The light cleared, revealing a babe crying on the ground, wearing only a diaper. Jasmine huffed impatiently. While she was relieved and grateful for Anya’s amulet, it was starting to feel like the amulet could only really do a couple things. Jasmine got up and walked over to the infant. Without really thinking about it, Jasmine unbuttoned the top of her dress and let the infant that had been Lord Lake suckle upon her breast.
While Lord Lake drank eagerly, Jasmine checked the babe’s diaper. She let out a soft laugh. Once again, the amulet had unmanned someone! She smiled at the former Lord Lake.
“Lord no more, little girl,” she cooed. The baby squirmed a bit, but continued to feed. Jasmine began the long walk back to Simon’s house. She was both surprised and proud by how much milk she produced. Though the former Lord Lake was hungry, Jasmine had no doubt she’d be able to satisfy Bry and Pyotr when she returned home.
She arrived at Simon’s home. Simon was outside. He frowned at the sight of Jasmine carrying another babe.
“Where did this one come from?” he asked, rather rudely. Jasmine looked down at the former Lord Lake.
“I found her wailing on the street. She must have been abandoned. I did not want to leave her where she could be harmed,” she lied. Simon’s scowl softened.
“That is fair.” He cleared his throat. “If you wish, you could take her as your own, but you will be responsible for all her needs. If you do not wish to keep her, I will contact the authorities, and they will find a home for her.”
Jasmine watched the former Lord Lake suckle happily. Part of her felt bad about the idea of leaving an old friend to be raised by strangers. But she also wasn’t sure if she felt she could handle three infants at once. Simon raised an eyebrow, expecting an answer.