"You don't have to trail after her," she told him, soft enough to pretend they were having a private conversation, but loud enough that all thirteen people heard it. "There's a spot for men like you with the General. Protection. Real food. Beds that don't move. Authority." Her fingers hovered near his sleeve and didn't touch. "With us, you won't be wasting yourself."
Zubair didn't blink. "I'm not wasted."
"So you're hers." It wasn't so much of a question as much as a prod. "All four of you."
Lachlan laughed once. Not friendly. "We're not furniture."
"Speak for yourself," Elias tossed, dry. "Some of us are lamps."
Sera watched the woman work, still curious. "You're trying very hard," she said. "Does it usually work?"
"Women like you burn out," the woman answered. "They run out of favors. The men move on."
