“Not too much, Colonel,” Reid replied, standing tall with his shoulders back. Despite not being an official member of the Allundan Army yet—his new contract still pending—Deckard was permitted to retain his rank. “There have been a few young recruits causing trouble lately and some attempts to incite a rebellion among the rabble, but overall, the city is functioning well.”
“Count on Reid to focus on the negative,” Brea teased before adding, “We’ve had half of the Ephrian troops sign their Allundan contracts throughout the East, and about two-thirds of those remaining have returned home. We’re still waiting for word from the rest. However, things are going well, and we’ve received a positive response from the current officers regarding the change in command.”
Brea turned to Thom. “Which reminds me,” she smirked, “I’m afraid your rank has been revoked, as you haven’t signed your Allundan contract yet.”
“Forgive me,” Thom mocked. “But I haven’t been offered an Allundan contract.”
“I believe it’s sitting on General Waaver’s desk if you’d like to sign it.”
“I’d be honored,” he replied. “Did I get a promotion, too, Captain?”
Brea’s eyes twinkled merrily. “Of a sort.”
Thom narrowed his gaze suspiciously. “What sort?”
Reid clapped him on the arm. “Ah, don’t worry, friend. Your contract is ready for signing, and you’re back to military life as a major.”
It took a moment for the words to register before Thom stammered, “A major? I don’t want to be a training officer!”
Reid and Brea exchanged proud grins. “I told you he’d fall for it,” she said.
The colonel sighed good-naturedly, then fished out a silver coin and placed it in Brea’s waiting palm. “Don’t spend it all in one place,” he quipped.
“It was a joke?” Thom asked.
Evylin chuckled and slipped her arm through Calyn’s. “Come on,” she said, gesturing to the others. “We ought to get home.”
“Don’t we need to get our things?” Calyn asked.
“Nah,” Thom grumbled. “These idiots will send our things once they’ve unloaded.”
“But not yours,” Brea said slyly. “As you’re no longer a soldier, I’m afraid you’ll have to pick it up yourself.”
Thom reached across the small space between them, tugging Brea into a hug. It was typical for them to engage in playful or platonic touches, like nudges or gentle pats. They often rested their arms on each other’s chairs or leaned in to share whispers. However, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tightly against his chest was a level of affection Deckard was unaccustomed to witnessing.
Deckard also sensed Brea’s surprise at their unexpected closeness. Cautiously, she wrapped her arms around Thom’s waist, her forehead pressing against his chin awkwardly. In the past month, Deckard hadn’t noticed any romantic growth between his brother and the Warrior, and, having spent most of that time apart, he chose not to question Thom about it. His brother tended to overthink his emotions, and Deckard understood how much his friendship with Brea mattered to him. Deckard wanted to avoid presuming any infatuation or romance where it was unwarranted.
However, as Thom and Brea’s embrace lasted just a bit longer than what would typically be deemed socially acceptable, Deckard worried he might need to have a conversation with his brother after all.
As though recognizing the uncomfortable situation he’d put them in, Thom backed up and cleared his throat. He gave Brea’s shoulder a smack with a terse, “It’s good to see you again,dulá.” Then he pushed past her to walk toward the gate.
Brea turned to Deckard and Evylin in confusion.
“Don’t ask me,” Deckard said dryly. He grinned at both Brea and Reid. “We’ll see you both tomorrow, I’m sure.”
“Oh, Colonel,” Reid said before they could turn away.
“Please, call me ‘Deckard.’”
“I don’t think I should.”
“You should,” Evylin said. “What did you need?”
“Lord Carlile requested I inform you,” Reid explained. “The Administration wishes to meet with you first thing tomorrow.”
Deckard shared a look with Evylin. “Yes, their letter said they’d want a debriefing of the trip.”
Reid shook his head. “Things have changed. It’s to be an official meeting on behalf of Allund. They want Captains Deckard and Lohen there too.”
