Hundreds of fireflies carefully perched on the flowers outside the cottage as if anxious to witness the occasion.
The enforcers had done everything in their ability to drive them into hiding. This cottage was the last place of refuge for this baby to arrive into this world.
She bit back the pain that threatened to eat her whole with little luck.
A mighty wail pierced the air as she screamed, grabbing onto the piece of fabric beside her.
"You must push my lady. The baby needs to come now."
Another scream rented the air as she pushed with all her might.
The maid placed a wet cloth on her forehead, cleaning away the perspiration.
"You're doing good. One more go. She's almost here."
The small cry sang through the night, like a welcome song to which there was no stopping.
She heaved, the pain of childbirth finally receding. A small smile crept up her lips as she stretched her hands to Milena.
She was a picture, she thought but it was quickly replaced by something bitter.
Her reddish hair would surely be a dead giveaway but this was no place for a child. She was no smaller than a turnip, Marilyn mused as she collected the baby into her arms, cooing her with sweet nothings that seemed to work.
The crying receded as the child began to make baby noises, nuzzling closer to her breasts.
The little thing gripped to her pinkie finger, as it continued without a care in the world.
She peered outside the cottage, letting the warmth of this star filled night wash over her.
"The stars may appear dim, my little one. But they will show you the way. Follow the light." She said, whispering atop her soft skull.
"My lady." The voice of the maid pierced the private moment, Marilyn raising her head to meet the maid's inquiring gaze.
"We must make preparations to leave soon. My magic would not keep us cloaked for much longer."
"You have done well Agatha." Marilyn said, almost reminiscently.
The child's crying had now been reduced to soft noises that melted her heart. Especially when she thought of what was to come.
For the first time, she allowed herself to see the state she was in. She let the bloody cloth fall to the side of the bed as she carefully cradled the baby in her arms.
"This task is the most challenging of all Agatha." Marilyn said— still drowsy from the loss of blood.
Just then, she heard the horses trotting towards the cottage.
"There is no time to do this right. You must go and keep this child safe. Somebody she will reclaim what is lost."
"But, my lady," Agatha protested but she knew what must be done.
Marilyn watched Agatha wrap her little turnip in secure clothing as she exited the cottage from the back door.
They had prepared for this moment. There was a fresh horse that was all ready to go.
Marilyn watched as Agatha gave her one last nod, before setting off into the night.
The cloaking spell had waned. The enforcers of the kingdom could see her now.
There was no use in fighting. The torch had already been passed and her life force was quickly dying.
She muttered a spell under her breath, and just then, the fireflies began to get restless, surrounding her in a cloak of warm light.
She stared at the sky, uttering one last plea.
"Protect her for me."