‘Now, what to do? I was basically given a clean slate with a cheat. My knowledge is intact.’

His ability to recover from shock and find a silver lining in any situation has been one of his most useful assets throughout his life. Still this new situation needed some thorough planning

‘Now, the first step in this situation is to understand more about my surroundings. First let’s gather as much information about this place as I can. Second I need to get this body up and running, as I am a baby it will take at least 7 or 8 months before my legs are able to move me around, that will help with information gathering as well.’’ (Henry)

As his eyesight improved he could now understand his surroundings better. The man who would pick him up in the mornings was quite dashing, with deep blue eyes and a brownish beard. His voice was always filled with love and affection, but Henry could also see that the man had a sharp look in his eyes. A look of a predator, but never when he was looking at his baby. The second person Henry could now see was his mother. She was a beautiful woman with shoulder length blonde hair and light blue eyes that were as deep as the sea.

‘Both of them are beautiful and seem to be strong. I hope I received their good genes.’ (Henry)

***

A few days later his parents danced happily around his crib to celebrate his 4 months Henry could finally say that his hearing was fully developed.

‘Finally, the broken up information I got in the last 4 months was painful to piece together, now I can finally just listen and soak in what the people are saying.’

“Henry, are you awake? Dad is here to get you. Let's hurry up and go to mommy, we don’t ever want to keep a lady waiting my son, it’s bad manners.” (Henry’s father)

As they walked through the corridor to his parents’ room Henry was once more in awe. The corridor was filled with magnificent paintings and there were weapons on the walls that looked like works of art. Henry’s hand reached out towards a part of the wall which was decorated with two swords. His eyes were glued to them, they were splendid. His father seemed pleased.

“Hoo, that’s my boy. Don’t worry, soon you will get to play with those.” (Father)

Then as they went a few more steps down the corridor they arrived in front of his parents’ room. When they entered Henry and his father were ambushed by a woman, she jumped at them and hugged them tightly.

“Honey don’t push yourself, you should not be jumping around yet. Rest properly.” (father)

“Oh Al, I was better two months ago, this body is not weak, and even if it were there is no power in this world that can stop me from hugging my two knights, now is there?” (mother)

“My lord, apologies, the lady insisted on ending the resting period and returning to her usual schedule.” (A***)

“Do not worry Anna, I know there is no stopping my wife when she decides on something” (Alfred)

‘So her name was Anna? She must be a maid based on her outfit and the way she speaks. She seems close to my parents as she is the only maid who is here everytime I come in. ’ (Henry)

“Hey Anna, relax. This body of mine is all better, the years of training with the knights paid off in the end.” (mother)

“They sure did my lady Eleonora, but still please keep these types of outbursts of affection behind these doors. You must keep the dignity of nobility before the outside world.” (Anna)

“Yes, yes, yes I know, do not worry. It’s not like I haven’t been trained properly by you, my nanny.” (Eleonora)

“Sometimes I wonder…” (Anna)

Henry was watching this spectacle with wide open eyes. His parents seemed like they were quite rich but he never imagined that they were nobility.

‘If they are nobles, then that means I am as well? This could be quite nice and it seems that at least they won’t force me to be uptight with my inner circle.’

“Who cares what anyone thinks, Eli you just do as you wish. I can never get enough of your affection. But please rest as much as you need to.” (Alfred)

***

After another 3 months have passed two major changes happened. First Henry got his eyes to develop fully, now he could see everything in 3d. The second change was his routine. His parents took him outside for the first time.

“Henry, it's time to go outside, but first we need to get you warm. We don’t want you to catch a cold.” (Eleonora)

“Today my boy we had our first big snowfall. So in our family's old tradition we will start taking you outside, to get that body accustomed to the cold." Alfred said in a proud voice.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Henry's expression hardened. He was never the healthiest of people.

“Look honey, Henry is making a determined face, he must be preparing himself for his first test.” (Alfred)

“Al, Henry is a baby, he is too little to understand what is happening, but I’m sure he will enjoy the fresh air and the scenery.” (Eleonora)

“Yes, let’s not waste time and go enjoy the scenery!” Alfred's excitement could be felt in his voice.

***

Once outside they were greeted by a magnificent scenery. Snow had covered the gardens of their mansion. Servants were running around shoveling snow from the main road which led to the splendid front gate. Trees were covered with hoarfrost and snow. The only problem for Henry was his eyesight. He could not enjoy any of it. His father and mother were enjoying the sight and commenting about which plants to have planted next year.

“Henry, look up, over there is the Broken Ridge mountain range. It marks the border with the neighboring kingdom…” (Alfred)

“Al, honey, Henry can’t see that far, and even if he could, those insects from over the mountain are not something we should trouble him with. He will have enough of them when he grows up.” (Eleonora)

“Ah, you are right Eli. Sorry Henry, daddy did not want to bore you with those cockroaches.” (Alfred)

‘Oh, that was good info, please dad keep on talking. We have some nasty neighbors it seems. I want to know more.’ (Henry)

Henry did his best to convey his feelings to his father through babbling, and it worked, but not in the way he wanted. As both of his parents showed bright smiles and continued to shower their son with praise and love, dropping the lay of the land talk.

***

Henry was getting more and more accustomed to his new life, for the first time in his life he felt love and affection that is born between a child and his parents.

‘Biologically I am their son, there is no mistaking it. Yesterday I saw my face reflected in the mirror, blue eyes like my mothers and my fathers facial features. I hope I end up looking half as good as they do. I must repay their love with the same amount of love and effort and make them proud.’ (Henry)

***

Months flew by and today was Henry’s first birthday. He was seated in a baby chair and before him was a lavish feast. His parents were sitting in their usual seats and he was right beside them. Today was a special day after all. The long awaited heir was celebrating his first birthday.

“Henry my boy happy birthday, enjoy the food and have a great time” (Alfred)

“Yes, happy birthday my son, you sure have grown in this one year, keep up the good work.” Eleonora's eyes were brimming with love and affection as she said those words.

Henry was staring at the feast before him. He has had this type of feast before in this life, ever since his first meal with the family there was never a day in which he did not wonder how many people had to put their efforts into the meals they ate. But today was special after all. This was all for him, his doting parents went even further today, his father who would leave him and Eleonora alone and go to work in his study everyday was not moving away from them today. His mother was, also, even more clingy than usual. All this was too much for Henry, as if a dam broke inside him his emotions spilled out and he burst out crying.

“Quick Al, what is wrong with him?” (Eleonora)

“I don’t know, maybe he doesn't like the food? Henry, are you hurt son?” (Alfred)

Henry was shocked by their reaction and by his emotions going wild. He knew he had to do something to ease the situation. He quickly calmed his emotions and stopped his tears, wiping them away with his sleeves.

“Mama” (Henry)

“Huh, Al did you hear? He called me “mama.” (Eleonora)

She was clapping her hands happily while Alfred had a defeated look on his face, even though he put up his smile, it was the same one he put whenever he had to leave the two of them and go to his study. So Henry wanted to do something for him as well.

He pointed at his father and said: “papa”.

A new smile appeared on Alfred’s face, a look of pure bliss.

“Henry, it is your birthday and yet you gave us the best present we could have ever asked for.” (Alfred)

The party continued on until Henry’s body could no longer take it and he fell asleep. He did not remember when Alfred and Eleonora took him up to their room but when he woke up in the night he was sleeping in between the two of them. Once more he felt safe and loved and returned to his dreams.

***

A little over a month has passed since Henry's first birthday. This morning Henry was awaiting his father's morning visit. He had prepared a surprise for him. As Alfred peeked through the door he was greeted by a big surprise. His son was standing inside his crib, holding onto the railing.

"Henry, look at you. Good job my son." (Alfred)

Alfred's lips formed a huge radiant smile and he grabbed Henry into his arms and dashed to his wife. Once he got to the large living room he spotted his wife drinking tea in front of the fireplace. Eleonora was looking at the fire and enjoying its loud cracking. When she noticed her son and husband she quickly turned towards them, but before she could run up to her precious child and husband Alfred stopped her.

"Wait Eli, Henry has something to show you" (Alfred)

He then placed Henry on the floor and urged him to go to his mother. As Henry understood what his father wanted he used his still clumsy legs to lead him towards Eli. When he got a few steps away his legs got tangled and he started falling head first towards the hard wooden floor. Fortunately for him his parents were swift and caught him before he could injure himself.

"Oh Anna, look, our little duke is walking by himself. I don't want him to grow up so fast." Eleonora was proud but at the same time there was a bit of sadness in her voice.

"My lady, children grow up fast, but fear not, he will be your little boy for many more years." (Anna)

"I sure hope so, we need to spoil this little one so much more, at least before he gets into his rebellious phase" (Alfred)

‘I’ve been in that phase once, not looking forward to doing anything like that again. But my brain should be able to control any hormone rush that might come at me.’ (Henry)