The nursery was alive with sunlight and the faint scent of flowers from the windowsill. Today wasn't just any day—it was my first birthday in this new life.
I wobbled slightly on my tiny legs, testing my newfound ability to walk. One careful step… then another. A small smile formed on my lips, and I looked up at Lilian, who knelt nearby, watching me with a proud but cautious expression.
"You're doing wonderfully, my lady," Lilian said softly. "Be careful, don't rush."
I blinked rapidly, mentally noting her concern. I know, Lilian. I'm perfectly capable… for a baby, I thought dryly. Although wobbly legs do make it more entertaining for the spectators.
Nolan bounced nearby, grinning. "Ariya! Look! You can walk!"
I blinked at him and tried speaking. "Agh… go… ball!" The words were halting, broken, but they carried my meaning. My small voice sounded odd even to me, but it worked.
Nolan clapped excitedly. "Yes! You're talking too! I taught you right!"
I giggled inwardly. Oh, you have no idea how many words I could actually say if I could just open my mouth properly. Patience, Ariya… let them enjoy the illusion.
From the far side of the room, the Duke stood silently, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. He didn't approach, didn't speak, only observed with calculated attention. I could feel his presence, the weight of his gaze, but I ignored it, focusing on balancing on my unsteady legs and interacting with Nolan.
Lilian noticed my awareness. "Remember, my lady," she whispered, "the Duke watches, but he does not intervene. Continue as if nothing is unusual."
I blinked rapidly, flexing my tiny fingers. Not unusual… yes, I can play this part. Walk, talk, play… all while they think I'm just a harmless little child.
Nolan handed me a soft toy. "Here, Ariya! Catch!"
I stumbled slightly, catching it in my tiny hands, feeling a spark of restrained power brush my mind. The bracelet tugged gently at my wrist, reminding me that I wasn't allowed to use it fully yet. I blinked rapidly, adjusting my grip without letting any hint of my abilities show.
"Good job, Ariya!" Nolan cheered. "You're the best sister ever!"
I blinked at him, suppressing a smirk. Best sister… amusing. Little lord, you have no idea what I'm truly capable of—but enjoy your praise while you can.
The Duke remained at the edge of the room, silent and calculating. His eyes never left me, noting the subtle shift in my stance as I steadied myself, the faint shimmer of power that tried to escape but was contained by the bracelet.
He's watching… analyzing every detail, I thought. Let him. I already know what I'm doing. I'm in control… for now.
Lilian clapped softly as I took a few more wobbly steps toward Nolan. "Well done, my lady. You're stronger than I expected."
I blinked, carefully choosing my words. "Th…ank…you, Lilian," I said, haltingly, though my mind was already calculating my next movements, my next steps, and how to test the limits of the bracelet without anyone noticing.
The day continued with laughter, cake, and cautious play. For the first time, I felt a little taste of normalcy—walking, talking, interacting—while my mind remained sharp, aware of every detail, every potential threat.
They see a baby… but inside, I am still twenty-three. And when the time comes… they will realize just how wrong they were to underestimate me.