*

When the baby awoke, it was because the wetness between her legs. A wave of shame and surprise followed and she fidgeted at the awful feeling.

She peed on her bed.

When she opened her eyes, she saw nothing but blurry images. A scent of new bedsheets surround her with a faint metallic scent lingering in the air. On her right side, there was a soft sausage-like pillow, probably to avoid her head bumping against her rib.

Now, back to the matter at hand, she peed while asleep.

And she should repeat it must be one of the most awful things in the world. The last time she've done this was when she was probably about 7 or 8 years old in her past life. The horror of knowing it was a dream and therefore she shouldn't take a piss but at the same time not being able to stop doing so, was utterly frustating.

And disgusting.

She didn't really want to cry so she fought hard to ignore the feeling. Instead, she tried to stretch and move her body.

As expected, it was weak. Her whole body was so heavy and felt like a Jell-O. Her motor and fine skill still much undeveloped. Still, she managed to do some flutter kicks, only to stop because then it reminded her of her wet predicament.

Athanasia silently wish someone will come and help her.

A gasp escaped her lips when a hand landed on her chest. The force wasn't really strong enough but in reflex, she tensed and held her breath. When nothing came, she moved to the side and could about make out a chubby face of another child.

For a baby, he has a quite thick mass of bright hair already. Moving closer, she could see the golden lashes of his eyes. Uncomfortable with the warm baby breath coming out of his mouth, she recoiled back but to her surprise, the child's small arms shot out and he rolled on his stomach, butt on air. He looked like he was reaching out to her.

She smiled and let herself giggle.

More relaxed, she entwined their baby fingers and play with them to somewhat improve her control over her body. No matter how small.

She jumped again as a soft voice suddenly vibrated from above them. Eyes wide, Athanasia turned and tried to make out the shadow above her. It spoke in a hushed tone.

A hand touched Athanasia's wet pants and if she could blush, she would because the situation was just too abominable. With a yowl, she kicked at the hand.

"Oh, woah! Woah!... I will help you change your diapers. Do not fret, Princess. Yet, Princess surprisingly has a good kick." Then, there was a small laugh.

She disappeared for a moment then when he appeared, she stick a pacifier into Athanasia's mouth. Athanasia blinked as lithe, dainty hands lifted her up from her bed and carried her to lay her down on another bed. This bed was firmer and smelt like the salty breeze of sea and orange yuzu. She can't help but wrinkled her nose.

The woman who is her maid proceed to change her diapers. Lilian's movements were slow and gentle and Athanasia could feel her anxiety and hesitation as she lifted Athanasia's feet up. Her touch was also a little shaky.

When finished, Athanasia was cradled again but instead of putting her back to her bed, Lilian danced around, crooning. Athanasia cuddled into her warmth with a contented smile. Her tiny hand fisting on the softness of Lilian's maid uniform.

And Athanasia cannot help but love her.

*

To say that being a baby is easy was hard. And to say that it is hard was easy. She was too eager to play, to explore and to run around on her own two feet. But she wasn't in control of her body. Yet. To Athanasia's continuing horror, her bladder still won't listen to her. So, she still pee on her bed every night. Her limbs are also too heavy to carry her own weight. Also, she need to be able to adhere to the normal milestones of a baby.

From what Athanasia's remember, baby starts to crawl at age 7 months or so. But, she really has no idea how old she was.

This was where the other baby who was always beside her come into play. This baby is called Athanasé while she is Athanasia. From these not-so-creative names, Athanasia could tell she have a twin brother which was cool since she always wanted a twin.

It's like having an instant best friend!

Because she hope this baby boy is a REAL baby, she decided to copy his every accomplishments. Athanasé, her new twin brother, will be her life guide until they are old enough.

Their maids, whose names she didn't know yet, always leave them to play with toys by theirselves every day.

They have a lot of shimmering gold things in this place and she couldn't help but to caress and play with it all time and from what it looks like, Athanasé does too.

Overtime, her eyesight grew better and eventually she could see her maids. Specifically, their most kind maid, Lilian.

Lilian's most amazing features is her brown eyes that is so depth and radiating with warmth. Her silky straight brown hair was always in a bun.

But, Athanasia can't help but notice the absence of her father.

And the fact that they had no mother.

Her father was a feared, cold-blooded, merciless psycho who ruled with an iron-fist over the continent.

This place where she and her brother lived was called the Ruby Palace, where the Emperor's concubines originally reside. Or so it was until the day they was born, the Emperor killed everyone in the Ruby Palace.

Their mother, Lady Diana was a dancer from Siodona, invited to the royal banquet. She drew the Emperor's attention and was deflowered by him. But then she was forgotten and her mother had died giving birth to her and her brother.

Since then, the Emperor has casted them aside.

She doesn't really mind as she was an orphan in her previous life. At least, now she have Athanasé. It is better than nothing.

*

The name she got in this life is Athanasia which mean the undying. The same goes to Athanasé.

She remember then she has the name like that ill-fated princess in that romance novel she once read tittled Lovely Princess.

She suppose her mother meant for her and her brother to live long and prosperous in the Emperor's care. Unfortunately, the Athanasia from the novel faces a tragic death at the age of 18 by the hand of her father, the Emperor, no less.

But, she wouldn't worry about that as they never mentioned a twin. It would be impossible to be reincarnated to a novel as if life is some kind of a fiction.

That night, she curled up beside her brother and held his hand throughout the whole night.

To be continue.