At first he wasn't sure what had startled him awake. His eyes flew open, his body tense and ready to leap into action if need be. His ears stood alert, trying to catch a hint of whatever sound woke him up. Finally, he heard it. The tiny sobs coming from the connecting chamber of his daughter's room.

Glancing at his wife, he briefly smiled when he saw a tiny spot of drool on the pillow beneath her. She was dead to the galaxy and he couldn't blame her. Their daughter was barely a month old, but the duties of the Countess never stopped. She was still trying to find a balance between her civil responsibilities and taking care of Amira and it was exhausting her to no end.

Easing himself out of bed, Ezra didn't bother putting a shirt on as he slipped into his daughter's room, walking over to the crib and peering in.

"Aw, what's the matter, sweetheart?" he whispered, reaching in the crib to pick her up. "What's got you all worked up?"

Recognizing her father, Amira became quieter, but she was still upset, her cries turning to little hiccup-sobs.

"Shh shh, it's okay," Ezra cooed, rocking her back and forth gently. After a couple minutes of nothing happening, his thoughts became frantic with ways to get her to calm down. Sabine needed her rest and he really didn't want to have to wake her up because he couldn't get his daughter back to sleep.

A memory popped in his head—one of his mother. Whenever he was scared or upset as a child, she would sing him a lullaby. Shifting Amira in his arms so her cheek was pressed against his heart, he began to hum that very same song.

It wasn't long before the crying slowed and then stopped. He grinned to himself and mentally pumped his fist in triumph. He finished the lullaby and chanced a glance down at Amira. Her eyes were closed, her little mouth parted as he felt tiny puffs of breath hit his chest.

Placing a light kiss on the top of her head, Ezra decided he didn't want to put her back in her crib just yet. Walking out onto the balcony, he carefully situated himself on a chaise lounge covered with a canopy, reclining back with Amira lying on his chest, using the Force to keep them both shielded from the extreme cold. Staring out at the beautiful night sky, he sighed wistfully.

"I wish you were here," he whispered, his thoughts straying to his parents. They were kind and loving. They would have loved Sabine (it was impossible not to) and doted on their granddaughter in every way possible.

Stroking his fingers along his daughter's back, he started to hum again. He hoped they were proud of him, falling in love, starting a family. He no longer lived on the streets; he'd made something of himself now.

"I'll never abandon you," he said to her, brushing his fingers lightly over her cheek. "I'll never let anything hurt you. I promise."