Jess woke starving. She wailed at the top of her lungs.
"Okay, okay," said a voice that definitely was not Anya. Jess's eyes widened. Mary was the one picking her up, checking her diaper, and baring a breast to nurse from. Jess couldn't resist her compulsion and latched on to the exposed nipple, sucking hungrily. "We shall have to wean you, little one." Wean her? Why? And where was Anya?
Mary carried Jess downstairs, still nursing the former Prince. Gillian was nursing a newborn infant, presumably born during the night.
"I found a note," Gillian said. She held it out to Mary. Mary read it. "It says the girl felt burdened by her child. She had to leave the girl behind so she could flee without hindrence." Jess was so shocked, she let go of Mary's nipple.
What? Anya would never! ...Would she? Jess reached out to touch the paper. Suddenly, she heard Anya's voice.
"I am too recognizable, even disguised. I had to leave to protect your identity. I am going to my family to get help. We will come back and collect you. Stay safe, my Prince."
"Aw, poor thing," Gillian sighed. She rocked her newborn. "You know, we can always use more hands on the farm."
"You wish to adopt the girl?" Mary asked. She guided Jess back to her breast. Jess latched back on.
"Unless you want her more. Or you think it would be best to take her to an orphanage," Gillian replied. Mary switched Jess to her other breast, clearly thinking.