The Witch Adopts the Duke's Precious Niece Ch3

 Chapter 3

Soley happily bounced around the house helping Diana clean. She was very excited to have her uncle visit their home. 

"Mom this is the first time we'll have a human guest in our house!" Sooner squealed. 

Diana thought for a moment. Soley was correct. Soley was the only human living in this forest. Nymphs, vampires, even a dragon had visited before but Bedrich Driscoll Von Autumn would be the first human to visit their home. Diana still couldn't shake that his name sounded familiar. 

They met Bedrich at the entrance of the forest. Bedrich stood tall, but fidgeting with the bouquet of flowers. He had arrived early. Very early. He heard many murmurings about Diana. The villagers drawing connections between his looks and Soley's.

It was very embarrassing that the villagers thought he was Soley's father. It did make him wonder who Soley's father was. His sister hadn't mentioned a man's name in any letters she wrote him. Then again, what sister would tell their brother about a secret lover?

What left a bad taste in his mouth was everyone calling Diana a loose woman. There were no shortage of insults about Diana murmured by the villagers. He muled over what he could do for her. He was a Duke, so he could do a lot. But if he did things without asking her first, Diana might become upset with him. Bedrich didn't have many relatives left. Soley was a precious child. His only niece. His parents were too prideful to even look for his sister no matter how much they missed her. 

A part of him wanted to take Soley to his estate to give her anything and everything she wanted. But that plan might have have to separate Soley from Diana, who has been her mom all her life. 

"To separate a mother and child unjustly is the cruelest thing." Bedrich recalled many of Julia's lectures. Maybe he should write them down for Soley.

"Uncle!" Soley tightly hugged his leg. 

"Good afternoon," he beamed at the child. "I brought flowers."

"Those are very pretty!" Soley sniffed the flowers. "They smell nice too!"

"I'm glad they're up to your standards." Bedrich smiled. He wanted to pick her up and carry her. But this was only their second meeting.

"Good afternoon sir. Shall we go?" Diana led the way. Her lavender hair wasn't up in a bun today. It was very long and a contrast from her navy eyes.

"Yes!" Bedrich saluted. 

The girls tried to cover their giggles as he blushed in embarrassment. 

"So why do you live in this forest and not the village?" Bedrich agreed as a way of small talk, but also curiosity.

Diana weighed rather she should tell him she was a witched. Magic was a rare talent in this world but being a witch often put people on edge. 

"Uncle Bedrich," Soley stomped in front of him, her face serious. She held out her hand for a pinky promise. "You have to promise to keep what I'm about to tell you a secret."

Bedrich blinked taking her pinky. "I pinky promise to keep any secrets you tell me between you, your mom, and I."

Soley thought for a moment before nodding in acceptance. "The truth is I can use magic. I can show you one trick!'

Bedrich smiled at the child. "Oh really? I must be the luckiest uncle to have a talented niece."

Soley smiled smugly. Her gold eyes sparkling. "Just watch," she plucked some dandelions and leaves from along the trail. She carefully concentrated on them by holding them in her hands. She slowly lifted her hand off to show little spheres of light. "Ta-da!" She exclaimed.

"They're beautiful!" Bedrich complimented with high enthusiasm. "You're very talented Soley!"!

Soley beamed with pride. 

"Do you have a teacher that teaches you magic?" Bedrich asked excited to hear about what kind of education his niece was getting. 

Soley tilted her head. "What's a teacher?"

Bedrich Driscoll Von Autumn blinked dumbfounded. He quickly recovered. "A teacher is a person who teaches people stuff as a profession. Some tech multiple things. Some focus on one subject like math or history."

"Oh," Soley tilted her head. "I learn, but I don't have a teacher."

Bedrich nodded. "Magic is very hard to learn. Not everyone can do it. How did you learn?"

Soley thought for a moment. 

"1 teach her," Diana stated.

"You also have a knack for magic Miss Diana?" Bedrich smiled in surprise. "You're very talented as well. When did you learn magic?"

Diana shrugged, "Magic comes naturally. After all, I am a witch." She swiped her hand to remove the cloaking spell over the cabin She lived in.

Bedrich blinked several times. "Miss Diana," he smiled nervously. "Please forgive my rudeness, In the future, please do NOT disclose that you're a witch."

"Why?" Soley asked.

"Because some people fear witches due to their natural talents." Bedrich explained to Soley before turning back to Diana, "Those people could try to hurt you. OR worse!" He hissed that Iast part out in worry.

Diana couldn't help but chuckle at that. "You are A very good person." she tried to stop her laughing, "Looks like I won't need to erase your memories after all." She wiped a tear from her eye. "Now come inside for lunch."

Bedrich blushed from embarrassment Before deflating. "At least you have a Backup Plan." He sighed,

Diana bit her lip. she should refrain from telling him the memory wipe is a rock to the Back of the head.

The cabin was small and quaint. Soley took pride in showing her uncle where everything was. From the toilet, the shed of gardening tools, to the Squeaky closet that held the cleaning supplies. Soley happily dragged him by his hand around the area. She told him about the garden and all the Vegetables and herbs growing in it.

"And this," She brought him to a large tree, "Is Mother." She smiled up at him brightly. "Mother, this is your Brother. He came to visit today."

Bedrich stared at the tree as Soley babbled on. It Became a Buzzing in his ears.

She was gone.

He knew that. He had been told that. Went was a part of him still hoping it was a lie? His big sister was gone from this world and there was nothing he could do for her. 

He knelt in front of the tree next to his niece. "Hey Julia." He gave a soft smile. "It's been years. I'm doing well. Your daughter is very sweet. I'm… sorry I couldn't visit sooner."

Diana began preparing lunch while Soley showed Bedrich Driscoll Von Autumn around. Diana still could not place where she had heard his name before. While seeing the drinks on the table, it finally dawned on her. 

"He's a Duke!" Diana dropped the cup of water on the floor.

"Mom, are you okay?" Soley and Bedrich raced into the house upon hearing her screams.

Bedrich hoisted Soley into the air as he saw the broken cup. "Are you injured Miss Diana?" He scanned her hands and feet for injuries. 

"You're a Duke!" Diana stated in shock. 

He paused at her in confusion. He blinked before asking again, "Arey injured anywhere Miss Diana?"

He carefully moved her away from the shattered cup.

Diana signed. Diana sighed. "No." She liked away from him. "I was just shocked to remember that Von Autumn is a ducal house."

Bedrich nodded as he put Soley in Diana's arms. "My apologies for not disclosing that to you. But I wanted to get along well with you both without the awkward formalities."

Diana was too uncomfortable to make eye contact so she simply nodded. His logic made sense. It was common logic in novel like worlds like these. 

She glanced up at the sound of the cup pieces moving. Her jaw dropped at the sight of Bedrich sweeping up the broken cup. 

"You're choice!" She began to stammer. She need to stop him. She couldn't have a Duke sweeping her floor. 

Bedrich stopped and picked Diana up like she weighed nothing. He carefully sat her in a chair. "I assure you, despite my status, I can sweep up a broken cup."

Diana hated the fact he had such a handsome face. It charmed her into biting her tongue. She wanted her heart to stop pounding. 

"There. All clean." He beamed proudly as he threw away the broken pieces. "Now, let's check your feet for injuries," he knelt in front of her.

Diana felt a jolt go through her has his hands made contact with her feet. They had a rough texture that tickled her. She bit her bottom lip trying to calm herself. Soley hugged her tightly, noticing her mom's odd behavior.

Bedrich sighed in relief. "There are no injuries. Thank goodness."

It was at this moment that Diana remembered this novel she had been reincarnated into was an 18+ fantasy romance.

Krissie: I hope you're all enjoying this series!

Tiny Shadow and Amy

September 26, 2022

Sonic stood there staring at the two toddlers staring back at him. "How long is it going to take to fix them?" Sonic pointed at them. 

The finger earned a growl from the tiny black and red hedgehog. The pink hedgehog clung to his arm as she glanced around looking like she would cry at any moment. 

"Okay," Sonic held up his hand as he backed away. "Okay. Mute the growl box buddy." 

The toddler Shadow bared his teeth as he stomped his foot. He then moved into a further corner of the kitchen with a toddler Amy before sitting down with her. 

Sonic thought it was oddly cute. Though he was sure canning Shadow cute would lead to pointy Chaos spears aimed at his face. 

"We're not sure." Aleena stated as she put two plates of food in the table. "Tails, Nicole, and Rotor are looking into it from a science perspective. Merlin is looking into it from a magic one. Hopefully we'll have a answer soon." She smiled at the children. "I made lunch. Do you two want to eat?"

Shadow looked between Aleena and the food as he contemplated it. Amy crawled more behind him as she squeezed his arm. 

"I kind of get Shadow, but Amy has never been so fearful." Aleena bit her lip. "Do you know what's causing it, Sonic?" 

Sonic shrugged. He met Amy on Little Big Planet when she was 8-ish. "Maybe it's because she doesn't know any of the adults here?" Sonic mused. 

Sonic sat on the floor and gave his best big brother smile. "Hey guys, I'm Sonic. What's your name?" When in doubt, meet kids on their level. 

The two stared at him. Tears pricked Amy's eyes as she curled up into Shadow's arm. Shadow, who had opened his mouth to answer, growled instead when he realized Amy was crying. He moved her into his lap and hissed more at Sonic. 

"Hey little guy," Sonic tried to reason with them. "I'm not going to hurt either of you. I just want to help." 

Shadow held Amy closer as he growled louder. 

Rouge walked into the kitchen holding a red chaos emerald. "I found Shadow's chaos emerald," she stated as she entered. She smirked as she took in the sight."I see you're still his least favorite person, Blue."

Sonic sighed. "Yep. And Amy isn't helping me."

"Perhaps you broke her heart one too many times " Rouge teased. 

"UGH!" Sonic threw his head back in frustration.

Rouge chuckled. "At least Shadow is being a good protective friend to Amy."

Sonic rolled his eyes. Sonic had noticed Shadow's crush on Amy a while ago. He pretended not to notice. But it was obvious to everyone when Shadow would arrive to every event Amy invited him to. Sonic felt bad for Shadow since Amy was clueless to his crush. Though Shadow wasn't attempting to woe her. "Shadow's always a good friend, isn't he?"

Shadow walked up to the two, Amy staying in the corner. 

"Hey buddy!" Sonic smiled. "You ready to stop growling?" 

Shadow glared at him before turning to Rouge. He pointed at the red chaos emerald in her hand. "Mine. Can I have back." He ordered.

Rouge shrugged as she handed the emerald over to him. "Just don't do anything dangerous with it, handsome."

Shadow nodded as he took the emerald. He marched back to the corner with Amy. Amy crawled into his lap. Shadow showing her the emerald. 

"Are you two not hungry?" Aleena gestured to the plates on the table. The two just looked at her. "Is there something else you'd like to have for lunch?" Aleena pleaded. The two hadn't yet eaten and toddlers constantly ate. The fact these two were refusing food was concerning. 

"Man, I hope they turn back soon." Sonic sighed. If they wouldn't warm up to his mom who was liked by most people, Sonic wasn't sure what they would do. 

"Chaos control!" Shadow yelled as he and Amy squeezed the red emerald. The two were engulfed in a bright light before disappearing.

Aleena began to panic. "Why is he able to chaos control?! Where'd they'd go?"

Sonic wrapped an arm around his mom as he tried to soothe her. "Don't worry. We'll find them. They can't have gotten far."

"I'll start the search for them." Rouge told Sonic as she left. Sonic nodded as he rubbed his mom's back in an attempt to comfort her. 

Manic was glad he decided on candles. They made the room smell nice, which was the main reason be had chosen them. But the light they emitted danced and played in every surface in a way that he hadn't known he liked until now. He wondered if Maria liked it as he leaned in for another set of kisses. Her breath was warm as it entered his lungs. He could take taste the cocktails she had drunk earlier. He clenched his hand around hers tighter. Everything about this felt right. It felt perfect, which Manic hadn’t felt much in his life was.

A bright flash of light made the two jump. Manic instinctively wrapped a blanket around Maria as she pressed herself against him.

They both stared in confusion as a toddler sized Shadow and Amy stood in their bedroom. Both equally confused. Amy ran up to the bed. She pointed at the blond hedgehog. 

“Maria!” Amy declared with a big smile. She began attempting to climb on the bed as Shadow joined her. “We missed you!” 

“You did?” Maria asked as Manic kept the blanket wrapped around them to cover them. “You were older last time I saw you. What happened?” 

The two kids paused, blinked then shrugged. “The odd lady who kept offering us food said some people were going to turn us back as soon as they found out how.” Shadow stated.

“Was the food good at least?” Maria asked, she needed whatever info she could get.

“Don’t accept food from strangers!” the two chanted, “It’s a rule Maria.” 

Maria chuckled. “It is. Uh…” She wasn’t sure what to do now.

“Hey kids, can we play a game?” Manic injected. The two nodded, waiting for instructions. “Good. It’s called cover your eyes while the adults get dressed game. The rules are very simple.” 

“We close our eyes until you’re dressed!” Amy giggled.

“Very good. If you both win, I’ll make you cookies.” 

“Chocolate?” Shadow tilted his head.

“Any kind you want.” Manic smiled. 

“Yes!” Shadow jumped.

“Alright. Start!” Manic chuckled at Shadow’s excitement. The two children covered their eyes while giggling. “Hurry. Their attention spans are small.” Manic whispered as he hoisted Maria out of the bed. Once her feet hit the floor, she ran to the closet. She pulled out a pair of pajama pants for each of them. Manic pulled out two tshirts. He slipped one over Maria as she was pulling up pants. He held her steady as he helped her put clothes on as he shimmied into the pants Maria gave him. Once Maria wasn’t in danger of tripping, Manic slid the shirt over his quills. The whole action took about two minutes. They checked each other over befosre turning to the kids. 

“Alright!” Manic called, “You two did great!”

“Cookies?” Shadow giggled as he shuffled his feet.

“Yes. And you two can open your eyes.” Manic smiled at the two.

The toddlers cheered as they dance around the room. Shadow paused after a moment and stared at Manic.

“Maria, whothis?” He pointed at Manic as he looked at the blond hedgehog.

“This is Manic.” Maria stated as she began checking them for injuries.

“Is he your husband?” Amy asked sweetly as she circled Manic.

“What makes you think that?” Manic mused as he watched Amy. 

“Because only married couples can be naked in bed together.”

The adults turned a bright red. It was let them believe a lie or have an awkward talk. Neighter wanted to have that talk. 

“Yes.” The two nodded in agreement.

“Congratulations!” Shadow cheered as he stumbled on the word. 

Maria tapped her fingers on the land line as the phone rang. It was still night time in her area, which meant day time in Rouge’s area. She hoped the night life loving bat would be awake. And have some answers.

“Hi Maria,” Rouge answered sounding tired.

“Hello Rouge,” Maria greeted. “I know you’re busy, but um… Shadow and Amy chaos controlled to my house. And they’re toddlers. Do you, by any chance, know why?”

Rouge sighed in relief. “We’ve been looking for those two. We’re not sure what turned them small. They were found earlier today that size wondering in a forest. All the brainiacs are looking for a solution.”

Maria nodded. “Well they’re safe with me. I’ll take care of them until a solution can be found.”

“Do you want me to send someone to give you a hand?” Rouge offered. Sonic wasn’t a good fit, but she was sure she could find someone to give Maria a hand.

“Thanks Rouge.” Maria assured her, “But I can handle two kids. Just keep me posted on that solution.”  They bid each other goodbye before she went to check on the sleeping toddlers. Maria wasn't as confident as she sounded with Rouge. But she was determined to try. 

Manic wondered how his parents handled triplets. Handling Shadow and Amy was a handful. And he was sure these two were better behaved then he and his twins were. Amy wanted to climb everything. Play with every craft she could. Manic was unsure if the carpet would ever be glitter free. 

Shadow was inquisitive. He wanted to know anything and everything. His line of junk food also moment that Shadow was constantly sneaking into the kitchen to eat. It was cute. Though Manic hated the mess left in the kitchen. 

Manic held Amy in a firm grip as he searched the kitchen for ingredients to make a healthy meal for two toddlers. Shadow was on his heels, a string of questions bubbling out after Manic answered one. They had pancake mix, flour, sugar, can peas, box Mac and cheese and spices in the cabinet. Manic noted as he went to the fridge. Oat milk, 3 eggs, two hot dogs, sliced cheese, a cup of yogurt, and some condiments. Manic b posted Shadow's head as he considered the options before him. They would need to go grocery shopping today. But hungry kids plus a store was a bad idea. 

Pancakes or Mac and cheese?

Manic debated as he looked at the children. They had eaten the last of the cereal for breakfast before causing mayhem. But it had been a struggle that they wanted to help cook every meal. 

Manic bent down and picked up Shadow, who giggled and hugged his neck. He put them in their seats at the table. "We're having Mac and cheese for lunch. Then we're going to the store for groceries."

The two nodded as they watched Manic pull out everything he needed. He let the toddlers go ham putting salt in the water before putting the pot on the stove to boil. 

Maria came in wiping sweat from her brow. "I found some kids clothes in the attic. Most of it is for girls though." 

"We also need to go grocery shopping so we'll get both at the same time." Manic strained the can of peas. 

"So what are you making?" Maria gestured to the pot on the stove.

"Mac and cheese," Manic answered. "With peas and hot dogs." 

Maria nodded as she pulled out a butter knife. "I'll do the cutting."

"Can I help?" Shadow asked with big round eyes. 

Maria felt herself faulter. 

"If Maria holds your hands, fine. But only with a butter knife," Manic put the cutting board on the table. 

Maria gulped as they drove up to the store. They had planned this trip. Double, triple checked. Went over it with the toddlers several times so they knew. But seeing the building, Maria felt anxious. What is they broke something? Her mind raced with all the possible chaos Shadow and Amy could cause. Manic held her hand as he parked the RV. They shared a knowing look. He was also anxious and that made her feel better.

Amy dangled her legs in the shopping cart. Shadow refused the cart kiddie seat, so Manic held him firmly. 

"I'll get the clothes with Shadow while you get the food," Manic confirmed before the two split.

"Why do we need clothes?" Shadow asked as Manic held a shirt up to him. 

"Because we don't have enough clothes for toddlers like you to wear." Manic answered.

Shadow nodded before sharing his head at the shirt Manic picked up. "I don't like that dinosaur." 

Manic nodded as he put it back. "What kind of style does our little man want to wear?"

Shadow hummed as he glanced around. He wiggled out of Manic's grasp and walked around looking at the clothes, but staying close to Manic. He paused at a shirt with a motorcycle on it. "I like this!"

Manic chuckled. "I should see about getting you and Amy a bike later."

"Really?! Like that one?" Shadow grinned brightly. 

"Not like that one. Engines and tiny tots like you are a bad mix." Manic stated. "A bike with pedals would be best." Shadow deflated a bit before perking back up.

"Will it look cool?" Shadow smiled.

"The coolest, Shadow." Manic patted Shadow's head. Luckily Shadow stuck close as he picked out clothes. Several ladies cooked and awed as they saw the duo. 

"Are you helping your daddy with the shopping?" An older woman beamed at Shadow. Shadow started at the woman before going to cling to Manic's leg and stare at get from afar. The woman chuckled. "Your son is such a cutie." She complimented Manic before going about her day. 

Shadow watched her leave before looking up at the green hedgehog. "Manic?"

"Yes buddy?" Manic looked down at the shy boy.

"What's a daddy?"

Manic pursed his lips as he picked up the small hedgehog. "A dad is a male parent. A parent….