The morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, illuminating Vera's flawless jade-white face.
Turning to her side, she lazily snuggled herself into Colin's arms, seeming to find security there.
Before she could settle back to sleep, the crying of a baby jolted her awake again.
"I'll go." Vera, restraining her husband who was about to get up, climbed down from the bed and draped on a silver nightgown. Fastening a thin belt around her waist, her fair delicate feet stepped on the sheepskin rug and slowly walked to the nursery next door.
The maid had the crying child in her arms, soothing it. Seeing Vera enter, she promptly curtsied.
Vera took Caesar from the maid, holding him in her arms. She unbuttoned her nightgown and fed her child.
The crying abruptly stopped, replaced by faint suckling sounds.
The aroma of pine amber burning filled the room with a quiet and peaceful ambience.
In a short while, the well-fed little one fell asleep again.
