Then one of the cubs waddled toward her.
That was it.
Isabella's heart completely melted.
She lowered herself as much as she could, though the movement was hard now because her stomach made everything more difficult, and the moment the village women saw her trying to bend, they immediately rushed over in panic.
"Goddess Isabella, don't stress yourself."
"Please, we can bring them to you."
"These cubs are too stubborn. You should sit first."
Their worry came out all at once because none of them wanted Isabella straining herself over a few naughty babies. She was carrying children, and everyone in the village already treated that fact like something precious enough to guard with their lives.
Still, Isabella only laughed softly and waved them down.
"It's fine," she said. "I only want to touch them."
The cub reached her boots first.
Then it sniffed.
Then, with the shameless confidence only babies and beasts seemed to have, it rubbed its little face against her wrapped leg.
