A Ring of Citrus

A dried slice of blood orange had slipped from a jar of mulling spices, resting tilted across the wicker weave of the breakfast tray. Beside it lay an open brass napkin ring with an engraved trellis motif. Pausing to examine the stained ruby segments translucent against the morning sun, I leaned forward with measured balance. Bracing both hands against the brittle rind, I eased the citrus wheel upright and slotted it smoothly into the hollow brass band. Wedged firmly within the metal rim, it stood upright like a miniature stained-glass rosette, casting a warm amber glow across the linen napkin.