Eyebrows lay peacefully on the placid face, as Jolouque slept calmly beside Zalean. Auburn locks curled passively around his stubbly jaw, his lips were pouted slightly in a childish manner. He looked like a cherub, beautiful yet full of innocence.

The only problem was, that ever since Zalean woke she had endured a stinging in her left arm for his head had put it to sleep. Despite the twanging though she could not tear her eyes away from him, or risk waking him up. So she kept her breath shallow and didn't dare move, she simply watched as morning light trickled in casting light on one side of his face.

Suddenly, Jolouque moved, lifting his hand to brush the side of her face. With his eyes still closed he muttered, "Good morning."

Zalean hadn't realized he had woken, and her mind wandered on how long he had been awake. "Good morning."

He sat up letting the covers fall to his waist, revealing his bare chest. For a moment she had forgotten she wore his shirt, but when she recalled she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if she also wore his pants. The thought caused her cheeks to flush as she massaged her sleeping arm.

Jolouque placed his hands on either side of her face and brought his knees so they rested against her hips. He stood over her on hands and knees pinning her beneath him. Breath stilled in her throat, what was he doing. The scent of cinnamon washed across her enticing her senses, and his close proximity made her melt, but the look in his eyes stilled her. It was remote and expressionless as if daring her to do something, but she lay still hooked on his eyes. Satisfied he climbed over her and stood away from the bed.

A shirt appeared in his hand, which he dressed in hurriedly, and she realized he must have summoned it. With his hands he slicked back his hair and with a touch of his jewel set it straight, then he headed to the door.

"Wait," Zalean found herself stumbling out of bed, "Won't you stay?"

He crossed the distance between himself and her before she knew it, his stride quick and feline. A hand pressed into the small of her back, and she was pressed up against him. Cinnamon again. "What do you have to offer?"

"Breakfast." Zalean couldn't help but laugh at the confusion that sparked in his eyes.

This one was different than any other woman he had ever met. Last night he had come to her knowing she'd comfort him, not caring for the first time about how weak he felt or how pathetic she might have found him. She had listened to him, kissed her tears, and took him into her bed- to sleep. The thing that stirred him the most was how she had looked at him this morning while she thought him asleep. It was scrutiny in her eyes, yes, but it was more, she had admired him not just his features but his soul too. Now he wanted him to stay, for breakfast.

"I can't." Jolouque removed his hand and backed away. She looked really good in his shirt. "I'll meet you down in the breakfast hall, but we can't risk being seen together."

"No one can see you in my room."

"They could if they had reason enough to find me. If I don't report to Earn soon she will search for me."

Zalean took his hand, "Please sit, stay, eat." She pulled him to her bed and made him sit down, before turning from him and rummaging through her stuff till she found that Sofia bread. "Here."

Finding some pants she excused herself to the bathroom and put them on. When she returned she was taken by surprise. There was a table and two over stuffed chairs that had appeared in the center of the room. On the table lay two plates, a bowl of fruit, the Sophia bread now warmed and toasted, and champagne glasses. Jolouque stood beside one of the chairs and upon seeing her pulled it out, "Madame."

It was like a dream come true, everything was perfect and he looked so charming. Looking down at herself she saw that there was a lot to be desired, but he didn't seem to care or notice. Taking a seat she let him push her up to the table.

"Champagne?" He had a towel over his arm and a bottle of champagne in his hand, just like in the movies.

"For breakfast?"

His smile grew larger as he looked down at her perplexed face. "Might as well."

"Oh alright." Zalean wouldn't tell him that she had never had champagne before, so she simply nodded.

When her glass filled he filled his own and sat down. Tentatively, under his watchful eye, she reached for the glass and took a sip. Instantly she began coughing, for the bubbles that pricked her throat were unexpected. He simple sat back and laughed downing his glass in one gulp.

When the coughing subsided Zalean asked, "Why did you decide to stay, and why all this?"

"I thought I'd pay you back for last night. You offered me hospitality and I'll return the favor." He took a chunk of bread and chewed on it. "What is this, it's good."

It was Zalean's turn to laugh now, "It's Sophia bread, a sweet treat in my home town. Everyday, when I was younger, I'd go out and play with my friends until my parents would call me in the afternoon. They'd always have a slice of this warm and waiting for me."

Jolouque wondered how long ago that was, for it was very hard to place an age on her. Then he realized she was talking about her home; the mysterious place the priestess told him about. "Where is your home?"

"Far, far away." She popped a grape in her mouth. "On Earth."

There was an abrupt loud knock on the door that snapped both their heads to attention.