The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

Cinnamon

Wading through the days in, nights out

It's a slow cinnamon summer

Your spell is pulling me under

By Jome

The next day, Camille woken up with a slight feeling of excitement in her stomach, a spark of anticipation for the day ahead. She blinked as she rolled over. As she listened, she heard Celeste's soft laughter coming from Andrew's room. Her heart instinctively raced, a mixture of tenderness and affection for her daughter and... for him.

After quickly preparing herself, she typed, her heart beating a little faster at the mere thought of seeing him. Their relationship hadn't changed, but it had for her, just catching a glimpse of him was enough to make something stir inside her.

She found Andrew on the floor, playing gently with their daughter, who was laughing heartily. He glanced at her and gave her a smile that made her break, but she had no right to.

- Hello, sweetheart,' she said to Celeste, bending down to place a kiss on her forehead.

Celeste babbled happily in return, and Camille couldn't help but smile, her maternal warmth flooding her heart.

- Are you ready for a lovely day? She asked Celeste, laughing slightly.

She had something special planned for Celeste today: introducing her to horses. Camille had always loved these animals, and she wanted to share them with Celeste, even though she was still small. The castle had horses, so this was the perfect opportunity.

After getting Celeste ready for the day, they went down to the kitchen together. Everything seemed calm and normal, a day like any other, but lucky to be in France. Matthew and Diana were already seated at the table, the twins eating, while Margaret, sitting with Nate and Sophie, chatted happily. The atmosphere was warm, with the simplicity she so cherished in their lives, despite the complexities of their relationships and the tensions outside.

They had a leisurely breakfast, discussing the day's plans. Camille's excitement grew at the prospect of showing Celeste the horses. When they had finished, they headed for the stables, which were brand new to their little girl.

When they got close to the horses, Camille felt the excitement sweep over her. Celeste was staring wide-eyed at the large animals, fascinated by their imposing presence. Camille lifted her gently, holding her close as she approached one of the horses, a magnificent palomino with gentle eyes. Celeste stretched out her hand towards the animal, making curious little sounds.

- These are horses,' said Camille in a gentle voice, her heart beating as she watched her daughter discover and experiment.

Andrew went over to help Camille place Celeste gently on the horse's back, staying behind to keep her safe. Celeste gave a little laugh, her eyes shining with happiness, clearly delighted by this new experience. Camille turned to look at Andrew, her eyes capturing a moment of complicity between them.

It was in these moments, with Celeste between them, that everything seemed to return to normal, or at least, almost.

Andrew began to imitate the sound of the horse, making Camille laugh out loud.

- She loves that. He laughed.

Camille nodded, her gaze fixed on Celeste and Andrew. Camille let herself be carried away by the scene: Celeste happy, Andrew right behind, watching over them. It was a perfect moment, simple, almost carefree.

Woken with a start by someone at the door, Camille blinked, trying to shake off the mists of sleep. Andrew was behind the door, worried.

- Celeste has a bit of a fever, I think. She doesn't want her bottle, he said in a strained voice.

Camille sat up, feeling her doctor's instinct take over. She rubbed her eyes briefly and nodded.

- I'll have a look,' she replied calmly.

Taking Celeste in her arms, Camille laid her gently on the bed, taking care not to force the already uncomfortable child. Her gaze met Andrew's, which was clearly on the edge.

- Andrew, would you bring me my treatment kit in the suitcase, please?

He complied quickly, while Camille smiled at Celeste.

- Sweetheart, I'm just going to check a few things,' she whispered to Celeste, who seemed to be grunting in discomfort.

Andrew returned with the kit and placed it on the bed, anxiety still painting his features. Camille gave him a reassuring smile.

- I'll look after her, I promise. There's nothing to worry about.

He nodded, but the tension didn't quite leave his shoulders.

- I know, I trust you completely. It's just me panicking over nothing,' he murmured, his voice a little shaky.

Camille put a soothing hand on his arm.

- Breathe,' she said softly, feeling her own heart speed up. She had to remain professional, but seeing her child like this touched her more than she cared to admit. She began her examination, which showed nothing to worry about, just a slight fever, but the reason was common.

- It's his teeth,' she informed him, relieved. A flare-up. It's uncomfortable, but nothing serious. A low 37.7, nothing to worry about. I'm going to keep a close eye on her, but she's fine. She just needs us to reassure her.

She began to rock Celeste, her cries gradually subsiding. Andrew seemed to be calming down a bit too.

- Shall I give him another bottle?' he asked, still hesitant.

- When was the last time?' asked Camille, continuing to rock the child gently.

- Four hours,' he replied.

- We can wait a bit, she's not dehydrated. I'll take care of it.

Andrew sighed, but the weight of worry didn't seem to leave him.

- I can't sleep knowing that she is... that she's ill, but... I can't,' he confessed.

Camille smiled at him, a soft, comforting smile.

- She has you and me, everything she needs,' she murmured as she continued to cradle their daughter.

Celeste eventually accepted half the bottle, but still refused to sleep. Camille checked the time: five o'clock in the morning. She was clean, not too hot and not too cold. Nothing seemed to explain her refusal to go back to sleep, apart from the slight discomfort of teething.

Camille began to walk slowly around the room, cradling Celeste against her chest and humming a soft melody to try and soothe her. Finally, she felt the little muscles gradually relax.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Camille exchanged glances with Andrew, hoping they hadn't woken anyone. She smiled as Marcus discreetly entered the room.

- Too much noise? asked Camille, a little worried.

- No,' replied Marcus, his gaze settling on Celeste. Is everything alright?

Camille smiled.

- A little rebellion against sleep this morning, she said, shrugging slightly.

- Sorry if we alerted everyone... said Andrew, looking guilty.

Marcus shrugged.

- Don't worry about that. The castle's big. Besides, Celeste isn't a worry.