Chapter 40

Erin’s POV

“Is he asleep?” Alaric asked, referring to our son.

I was holding Cirala in my arms, rocking him to sleep. He was a bit fussy earlier and would not want to be put down and placed on his cot. He had been like this since the day of his presentation. He clung to me more than ever.

Maybe he knew that I would be leaving him temporarily, and this is his way of letting me know the impending separation did not sit well with him.

Since he was born, Cirala never left my sight. I promised myself that I would take care of him myself despite Alaric’s constant reminder that I could ask a slave’s help in tending to my child. I preferred doing it alone.

Alaric, when he has the time, helps, too.

But for most of the day, it is just Cirala and I. It is our bonding time.

I wanted my child to know that he was well cared for by his mother - that he was loved. As the weeks go by, I was amazed by the connection we established between us. Cirala seemed attuned to my thoughts and feelin