The next day Anna returned to the castle to check up on Elara.
Gabel took Nura from Elara's chest and laid down on the small couch with her.
It had been a sleepless night for him.
Unfortunately it was clear that he was unaware of what life was like with a newborn. Throughout the night he kept asking if something was wrong with Nura because she woke every other hour to nurse.
He seemed thoroughly shocked when Elara told him that it was normal and would continue like this for some time.
"What? But you are not getting any sleep. You absolutely must rest during the day Elara. How will you recover if you have to wake every other hour?"
Sometimes she forgot that he had never experienced the newborn phase with Cassian. So how could he have known what it was like.
"Everything okay?" Gabel asked looking at her from the couch.
"...I am just sore."
Though she had been healed for blood loss, her lower region was still incredibly sore.
Anna lightly dabbed the stitches, causing Elara to let out a small groan in discomfort.
"I see blood. Is she is still bleeding?"
"Yes, and that is normal. She will probably bleed for a couple of weeks yet."
Grabbing another cloth from her bag, she brought it back against Elara's lower region.
"The stitches seem to be holding well, I will need to check them again in a weeks time."
Anna then lowered Elara's dress.
"Also, this is not your first baby so I am sure you are already well aware that you need to sustain from relations for some time yes?"
Gabel carefully sat up, keeping a tight hold on Nura.
"You mean I mustn't touch her?"
"Correct. Not only will she need time with these stitches but her body also needs time to recover."
He nodded, "Yes I understand. How long?"
"How long till she will be healed?"
"Well yes but how long till...I can have my wife again?"
Elara raised her chin in somewhat of a haughty manner.
How is he already thinking about that?
Anna laughed, "I would say at least six to eight weeks. That's if everything heals properly and she is feeling back to normal."
His eyes widened.
"Six to eight weeks? That is a very long time."
Elara scowled.
"You will wait!"
"Yes Of course my love, I was just stating that it is a long time for you and I to go. Is it not?"
Her scowl deepened.
She then turned back to Anna, "Thank you for everything. Please tell Joan I am so thankful for her too."
Anna stood and clasped her hands together, "It has been a pleasure my lady. As I have said I will be stopping by in a weeks time to check your stitches. Also to make sure your husband hasn't touched you."
Gabel's mouth flew wide open.
"What?"
The midwife laid a hand on her belly and let out a laugh. "A jest sir knight, forgive me."
Anna then bowed her head and headed to the door.
"What is the matter my love?"
Elara furrowed her brows.
"You acted as if it was a burden for you... to wait for my body to heal!"
"Of course not. Your beautiful body just birthed another one of my children. However long you need I will wait. I am however very excited for how good it will feel after having to wait however long I need to."
"You...," suddenly Nura started to cry, lurching her head across Gabel's chest.
"She is hungry. Give her to me."
Carefully Gabel stood from the couch and walked over.
Before passing her over to Elara's arms he planted a kiss on her head.
Elara swiftly took her from his arms.
"Shhh, are you hungry my love?"
She too kissed her baby's forehead then lowered her bodice down below her breast.
As Nura started to nurse, she felt Gabel's eyes lingering on her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
A crease formed between his eyes,
"This is going to be a very long six to eight weeks for me."
Elara blushed, realizing he was staring at her breast.
"I can cover myself, if you find it too burdensome."
His hands ran over his face, "No no. I want to see them."
He cleared his throat.
"I will go get you something to eat. I'm sure you are hungry yes? Then perhaps I will bring Cassian to come meet his sister."
Elara nodded and turned her gaze back to Nura.
"That sounds wonderful. I miss him."
"I know you do my love. I shall return with food and our son okay?"
She nodded once more.
***
Halfway up the hall Gabel saw Lady Calypse making her way towards him.
"S-Sir Gabel! Good morning! How is E-Elara and the baby?"
"Good morning my lady. Elara is well, she is feeding Nura now. Also Anna has just left from examining her."
Maximillian brought a hand up to her mouth.
"Oh my goodness! Nura is a beautiful name."
Gabel smiled, forgetting they hadn't told anyone yet.
"Thank you my lady, I'm glad you approve."
"I d-do indeed. Where w-were you heading just now?"
"I was going to get some food for Elara and then get Cassian so he could meet his sister."
Maximillian shook her hand, "I shall send for food to be brought to Elara's room. Also let me accompany y-you to get Cassian."
Gabel smiled and watched Lady Calypse call out to a nearby maid.
After speaking briefly to the maid, she turned and motioned for him to follow.
