Which meant he hadn’t been near the front lines, so he would’ve avoided the worst of the suffering. But if healing and empathy were Valovian abilities, then others hadn’t been so lucky. I’d had enough trouble living with my own feelings during the hardest years. If I’d also had to live with the constant pain of those around me . . . I let the thought go with a shudder. I wasn’t that strong.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. If you need anything while you are here, let me know.” I waved when he would’ve protested again. “Not as a debt, but as gratitude.”

He smiled. “Very well. I will let you know, if you promise to let me know when your knee starts bothering you again.”

I could tell from his expression that no amount of arguing would change his mind, so I inclined my head. “Deal. Sleep well.”

“You, too.” He bowed slightly and turned for the door.

The room had emptied except for Torran, who leaned against the wall next to the door. Havil exited with a nod, leaving Torran and me alone in the room.

Torran’s attention focused on me and a shiver danced over my skin.

“Did you need something, General?” I asked as I approached. “Or were you just staying to ensure I didn’t eat your medic for dessert?”

A brief smile touched his mouth. “I don’t think he would be very delicious.”

It was a clever dodge of the question that surprised a laugh out of me. “True enough.”

Torran’s expression warmed briefly before settling back into polite detachment. “I’ve instructed Varro to stay away from Kee.”

My eyebrows rose. “All he needs to do is apologize—and mean it—and she’ll forgive him. But if he can’t do that, then I suppose distance is the next best option. I was planning to intervene if they hadn’t worked it out in a few days. Do you know what he said to her?”

Torran shifted. “I believe he may have inadvertently implied that she was unintelligent.”

“How do you accidentally call someone stupid?” I demanded, outraged all over again on Kee’s behalf. No wonder Eli went ballistic.

“I don’t know. He wouldn’t say.”

I blew out a breath. “Is he usually this much of an asshole?”

“No,” Torran said slowly. “He is occasionally curt but never cruel.”

“He apologizes, sincerely, before we get to Bastion or he’s off my ship. You can find someone else to replace him.”

Torran stared at me for a long moment before bowing his head. “Agreed.”