A New Future

4. Packing For The Move

Gabriel led Anna down to Carl's lab where Carl had started upgrading the crossbow. "Carl, start packing up. We're moving to Transylvania. You're coming with us. Anna has a basement you can use for your lab."

"Ok." Carl said stopping where he was and handed them each a box to help him pack.

They got everything packed within fifteen minutes. After they took to a carriage outside, they went to pack the rooms. Gabriel and Anna went to Gabriel's room to pack while Carl went to pack his own. Everyone was done within an hour and put everything in the carriage. They went inside to meet Cardinal Jinette again. "Everything's packed and ready to go." Gabriel stated.

"It's late, why don't you all stay for the night and you can leave when you wake." He replied.

Gabriel shook his head. "No thank you, Jinette. We need to get back as soon as possible. There are things we need to settle with the village immediately."

"Of course, but why immediately?"

"Anna had locked herself in the guest room I stayed in and wouldn't come out for days on end. She's been trying to cope before ruling."

"I see."

"I refused to leave the room until Gabriel came back." Anna cut in.

"Then by all means, leave. You must go before you cannot."

"What does that mean?" She asked slightly offended that she was threatened.

"Just trying to keep you out of danger."

"Oh." She said with a softer tone feeling slightly stupid that she misinterpreted his meaning. *Nice going, Anna. Think before you speak.*

Everyone set off saying goodbye to The Cardinal. Anna and Gabriel got in the carriage while Carl drove. "I love you." Anna said breaking the silence.

Gabriel looked at her and smiled. "I love you too, Anna." He said pulling her into his lap.

Anna giggled. "You know, I could easily get used to this."

"Sitting in my lap?"

"No, Silly. The cuddling. I feel safe in your arms every time. When I feel your arms around me, I feel like nothing bad can happen. Like I'll always be safe and secure. I also know that no matter what happens, I know you'll always be there to protect me. To save me."

Gabriel kissed her temple wrapping his arms tightly around her waist. "And that'll never change." He said softly.

Anna turned to face him still in his arms and smiled. "I know." She said just as softly cupping his face tenderly.

Keeping one arm around her waist, Gabriel moved one hand to gently grab hers she cupped his face with and smiled back leaning forward. Anna moved her hand to the back of his neck and closed the rest of the gap between them kissing him softly with growing passion. Gabriel deepened it a little gently rubbing his tongue against her bottom lip asking for entrance. Anna parted her lips and found herself pressing her tongue to his fighting for dominance.