning. She understood everything, but she wanted to be there for her little girl. It would not happen immediately, but one day Odette's heart would break. And chances were, her mother would not be around to help her.
It had seemed so far off when Odette could be held in one of her father's arms. It had seemed not a moment too soon when she was breaking all the furniture and heirlooms. Now it seemed that time had flashed by.
Humility could not help but remember the other day.
She was chasing a blond haired fur ball down the hall. Her gown flared out behind her, dresses were not made for running, as she barreled down a corridor at her top speed. Humility's slippers were long gone, on a different floor of the castle entirely.
This was not the first time that Odette had covered herself in some substance. The top story floor still had traces of tar left from a few months ago. Then there was the time she covered her hair in eggs. The kitchen staff would not let her in unaccompanied any more.
This time she had crept into the dog kennel, and being covered in glue, needed a bath to rid her of the fur she had accumulated. But as Odette hated bathing more than anything else in the world, the chances of her coming peacefully were slim.
"Mama," came a small voice, breaking the train of thought Humility had.
"Yes," the queen answered. Her soprano voice sounded clear against the tumult of feelings she felt inside.
"Do I have to go?" The question was asked with certain desperation. The answer that the little one longed to hear was one that she did not seem to expect.
Humility did not want to give her daughter the requisite answer.
"I cannot tell your father anything once he has made up his mind. You should know that I tried. I said that it would be a little early, but he is so stubborn." The tone of her voice did not betray her frustration.
"But, Mama. Why? Why do you have to stay here?" The innocence of the small one was enough to make even the hardest stone heart bleed.
"You should not worry about that. I have to take care of everything here, and your Dad will be with you. You will be fine."
