"Jasmine, wake," a voice said. Jasmine opened her eyes. The wagon had come to a stop by a stream. Simon sat before her. "Before we get to the next town, I need you to do something."
"What?" Jasmine asked. The baby was still fast asleep, though Jasmine would want to wake her soon to feed. Jasmine's breasts felt incredibly full.
"You need to dye your hair," Simon said, holding out a jar of a thick, black liquid. "That hair color attracts too much attention. I won't have myself and my son be put in danger." Jasmine wanted to protest. Her hair color was a source of pride. But she knew Simon was right. It was too dangerous to be a redhead right now.
Reluctantly, Jasmine took the jar of hair dye from Simon and went to the stream. She rinsed her hair and then applied the dye. Simon, who was holding the babe, spoke while they waited for the dye to set.
"What is your daughter's name?"
"Bry," Jasmine said, blurting out the first female name that came to mind. It was the name of her sister Eileen's favorite mare.
"Bry. A lovely name."
"Thank you."
"Where are you headed?" Simon asked.
"To the home of my...dear friend, Anya."
"Anya? That is an Eastern name. We are headed West." Jasmine didn't respond to what Simon had said. She already knew she was going in the wrong direction. "Well, when we reach the next town, maybe you and Bry can find someone going that way."
"I thought you said the town had fallen to rebels."
"True, true. I suppose you'll have to play it by ear. If worst comes to worst, you and Bry can stay with my family until you decide upon your next move. I truly do have a newborn son, and it would be quite the story to have him suckled by a royal wet nurse."
"...Thank you," Jasmine said softly. She rinsed the dye out of her hair and then dried it. Once her hair was dry, she walked back to the wagon and got on. Simon gave her the child, whom she supposed was now Bry.
Bry was awake and hungry, so Jasmine let her suckle hungrily upon one of her enlarged breasts. Simon joined his son at the head of the wagon and they set off again.