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 shouldnât feel hurt, because Alsea is bigger than I am. But I never understood how he could put such a value on a love that canât be returned. Alsea didnât love him. Neither did the Mariners. I did, but my love had less value.â She faced Tal again, her expression sharp. âDo all warriors think that way, or is it just the Mariners?â
Here was a consequence of the warriorâs code that Tal had never considered. She wondered how many Alseans had paid a price for the strict interpretation she had been taught.
âMany of us think that way,â she said. âWeâre taught that lesson from a very early age. I suspect itâs necessary for hearts prone to quick changes of allegiance, as ours are when weâre young. But Iâve 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.â
Darzen blinked rapidly and turned her head. âI wish Helus had put as much thought into it as you have.â
âHe might have, had Fahla given him more time. A true heart has a way of overcoming old lessons.â
They stood side by side, watching the waves in silence until Darzen asked, âWill you join me for midmeal?â
âIt would be my pleasure, if you allow me to buy.â
âWarriors.â Darzen moved into a smooth jog and led them back down the beach. âNo wonder theyâre always poor. They can never let a non-warrior buy.â
âThatâs part of the code. Poverty and chastity above all.â
âThat is not part of the code.â
âJust determining how much you knew.â
âI see. Then you should know Iâm interested in neither poverty nor chastity.â
Tal kept her eyes straight ahead, but she didnât need her vision to understand.
CHAPTER 8 Morning after
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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 Talâs 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 didnât take a high empath to sense her news.
âGood morning.â He stepped aside to invite her in. âNo run today? Itâs late for you.â
She walked past him and dropped into a chair with a thump. âItâs a very good morning. And Iâve already had my exercise, thank you.â
âAn exercise conducted entirely indoors, I see.â He sat across from her and added, âYouâve set no speed records, but at least you got there eventually.â
Her grin lit up the room. âSpeed is not the point, Micah. Have you learned nothing from me in all these cycles?â
âYes, Iâve learned that Iâm glad I have no need to make something simple into something unnecessarily complicated. Iâd have managed this a nineday ago. She wanted you the day you met.â
âWhat you call complicated, I call sublime.â She laid her head on the back of the chair and sighed. âSheâs wonderful.â
âOne joining and already youâre in a swoon? Iâm afraid youâre beyond my aid.â
âWhy would you assume it was just one? We had the whole night. And in these