Chapter 454

Sitting under one of the large trees that had been left in the garden, Lucien drew a slow deep breath, taking in the pleasant scent on the afternoon breeze. The garden was empty except for himself and his mate, with everyone else having gone inside for their lunch and to take a break from the hard work that had been maintained through the morning. He had been surprised to learn that Elain had organised for their lunch to be brought to them, and warmth had moved through him when he realised that she had taken it upon herself to make sure they had time with one another. He had struggled to ensure that they had time alone, and he had promised her that they would. It tickled him to know that she had taken steps to make that happen.

When everyone else had put down their tools to make their way inside, Elain had grabbed Lucien's wrist and held him in place when he had made to follow the crowd. He had grinned at her when she had tugged him toward the tree, and he had gone willingly. At some point a small basket had been delivered for her, and she had placed it there ready for them. This reminded him of the plan he'd had for their own private garden, but this was just as good, if not better as it was actually happening, and he didn't know if they would be able to find time later for what he had wanted.

"Are you ready?" Elain asked, as Lucien leaned back against the tree trunk. "Hungry?"

"I am, actually." He replied, "You might not have noticed, but I've been doing quite a bit of manual labour…"

"You know that I noticed…" her eyes moved over him, and he adjusted the shirt he had put on, making sure that it was open enough to give her a good view of his chest. She smiled at him, clearly aware of exactly what he had done and why. "But I am glad you've worked up an appetite…"

That wasn't the only appetite Lucien had worked up, but he kept that to himself. He just watched her lift the lid on the basket and begin taking things out.

There was more in here than she had asked for. Elain wasn't certain that they would be able to eat everything that had been given to them, but that was better than going hungry, she figured. They had been working all morning after all. She dished several things onto the plates which had been in the basket, and she glanced at her mate once more. Her eyes caught on him, and she looked again. Leaning back against the tree as he was, with that shirt loose and open, Lucien looked the quintessential picture of what Elain had always imagined a handsome High Fae Lord to look like. She had never imagined that she would know a High Fae Lord, let alone love one, or be his mate, but Elain was more thankful for that, for Lucien, than she had ever been for anything.

He winked at her with his good eye, and Elain smiled and handed Lucien his plate. "Here you go, my love." She said, adjusting her own position on the grass and settling her own plate in her lap.

"It was a good idea," he told her, "Organising this so we could eat out here together."

"Everything has gotten quite busy." She replied, pleased that she had done it also. There was no guarantee they would have much time alone with one another later. "I would say we have about an hour before they all come back."

"I think you're right, Petal."

They ate in companionable and comfortable silence. Elain allowed herself to forget about the huge list of tasks that needed to be completed this afternoon, and instead focused on her mate. This was perfect, the whole situation. She was so very very pleased with their life, and their freedom to do things like this. He was watching her in return, and Elain did not try to hide her appreciation as she looked him over. They sat like that, looking at each other, until their plates were empty and set aside. Then, Elain climbed half into Lucien's lap and settled against him, listening to his heartbeat in her head as she felt it beating in his chest.

"Remember when we could do this all the time?" She asked, thinking of all of the Courts they visited and all of the days they had been able to sit together and talk as they had gotten to know one another.

"Of course." He replied, "and we will be able to do more of it here… I promise."

She knew that was true. She had seen it in her visions of their future together, of their family. "I know." She breathed, leaning her head back against his shoulder. He rubbed his hand up and down her arm, and she smiled in happiness. Across the other side of the garden, long red hair came into view, and Elain watched as Ashk strode toward them.