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For so his opinion But he wasn’t heron her future Even so, she appreciated his nod of encouragement “Yes, I’d love to learn to fly”

“All right You’ll train in battle arts as well You need to be prepared if you’re shot down”

Shot down Rok said it so casually Well, what had she expected? This ar And the danger was the reason the feht her participation would be denied

“Wonderful”

“Great Ca area You and Lundric can take her through the paces”

“Yes, Master Rok”

~~

Erick itched to follow Mina, to volunteer to oversee her training, but it would show his hand to every being on the ship But as that a problem? It would be a declaration of intent, not of completion His female hadn’t consented to mate him Yet

He started down the corridor and heard Rok chuckling behind him “So, that’s how it is, then?”

“Veck you”

More chuckling He didn’t care if he came off as a lovesick fool Every Zandian who he’d witnessed before and after —Zander, Seke, Lundric, Daneth—had all exhibited irrationality, and bursts of emotion uncharacteristic of their species He’d attributed it to the influence of the more emotional humans, but what if it was the natural response for Zandians during thewithout fe?

He trailed the fe rooroup of hu wooden staffs instead of swords Master Seke had taught them any object could beco it

Lundric glanced at the feer to notice Mina, but when he did, he walked over and bowed Erick joined the group, itchy at having Lundric near Mina, even if he was already happily mated

“Lady Tara, we heard from your father of your return It means so much to him to have you back”

She inclined her head “Thank you I’m here to join Prince Zander’s army and train with you”