Yasmine sat by the fireplace in the conservatory, listening to the crackling of the burning wood and looking out the window.
Through the window, across the wide back garden, and aided by the bright yellow light coming from the castle, she could see the people moving in the hall.
It was Christmas Eve. The Shura family was not holding a grand ball. Only a few close family members were having a small gathering at the castle. Xavier was one of them.
Yasmine subconsciously touched her belly; it should have started by now. Would Santa Claus bring her a Christmas present tonight?
In the castle hall, Xavier was also sitting by the fireplace, holding a poetry collection in his hand, but his eyes followed Nelly.
'My dear,' Xavier thought, 'if it turns out that I have wronged you, then I am
