They both froze, startled.
Zara instinctively pressed herself into Nathaniel's chest, trying to shrink away, making herself as small as she could, her face buried against him.
Nathaniel quickly shifted onto his side, wrapping her tightly in his arms and shielding her bare form with his body. Turning his head, he caught sight of Zane standing at the doorway, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"Zane?" He tugged the blanket higher over them quickly. "What's wrong? Why are you here?"
"I need Mommy," Zane murmured, his voice trembling, as though he was about to cry. "I had a nightmare. It's horrible. I want to sleep with Mommy."
Nathaniel looked down at Zara, who still clung to him, not even raising her head. "Mommy isn't feeling well. Go back to your room. I'll come to you."
"But I want Mommy."
"Zane, be good," Nathaniel said firmly. "Go back. I'll be there soon."
Zane turned and scurried back toward his room.
