KASSIE YAWNED. IT HAD BEEN a long week and as exciting as the march had been, she needed more sleep.

'Bed?' Rumal murmured to her.

'Mmm, yes.'

'Food first?'

That took a moment of consideration. Then Kassie shook her head. 'No. Bed.'

Rumal chuckled, and they said their goodbyes before making their way down the turret and back to their quarters. The sheets were still warm when they climbed in. Kassie sighed in pleasure, snuggling close to Rumal. He ...