Page 68 of Commander’s Mate

“That was well done.”

“I am not a boy needing praise.”

“No. You are a grieving commander learning a new form of discipline.”

“I preferred artillery.”

“So did I.”

We left the alcove together.

Pyrr waited near the corridor junction with a data slate.

“Passenger intake is stable,” he reported. “No serious emergencies. Kyanna Guryon wants to record a message for Halor.”

“She may. Transmit once we are secure.”

“Yes, sir.” He hesitated.

“What else?”

“Scarlet Andrews asked whether our officers routinely summon women after rescuing them from slavers.”

I stopped.

Pyrr’s ears darkened. “I told her no.”

“And?”

“She said good.”

I studied him. “You are interested in Scarlet Andrews.”

His head snapped toward me. “Possibly.”

“Your face says otherwise.”

His ears darkened further.

“Then learn from my difficulty before you create your own. These women were stolen, caged, stripped, threatened, and told their world cannot be found. Do not corner Scarlet Andrews with your need. Make certain she understands she can refuse.”

Pyrr sobered. “I would not dishonor a mate.”

“See that you do not mistake impatience for destiny.”

He nodded.

I continued toward my office, aware that I had just given him the warning I needed for myself.

The door was already set to remain open. I moved one visitor chair closer to the corridor and sat in the other, away from my desk.

Let Harper choose whether to enter.

Let her choose where to sit.

Let her choose whether I touched her again.

Every instinct in me rebelled against the distance.