「Evening. Canossa Castle, Tuscan Duchy.」
Matilda, having just returned from Lucca, entered Canossa Castle and proceeded to her chambers. After bathing with the help of her handmaidens, she changed into a white nightgown. She had intended to rest, but paused by her bed, slipped her shoes back on, and left her room. She then went to her mother Beatrice's chambers.
Her daughter with Eric, Beatrice, was currently in her mother's care.
She opened the door and glanced toward the cradle by the bed, where her mother was amusing the child.
As she approached, she saw her daughter in the cradle, tiny hands and feet waving in the air. The baby babbled, not with agitation, but as if testing her own voice and stretching her little limbs.
She stood awkwardly beside the cradle for a long moment, feeling she ought to do something, before finally poking the baby's chin gently with her forefinger.
The baby gurgled, turned her head, and then suddenly burst into tears.
