They tried out variations of it as they headed inside with Flea trotting behind them.

“Guess I’ll stay here until I receive new orders,” Eva said, following the monkeys.

I turned to Kerrick. “I—”

“Go check on your patients. I’m going to find a soft spot and sleep for a week.”

“I don’t think the monkeys or Flea will let you. They’ve been good about not pestering us for answers, but I’m sure once they’ve eaten and are rested, they’ll be bugging you.”

“That’s fine. By then, I’ll be lonely.” He smiled.

“I wouldn’t be so certain of that.” I leered.

“Does my prophetess have good news?”

“I’ll have to consult my crystal ball.”

“Then make haste, my love. I await your prophecy.” He grabbed my hand and kissed the back.

Despite the warm tingle that shot up my arm, I said, “I’m not falling for your princely moves.”

“Darn. That move should have melted you with desire and caused you to give in to my princely charms.” Humor sparked in his eyes.

“Then that settles it.”

“Settles what?”

“I’m not a princess.”

“Thank the Flea!”

I yanked my hand from his. “Don’t start. Now go get some sleep.” I shooed him before I entered the cave. Just past the threshold, I paused and glanced back.

He remained standing in the same spot, watching me. I might not be a princess, but he understood what I needed.

Inside the cave, Odd had found Estrid a comfortable chair and a change of clothes. Instead of the yellow POW jumpsuit, she wore a red skirt and white tunic. Impressed by his fast acquisitions in a place where we all wore fatigues, I watched the ruckus around the High Priestess. Color had returned to Estrid’s cheeks, she spoke with animation and she’d attracted a number of soldiers. She was back in her element. A good sign.

An idea occurred to me. Would Estrid be willing to release Melina from the monastery if I asked her? We did save Estrid’s life and I also saved her granddaughter’s life. It would be an easy way to keep my promise to Mom. It couldn’t hurt to ask. But not now. I’d wait until later. Avoiding the crowd around the fire, I headed for my patients. Christina sat next to a man, talking to him, but she shot to her feet as soon as she noticed me.

“I’m so glad you escaped,” we said at almost the same time and then laughed.

“I see you didn’t hesitate to help out,” I said.

“And I see you put my information to good use.” She gestured to Estrid.

“Yes, thanks for that. Now I owe you two.”

Christina smiled, showing straight white teeth, which complemented her olive skin and dark hair. “I’ll remember that the next couple times I’m sick.”