Page 1 of Across the Sapphire Sea
Prologue
Mahu, 564 Before Common Era, Egypt
Silken black hair so dark it gleamed blue in the desert sunlight drifted in the current of the Nile’s flowing water. Mahu beamed down at Dakarai, smile wide as Ra’s golden rays. The scent of nearby juniper and hyacinth floated on the warm afternoon breeze.
“How is it you’ve never learned to swim?” asked Mahu, admiring the shining onyx hair as it danced in the ripples. He stood waist deep in the river, holding beneath Daka’s shoulders and thighs as Daka learned to float on his back.
Daka’s eyes, midnight blue and black as his hair, glistened with joy. “It never occurred to me to try. Perhaps that’s why I need you, to do my thinking for me.”
Mahu gave a rumble of laughter. “You often leave me incapable of higher thought when you’re done with me and disappear to wherever it is you disappear to.”
Daka reached beneath the water’s surface and took Mahu’s phallus in his hand. “Would you have it any other way?”
Mouth open on a sigh, Mahu caught Daka’s vulnerable expression before the incubus could hide it behind a smirk.
“Never.”
“I thought not.”
Walking deeper into the water, Mahu continued the lesson. “When you’re ready to float, you must take in a great breath of air and hold it. I’m going to take my hands away. Ready?”
Daka’s grip on Mahu’s cock tightened. “I have this to hold on to. Wood floats well enough.”
Mahu arched his brows. “I’m going to drop you.”
Daka’s grin was wicked. “At least I’ll have something to swallow before I drown.”
A burst of laughter escaped his lips. “Stop it.”
Daka’s expression turned perfectly serious. “Never.”
1
Elias, Present, 1432 Common Era
The crash of water breaking against the rocky banks of Wolin faded as they sailed farther out to sea. Gulls squawked in the gray sky above. Elias stood on the stern of the cog ship watching a dense fog encase the land they left behind. Sapphire waves rippled between ship and shore. He missed solid ground already. His stomach didn’t appreciate the churning tide.
Though resigned to the journey, dread sat heavy in Elias’s gut. He’d no desire to return to his homeland—a frigid place where bad memories drowned out the decent ones. But Valeri had insisted he come along, wouldn’t dream of leaving him behind in the safety and comfort of Bran Vigny Castle where he might actually make a friend other than Valeri himself. Couldn’t have that.
He took a deep breath of salty air and let it out slowly, relaxing his stomach muscles in an attempt to ease the nausea. Who ever heard of a vampire getting seasick?
Raised voices broke his peace, arguing loud enough to be heard over the wind battering the sail.
“Mahu wouldn’t want us to be reckless on his behalf,” said Laurence, irritation in his tone.
Elias didn’t know what to make of him yet—Valeri’s estranged fledgling. The tall, dark-haired vampire with the barreled chest intimidated him, so he’d kept his distance.
“And you’re the expert on Mahu’s wishes, are you?” Valeri’s voice, crisp and angry as usual. His chestnut curls bounced as he gestured. He had to look up to meet Laurence’s annoyed stare.
“It doesn’t take an expert to know our magic isn’t necessary.” Laurence indicated the sail. “The winds are in our favor.”
Valeri rolled his eyes. “The only reason you and your milksop are here is to be of some help with your magic.”
Laurence stepped in front of his own fledgling, Remy, blocking him from Valeri’s view.
“If you won’t cast a spell, you may as well take a rowboat back to shore.”
“You’re not listening—”
