Chapter 14: Altair (3)

Statistically, women who chose a life in the military often remained unmarried. A soldier was expected to remain in service well into her late twenties, and it was difficult to contemplate marriage when dying in the line of duty was always a possibility. Nor did Luina have parents who might arrange a suitable match between families on her behalf. The future before her seemed plain enough to give Kelly pause. Then she chuckled softly and shook her head. “What a pity. Not even one boy you like at your age? Every girl needs a little romance in her life.”