Endurance

"A strong boy, Your Graces!" Camilla heard Mistress Guelders shout out from behind her eyelids, over the delighted cries of the other women. She opened her eyes so she could see her new son. He was in the midwife's hands, kicking his little legs and howling in outrage.

Camilla stared up in relief and wonder. It was just as miraculous a sight as when Malcolm had been held up in front of her.

"Another boy." she heard William murmuring beside her. He smiled and kissed her forehead, tucking a knotted strand of hair behind her ear. "A brother for Malcolm. Well done, my darling."

The baby was loosely wrapped in clean cloth and placed in his mother's arms. Camilla looked over him in astonishment, especially the beautiful, bow shaped little mouth.

"Good lord, husband! This is so unfair! Do you think any child I birth will ever have a hope of looking like me?" she exclaimed, trying to catch her breath.