Cassius waited outside of Theanore’s room nervously. It was the dead of night, and he couldn’t sleep. So, he had come here and knocked on the door. And now, he waited.

He didn’t need to wait for long, as Theanore opened the door. She had on a pink onesie pajama with polka dots and her hair was a mess. Cassius had never been happier about seeing anyone.

“Thea, my parents want to replace me.” Said Cassius, going inside. Theanore closed the door behind him. She was holding a plush murder muffin and looked confused.

“I am sure you misheard something, Cassy. The Emperor and the Empress love you very much.” Said Theanore. Cassius turned to her.

“How can you be certain? They are trying for another child. I heard the servants talking.” Said Cassius. He was frowning. Theanore brightened when she heard the news.

“You will have a sibling! I wish I had a sibling. But none of the trees either I or father planted birthed any nymphs.” Said Theanore.

“Thea, what if they love the new child more than me?” Asked Cassius. He had heard of parents abandoning their children when they didn’t love them anymore. Theanore had a whole grotto with such children. What if he was next?

“When Mari came into the grotto, I didn’t want him there.” Said Theanore. Cassius sat down to listen. “He ate my friends and expected me to do the same. I thought back then I can survive off nettle. I still think so.”

Cassius remained silent. If he spoke his thoughts and disagreed with Theanore about the nettle, then she will start a debate about the nutrition value of nettle with him. He was sure.

“But then, he told me he had no home. I welcomed him then. My point is, that even if you are replaced, my grotto will be your home. I don’t need to be a Princess. I thought it would be fun, but you are the only friend who is close to me now. Not only that, but I miss my grotto very much. Cassy, do you think we can arrange a visit? One with Lizzy and Mari?”

Theanore was hugging her murder muffin plushie close to herself and looking hopeful. Cassius looked relieved that Theanore would welcome him at her home if he lost his. He also felt for her for being separated from her friends.

“I will speak with mommy and daddy.” Said Cassius. He yawned. Theanore took his hand and tugged him to the bed.

“Since you woke me up, you owe me a story.” Said Theanore as she laid in the bed. Cassius followed his little nymph and tucked them in.

“Do you want a story about a little girl with a red clock?” Asked Cassius. Theanore nodded and Cassius began to tell her the story of Red Riding Hood. Theanore wanted to befriend the girl, but then Cassius had told her that she was made up.

“So, the wolf didn’t get hurt either?” Asked Theanore. Cassius chuckled.

“No. He is made up too. I read this story in one of grandpa Thinker’s books.” Said Cassius.

“Can you give me the book, Cassy?” Asked Theanore. She snuggled closer to him, and he nuzzled her neck.

“I’d rather tell you the stories myself. Then, we can spend more time together.” Said Cassius. Theanore agreed with him, and they drifted off to sleep. The next morning, they were woken up by loud bells from outside.

The two children walked outside to find what was the commotion, and a happy servant told them.

“Empress Orlena is pregnant. Your Highness, you will have a brother or a sister soon. Oh, happy day.” Said the servant, and he ran to spread the news.

A pit opened up in Cassius’ stomach. This was what he had feared. He squeezed Theanore’s hand gently and headed towards his parent’s chambers. When he entered, the Empress smiled brightly at him and extended her hand towards him.

“Come say something to the baby, Cassius.” She said. Cassius came to her, not letting go of Theanore’s hand. It was almost like he was walking to the gallows. This baby could take his parents away from him.

He placed a hand over his mother’s stomach and a tear fell down his cheek.

“Cassius, what is wrong?” Asked the Empress. Her son looked distraught when he should be happy.

“Cassy thinks that the new baby will replace him and that you will abandon him, mommy.” Said Theanore. Orlena had insisted that Theanore call her mommy after her shame of treating her daughter-in-law badly became too much to bear.

“Oh, Cassius.” Said Emperor Casimir from next to Orlena. “You are our son. We won’t replace you, ever. It is just that we want a bigger family. More friends for you!”

Casimir tried to cheer up his son, but Cassius didn’t believe him. His thoughts went back to the children of the grotto. His tears became bigger and more bitter.

Orlena hugged both children and kissed their heads. She knew just the thing to calm her son.

“Cassius, I have seven siblings. All boys.” Said Orlena. Cassius raised his head to look at his mother.

“I know, mother.” He said, not understanding why she was telling him this.

“And they are all younger than me.” Said Orlena with a gentle smile. “When each one of them was born, I was always happy. Do you know what being an older sibling means?”

Cassius shook his head, but his tears stopped.

“It means you have someone who loves you unconditionally. Not only that, but it means you have someone to protect. A purpose. It is an honor to be an older sibling. A delight to be a good one. Wipe your tears, my son. Go and play with Thea. In nine months, you will have another playmate joining you.” Said Orlena.

“What if the baby doesn’t like me?” Spoke his greatest fear, Cassius. Bigger even than the abandonment.

“Babies like everyone, Cassy. And they are adorable. Come, you have to tell me a story. Or we can visit Old Dany for a knitting lesson!” Said Theanore. Orlena released the two children, and she scooted closer to Casimir. What silly fears a child can have?