A gasp escaped Maria's lips as Arthur lifted her up and started to walk with her in his arms.
She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck so that she would not fall and breathlessly asked, "Shouldn't you put me down?"
"Hmmm, should I?" he teased as he continued on until they reached the dining hall.
Thankfully, everyone had already had their lunch, so they had the large room to themselves.
Arthur delicately placed Maria on one of the chairs before he walked back towards George, who had followed them, and instructed him to ask the kitchen to prepare them a meal.
He walked back towards her and took the seat directly next to her before he grabbed her hand that had been resting on her lap, and brought it to his lap to rest in his hands.
"The kitchen will bring us some food shortly," he said as he gazed into her brown eyes and rubbed her hand that was in his to keep comforting her.
She nodded but found herself getting lost in his beautiful eyes again.
