Page 106 of Commander’s Mate

Zared remained near the entrance.

“You can come in.”

“This is my quarters.”

“I know. I’m giving you permission anyway.”

A small smile.

He closed the door slowly.

I watched it.

My pulse jumped but did not bolt.

Zared sat in the chair farthest from the bed.

“You should sleep.”

“So should you.”

“I have slept during campaigns.”

“That isn’t what I said.”

He leaned back.

The uniform made him look severe until he got tired. Then I could see the man underneath the commander. Not softer exactly. Just less armored.

“Do your people always work this much?”

“When necessary.”

“Define necessary.”

“Since Farseek? Always.”

That answer killed my attempt at teasing.

I pulled the blanket around my shoulders and moved out of the sleeping alcove.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere. I’m awake.”

“You can stay in the bed.”

“I know.”

I sat on the other end of the small couch.

For a while neither of us spoke.

The ship hummed around us—no shouting, no alarms, no restraints.

My body still waited for all three.

“What did you do on Farseek when you weren’t commanding armies?” I asked.