He covers her hand and she gently shifts it, so she can rest her cheek against his palm. Her eyes close and she exhales a long breath.

This is hopeless. It will never work. He probably despises the very thought of Barsoom by now, thank you Tars. And after his arm is done, what reason will he even have to come and talk to me?

Her eyes clench shut a little tighter and she swallows hard.