"Forgive me, my lady, but the baby has just woken up," she reported with a hint of urgency.
"Mother..." a soft, sleepy voice echoed through the room, capturing everyone's attention.
They turned to see a three-year-old boy, Ethan, rubbing his eyes as he emerged from behind the nursemaid.
"And so is Ethan," she added.
"I'll go tend to the baby first. He must be hungry. Please take over Ethan, my dear," Rachel requested. Her nurturing instincts rose, and she went straight to the nursery without waiting.
"Most definitely," replied Eric unwaveringly.
"Oh, dear, my little Ethan is awake too. We must have been too loud," the knight realised, a touch of guilt in his voice. He walked over to his eldest son, hugging him tightly and lifting him into his arms.
"Father... Ethan... sleepy," the adorable boy mumbled, punctuating his words with a yawn. His resemblance to Eric was striking, melting the hearts of those present.
