Frisha was elated. He actually remembered what she wore when they met, and he had shopped for her. Rezkin’s concern for her comfort was nearly overwhelming. It was all so utterly romantic. “It’s absolutely perfect,” she said emphatically.

Alarm shot through him when Frisha unexpectedly leaned into him. He barely managed to contain his instincts to defend himself and remove her from his personal space. Her body pressed against his, and he reminded himself that physical contact was normal to outworlders, and she meant him no harm. His muscles were tense, but he forced himself to breathe calmly. It was just like grappling. Sometimes it was necessary for bodies to come into contact with each other. He was not sure why it was necessary at this moment, however. Frisha pressed her lips against his cheek and whispered, “Thank you,” into his ear.

The besotted young woman returned to her berth, combed out her hair and wrapped the scarf over her head and around her neck, securing it tightly so it would not blow away. She examined herself in a small hand mirror and smiled with glee. Did this mean Rezkin wanted to court her? Something so lovely and personal could easily be considered an appropriate courting gift. Usually, the potential suitor would gift a woman with something she could wear. And, she had accepted. Frisha sighed happily. She had been swooning after Rezkin since she first saw him, but she had only fantasized that he might return her favor.

Tam entered the berth and scrutinized the smitten girl who was like a sister to him. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked.

Frisha, suddenly hauled from a most pleasant daydream, asked in surprise, “What?”

“I saw what happened out there,” he said, waving toward the stairs. “If you have already decided on Rez, then what is the point in going to Kaibain. Besides, do you really think your father or uncle will approve?”

“I thought you liked Rez,” Frisha said in dismay.

Tam huffed, his fists clenched in frustration. “I do like him, but that doesn’t mean you can just up and accept his courtship.” He shook his head as he remembered all the things he kept meaning to ask the mysterious young warrior. “We still don’t know anything about him!”

“Of course we do. He’s a gentleman, and he’s dedicated and compassionate and an excellent teacher. He lives by a code, and he wants to protect and honor both of us,” Frisha replied as her eyes sought out her fantasies in the space between them.