Jasmine smiled as she watched Bry and Pyotr play. They were already three, and the best of friends. Patricia and Simon were very interested in the possibility of the two wedding when they came of age. Jasmine wasn’t opposed to the idea, but she wanted to keep her options open until she returned to her proper self. After raising Bry for three years, she knew she would keep the child as her daughter even when she became Jasper again, after all.
The fifteen-month-old sons of Simon and Patricia, Vin and Van, crawled on the nursery room floor, babbling at each other and chewing on toys. Like Bry and Pyotr, Jasmine had nursed the twins. Crying sounded from the only crib that currently had an occupant. Jasmine sighed. She got up from her chair and went to get Simon and Patricia’s fourth child, and thus far only daughter, Jasmina. Jasmina had been named after Jasmine, something that deeply honored her.
Jasmine freed a breast for Jasmina to suckle from. Once the babe had latched on, Jasmine returned to her chair. The past three years, she felt more a cow than a person. When Bry and Pyotr began weaning, Patricia gave birth to the twins. And when the twins began to wean, Jasmina was born. In short, Jasmine had been nursing children for three years now, without a break. At least she was incredibly productive.
Bry giggled loudly, making Jasmine smile. Part of her craved to give Bry a sibling. There had certainly been plenty of suitors who would be happy to help, but Jasmine had turned them all away. Not that they ever properly gave up. Jasmine was considered the ultimate catch in the village, with her flawless features and difficulty in courting. The door to the nursery opened. Jasmine looked over.
“Jasmine, I have most excellent news for you,” said Damon, who had come in. He grinned. “The Master and Mistress say the roads are safe to travel! You can go home!”
Jasmine’s heart leapt into her mouth. She could become Jasper again?
“When should I tell them you want to leave?” asked Damon.
“Tomorrow,” Jasmine blurted out. Damon’s grin broadened.
“I had a feeling you’d say that. I’ll let the Master and Mistress know.” He left. Jasmine’s heart was racing. After three years, she could finally become Prince Jasper again.