Jasmine was worried what her employers would say if she returned home with two more babes. Luckily, the orphanage had a place where abandoned children could be left by women who felt they could not let it be known they had given up a child, for whatever reason. Even luckier, the orphanage was on the edge of town, so Jasmine would avoid being seen with the babies by anyone other than the guards at the gate. Jasmine discretely placed the babies, still asleep, in the box for abandoned children, rang the bell, and sprinted away. From a distance, she could see the woman who ran the orphanage retrieve the babies.
She let out a sigh of relief. If the orphanage could not find a wet nurse other than her, she would be asked to provide her services. But for now, she had done her duty and not inconvenienced her already very understanding employers. Jasmine gathered herself and resumed the walk home, acting as though nothing had happened. As she walked, she passed the post office, and had the idea to send a letter to Anya. Anya was no doubt worried, after all.
When Jasmine arrived home, she made a beeline for Patricia to ask for a piece of paper and something to write with. Simon would question how well she could read and write, but Patricia, who knew she was royal, though not what kind of royal, would not. Patricia was more than happy to provide what Jasmine needed.
Jasmine retreated to the nursery, where she sent Penelope away. Then, while she nursed Pyotr, she began to write her letter to Anya.
“Dear Anya,
“I hope this letter finds you well. The necklace gift you gave me has allowed me to survive events I otherwise would not have, though when we meet again, I will look far different, after what I have been through. I write to let you know I lived through the upheaval and chaos that separated us, as well as to announce I have found a way to visit you. I expect to be at your door within the next month, though it may be two. The roads are poor and I do not have the easy transport I used to. I look forward to seeing your lovely face and features once more.
“Yours Truly
“Jasmine”
Jasmine wanted to sign the letter with her true name of Jasper, but despite attempting to write that name, “Jasmine” came instead. She sighed. Anya’s enchantment was truly thorough in that she could not say nor write her real name. Hopefully, the coded language she had used in the letter would allow for Anya to know who had sent the message.
Pyotr had finished nursing, so Jasmine put him in the crib and went downstairs. Patricia informed her that she needed the wet nurse to run some errands for her. Jasmine was more than happy to comply. She bundled Bry in a sling and went to run the errands, as well as drop off the letter with the post. She crossed her fingers and sent up a small prayer as she handed it over.
Jasmine took her time doing the rest of the errands. Bry was in fine spirits, giggling and babbling at everything they saw. After how much the babe had cried from teething, Jasmine wanted to relish in her daughter’s happiness as long as she could.
Eventually, however, she had to return home. When she did, she was surprised by who was waiting for her there.