Free Without a Front by Fletcher DeLancey Page A

always knowing that I counted for less than his precious Mariners. He said his heart belonged to Alsea, as if I should somehow accept that. As if I shouldn’t feel hurt, because Alsea is bigger than I am. But I never understood how he could put such a value on a love that can’t be returned. Alsea didn’t love him. Neither did the Mariners. I did, but my love had less value.” She faced Tal again, her expression sharp. “Do all warriors think that way, or is it just the Mariners?”
    Here was a consequence of the warrior’s code that Tal had never considered. She wondered how many Alseans had paid a price for the strict interpretation she had been taught.
    â€œMany of us think that way,” she said. “We’re taught that lesson from a very early age. I suspect it’s necessary for hearts prone to quick changes of allegiance, as ours are when we’re young. But I’ve recently come to understand that loving another does not mean we must love Alsea any less. And loving Alsea does not mean we must love another less.”
    Darzen blinked rapidly and turned her head. “I wish Helus had put as much thought into it as you have.”
    â€œHe might have, had Fahla given him more time. A true heart has a way of overcoming old lessons.”
    They stood side by side, watching the waves in silence until Darzen asked, “Will you join me for midmeal?”
    â€œIt would be my pleasure, if you allow me to buy.”
    â€œWarriors.” Darzen moved into a smooth jog and led them back down the beach. “No wonder they’re always poor. They can never let a non-warrior buy.”
    â€œThat’s part of the code. Poverty and chastity above all.”
    â€œThat is not part of the code.”
    â€œJust determining how much you knew.”
    â€œI see. Then you should know I’m interested in neither poverty nor chastity.”
    Tal kept her eyes straight ahead, but she didn’t need her vision to understand.

CHAPTER 8 Morning after
    Â 
    The courtship of Lancer Tal and Darzen Fosta was the number one topic in the Guard cabin. Micah heard it and occasionally pulled a Guard aside for speaking with too little respect, but most of the gossip reflected his own thoughts. Darzen was smart and had a strong sense of self, making her a good match for Tal’s intelligence and intense personality. Once her background check came back clean, Micah ordered the watch details to stay out of sight as much as possible. Tal had a rare opportunity to court as just herself, and it was his great pleasure to give her this gift of anonymity. Who knew when she would have another chance?
    One sunny morning just before midmeal, he answered a knock on his cabin door and found a very relaxed Andira Tal on his porch. She was in a good mood, and it didn’t take a high empath to sense her news.
    â€œGood morning.” He stepped aside to invite her in. “No run today? It’s late for you.”
    She walked past him and dropped into a chair with a thump. “It’s a very good morning. And I’ve already had my exercise, thank you.”
    â€œAn exercise conducted entirely indoors, I see.” He sat across from her and added, “You’ve set no speed records, but at least you got there eventually.”
    Her grin lit up the room. “Speed is not the point, Micah. Have you learned nothing from me in all these cycles?”
    â€œYes, I’ve learned that I’m glad I have no need to make something simple into something unnecessarily complicated. I’d have managed this a nineday ago. She wanted you the day you met.”
    â€œWhat you call complicated, I call sublime.” She laid her head on the back of the chair and sighed. “She’s wonderful.”
    â€œOne joining and already you’re in a swoon? I’m afraid you’re beyond my aid.”
    â€œWhy would you assume it was just one? We had the whole night. And in these