Proserpina

I lay on the bed, listlessly.

I felt Camilla’s eyes on me. She knew that I was feeling upset but I had realised that the big woman with the strong features and the brusque manner, was actually a kind, caring soul.

She came closer, holding my littlest child in her arms.

“Do you want to hold the baby?” she asked, “I know he is your favourite.”

It was untrue, I loved them all equally but I could see it was a clumsy attempt to make me cheerful. I looked up at her, meeting her bright black eyes and smiled.

The smile faltered as I saw the concern in her...