She was no Helen of Troy, but she was lovely, and her handmaidens had chosen a gown and colors that made her radiant in the dawn. Lila wasn’t sure she could see it, but she could believe that a friendship and a kingdom would fall to ruin over this woman.

“I’m glad you made it home safely,” Guinevere said, and the knights straightened up.

“This way,” Sir Tor said. The knights turned toward the nearest house so the queen could lean up and kiss Arthur softly. Lila wasn’t the only one who noticed the stormy look that crossed Lancelot’s face.

“We took good care of him, My Lady,” Emrys said.

Bors cleared his throat. “Perhaps you would escort Lady Lila back to the keep with you? I don’t think it wise to leave her here with the knights.”

Guinevere scanned the ranks. “Lady who?” Her gaze fell on Lila. “You poor dear! Are you all right? Were the men civil?”

Arthur spluttered. “We were perfectly civil! She’s dressed as a page for her own protection!”

Guinever smiled. “Come, Lady Lila. Civilization is near.”