Elara leaned against Gabel's side and rested her head on his shoulder.
After her breathing had become normal she reached up and ran her fingers across his jaw.
"I haven't told you this but....I love you ....I'm sorry I haven't said it out loud before."
His warm lips grazed against the top of her head, "I know Elara. I know."
"When?"
"When what?"
"When did you know I loved you?"
His hand reached down and grabbed hold of hers, "I wasn't sure but, I remember thinking perhaps you felt the same that time I showed you the sunrise, during the raid."
She pulled her hand from his then placed her palm against his abdomen.
"What made you think that?"
"There was a moment, it was the way you looked at me. There was something in your eyes that told me my efforts were not in vane."
Her fingers lightly traced his abdominal muscles.
Several minutes later she heard him sigh above her head, "Now, it is definitely time for bed."
He pried her off and stood up.
Reaching down he helped her to her feet then led her by the hand towards the bed.
Elara watched as he pulled back the covers and motioned for her to get in.
After crawling into the bed she turned on her side to look at her sleeping son.
Behind her, Gabel slide in wrapping an arm around her waist.
His hand then wondered up her body till it landed on her tender breast. "Sweet dreams."
"You must stop touching me then if you wish for us to sleep."
Gabel let out a frustrated growl before whispering back, "Will you allow me to touch you more tomorrow then?"
Elara giggled into her arm then pulled his hand out from under the sheets and kissed it. After kissing each of his knuckles she answered, "Only if I am allowed to touch you."
He immediately groaned, "Stop talking please. Don't say another word or I will be forced to keep you up all night. Just go to sleep."
Elara smiled wide against his hand and closed her eyes feeling as if her heart was going to burst into tiny pieces.
****
The next morning at dawn Gabel rose from the bed and dressed as quick as he could. He started to walk towards the door but stopped and turned around glancing back at the bed.
Elara was fast asleep.
Her mouth wide open and light snores came from her mouth.
He chuckled.
Why is she so cute?
Cassian too was sound asleep, his tiny hand in her hair.
He watched their sleeping figures for a minute then pried his eyes away and exited the room.
Upon entering the dining hall he saw Elliot sitting at a table with Hebaron.
Across from them sat Ursuline.
When Hebaron noticed him he stuck his hand up and yelled, "Lachzion it's about damn time. I thought you were going to sleep all day."
Gabel walked over and took a seat next to Ursuline.
He then grabbed a piece of bread from a basket on the table.
