Parasoul ended up waking a few hours earlier than she normally would and looked over to see Harry sleeping held against her stomach, resting his head on her breasts like a pair of pillows as he sucked his thumb innocently.
A soft smile slowly stretched across her face as she gently rubbed Harry's head. 'He looks so peaceful like this, no bad memories or nightmares haunting him.' Parasoul softly hummed to Harry as she spent several minutes just watching him sleep. After a few minutes, she closed her eyes once more to get a little more sleep before her alarm went off, after all her week was going to be very busy if she was going to visit Britain and make her adoption of Harry official.
She found sleep after several minutes, and a few hours later, the alarm went off, prompting her awake. Harry groaned softly as the sound woke him as well. Parasoul smiled and gave him a kiss on the head.
Harry squirmed about in his sleep, somehow curling into a small ball in her arms and continuing to slowly wake up, much more peacefully this time however, now in an almost cat-like position. Parasoul grinned, also feeling relieved that he wasn't currently in the midst of a nightmare, one from which she'd need to try and help him talk things out. Hopefully he was waking from a nice sleep, simple as that.
She rubbed his back to coax him awake, knowing she needed to do some things today, some royal duties she may or may not have been putting off... but she couldn't do them if her son was sleeping on her chest and she was still in bed. But thinking about that, that seemed like a much, MUCH more favourable day, but still. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.
"Good morning Harry, did you sleep well?" Harry nodded his head as he rubbed his eyes.
"Yes mommy..." Parasoul softly giggled at his sleepy voice before sitting against her headboard with Harry in her lap.
"You can sleep in a little more if you want to, Just because I'm one of the few in the castle that has to be up this early doesn't mean you have to as well."
Harry shook his head slowly. "No, m'fine, I wanna be with...you..." He yawned softly as he leaned further into her embrace and fell right back to sleep, clutching at her nightgown with one hand and innocently sucking his thumb with the other.
Parasoul kissed the top of his head before softly running her fingers through his messy hair. With a content sigh, she leaned back after placing a few pillows behind. Normally she would have already been dressed and in her office by now, but maybe she could postpone her paper work for just a couple more hours. No one would blame her for wanting to spend more time with her son.
And if they did, too bad. She was the one in charge. She seriously contemplated instating a new law which allowed her to shirk responsibilities whenever she wanted to spend time with her son. The issue was, she quickly realized how easily she could abuse that power, and that might meant Umbrella taking over, and that wasn't something anyone wanted.
Okay, that was a bit harsh. But it's not like anyone other than herself heard those thoughts. Parasoul just shook her head and sighed, looking back down at her sleeping son.
She remembered what the servants always said about her being a workaholic and winced slightly as she realized they were probably right. Technically, she didn't have to start work for another few hours... Her eyes widened as she got an idea. Perhaps since she was used to getting little sleep, she could do her paperwork in bed next to Harry and have a head start for the day...
Although a small voice in her head reminded her that she wouldn't be able to hold Harry while she was working, and that she tended to rather vocal in her annoyance with certain documents she had to deal with. Parasoul frowned and honestly considered if it was even worth the head start when Harry turned in his sleep and snuggled into her chest. Her smile returned as she kissed the top of his head, 'Maybe... just one morning off wouldn't be so bad.'
She did need time to nurture her new prince into a potential ruler should Umbrella decide to abdicate the throne after all. And in order to do that, she needed to make sure he healed well enough emotionally.
So to that effect, she settled back into bed, Harry resting in her chest, and both arms wrapped around him. She didn't care if some said she was a bit 'clingly' in her affections. After what her son had been through, and had nearly been through, she frankly didn't care in the slightest what anyone thought. Harry needed love, and she was going to give it to him.
Her mind began wandering, thinking about what WOULD happen if Harry ended up becoming ruler. What would he end up doing? If it happened right now, he'd probably not have the slightest idea, and most of the kingdom would just go along with it either out of pity or because he was so cute. But maybe someday, he'd be a wise and powerful ruler.
With a soft sigh, she shifted her body a few times to make herself comfortable on her pillows. She spent several minutes just humming softly to Harry as she ran her fingers through his hair, before feeling her own eyes start to close once more. With a fading chuckle she thought to herself, 'Might as well get a little more rest myself if I'm not working early.'
Some servants heard the sound of the princess snoring soundly and smiled softly, relieved she was finally relaxing on her work a bit. Meanwhile, Umbrella, under the guidance of Adam, was getting some of her sister's work done for her so she'd have time to spend with Harry.
After sorting the various documents into piles, she let out a sigh as she started on the largest. "Well, at least this is all just after action reports." She smiled as she pushed one stack off the desk into the trash, "and that stack is 'not happening in a million years'." Adam smirked as the pile of noble complaints and whining was put where it belonged, but it still had to be properly stamped so he carefully pulled it from the trash.
"I know it's annoying, but at least all you have to do with these is use the big rubber stamp."
"Fine... fine... I don't see how Parasoul can put up with this." Umbrella muttered.
"Well, she's been doing this all alone for years at this point, remember." Adam reminded.
"That is pretty unfair I guess..." She muttered , stamping the sheets with a large stamp, leaving 'REJECTED' stamped across them.
Umbrella looked at the stamp with a small frown. "Well this is lame. They should have the stamp be something like the words "Hell to the no!" or a middle finger or something. Or is that not 'professional' enough?"
Adam shook his head, "No, it wouldn't be, especially for the kingdom's ruler." Umbrella pouted, but began to properly stamp the forms as 'DENIED' while idly noting the content of some of the forms. "Doubling tax rates, large scale mining in a national park, a dam project that clearly isn't necessary, how did they think any of this would be approved?" Adam just shrugged his shoulders,
"All of these requests seem to be from before the purge following Harry's rescue, and most likely would have been quietly approved by corrupt officials for equally corrupt nobles, but now they are all in prison where they belong."
Umbrella blinked, then snickered as she stamped the rest of the paperwork with gusto, almost in a gloating manner. Upon finishing, she dusted off her hands and hopped to her feet. "All right, that's the paperwork done! What next?"
"Those." Adam remarked, pointing over his shoulder to the fifty odd piles of papers. "Parasoul took a few days off before the big purge, and then when that happened... well, things have been building up for a bit now."
Umbrella blinked, her body rigid in utter disbelief. Finally, she looked ot Adam and spoke in a soft voice.
"I thought being a princess was all fun and games until this moment."
"Yeah, you were pretty coddled growing up." Adam replied with a shrug.
After finishing that, Umbrella sighed. "What's next?"
Adam carefully moved a much smaller stack in front of her, "These are the more mundane requests. Things such as road repairs, power line maintenance, and sewer inspections. Things that will be approved, but they still have to go through the approval process." Umbrella shrugged and picked up her pen.
"Makes sense, we still need to keep track of when it's happening and the funds involved."
As Umbrella worked the morning away, Harry woke up slowly in his mother's arms. He took a moment to process where he was, then saw his sleeping adopted mother holding him. Smiling, he snuggled in closer to her.
This caused the princess to stir, before she blinked and then smiled. "Good morning love." She said sweetly as she patted his head affectionately. Harry giggled and smiled back up at his mama, the small gesture meaning the world to Parasoul.
"Morning mama." Harry replied.
"I'm glad to see you slept well. Shall we go check on my sister?"
She looked over at the clock and her eyes widened. "Oh dear... I slept in!" Placing Harry down, she hurriedly grabbed her sweater and miniskirt and rushed into the washroom to change. Harry flinched, feeling like it was his fault.
She carefully adjusted her skirt before scooping up Harry in her arms only to be blocked by her head maid as she opened the door. "I'm sorry m'lady, but lady Umbrella has decided that you need to take the day off to spend more time with the young prince, and we all agree with her." Parasoul frowned and tried to argue, "But the paperwork," only to be gently cut off by her maid. "Lady Umbrella is handling your duties for the day and she has Adam's assistance, so please relax for once."
Parasoul's eyes widened at that. Umbrella was filling in for her without even being asked first? And for the sake of allowing her to have another free day with her adopted son? She was stunned at the unexpected act of maturity from her sister.
"All right." Parasoul sighed, nodding in relief. The maid smiled down at Harry, who looked up in surprise at the use of the term 'prince'. They couldn't be talking about... him, right? "Well, let's get something to eat, shall we?"
"Okay mama." Harry nodded, looking up with a smile at Parasoul. The princess nodded and carried her son off, the maid watching them go with a wide smile, taken by Harry's small voice.
Parasoul sighed as she turned her head at Harry, only to see that he looked a little nervous.
"Hmm? What's the matter, dear?" She asked with a small frown. Harry bit his lip and looked down timidly.
"I made you sleep too long and made you late for your job... I'm sorry... You can hit me if you want..."
Parasoul's eyes grew wide as she wrapped both of her arms around Harry in a hug and made her way into the washroom for privacy. "No no no, Harry, I'm not upset with you nor are you at fault here. It's just paperwork so it would have been waiting for me regardless of when I got to my office." She kissed the top of his head as she started to rock him in her arms, softly telling him, "I'm not mad, it's ok," and other reassurances to Harry over and over.
Slowly but surely, Harry calmed down, looking up at his mother and finally giving the small smile that Parasoul was beginning to love more than anything in the world. There was something so pure and so sweet about it that no matter what she was feeling, seeing it made her happy.
"M'sorry mama..." He mumbled again, feeling guilty for having to make her explain herself to him.
"Again sweetie pie, you don't need to apologize." Parasoul smiled, seating herself at a table, and awaiting brunch.
She thought back to his suggestion that she hit him. She was horrified that he would even think for a second that she would take him up on such an offer, and her protective desire to harm the Dursleys bodily briefly took over before she squashed it down.
They were out of her hands now anyway, and would soon be tried for their crimes. She doubted that Vernon would see daylight for a very long time once he was sentenced. After all, he seemed like the type that wouldn't do very well in prison.
There was not likely to be the fifteen square meals a day he was used to over there... She smirked into her hand slightly at her own inner snark before looking down at Harry to see him silently sobbing, his face buried in her chest.
She sighed, rubbing his back and trying to coax him out of his shell. She knew from the moment she first picked him up that this was going to be an inevitable, and unfortunately frequent occurrence. She resigned herself to simply do what a mother does best, care for her child. About twenty minutes later, Harry had collected himself somewhat and was now timidly looking up at his mother, who smiled and kissed his nose playfully.
Parasoul kissed the top of his head before slowly falling back on the chair, letting Harry rest on top of her, "I'm so sorry Harry, I didn't mean to scare you like that." Harry let out a sniffle and tilted his head up to her face, and to her anguish she could see just how shaken he was. "Ruling this country is a responsibility I take very seriously, but please remember this. You and Umbrella will always come first no matter what."
Harry sniffled and buried his face in her chest, clutching at her sweater and crying softly. Parasoul helped him through his latest breakdown patiently, quietly holding him close and rubbing his back until his sobs ceased.
Eventually Harry had calmed down to sniffles and his shaking had stopped. Glancing at the clock, she saw it had only been a little less than ten minutes, but every sob Harry let out had been like a stab in the heart for her making it feel much longer. Reaching across the table, Parasoul grabbed a napkin and began to carefully wipe his tears, "Are you feeling better now, Harry?"
"Thank you mama." He nodded, looking up at Parasoul.
He snuggled up to her, resting his head against her chest to get the soothing heartbeat sound. She smiled and rocked him back and forth gently. "M'sorry, mommy... I cry too much..."
Parasoul's smile faded a little and she tightened her hug. "Harry, it's not healthy to bottle up your feelings. If you need to cry then cry, if you want to laugh then laugh, but never be afraid to express your feelings, ok? Especially with me."
He sniffled slightly, then smiled and nestled closer to her, closing his eyes. "I love you, mommy..." Parasoul was amazed at just how deeply those words continued to warm her heart. No matter how many times he said them, they never lost their effect on her.
She gave him a loving squeeze and a closed-eyed smile. He was too pure, too sweet... it wasn't fair! Tilting his head up, she kissed his forehead and grinned, feeling her heart warm when he smiled in response.
She whispered back to him, "I love you too, Harry," before placing a kiss on top of his head. An idea suddenly popped into her head, causing her to perk up, "Harry, I think I know how we could spend our morning. After breakfast, we'll watch some more Annie of the Stars."
Harry smiled and nodded. Soon enough, breakfast was laid out for them. She even noted that Harry's breakfast was portioned perfectly, just the way she would have done it in his condition. Smiling, she set him down and seated herself next to him.
Breakfast was a quiet affair with Harry clearing his plate, and even managing to eat a little bit more much to her relief and that of her staff. Parasoul smiled as she held Harry in her lap as she slowly sipped a cup of coffee. She silently mused to herself, 'Maybe I should take a day off like this on occasion. Umbrella could join us for a family day as well.'
The pinkette in question entered the room with a spring in her step and seated herself at table. "Sis, your job is just too easy." She boasted, and Parasoul was surprised.
"I was so certain you'd be complaining. You really find it easy?"
Umbrella grinned as she stretched her arms above her head, "Yeah, most of the documents just had to be stamped as denied." Parasoul just smirked and leaned into her hand.
"You mean the stack of documents filed by the recently arrested wealthy and nobility? The ones who can no longer make a personal appearance to demand to know why they were denied?" Umbrella's smile faded a bit at that.
"Wait, they would actually do that?" Parasoul sighed and massaged her forehead.
"Sometimes within the hour of the stamp hitting the form."
Umbrella looked thoughtful. "Well, I do love verbally tearing apart people who deserve it... Sounds like a good time to me!" Parasoul facepalmed.
"You have no intention of sugarcoating anything, do you?" She asked flatly.
"No." Was all her sister said. "And they really don't deserve it."
"Unfortunately, that is very true." Parasoul nodded frowning as she thought about how because of them Harry was able to be sold into slavery and nearly killed, how some many people were denied what they needed as those who had more than they needed got more. It was time reality came down, and it was time that most of them realized that there was no running, there was no hiding, they were screwed. And this time, they weren't getting out of it.
Umbrella scowled and crossed her arms, "Most of them deserve it from what I read in those documents. The majority of it was just flat out illegal and the rest was just embezzlement thinly masked by unnecessary building projects. Thankfully with them finally behind bars neither of us will have to deal with that much wasted paper anymore."
Parasoul nodded her head with a small smile. "Yes, true, but they were far from the only ones, and yelling and insulting people is not the best for our image." She explained rather sternly to her impetuous sister.
Umbrella just sighed even as she drowned a stack of waffles in syrup. "Yeah, yeah I know. We have to keep up appearances, even if it means shaking hands with someone that I would rather break their arm." She viciously stabbed her breakfast as she thought of some of the slimy nobles they had been forced to treat with civility.
Parasoul smiled softly. "There is no harm in being blunt with them however. Don't insult them. Simply tell them in no uncertain terms why their idea is terrible." She noticed that Harry seemed to be hanging onto her every word.
"But insulting them usually goes hand in hand with explaining why they're idiots." Umbrella reasoned.
"Umbrella, stop making this hard for me!" Parasoul remarked annoyed. "Why is it you actually have decent logic NOW whenI'm trying to keep you from doing something stupid!?"
"How long do we have?" Her sister asked, and Parasoul groaned knowing this is what her sister had wanted.
Then she smirked. With a grin, she held up Harry for Umbrella to see, "Remember, we need to set a good example for Harry from now on." Umbrella dramatically clutched at her heart, "No, my sweet and adorable nephew. My one weakness!"
Harry blinked and looked down timidly. "Oh, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be your one weakness... I can try to stop if you want..." He mumbled softly. Umbrella let out a quiet coo and kissed his forehead.
"Just making a joke Har-bear, so don't you ever stop being cute." Parasoul chuckled as Umbrella scooped Harry up in a hug. "I'm guessing you two have a fun happy day of bonding ahead of ya?
"Indeed, when you're done with my work you're free to join us." Parasoul nodded.
"Wait. Your work? Meaning what!?" Umbrella exclaimed, realizing what she had said.
"Well, there were those documents, the zoning laws, the complaints, the suggestions, the social image that needs upheld, the servants union has a meeting later today and I'm unable to attend, the Egrets usually need something to do lest they get bored and try to entertain themselves..."
"This is your life!?"
"Indeed. I was going to do it, but today's priorities have shifted."
"Must be a pretty wild party. Ya got a dj?" Umbrella asked with a smirk.
Parasoul rolled her eyes at the sarcasm and stroked Harry's back. "I'm only going to watch movies with my child. It's quite the bonding experience, I must say." Umbrella grinned cheekily.
"Annie, I'm guessing?"
Parasoul crossed her legs as she sipped the last of her coffee, "I'll have you know that Harry enjoyed it very much, and since I'm being encouraged to take the day off we decided to continue from where we left off." Umbrella chuckled as she held Harry close.
"Watching cartoons on a Saturday morning, reminds me of the good old days when I was a kid." Parasoul smiled at her sister.
"You are more than welcome to join us if you wish to, Umbrella."
Umbrella shrugged. "Eh, can't. At least not right away. Still got work to do. Gotta learn this stuff sf I'm gonna take the throne someday. But hey... Maybe later on I'll catch up and join with you guys. Not too big on the show anyway, no skin off my teeth if I miss a few episodes.
Parasoul shook her head with a chuckle, "To think the day would come that you would act responsibly, and by your own initiative as well." Umbrella just childishly stuck her tongue at her sister before they both broke down in giggles. "And there's the Umbrella I know and love."
Umbrella sighed. "Yeah, I know it's time for me to step up and put more effort in... You're a mom now... You already had to juggle raising me with running the kingdom, and because you had so much to do, we were so distant for so long... I could live with you needing to work a lot of the time, but Harry... He needs you. He needs to spend time with his mom... If he's gonna heal, he needs to be with you as much as possible."
Parasoul smiled before walking over to hug her sister, "I'm so proud of you, Umbrella, always have been always will be. However, don't think that you have to shoulder everything by yourself, that's a mistake I made early on and one I still regret. If you ever come across something that you or Adam don't know how to handle, feel free to come get me, ok?"
"Yeah, yeah. Just... just go enjoy being with the little guy before I decide to steal him again." Umbrella ordered. Parasoul laughed and hugger her son close again.
"C'mon Harry, let's see the movie." She said sweetly, and Harry smiled up at her.
"Okay mama! Bye Aunt Umbrella!" He said, with the most energy either woman had seen thus far, and to the both of them, it was a great thing to see. Parasoul felt a surge of energy in her heart and she playfully kissed her son as they walked, making him quietly giggle and try to hug her to the best of his tiny ability.
Umbrella sighed before looking at her coffee cup as they left. "Might want to get a to go cup while I'm here..."
She didn't particularly like coffee, but the caffeine gave her a nice, energetic, peppy feeling that kept her motivated and ready. She exhaled through her nose. 'I hope Harry can move past this mess...' She thought to herself.
It wasn't hard to tell that the kid was going to be dealing with what those monsters had done to him for a long time. She had been terrified of them being in the same building as him even with them behind reinforced steel bars in a cell meant to hold some of the stronger feral types like gorilla and even elephant. "On top of that we still haven't learned what the investigation turned up at their house in Britain."
Then she remembered that that information was due to come later today. She grimaced. She'd be the one to receive it... And Parasoul could wait until after her nice, relaxing day with Harry to learn it. She didn't wanna spoil it with what was bound to be bad news that would probably reduce her ever strong sister to tears.
Meanwhile Parasoul was cuddling Harry as she made her way back to the TV set, "Ready to continue where we left off sweetie?" Harry nodded his head with a huge grin on his face, he really wanted to know what happened next with Annie and her friends, but he couldn't say it in the hallway. He promised his mommy not to tell anyone about the tapes.
Sarry nodded and snuggled closer to his mama, enjoying her warmth and comfort. She kept him safe, she made him feel loved, and Harry loved her right back! Starting the tape, the familiar blue screen and static appeared, then the tape picked up where it left off with the familiar theme. It was by a band whose name she forgot, aside from the shorthand, 'ELO', and they honestly had written what she could only describe as one of the happiest songs anyone has ever heard.
As the two watched their show, there was something building between them, and neither one knew how to explain it. But the bond between them was growing stronger, more deep and neither one wanted to do anything to try and change that. Playing with his hair, Parasoul smiled at her son, who seemed enthralled with what was happening in the show.
The next episode of Annie, which was a filler, unfortunately, played.
As far as filler went, it certainly wasn't the worst, several guest stars from previous episodes made a return to celebrate Annie's birthday with a surprise party and they had to prevent her from finding out. Beowulf was in charge of distracting her while the others prepared for the celebration. There was even a few good chuckles when they failed to bake a cake and it practically exploded all over the kitchen.
Harry had giggled at the sight, and Parasoul's heart was warmed at the adorable sound. She silently observed his reactions to the show, relishing in his clear delight in everything that happened onscreen. It seemed to give him... hope.
It made sense to her, actually. Harry's whole life had been fear and pain. No one showed him kindness, no one showed him a better way to live, he never had that 'hero' that many children found in their parents. Now, while he did have her, and it was clear he thought the world of her, he was branching out somewhat, timidly seeing what the world had to offer that wasn't just pain and anguish. He saw someone he wanted to be like, someone who gave him hope that at the end of the day, things would turn out okay.
It was a relief for her that he could even feel hope after all he had been through. After all the abuse that had left him little more than skin and bones, and afraid of seemingly everything... She shook her head lightly to free herself of such thoughts, there was a time and a place to confront such issues but for now it was time to properly bond with her son.
She then began to think and realized she didn't know when Harry's birthday was. That was vital information for a mother to know, so she asked. "Harry, dear... When is your birthday?" Harry flinched so hard at the question she feared he may have whiplash.
She paused the tv with one hand while the other pulled Harry into a hug. She rubbed circles on his back and gently rubbed his head as he trembled lightly. "Harry, remember that you can always talk to me, is there something wrong...? Does it have to do with them?"
Harry still didn't respond, and that was the answer she needed. Harry's whole life had been pain and abuse, why should one day be any different? If anything, it was probably much worse than any of the other days.
"They hurt me a lot... and my mommy and daddy died..." Harry finally got out. "That's what my birthday is, right? Another day where I'm punished for being a freak? That my mommy is gone?"
'Okay, I was not expecting that.' Parasoul blinked, steeling herself and hugging Harry tightly for a moment. "Oh, Harry. It's alright dear. It's alright."
Harry whimpered and buried his face into her chest. "They... They always got angrier than usual on my birthday... That's the day the... the beatings get worse than they were before... They wanted to make sure I never had a happy birthday because they said I shouldn't have been born at all..."
Parasoul's smile became a bit strained as she tightened her hold on Harry, 'Maybe I should have given that lard ball a beating after all...' Meanwhile, she kissed then top of Harry's head.
"Then I'll just have to make your next birthday extra special. Along with every single one after that."
She was already making the plans for his birthday. Her sister always got big, elaborate parties until she insisted she was too old for petting zoos and bounce houses, but she felt Harry would very much appreciate such luxuries.
But this time, maybe for the first one, just her and him, as well as the others. Maybe call a few of her friends together to introduce Harry to them? That might work, or it might be a stressful enough day as it was for him. Maybe Umbrella would be the best one to talk to on this.
"Don't worry sweetie, mama's got you." Parasoul cooed, now deciding that comfort was what he needed.
She would definitely give him a good birthday. The one problem would be how to secretly bring it all into the palace without the vultures parked outside catching wind of it. Harry was nowhere near recovered enough that she felt comfortable publicly announcing his adoption. Thankfully his adoption papers were sealed for the time being so they weren't part of the public record just yet, so currently no one outside of the palace even knew he existed.
She shook her head. "As I asked, what day is it on?" He told her. She was relieved that it was not until Summer, and it was only late October. She looked at the falling leaves outside the window for a moment and smiled softly before replaying the cartoon.
The entire time until they decided to break for lunch, she kept Harry in a hug with his head tucked under her chin. She had found another issue that she would need to help him work through, but at least she had a good nine months to help him with it. 'Maybe a smaller party to start with for his next birthday then?'
In actuality, a number of not 'issues' but things that needed consideration had been coming to her attention over the past few days. Looking past Harry's abuse and trauma, there was the question of him making friends, and she couldn't remain in her castle all day everyday, so sooner or later she'd have to go about her duties. The question being did she bring Harry with her or not? If she did, the world would know about him, if she didn't, he'd probably just be lonely until she got back.
Add to that, sooner or later, he'd need to have some sort of education, so she'd need to figure how that would be done.
She sighed internally. Motherhood was so very complicated. Thankfully she was well prepared fr it... Looking down at Harry, she saw he was more at ease.
She was repulsed to realize Harry feared his own birthday. It was supposed to be a special time of year for any child. And those filthy pigs in human clothing had the absolute gall to ruin it for such an innocent little boy.
She was honestly considering passing along this newest revelation into the depths of Harry's abuse along to the investigating detectives. While the evidence made the trial a foregone conclusion, it never hurt to add another reason to throw that fiend into a pit and leave him to rot. After all, any criminal convicted of crimes related to children didn't tend to last very long outside of protective custody.
She exhaled through her nose and focused on the present for now, moving to get her son fed before they watched more of the show. She made her way to the dining hall, and as she predicted, a meal awaited them, the staff knowing her schedule very well.
She wordlessly sat down in her usual seat, letting Harry rest on her lap, and set to feeding her son. He came first, she could eat later. Parasoul noted with interest that Harry seemed to be looking with great interest at the foods, she assumed it had to do with the way he was denied said food, but there also seemed something almost, analytical about it.
"Are you enjoying your meal sweetie?" She asked as Harry finished another forkful. He looked up and nodded with a smile.
Lunch was a bit on the lighter side, with sandwiches waiting for the both of them. Chicken salad for her and ham and cheese for Harry, with a jug of lemonade for the two of them to share. With a smile, she cuddled Harry closer in her lap and fed him another bite.
She noted that his sandwiches were cut into the shapes of lightning bolts and chuckled softly that her staff took the time to model the boy's sandwiches in a fun little shape for him. They really did love to go the extra mile for her.
It occurred to her she didn't know where the scar that most likely inspired these sandwiches came from, but she also figured that right now wasn't the best time to ask that question. If she had to guess, he either got it when his parents tragically died, or his 'family' gave it to him. Despite her best efforts, it didn't seem to be going away anytime soon, as the doctors had noted that while a lot of his body was healing, that one wound wasn't.
She fed Harry the last of his sandwich before reaching for her own, only to turn to the door as Umbrella dragged herself to the table.
"Uuuuuuuugh... Siiiis, your job is so boriiiiiing..." She groaned before planting her face into the table. Parasoul sighed.
"Yes, I am well aware. I have been doing it since I was nine you know."
"No wonder you're no fun... this job sucked it out of you..." Umbrella muttered, and Parasoul narrowed her eyes. Her sister didn't appear to be joking, much rather, she seemed to be completely serious in her statement.
"Hey, just because I don't want to destroy the castle every week doesn't mean I'm not fun." She said defensively.
"No, it just means you're not willing to have fun, you're not opposed to it, you just don't like it."
"Nothing you just said made sense."
Umbrella stuck out her tongue in a bratty manner. Parasoul just stared blankly at her. "Are you five, dear sister?"
"No you." Was Umbrella's extremely witty retort. Parasoul shook her head and rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Goodness me, you are such a handful..." The redhead princess muttered softly. Umbrella just giggled in response.
"You don't think so, do you sweetie?" Umbrella asked, looking to Harry.
"That's not fair..." Parasoul muttered.
"I don't think so." Harry said innocently, not fully understanding what the argument going on was about. Umbrella looked proudly to her older sister, who had the most betrayed look on her face.
"Well, Harry is still a child himself... Of course, he is also far more mature than you are." Parasoul said, rolling her eyes.
"Hmph!" Umbrella huffed, sticking her nose in the air. "You're just jealous cuz I'm the fun one and you're not."
"I have lots of fun with mommy." Harry protested lightly. "She does everything to keep me happy and let me have a fun time."
"Sure, but you've never had fun with me before." Umbrella shrugged, and Parasoul's eyes widened in genuine terror.
"That's not happening." She said flatly, cutting her sister off. "There's not a chance in the kingdom-"
"Oh, yes there is. You're gonna have to go back to work sooner or later..."
"Brella, WHY do you do this?"
"Does it annoy you?" The younger woman asked.
"Yes."
"That's why."
"Just don't do anything dangerous with him. I don't want you hurting or embarrassing him like you did to me so many, many, MANY times."
"Aww,, I'd never do that to my sweet widdle nephew! Besides, it's only funny when you get mad." Parasoul's eye twitched.
"Umbrella..."
"Okay, fine." Umbrella sighed, seemingly wearing out of making her sister's life so much harder than it needed to be. Harry just laughed a little, a sound which lifted the Princess' spirits immediately as she squeezed her son and gave him a kiss on the head.
"if she ever tries anything dangerous, you let me know, okay sweetie?" Parasoul cooed.
"Okay mama."
The family of three ate their lunch in a comfortable silence, all parties involved feeling a sense of contentment.
After lunch, Parasoul rose with Harry in her arms. "Come now, sweetie... Annie is waiting for us." She said with a mirthful tone.
"Yay, Annie!" Harry cheered softly.
Parasoul smiled and cast a quick glance around, noting that (thankfully) no one seemed to hear them. She returned to her room and seated herself back on her bed, pulling the blanket back over the pair. She smiled as she slid her arms through the arm sleeves in the blanket and wrapped up her son once more. She returned to the show and their day was pretty much set. They kept watching the show for another few hours, Harry entranced the entire time with the story and world shown in the series, and Parasoul wondered if someday Harry would grow up to do some type of creative work.
Sure, he may end up having to run the kingdom, but hey... even royalty could have little passion projects on the side.
And she'd certainly be there to support whatever he decided to do.
Harry remained under the blanket, wrapped in his mothers' arms, content where he was, feeling like this was the greatest feeling there could ever be. He was warm, safe, loved, what more did he need?
Meanwhile, and despite the fact that they knew it would end badly if they were caught again, the group of friends were back at it with their poker games.
"Raise five." Molly stated, then looked around. "So... you guys thought about what I suggested?"
"Call." Adam replied, then looked up. "What? The small party for the kid? Like I said, I think it's a good idea, but Mama Parasoul might not appreciate it."
Roxie nodded. "Yeah... Really should get her permission first. Last time we did something unauthorized, she made us clean out all the bathrooms in the whole damn castle."
"Yes, men's rooms are most unsanitary." Panzerfaust agreed. "Panzerfaust had to use own toothbrush to clean tiles."
"No one told you to use your toothbrush, Panzerfaust." Adam said flatly.
"What?"
"...never mind." Adam muttered. "Besides, not sure how the kid would react. He nearly seemed to have a heart attack when he met Molly."
"Well, there's the fact that he was clearly abused, that probably played a factor in that."
The group fell silent at that. "Geez those people were a couple of sickos..." Roxie muttered. "I mean, my god, this is a freaking kid..."
"Yeah, well, we all know there are messed up people in the world." Adam replied with a frustrated expression on his face.
"Too right, unfortunately..." Roxie said, shaking her head.
"And besides, I think Umbrella is giving him enough affection for everyone in the kingdom."
"Yeah, probably. I think the idea is a good one, but we shouldn't do it as a surprise. The kid probably wouldn't know how to handle it, and that would probably just really piss off the Princess."
"I'd joke that you seem afraid of her, but yeah. I've seen her angry, that's not something to make fun of." Adam remarked.
"Tch... Too right. I swear that woman gets possessed by a demon every time she gets really mad." Roxie muttered.
"Is terrifying even to me. I still have nightmares to this day." Panzerfaust agreed. Molly just trembled slightly.
"Still, it was your fault she got so angry." Adam nodded, looking to Roxie.
"Yeah, I-HEY!" Roxie snapped, nodding in agreement then realizing she had been insulted. This was both an insult and a ploy by Adam to get a glance at her cards, now knowing what to do with his next hand.
As he took his winnings from Roxie, he sighed through his nose. "Either way, we need to find a way for everyone to be happy..."
"As long as it's a little party with people he knows, it should be okay, right?" Molly asked.
"Yes, yes! Nothing like time with friends to celebrate happy times, yes?" Panzerfaust agreed.
"Pretty much." Roxie concluded. "But still, we need to run this past Parasoul, otherwise this might end badly for us."
"Like this hand..." Panzerfaust grumbled, tossing his cards onto the center of the table in disgust, having lost his third hand.
"In all seriousness though, did any of you ever expect Parasoul to be a mom? Adoption or, any other way?" Adam asked, and everyone paused, thinking it over.
"Honestly? No." Roxie frowned. "Umbrella? Definitely. I think if Parasoul didn't take the kid in, she would've."
"Yeah, that kid would have put on weight from all the junk food Umbrella would feed him." Molly chuckled in amusement.
"Heh. It's for the best that the responsible sibling took him in." Roxie agreed. "And honestly, from what I've seen, she is a damn good mom."
"She seems to be the only person he doesn't have a panic attack around, but then again, that could just as easily be due to her being the only one he's imprinted on."
"Also true."
"Regardless, I'm a bit disappointed it took s this long to shut down that trafficking ring. It's been there how long?! And none of us found it?!" Adam muttered bitterly.
"They cover tracks well, comrade. Sometimes it cannot be helped." Panzerfaust said softly. Adam sighed.
"It just seems that there's always more Medici to worry about... Even after we brought them down, their followers are always there..."
"Yeah, well, all we can do is bust 'em as we find 'em." Roxie pitched in. "They'll all get it eventually. Can't hide forever."
Everyone nodded, returning to their game. Back above, Parasoul smiled as she was lying on her back, holding Harry above her, making him giggle as she did so. She pulled him close, then tickled his ribs, making him laugh his gentle little laugh, and look up to her with his wide, adoring eyes. It made Parasoul feel like she was doing the right thing thus far.
Yes... The right thing was to keep Harry happy and smiling... To make him feel safe and at ease. To make sure he felt loved.
She laid back and kept him cuddled close to her chest, sighing softly as she stared up at the ceiling
"It's been quite the interesting past couple of days, hasn't it, Harry?" The little boy nodded his head in agreement.
"I don't mean to upset you, but I feel the need to ask as your mother, are you alright?" Parasoul finally asked, and when she saw Harry's confused face, she elaborated: "With everything that you've been through, and all the massive changes happening to you, how are you doing?"
"Uh, it's kinda scary." Harry slowly admitted, and when Parasoul's eyes widened, he thought he had done something wrong.
"Oh, sorry, you've done nothing wrong love." Parasoul re-assured him. "It's fine to be frightened after everything you've been through."
"But I'm also happy. You make me happy."
A warm smile graced her features when she heard that, and she kissed his cheek gently. "Good, good... I'm glad to hear it..."
"You take really good care of me and you let me have food and you watch movies and play with me and... I feel safe with you..."
Parasoul tightened her hold on him. "As you should... It would be devastating if you couldn't feel safe in your own home..."
She suddenly realized what she said, and thought about the fact that he had felt unsafe in his own home. Well, that changed now. Okay, technically it changed two days ago, but that was beside the point. Now he was safe, now he was secure, and now he'd have the life he was deprived of.
She smiled and they decided to finish the last few episodes they had, but Parasoul wondered what to do after. She didn't exactly want to go out and socialize, but maybe if she met with some of her friends in a more... discrete location? It was a possibility.
She nodded her head, content with that decision, then turned on the next episode, the one where Annie saved Christmas.
"Wow. Being Santa looks really hard." Harry said softly as Annie dodged a fireball while steering Santa's sleigh.
"Indeed, especially on top of being Annie." Parasoul chuckled.
She checked her phone, seeing the fifth or sixth message from Umbrella reading 'Ur job sux', How do u do this?!' and so on. Parasoul laughed and set her phone down, returning to watching the show with her son, the two enjoying their safe embrace. Parasoul wondered what this Christmas would be like for Harry, it'd certainly be interesting, that was for sure.
She was already considering what sorts of presents she would get for him. Lots of toys to be sure, and books as well...
Wait, would he find this overwhelming? She did not wish to stress him out by pushing too much onto him all at once.
And still, it was three or four months away, so she had time to help him get aquatinted to everything else until then. But she didn't expect him to be completely normal by Christmas, it could take years. But however long it took, she'd be there the entire way.
"So, what would you like to do after this?" She asked.
Harry blinked. "Um... I dunno... I don't know a lot of stuff to do..." He replied softly. Parasoul sighed softly and rubbed his head. Of course he didn't... What did those evil people ever let him do aside from unfair amounts of chores and lying beat down in a cupboard all his life?
"Well... I'll think of something fun..." She promised softly, smiling sadly
She sat on the end of her bed, before her phone buzzed. She picked it up, but it wasn't Umbrella this time. It was Nadia.
'Hey' The message read. 'Heard about the slave thing, u ok?'
'I will be' Parasoul answered honestly, still a little shook up about the sheer depravity of it all. 'But it's stopped, that's all that matters'
She was still baffled that she was even friends with Nadia. The woman was a known criminal, a shameless thief.
Yet she was not malicious, and used her earnings for a very good cause.
She never had the heart to arrest the cat feral. No matter how much she convinced herself she had to, she couldn't deny that she had heart.
But... she also forgot how Nadia got her number. She'd ask, but most likely she wouldn't get an answer.
'Seriously. Things got crazy down here.' Another message read. 'The whole place is caving in... it's pretty satisfying to watch... oh, I'm leaving BTW, I was gonna say bye or somethin, but... yeah. Thnx 4 not arresting me. Keep cleaning this place up, it needs it'
It was hard to tell if that last remark was a jab at her and her ability to rule her kingdom, or Nadia's way of being nice.
Either way, she really wasn't in the mood to make a fuss over it. She would much rather focus on spending time with her son.
She had to wonder though... Just why did Nadia turn down an offer to join the egrets? She would have clearance to help stand against the evils of the kingdom without having to resort to petty criminal activity like thievery and street brawls.
But then, she was a lot like Guz in a way... She was a lone wolf that wanted to do things her own way. Like her gang once did.
And if she recalled correctly, she was all that remained of her gang. The rest had been killed. By the Medicis...
"Mama?" Harry asked, tugging on her sleeve. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm fine honey." Parasoul smiled, kissing Harry on the nose playfully.
He giggled softly, relishing in any affectionate gesture he could get. Parasoul smiled before laying back. "I was just thinking about a friend of mine that decided to go away for a while... She's a bit restless in her home and she wants to see more out of life. And since I'm helping, she finally has that chance."
"Oooh. So you helped your friend go on vacation, mama?" Harry asked.
Parasoul giggled. "You could say that. Yes." She replies, her tone full of mirth.
Harry didn't seem to pick up on that, and Parasoul wasn't surprised. Groaning, she stood up, needing to stretch her legs, even if it was just for a minute, before she returned to-
"Wow. We've gotten through most of this." She blinked, seeing how many tapes they had powered through. "What time is-" She noticed that the sun hadn't set, but was on the other side of the castle by now. "Well, that answers that."
She looked at the clock and saw that it was almost time for dinner. As if on cue, both of their stomachs grumbled loudly and they blushed in embarrassment. "Hmm... Come on, hun. Time to go and eat."
"Okay mama." Harry replied as Parasoul carried him out of the room to the dining hall, smelling the alluring aroma of their dinner for the night. Harry smelled it too, and he smiled brightly, eager to get a taste of it.
When they were seated at the table, Umbrella walked in, not saying a word. She sat down in her seat and seemed to be staring off at something a million miles away.
"Auntie Umbrella?" Harry asked, seeming concerned.
"Umrella? Are you well?" Parasoul asked when her sister didn't reply. This wasn't like her, and it occured to Parasoul that she had probably been broken after all the work today. Looking down at her son, she gently put him on her lap, and he tried his best to hug her.
"I just sat there with the pen. And I wrote. And I wrote. And when I was done writing, I wrote. Writing, writing, writing, all day, every day, 24/7/365... My hand's cramped... Oh it's so cramped..."
"Mama? Is auntie Umbrella broken?" Harry asked worriedly.
"It...would appear that way, dearie..." Parasoul confirmed softly, patting his head. "See, Umvrella? This is what I have had to deal with almost my entire life." Umbrella looked at her older sister with an expression that could only be described as understanding and remorse.
"...How...how are you alive?"
"I ask myself that quite frequently if I'm honest..." Parasoul sighed, shaking her head. Umbrella felt the weight in her lap and her arms wrapped around Harry, pulling him into a warm hug.
"I need his hugs." Umbrella said as if this was a matter of national security. "And I need them. Now.
Parasoul rolled her eyes, but didn't fight her.
Umbrella cuddled Harry close, resting her chin atop his head, seemingly rejuvenating all of her energy as she began to hum merrily to him, swaying her body back and forth lightly as a means of entertaining him.
Harry giggled softly and snuggled in close to his auntie, clutching at her raincoat with his tiny fists.
"Okay, I feel better now." Umbrella nodded, but didn't let go of Harry.
"Can I have my son back?" Parasoul asked flatly.
"Uh, I don't think I'm THAT better yet." Umbrella remarked, and Parasoul blinked, trying to process what she just heard her sister say.
"That better...what? Did you hear yourself?" She asked, then saw Umbrella wasn't listening, but was more focused on hugging her son close and trying to make him laugh.
The elder princess sighed in exasperation and rested her hand on her cheek.
"Honestly, what am I going to do with you?" She said in fond annoyance.
"If I had a nickle for every time I heard you say that, I'd have enough money to buy out all the neighbouring kingdoms and still have plenty left over."
"Indeed you would, Umbrella, darling little sister of mine. Indeed you would." Parasoul said flatly, rolling her eyes. Umbrella pouted and rested her chin on Harry's head, puffing her cheeks out slightly.
Harry was just enjoying the feeling of being held, despite having been held by his mama all day, he liked being held by his auntie as well. He smiled up at his mama, and Parasoul felt a smile form on her face. She couldn't be annoyed at that little face. It was too precious and sweet.
"Still, the little one needs to eat." Parasoul remarked, motioning back to her seat, and frowned when Umbrella didn't move.
"Okay, I can feed him."
Parasoul planted her face into the table and groaned in exasperation. "You are such a pain!" She groused.
"It's..it's okay mama. I didn't meant to hurt you." Harry said, afraid he had upset his mother. Umbrella kissed his cheek and laughed.
"Don't worry sweetie pie, she's just being her usual, overdramatic self. She's fine!" The younger, chipper princess said with a smile, seeming much more like herself than she was five minutes ago, which only seemed to annoy Parasoul more.
"Whyyy..."
Umbrella pouted. "Come on, sis, you can afford to share Harry for a little while! Don't be greedy!" She groused, resting her chin atop the boy's head.
"Oh? And pray tell, dear sister, exactly when do you plan on returning my son to me?" Parasoul asked with a quirked brow. Umbrella looked up at the ceiling, seeming to consider the question, before giving Parasoul a toothy grin.
"When I'm good and ready!"
Knowing there wasn't going ot be any reasoning with her sister, and knowing her sister HAD worked the entire day, Parasoul sighed in defeat, letting her sister have her son for the time being. Umbrella grinned and kissed Harry again, making him laugh more, which only made the princess smile more.
"C'mon sweetie, let's eat!" She said, sitting down again and holding Harry close as she got some food for the two of them, with Parasoul watching with a small bit of jealously.
She shrugged and focused on her own meal, taking small dainty bites as she watched her child and sister's interactions. It was really quite sweet, she would admit, that they got along so splendidly. Truth be told, ahe was worried her sister's hyperactive nature would be a bit too much for Harry. But in a way, it kind of complimented him.
It brought him out of his shell just a little bit. He wasn't forced out of his comfort zone, but rather very gently coaxed out by her sister's enthusiastic love for him.
She loved both of them, so much. They were her family, and they were her world. Nodding in appreciation, Parasoul focused on her meal, occasionally hearing Umbrella or Harry giggle or laugh. She knew that on some days when she had to work ,she could rely on her sister to watch her son, and neither one of them would have any issue with it, they seemed to have a strong bond already.
It made sense, Umbrella was always kind to children younger than herself. She herself would often play the older sister role when having a playdate with younger children back when she was a little girl. So her bond with Harry was just the logical progression of things. Smiling to herself, she finished her food, then sat back and watched them.
Umbrella had tucked Harry into the crook of her arm and was playfully tickling his chin. Harry's demeanour seemed to be so much happier than even yesterday, and it only seemed like things would gradually be getting better. He clearly had a long road ahead of him, but right now, this was the best she could hope for.
"So, do you wanna go see the garden again?" Umbrella asked.
"Okay!" Harry said excitedly.
Parasoul smiled as she assumed they two were still playing, but when she looked up, they were gone.
"Hey!"
She rose to her feet with a huff and began to search for them. "Honestly, Umbrella, you could have at least told me where you were going..." She mumbled under her breath, clearly annoyed with her sister's brattiness. She combed the entire palace trying to find her sister's whereabouts. When she didn't find her, she reasoned that she must be in the garden.
Making her way outside, she saw her sister and child running around.
Exhaling softly, she leaned against the railing and watched from the deck.
It was apparent that they were playing a game of tag. Umbrella was going easy on Harry.
"You're it, Auntie Umbrella!"
Parasoul felt her annoyance fade away, she couldn't be upset with her son, not when he seemed so happy. Umbrella? Totally, in fact, it sometimes seemed like when her sister was happy, that meant Parasoul was going to be annoyed with her. But this time, the two of them were just playing a game together, and Harry truly seemed happy. He tried to run, but Umbrella grabbed him and hugged him close, signalling he was now 'it'. Admittedly, she could've let him run a bit more, but she liked hugging him, and had made the rule that tag was now 'Hug Tag'.
The bemused Parasoul took a seat in one of the deck chairs and watched with a small smile as they played. This was what Harry's childhood was supposed to be like. Not constant pain, fear and despairl but smiling and laughing with people he cared about. With every time he and Umbrella caught one another, she heard his joyful laughter, saw the way his face lit up, and she felt warm and fuzzy just watching. Sure, he had imprinted on her far more than her younger sister, but Umbrella was clearly vitally important in coaxing him out of his shell. Her enthusiasm was just... so good for Harry.
Umbrella noticed her sister watching and gave her a wide grin as she held Harry close and then kissed his head.
"I guess you want him back?" She asked.
"Yes." Parasoul said simply.
"Well... I don't wanna." Umbrella said, turning her back to her sister, holding Harry closer to her chest. After a few moments, she felt something tug on her shirt.
"Auntie Umbrella? I...I wanna be with mama."
Umbrella pouted. "Aww, but I'm so much fun though..." She whined softly. Harry looked up at her and gave her the best puppy eyes he could.
And honestly? He gave some unfairly good puppy eyes.
Too good in fact. They almost gave Umbrella a heart attack.
"Aww... Okay..." The young princess conceded as she reluctantly approached her sister on the deck and made to hand Harry back...
Only to not let go when Parasoul tried to take him.
"Really?" Parasoul asked. "Are you sure you're not five?"
"You're really asking that?" Umbrella asked sarcastically. Parasoul blinked, realizing what she had just asked, and already knowing the answer to it.
"Fine."
"Also look how happy he is!" Umbrella cooed, looking down at Harry, and when Parasoul looked down, she understood what her sister was getting at. Harry was currently held between the sisters, enjoying the double-hug.
The elder princess exhaled through her nostrils and gave her sister an annoyed look.
"You'll have to let go eventually, dear sister." She said flatly. Umbrella simply stuck out her tongue in a petualant manner.
"Nuh-uh!"
Parasoul's eye twitched in mild irritation. "Sister..." She groaned. Umbrella just giggled and kissed Harry's head, which prompted him to let out a giggle, which in turn prompted Parasoul to giggle softly herself.
Finally, Umbrella did let go, and Harry rested his head against his mother's chest. Parasoul let a warm smile overtake her as she gave him a gentle squeeze.
"Well, I'm happy to see you enjoying yourself little one." She cooed, bouncing him in her arms slightly. Harry clutched to her shirt and looked up at her, a small smile on his face. "Come, let's enjoy the rest of the day." She walked deeper into the garden, eventually finding one of the benches and sitting down with Harry on her lap. As the Princess cast a glance out over the kingdom, she got to wondering, would Harry ever want to go back to England? Certainly not to live, but maybe on vacation one day?
It really was a beautiful country, even if it was a bit on the rainy side. She had been meaning to take a trip there for quite a while now, and having a child from England was a perfect excuae.
She looked down at her son. Her tiny, damaged son that didn't even come up to her knee when he stood at her side. He looked so small sitting in her lap... It was like she was holding one of those little baby dolls you bought at a cheap toy store... Seeing how tiny he was... It just brought out her maternal instincts at full force every time she looked at him. She wanted to wrap him up and keep him safe... But more than that, she wanted to just cuddle him and smother his cute little face in a shower of kisses.
For now, she settled on hugging him close and resting her cheek on top of his head. Thankfully, after his bath all the grime and filth was cleaned out of his hair, and now it had a pitch-black colour with a bit of a sheen to it that Parasoul liked, although she couldn't quite say why. Still, she didn't need a reason to love her son, and if she did, he gave her more than she knew what do to with. He truly had been a gift, he had made her life so much better... and she had never even considered adoption before. She never thought much about being a mother, and now? She couldn't believe she hadn't up until now.
She had thought she'd had her fill of motherhood after Umbrella turned eighteen, but there was just something so much... better about having her own child. Not a little sister that she was forced to step up for due to the unforeseen deaths of their mother and father, but a little one that she actually made the conscious decision to bring into her life. She certainly loved her sister, very very much, but Umbrella was her sister. They had a strong bond... But there was truly no bond that could ever match the bond between a mother and her child, as she was experiencing firsthand. It was just a wonderful feeling...
Harry seemed to think so as well, as he tried his best once more to hug Parasoul, his tiny arms only making it partway around her waist. That was entirely due to his size, not hers mind you. But it was still an adorable gesture. The princess smiled and hugged him in response, before finally deciding they needed to do... something, together.
She thought about something they could do that would be fun for both of them before getting an idea. "Harry, dear... Have you ever heard of croquet?" She asked. Harry looked up at her with a tilted head. He had heard the name of the game... Parasoul smiled. "We have time for a quick game. I can show you how to play if you'd like."
"Okay." He said with a smile. Parasoul nodded and carried him over to a small field, setting him down and leaving for a moment to get what was needed to play. She returned and handed him a mallet, which he looked at with curiosity and confusion.
"All right, the object of the game is to hit the balls through the gates." She explained.
"Um... Those little things there?" Harry asked, pointing to the field. Parasoul nodded, then decided to give him a demonstration. Taking her mallet, she stood by one of the balls, then gave it a light yet firm wack with the mallet, watching proudly as it went.
She managed to get the ball through three gates on the first try, and she nodded in satiafaction.
Harry blinked, then tried to copy her movement. He missed the ball on his first two tries, but on the third, he managed to hit it. The ball went through the first three gates... and kept going. Somehow, it managed to clear the first five, which shouldn't have been possible! But she had just witnessed it. Even if she didn't have the slightest idea how it happened.
She blinked owlishly as Harry completed the course in just that one swing. "Well then. It would appear that you've won, Harry." She said softly. Harry blinked and tilted his head, wondering if he did it right. Parasoul sensed this and patted his head. "No worries, dear. You've done very well. I'd say you're a croquet professional in fact." She said lightheartedly with a wink.
"Oh. Okay." Harry said, still clearly confused as to what just happened. Parasoul bit her lip then decided they should try again. This time, she hit her ball through two gates... while Harry somehow got four. He looked up innocently at her, clearly not knowing how he was doing this, and almost seemed afraid he was doing something wrong.
Parasoul considered the possibility that his magic was responsible for his easy victory. She chuckled softly and picked Harry up, hugging him close and nuzzling his face gently before pressing her forehead against his. "Well, it seems you're quite the little champion at this game. Are you certain you've never played before?" She joked lightly.
Harry just shook his head and looked back up to her, still clearly nervous he had done something wrong. Parasoul laughed gently and hugged him close.
"Don't feel bad about it sweetie, it's just a game." She cooed softly. Her words seemed to do the trick as Harry smiled and snuggled closer.
She chuckled softly at how cuddly he was before setting him back down. "Well then, perhaps a game of lawn darts would be more interesting."
Harry frowned slightly at that. "We used to have lawn darts back at their house... They threw them at me all the time..."
Parasoul felt her heart crack once again as more of her son's abuse came to the surface. She plucked him from the ground once more and hugged him tightly to try and console him.
"I'm sorry love." she said quietly. "But that will never happen here."
"I know mama, thank you." Harry said in his sweet little voice.
She kissed his head again, then carried him off to the nearby shed to collect the lawn darts. "Now then... How about I show you how to play the game properly?" Harry nodded his head eagerly before frowning slightly.
"But won't that put holes in the garden...?"
"Well, no. We're using the lawn, not the garden."
"Oh, okay." Harry nodded after thinking about it for a second. Parasoul smiled and made her way to part of the castle grounds that weren't overgrown with flowers and fauna. She looked around to make sure that no one would be passing by and therefore no one would be hurt. Once she was certain that everything was fine, she retrieved the darts and handed one to Harry.
"Now, do be careful when you throw them... I don't want you to stick yourself with it by mistake... Do you see those markers on the ground?" Harry looked over, noticed the colourful circles and nodded his head. "You have to throw the dart and get it in one of those circles. The farther away the circle, the more points you get from the throw. Do you understand?" Harry nodded once again. It seemed simple enough,
He tried throwing it, and ended up scoring ten points. Parasoul tried, and scored twenty. Harry seemed to be thinking something over, as if there were more complex rules he didn't understand. Eventually he managed to throw the dart somewhat further, and Parasoul smiled down at him, seeing the effort he was putting into it.
Very good, Harry, you learn so fast." She praised, patting her son's head fondly, causing him to smile happily. He really did love it when his adoptive mother praised him. It made him feel like he was worth something. Smiling, he took his other dart and carefully threw it, aiming for the same circle his mother had hit. He fell short just a few circles.
He was disappointed that he wasn't as good as his mother, but she was quick to reassure him that there was nothing wrong with it, and he was much smaller than she was, so he shouldn't blame himself for that. Their game continued for a few more rounds, Harry gradually getting better at throwing the dart, but usually falling short of Parasoul's.
Parasoul smiled and picked him up after it became clear that she had won. "It's all right, dear. I've trained for this kind of thing. I'm an expert marksman, second only to my designated sniper, Juju. Ah. You'll meet her someday...:" The young princess smiled warmly. "You still played very well for such a little boy. One day you'll be on my skill level."
Harry nodded with a smile, believing his mother's word. She hadn't lied to him yet, and everything she said was nice and true, so why would this be any different?
A few more rounds passed, and eventually the pair decided that the lawn deserved a break from darts being thrown into it. Picking him up once more, Parasoul walked over to a balcony, just enjoying the view with her son in her arms.
Harry looked out at the large yard before him in amazement. It was so surreal that this was his yard... His home...
Not long ago, he was nothing but a slave, first in the metaphorical sense, then more recently the literal sense. But now? Now he was a prince... With a loving, attentive mother, an equally loving aunt, and everything he had wanted since he was old enough to have coherent thought.
There truly was nothing else he wanted, his mama's warm embrace was all he wanted. This didn't go unnoticed by Parasoul, who smiled sadly at him, seeing what could be considered desperation to break free from his past, and how her presence seemed to help with that. He shouldn't have to live like this... he should be a happy little boy, running around playing and laughing, but instead he was left broken and terrifed.
And it was all thanks to THOSE people... She clenched a fist slightly at the thought of them, hatred slowly welling up within her before she squashed it down. No, now was not the right time for such things. Right now was time to spend with her child. Time to make sure he felt the love, happiness and safety he deserved. Then she looked over at the clock inside. "Hmm... It's almosy bedtime... Come along, dear, let's get you ready for bed."
"Aww..." Harry mumbled, having enjoyed spending time with his mama. His tiny voice made Parasoul giggle slightly and nuzzle the top of his head.
"Don't worry sweetie, I'll be with you still. But you're a growing boy, you need your rest."
"Kay mama." Harry nodded, looking around as she carried him back to her room.
She first stopped at the bathroom. Before she could tuck him in for bed, she would need to give him a bath, as was the nightly ritual for Umbrella.
Filling the tub up with nice warm water, she rolled up her sleeves and picked Harry up.
Much to her liking, he did not flinch when he touched the water. He trusted her not to burn him.
Soon, she was scrubbing him down once more, her stomach not churning at the sight of blood and filth washing off of him, but it did slightly churn at the sight of his scars. There weren't many, but the fact he had ANY were an issue. Still, she figured she could find some cream to try and help them fade eventually. Right now, Harry seemed happy, which was more than enough for her.
She finished scrubbjng him off, then gave him the same bath toys from the night prior, which he played witb eagerly, much to her delight. Watching Harry play was a very heart-melting sight. He was so cute and happy. And he had quite the impressive imagination to boot. Currently the sailing ship, the rubber ducky and the toy octopus were in a three way debate on why they should be president of the universe.
Parasoul sat by the bathtub, occasionally playing with her son's hair, letting him enjoy himself, letting him warm up and move away from the horrific events in his life. She was there in case he needed anything, and she would always be there for him. About thirty minutes later, Harry was clean, and clearly growing tired. Parasoul smiled and wrapped him up in a towel, drying him off and setting him on the bed so she could get his pajamas.
She pulled out a different pair of pajamas. Umbrella had picked out multiple themed onesies that she thought would look adorable on him, so she picked one out. She chose a panda onesie and held it out for him to see. "Let's just get you changed, hun..." She whispered before dressing him for bed. When she saw how he looked in the onesie, her heart melted. "You...look absolutely adorable in those pajamas." She said simply, smiling warmly.
Harry looked up with a smile and reached up, asking for a hug. Paraosul hugged him tightly and kissed his head before setting him back on the bed, making him whine slightly.
"I'll be back in a minute, sweetie." She said softly, and Harry nodded in understanding.
Parasoul left and got changed and ready for bed, reflecting on their day. Things were odd in a way, she had a day off and her sister was doing all the work? Usually it was the other way around, Umbrella...
...was currently in her bed holding her son close. Again.
Parasoul stared blankly at her sister for several seconds. "Umbrella, go to bed." Umbrella gave her a cheeky grin.
"I am in bed." She said simply.
"To YOUR bed, Umbrella."
"Okay." Umbrella shrugged, leaving the room. Parasoul sighed and rubbed her eyes before realizing something.
"Without my son!" She called after her sister.
"No!" Umbrella called back.
"Are... are you REALLY going to do this?! NOW!?" Parasoul called, exasperated. Down below, some of the Egrets looked up at the shouting.
"So... what's going on?" Adam finally asked.
"I think Umbrella stole Harry again." Molly answered.
"Huh. That's gonna be something we're going to have to deal with a lot, isn't it?" Adam asked after a moment's contemplation.
"Both princess love little Harry very much. Will result in much argument." Panzerfaust said with a nod, amusement in his tone.
"Think they'll start a fight over it?"
BOOM!
"That was one of Krieg's bullets, and it came from the sparring arena. They're already dueling for Harry." Adam chuckled.
"Parasoul wins as always, right?" Roxie asked.
Cut to the sparring arena, where Parasoul was still standing as Umbrella was stuck headfirst in the opposite wall, pushing against it with her feet and shaking her butt about in an attempt to free herself.
"Good. Night." Parasoul said sternly, leaving her sister in a humiliating position for the caretakers to find while cleaning up the aftermath of their fight.
"MMMmmph!" Came muffled yell of protest.
"Can't hear you, don't care!"
"MMrggphh!"
"No, you stole my son! You started this, you're on your own!" Parasoul called with finality as she shut the doors behind her. Sighing deeply, she looked down to see Harry looking up at her with confusion and a little bit of embarrassed fear which quickly melted away as Parasoul picked him up. "Don't worry hon, she'll be okay... probably... eventually."
She looked back at the room with a light smirk and chuckled softly. "Honestly, it's been like this since she was eleven..."
"Since she was a kid?"
"Yes. She always wanted to spar with me. She wanted to get stronger."
"Oh."
"She also told me never to hold back on her." She explained as she carried him back to their shared bedroom. "She wanted to prove herself to me. And while she has gotten better over the years, her lack of discipline is a downfall of hers."
"Um... Was she always getting stuck in the wall like that...? Even when she was littler...?" Harry asked softly.
"Not always the wall." Parasoul remarked, thinking back to some of their earlier fights. "Sometimes it was the floor, a few times it was a door..." As they walked back to her room, Parasoul recounted some of her sisters' attempts to fight her... and how badly they all ended. "...through the window into the pool, through the window into the garden, and I don't remember HOW, but she ended up through the roof one time."
"Did she get stronger?" Harry innocently asked. Parasoul looked down at him and smiled sheepishly.
"Slowly but surely, she's nowhere near as strong as me though."
"Do I have to fight you?"
Parasoul looked down at him with a deep frown and shook her head. "No... No, of course not, Harry... I would never force you to fight me. Umbrella only fought me because she wanted to. It was her choice."
"Okay... Good... I don't wanna get stuck in a wall... Snow is bad already."
"...Dare I ask?"
"Um... Uncle Vernon and Dudley thought it was funny to throw me in the snow... I got stuck like auntie Umbrella a lot." He admitted, looking crestfallen at the unpleasant memories.
"Oh, you poor dear." She muttered, re-adjusting him and nuzzling the top of his head. She didn't want to admit to it, and she knew she would have to keep Umbrella from telling him, but she and snow didn't have the best track record either. She swore there was some cosmic force or pair of omnipotent beings above who purposely threw her into snow whenever there was even the smallest amount, as if in an attempt to flip off a rude guest reviewer. She had no idea WHY this happened, but it was like putting a lemur near a banana and expecting it not to eat it. It was going to happen whether she liked it or not.
'Thankfully it's only fall...' She thought to herself.
Shaking her head, she tightened her hold on her son and carried him back to her room. Thankfully this new memory seemed to be less traumatic than the rest, as he spoke of it like it was the minor annoyance it really was. Still, it added further fuel to the raging inferno that was her fury at the Dursleys... They not only physically hurt him and emotionally destroyed him, they took great pleasure in humiliating him as well. It took Parasoul several seconds to process that Harry was still talking to her, telling her of various times he had been tormented with the cold white hell that was snow.
"...And one time they made a snowman, but instead of using a little snowball for a head, they used me... They put me in headfirst and put a hat on me, then left me there... Then I think they hit a tree, because a big pile of snow fell on me while I was still in the snowman..."
Parasoul wished she had more to say, but there was only some many ways 'I promise you won't be hurt here' could be said. For now, she just held him close, letting him get all his fears and anxieties out of his little system, letting him unravel after the hell he had gone through. At this point, this was probably the healthiest thing she could do for him, and it was the best way for him to get his pain out so he could start the long journey of overcoming it.
"Let's... go to bed now. I'll tell you a story before we go to sleep. Would you like that?" She whispered gently. Harry looked up at her and nodded his head with a soft smile. She loved looking at that adorable little smile. It made her want to just smother his sweet little face in an ocean of kisses. She settled for a few quick pecks on the forehead and both cheeks for the time being and made her way back to her room. She was not going to tell a story from a book. She was going to tell a story about her.
"Several years ago, I found myself in a fight unlike any I had ever seen before. The kingdom was under the influence of a creature known as the Skull Girl. In a sense, she was a wicked witch who would grant a woman's dream... but also would turn it against them. I knew what this could mean for my people, so I set out to stop her. Along the way I met many people who I now am happy to call my friends, there was a girl who had living hair, and..."
Harry listened to the story intently, fascinated by all the cool people his mother was friends with. A girl with talking hair, a circus performer with a muscly hat, a cartoon girl, a kitty lady who could take her head, arms and legs off, a girl with a giant wheel in her back, a nurse lady, a zombie girl, a big man with musical instruments for weapons, a wrestler, a magical girl, and more. It was such a cool story! "Wow... You have really cool friends, mommy. Will... Will I ever meet them...?" Harry asked softly.
"Most likely. I think more than a few of them would like you very much." Parasoul said with a smile, adjusting Harry so he was snuggled close to her chest as she lay down and decided it was time for bed. Harry nuzzled down and fell asleep quickly, Parasoul remaining awake to ensure he didn't have any nightmares for the time being. When she was confident he was sleeping peacefully, she wrapped him up in her arms and let herself drift into slumber.