Chapter 45 Moving Forward

“Jasmine, please, you're embarrassing me! This is so unnecessary! For the umpteenth time, I can feed myself, so please let me!" Ashina pleaded with her palms clasped like she was in prayer. Even with the pity eyes and pursed lips she had, her maid Jasmine shook her head, not obliging to the Princess's request.
"It feels terrible to say no to you, my Princess, but I'm sorry, no! I can't let you stress yourself even the littlest bit! We just got you back and... and we can't afford to lose you again! You have no idea how much your absence affected us! Me! Just like Princess Leslie ordered, I won't let you strain yourself in any way! I wish I could even chew it for you! Well, since I can't, do just that and nothing else!" Jasmine decreed fiercely, her eyes getting teary. Ashina watched her drama in awe. While it amused her, she saw the pain and fear Jasmine felt. If the maid felt this, she wondered just how badly the others had handled her near demise.
Of course, Ashina could've just snatched the bowl and the spoon off Jasmine's hands, but after her display, Ashina let her be just to satisfy her. The Princess opened her mouth so Jasmine could slip in another spoonful of her meal of oats and berries. Jasmine grinned from ear to ear, glad Ashina no longer wished to fight.