Baron woke before dawn.

Five on the dot.

His body moved before his mind did. He pushed himself up on one elbow, looked down at Elowyn's sleeping face, and his whole chest softened.

He bent and pressed a slow kiss to her forehead - one of those quiet, private kisses he never gave anyone else - then slipped out of bed before she could stir.

He closed the door soundlessly behind him.

The nurse was already in the small adjoining room, sorting herbs.

Baron's voice was low but ...