Thanks so much for your input from the last chapter with ideas. I would still be happy to hear more, as well as more constructive criticism (I'm not going to stop asking). To answer a question Daniel is not the father, this story starts 1-2 years after Regina's marriage to the King. Regina just named her after him in honor of his memory (and possibly because of that dream she was having).
I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
"I can take her from here" said a young woman dressed in plain garbs and a white smock.
"And who are you?" asked Regina, holding her daughter closer to her.
"The nurse" The young woman responded.
"Nurse?" Regina was for some reason puzzled by this response.
"Yes, I can take Danielle from here; it will give you some time to rest" Answered the nurse reassuringly.
"I am fine, you may go." Regina said dismissively.
"But…."
"Your services are not required. I can care of her."
"But your majesty…when will you sleep? When will you rest?"
"What is your name?"
"Bridget" The woman answered, surprised at what seemed like a strange turn in the conversation.
"Bridget, have you cared for a child before?" Regina asked, already knowing the answer. They would not send an inexperienced nurse to care for a princess.
"Yes your majesty."
"And when did you sleep when you cared for them?" Regina asked.
"Well when the children slept."
"Then I will sleep when she sleeps, and care for her always." Bridget looked at her astounded. "Bridget, you may go. I will call for you if your services are needed."
The young woman gave a small curtsy and left. A bit more rattled than when she came in, she had never had an experience like that with a new mother before. She was so busy looking at her feet that she did not notice Cora entering the room with a confident stride and a vase full of flowers in her hands.
"Watch where you are walking!" Cora said loudly, her voice stopping Bridget in her path before she made the mistake of running into the Queen's mother.
"I'm so sorry please excuse me." Bridget said quickly, before hurrying around Cora and out of the room.
"Well who was that?" Cora asked as she set down the vase on a table in the center of the room.
"That was Bridget." Regina answered matter of factly, "what are those for?"
"I thought it could help to bring some color to this place."
Regina looked around and had to agree. The bouquet of yellow flowers certainly did brighten up the place. Except for the deep purple of her bedspread and forest green of the rug covering a large portion of the floor the room was mainly grey. The color of the stone that so sturdily build the room and that elegantly curved around itself but none the less was devoid of color and life.
"Yes, thank you they are lovely." Regina answered.
"Now who is Bridget?" Cora asked again.
"Oh yes Bridget…she is the nurse." Regina answered before diverting her attention to Danielle who was now stirring in her arms.
"That woman is meant to take care of a child?" Cora asked.
"Mother, I am sure that she is more than capable" Regina interrupted, for some reason she felt compelled to defend the woman.
"Well if she is so capable, why was she leaving?"
"Danielle doesn't need a nurse, she has me, and I will care for her."
"Oh my dear" Cora responded in a condescending tone, "you're not expected to do all of that, the nurse is to help."
"And why do I need help?" Regina asked.
"You need to rest" Cora said quite firmly, a hint of concern peeking through her voice. Regina looked at her confused by her mother's sudden change in tone. "The midwives talked to me about the delivery Regina, you almost died."
"They are exaggerating it was just…"
"Midwives don't lie Regina, they may have toned down the truth to keep you calm but you very well could have died earlier today and I can't have that. So please rest, if you won't let Danielle…we'll talk about the name later…have a nurse then give her to me, I will look after her for a little while."
"Fine...she can have a nurse."
"Regina…please." Cora said in a tone that bordered on desperation; she didn't want to be locked out of her granddaughter's life and could feel it happening. Regina couldn't remember the last time her mother ever told her please.
"For now the two of you can watch her together, could you go and get Bridget please."
Cora turned and headed out of the door and returned shortly later with Bridget who seemed ever more nervous than she had when she had left.
"Bridget, I have decided that I would like some rest and that you can watch Danielle for now. My mother would like some time with her granddaughter so she will be with you for some time."
"Yes your majesty" Bridget replied and she moved forward to take Danielle.
Regina handed her over slowly, watching her the whole time. "And Bridget, please do call me Regina, if you are going to be caring for my child you can at least call me by my name."
