The sun beamed through the large glass window of the luxurious room.
Elara pushed her sleepy body up from the bed.
A cool breeze swept over her causing her to hunch her body forward.
Glancing down, she saw the bedsheet wrapped around her lower body, leaving her upper body completely exposed. Quickly she brought the sheet up from her waist to her chest.
Smack next to her Gabel's sleeping naked fame was spread out.
He was laying on his front with both arms stretched out on either side. His lean muscular back on full display.
His usual well groomed hair, messily flopped across the pillow.
Feeling the sudden urge to brush the fallen strands from his eyes, Elara reached out and carefully pushed a lock of his hair back from his face.
He was certainly one of the more handsome men she had seen in her life. Her fingers lightly traced down the tip of his nose to his lips. As his hot breath lightly brush across her hand, she felt her body grow wet.
Moments from their union replayed in her mind.
The way he pleasured her by skillfully using his mouth and fingers. The dirty things he said and did during their moments of passion.
"A fleeting moment," she whispered to herself.
This was as far as their relationship could go. After today she was sure she would never be with him in this way again.
Quite possibility never even see him again.
For Several minutes she sat watching his sleeping form, trying to soak in the memory.
Then with a sigh, Elara rose from the bed, taking the bed sheet with her.
***
Gabel groaned while rolling over to his back. A bright light coming from the window was shining directly in his eyes. He brought a hand up to shield his face from the burning sun.
"Fuck."
Slowly he pushed his frame up from the bed. Once on his feet hit the floor he cracked his neck then stretched out his arms.
This was the most he had slept in a long time.
A frown edged across his face when he peered back over to the bed.
When had she even left?
The pleasant memory of her falling asleep in his arms resurfaced.
She was so soft and warm, like holding a small piece of heaven.
His eyes closed, as he tried to replay moments from the previous night.
"Fuck she was good."
Gabel sighed, then walked over to a small basin of water to wash.
Quickly he wiped his body clean, then dressed in his knights robes.
On a wooden stand near the tub was a tray full of several small bottles.
He picked up one of the small dark blue bottles and brought it to his nose. A sweet smell of flowers filled his nostrils. It reminded him of a certain wild flower that grew in Anatol during spring.
"I bet she would like this."
He dumped a few drops of the oil on his dampened hands then ran them through his hair.
"Good enough."
While strapping his sword to his belt Gabel checked his reflection quick then heading to the door.
At banquet hall Ursuline and The commander of the Loverne knights sat across from each other at a long wooden table. They appeared to be engaged in a serious conversation.
"How did the charming Lachzion sleep? I heard you even had company."
Hebaron let out a chuckle and slapped Gabel
On the back.
"Tell me brother, what did you do to change her favor?"
A smirk pulled at Gabel's lips, "Wouldn't you like to know."
"You little bastard, this will be the only time you win a bet involving a woman over me."
Gabel cocked his head to the side, "What about you Nirtha? Did you get your fill last night?"
A wild smile spread across Hebaron's lips.
"Why of course. That cute little blonde minx I pointed out earlier. She had the night of her life."
Both men chuckled in unison.
"So, what is our esteemed, gallant Commander talking about over there?"
Hebaron sighed, "You didn't hear huh? Our wonderful king has burdened us with another job. He also offered the job to those Loverne bastards. They are discussing departure and who is needed to go."
Gabel rubbed his chin, "What's the job?"
Hebaron explained that the same problem that happened in Wedon with the monsters overbreeding had also happened all over Dristisn. Even though it technically was a job for the Dristan knights, there is apparently a pleather of them hiding out near the border. Since the king was no doubt eager to keep the current mend of peace, he offered to send some knights from Wedon. The job would only entail wiping the monsters clear that had gathered at the border. The king also offered to pay each member handsomely as a reward for a job that technically wouldn't be Wedon's responsibility.
Hebaron went on to state that Ursuline was thinking of sending the squires and junior knights back to Anatol. Apparently the Loverne commander was also planning on sending most of his knights home.
Gabel's mind went blank. That meant if Elara wasn't selected to join the new raid, she would be returning to Loverne today.
Ursuline then stood from the table and began to walk towards them.
"Nirtha. Gather the men, we have come to a discussion."
The Remdragon knights and the knights of Loverne all gathered in the banquet hall.
Ursuline with Philip Weston stood out in front, hovering over the men.
"We have been selected for another raid. This raid is going to be short lived and consist of only five to six members from each of our orders. The rest of you will pack up and depart for home immediately following this meeting."
Gabel anxiously looked around the room for Elara.
In the very back of the room she sat snug between two older knights from her order.
Ursuline went on to list those who will be going on the new raid. He called out for Hebaron, Garrow, Gabel and two senior knights. Philip Weston then followed, listing his men who would also be joining. He pointed out three younger knights and two of his more senior knights.
A cold sweat broke out across Gabel's back.
The Loverne commander hadn't called her name.
Feeling an extreme rush of disappointment, Gabel lowered his head, desperately trying to think of ways to prepare himself for her departure.
Then breaking the silence Philip Weston cleared his throat and loudly belted out, "Elara! You will also be joining us. Your skills with tracking will be needed."
