* The Jen Network *

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...taken from the Diary of Empress Aberdeen...

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I asked again if Harley was sure. Even if I did adopt him, I reminded her, he could never inherit. I'd had a hard enough time convincing the Cabinet to accept Ty and Sapphire. They'd never accept an adopted Male.

"I'm sure," she'd said. "We can't afford another child. With you he'll be happy. And... and well cared for."

"He will be, Harley," I promised.

Then she asked if she could visit him at times. If nothing else, that convinced me. I said yes and finally took him from her arms. She had tears in her eyes as she thanked me. I hugged her then watched as she turned and headed for her home, leaving me with her infant son.

He's here beside me as I write this, asleep in Ty's old cradle.

My dearest cousin Harley, your mother and my grandmother were sisters. It's merely a twist of fate that our positions aren't reversed. I am sorry that I cannot do more for you than this.

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Updated: 2004.09.20