CHAPTER 17

MILA

When Mila came through, it was noon. Sun was blazing over them and she was lying comfortably on a bundle of cloaks.

"How are you feeling?" Arthur asked the moment she moved. "You gave me quite a scare," he spoke affectionately, helping her get up.

"Did you make the poor horses stand in scorching heat so that I can be spared?" Mila asked, thoroughly enjoying Arthur's attention.

"I could not let the sun burn you," Arthur muttered. "You are..." he paused abruptly, unable to decide what she was exactly.

A blush crept on her cheeks at this, and he was about to bend down, hopefully to kiss her - at least that's what she wanted, but another voice stopped him.

"Oh, thank goodness, you are awake and alive," Tony too sat beside her and held her hand.

"You feel better?" Mila asked him seriously.

"Me?" Tony looked perplexed. "I am as healthy as a horse," he laughed. "How are you really?" and he made to touch her forehead to check her temperature but Arthur grabbed his hand.

Arthur's