Bucephalus happily crunched on the apples Michael handed him, his content expression bringing a faint smile to his master's face. Michael continued grooming the horse, hoping his touch provided comfort. Since Marcus's arrival, Bucephalus had seemed noticeably subdued, though he had begun regaining his usual vigor.
Even so, seeing Bucephalus stomp his hooves in eagerness to carry Michael into battle tugged at his heart. The horse, now munching on his third apple, affectionately nuzzled Michael, drawing a smile from his lips.
After feeding Bucephalus, Michael wiped his saliva-slicked hands on his clothes and lay on the grass. Nearby, Miaomiao, his ever-watchful feline companion, settled down beside him. Miaomiao, however, was sulking, clearly displeased with the attention Michael lavished on Bucephalus. Occasionally, the cat would bare its teeth at the horse, but Bucephalus, long accustomed to such antics, merely snorted dismissively.
