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H

ara found Hermia in her room. The young woman was looking at some pants. They were obviously Liam’s and Hermia was placing them against her hips to see how they’d fit.

Hara leant against the door frame and watched her for a while. When Hermia realised she wasn’t alone, she looked up and smiled. “Oh, Captain, I didn’t see you there.”

Hara motioned to the clothing in Hermia’s hands. “I doubt you will wear that at court. You would scandalise your peers. Your parents will accuse us of corrupting you. Which is probably true.”

Hermia tightened her hold on the pants. She chewed on her lip and eventually said, “About that.”

Hara raised an eyebrow as an invitation for Hermia to speak her mind.

“Well, I don’t think I want to go home. I’d really like to pursue my studies and I want to find out who I am.” Hermia rushed with the words. Hermia hesitated, then added, “I’m not cut out to be the daughter of a nobleman who is married off for political reasons. I know there is a chance I will be disowned and I know I can’t ask you to help me but I know I can’t go back.”

Hara nodded. “Fine.”

Hermia blinked in confusion. Then choked out. “Fine? No argument?”

Hara shook her head. “None. We are shorthanded as it is. You can be our new medic. Murphy said you did a really good job on his stitches. You can start your studies there.” Hara motioned to the pants still in Hermia’s hands. “And you can wear what you like.”

Hermia let out a breath and her shoulders shook. Hara wondered if she was crying but when Hermia spoke there was emotion in her voice but no tears. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

Hara shook her head. “No need.”

Hara turned to leave, then turned back. “Gideon is the one to thank. He was the one that suggested you’d make a good medic and that you should stay with us for a while. He has connections as a dragon so I’d suggest you butter him up a bit and see if he can get your parents to see this as a good thing.”

Hermia asked, “You aren’t jealous? I mean, you are suggesting I spend time with your mate.”

Hara smiled. “He is my mate and nothing will change that. Don’t worry about Gideon. He is mine and I am his. You can’t get between that so don’t even think about it.”

Gideon had spent the last few months convincing Hara of that truth. As Hara spoke the words, she knew they were truth. Gideon wasn’t like her father, who was always looking for the next scam and the only reason to have her around was to use her. Gideon needed her but he would never use her. Hara realised she needed Gideon as much as he needed her.