Freedom
I own Talamina, not Final Fantasy.
Chapter 10
Mina led the way through darkened halls, her footsteps soft and steady. Penelo watched as Nena's eyes, black and focused on the blonde as they were, drifted shut. At first, the little eyes would snap open again, as if startled, but after a few rounds of asleep-awake-asleep, her eyes shut and stayed there.
"Her eyes are beautiful. She's so pretty. She'll have to go out with an armed guard once she gets older, all the boys will be following her."
Mina chuckled softly, turning to face a door painted sky blue. She adjusted the child in her arms and carefully opened the door, using her foot to push it in front of her. A small jerk of her head told Penelo to follow.
Penelo smiled when she heard a muttered melody. She watched Mina move slowly in the dimly lit room, her feet barely lifting from the deep carpet to avoid tripping over the many toys that were scattered around.
Penelo liked the room. There was a small bed on the far side of the room, the bedspread was stitched with flowers and swirling patterns. Near that was a large chest painted with bright colors. The lid was open, and judging from the mess of toys and costumes strewn about, completely empty.
"Tch, why didn't her nurse at least pretend to clean this up? It's what she's paid to do."
Penelo watched as Mina gently lowered the snoring child down onto the bed and carefully removed her little shoes. Once the shoes were off, Nena was carefully maneuvered and her little dress was unbuttoned and laid aside, and a nightgown was slipped over her head. Penelo came over as Mina was pulling the sleeves over the little girl's hands.
"She's a sound sleeper."
"Yeah, sometimes. There have been times that I've had to stay all night because she had gotten a grip on me and would start to cry if I moved."
The blond giggled and Mina laid Nena down and started to pull up the covers. Penelo smiled when Mina kissed the child's cheek, but she froze when the girl opened her eyes and spoke.
"No…Mama, stay. Please?"
Mina's black eyes shot up to Penelo, and the young Rabanastran was astounded to see fear and desperation in them. In her mind, she could almost hear the former concubine's pleas.
Please, don't tell them! Don't tell the others!