Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 48

Mila woke up slowly, stretching her arms wide as she yawned, feeling the satisfying pop of her joints loosening. As she glanced around the room, she noticed that it was empty—everyone else must have already gone down for breakfast. With a sigh, she got out of bed, dressed herself, and made her way downstairs. As she descended, she found everyone waiting for her.

"Finally up, I see," Sara teased, coming over to Mila and gently brushing a stray lock of hair back into place.

"Yeah," Mila replied with a small smile. "Let's go find something to eat first." Together, they headed out to a nearby tavern that looked simple but inviting. "Not too bad," Mila remarked as they approached.

As they entered, the door suddenly burst open, and a man was violently tossed out, landing hard on the ground near them. Emmett instinctively pulled Sara into his arms, protecting her from the commotion, while Mila quickly tugged Thelma to the other side of the doorway, out of harm's way.

"Oh! Sorry, you had to see that!" A young woman with a bright smile stood inside, dusting off her hands. It was clear she was the one who had thrown the man out. "Sometimes, customers just don't listen," she added with a casual shrug.

"You won't get away with this! I'll be back!" the man shouted, glaring at the woman as he scrambled to his feet.

She waved him off dismissively. "He'll be fine. Now, what can I get for you folks?" she asked, her demeanor shifting seamlessly from the scuffle to greeting her new customers.

They all moved to sit at the counter. Mila took a seat in the center with Thelma on her left while Sara and Emmett sat together on her right.

"I'll have your special," Sara said, trying to keep it simple.

"I'll have the same," Emmett chimed in.

"I'll take a roasted steak," Thelma added. Mila noticed with some satisfaction that Thelma's appetite had grown healthier since they first met, a sign of her improving condition.

"And for the little lady?" the woman asked, turning her attention to Mila.

"I'll have the special as well," Mila replied, not particularly concerned about the menu as long as she could fill her stomach.

"Alright! Honey, three specials and one roasted steak!" the woman called out toward the kitchen, where a man's voice responded from the back.

"Yo!" he shouted back, confirming the order.

As the woman set about getting them drinks, she introduced herself. "I'm Anne, by the way. The cook back there is my husband, El."

"You folks travelers?" Anne asked, eyeing the group curiously. At that moment, Cotton, who had been hiding, hopped up onto the countertop, drawing everyone's attention.

"You could say that," Mila answered casually.

"Cotton, you shouldn't be on the table," Sara scolded lightly, not wanting their food to get spoiled by the little beast's leafy figure.

"Oh! What an adorable little beast!" Anne exclaimed, clearly taken with Cotton. She quickly produced a hand-sized cookie and offered it to the creature. Cotton accepted it happily, nibbling away with delight.

"Cotton, don't forget to thank her," Mila reminded gently. Cotton paused and then bowed her head to Anne, who beamed at the display of manners.

"Is she your beast?" Anne asked, intrigued by the little creature's behavior.

"No," Mila said, shaking her head. "She decided to join us after losing her home and family. We welcomed her, and she's become a great friend and part of our family now." Mila affectionately petted Cotton's head, and the little beast purred in response.