"Well," the seargent said with an honest stare. "The general barracks are full, but you can sleep on my bed. I'll be on the living room floor." He smiled and pulled Leo along closer to the city, where larger houses sat on the outskirts.
Rasha went quiet, then ran her fingers up the feathers on her forehead. "I see," she said. "Well, I guess that makes sense." She moved close to Kha'mal, studying his face. "You poor boy." She reached out, and pulled him into a tight embrace. She moved back and held his face. "By Shazia, I do envy you, but you've got to realise that your personal life is secondary." She ran her hands down his arms, showing a pleasant smile, but stone eyes. "Your pride, your family name, your personal well-being are second to me. Now I will support you in whatever path you take, but if it harms your ability to do what I expect of you, then I you need to leave her behind." She turned and walked back to lean on her desk. "I would have hoped you'd be able to see her and protect me, but if you can't, then remember that I'm more important." She pulled open a drawer from herdesk, and looked down into it. Something in there made her sigh. "And for goodness sake, tell your sister what's going on. If anyone can help you, it's her."