Chapter 509

She knew that she needed a bath. As Elain lay in the bed she shared with her mate, comfortable and wrapped in the soft sheet, she gazed out the window at the morning sun and the colourful array of flowers blooming in her garden, and she did not want to get up. They would have to be up and at breakfast in the next half hour if they wished to eat, but she was so comfortable where she lay, and she didn't want to move. Lucien lay at her back, one of his arms around her waist and his large hand pressed to her stomach as he held her to himself even in sleep. Elain loved that he wanted her against himself, even unconsciously, and she loved that she felt so safe and loved, and even the call of those sweet honeyed pears wasn't enough to draw her from her bed, to pull her from her mate's arms. They hadn't gotten a whole lot of sleep the night before, and she knew that while a few more minutes in bed likely wouldn't do all that much to make up for that, it sure felt like it would.

Her garden was coming along well, and Elain smiled as she looked at it through the window. The colours were pleasing and she was rather pleased with herself, even if she might say so herself. Nesta and Sheera should see it, and Elain resolved to ask them at some point during the day if they might come and join her out there in the afternoon. She knew that Sheera would enjoy that and, even though gardening wasn't really Nesta's forte, Elain hoped that her sister would at least enjoy the peace of spending time in the garden with those who wanted her company. Sheera had not been put off by Nesta's sometimes sharp tongue, and did not seem to be intimidated by her as others often were, and Elain rather thought that Nesta had noticed this and liked it.

"What are you thinking about?" Lucien's soft, sleep-slurred words were murmured against the back of Elain's shoulder, and she smiled again when she realised that he was now awake.

"Just imagining the day when Nes realises that people can like her…"

"Oh…" he kissed her shoulder, "Is it possible you think that day is near?"

"I don't know." She replied, half turning over so that she could see Lucien's face. "She seems to be coming around to Sheera and Sheera isn't scared of her…" Lucien gave a chuckle then, drawing Elain more firmly against himself.

"Well, that's a good start."

"Yes." She smiled broadly at him, taking in his messed hair which now resembled flames licking at his face. "But our first challenge for today is getting out of bed. Breakfast will be over soon…"

"One challenge at a time." He rolled, tugging her, and Elain allowed a light giggle when she found herself laying atop him, his firm chest warm beneath her hands. "I'm struggling with this one quite a bit right now…"

"Me too." Elain couldn't help smiling down at him now. She was unable to wipe the smile from her face, even as her cheeks ached. He laughed again.

"What is it, Petal?"

"I don't know." She replied, settling herself over him comfortably. "I'm just happy." Thinking about the previous night, she rather thought they were both happy.

"As am I." Lucien agreed, his hands smoothing up and down over Elain's back and sides. "So very happy."

"A little hungry?" She asked, knowing that if they allowed themselves to indulge in this now they would never get up for breakfast.

"Maybe a little hungry…" She felt him release her a little, just enough for her to know that she could get up, and that he was aware that they were both making the choice to step back from that edge just for now.

Pressing a kiss to his nose, Elain shifted herself until she could get her feet to the floor and she stood up. She knew that russet and gold eyes were on her, even without having to turn and look herself, and she stretched in a way she knew would be particularly pleasing for Lucien, before she strode for the bathroom.