Page 44 of Beyond the Ruby River
He followed Daka to a low lounge cushioned with a small fortune of overstuffed pillows and sat next to him. Daka cuddled in close, nestling against Mahu’s side in a way that felt almost too intimate in present company. Once inside, the tail and horns that had been hidden for their walk from the cow fields to the house reappeared like magic.
On Meditarai and Niya too, massive horns, easily twice the size of Daka’s, sprouted from their heads, and long black tails swished about their ankles. Mahu tried not to stare but getting used to the extra appendages would take time.
Daka’s tail circled behind his back, and the heart-shaped nub at the tip rested in his lap. Mahu had the passing urge to stroke it, but Daka had said that was a tease, and the last thing he wanted to do in front of the women was something that might be considered foreplay. He ignored the tail on his thigh and wrapped an arm around Daka’s slim shoulders instead.
Meditarai settled on a couch across from them, folding her long legs elegantly beneath her. She leaned back against golden cushions embroidered with thick silver threads, a queen on her throne.
Niya stood between them. “I’ll fetch drinks. Mahu, we have dark beer or sweet grape wine. Which would you prefer?”
“Beer, thank you.”
Apparently she knew what the others wanted because she spun and left without further inquiry. Her absence made Meditarai’s presence more intimidating, but this was Daka’s mother. Mahu would like to get to know her, which left him to open the conversation since she remained silent.
“Your home is very beautiful. Will you tell me about the sculptures out front? I’ve never seen such a collection.” In fact, Mahu would love to stroll slowly through the courtyard to admire each one sometime when he was perhaps slightly less terrified of the collection’s formidable owner.
Meditarai inclined her head. “Thank you. Each has its own story. Some I like more than others, the best of which are kept elsewhere in the house.”
“I could show you if you like,” suggested Daka. “But they may shock you. The upstairs collection is somewhat…explicit.”
Mahu imagined statues depicting sex and flushed. He’d never been prudish, but he’d never discussed intimate topics with a lover’s mother present before either.
Meditarai narrowed her gaze. “Perhaps they’re not fit for polite company such as yourself, Mahu.”
The words felt like a test. Unsure how to respond, Mahu met her gaze. “I’m sure you’re the better judge, but I do love art of all kinds.”
“Mahu makes papyrus,” offered Daka.
“So you’ve told me,” said Meditarai, unimpressed.
Niya returned with their drinks, passing them around. Mahu was grateful for something to do with his hands. Niya sat by her mother. Quiet sounds of sipping and swallowing echoed louder than they should have in the otherwise uncomfortable silence.
It was Niya who broke it. “So, you’re fucking my little brother. How is that? He’s such a prude these days, we never know if he’s eating anymore.”
Mahu’s eyebrows leaped up his forehead and threatened to merge with his hairline.
“Niya!” Daka scolded. “He isn’t like us. Mahu is human, your question is rude for him.”
“I want to know,” said Meditarai. The two women shared conspiratorial smug expressions.
Daka’s eyes met Mahu’s. “You don’t have to answer. Niya is full of herself, Mother is nosy, and our time together isn’t any of their business.”
Meditarai spoke up. “You spend too much time with humans, Dakarai. You’re beginning to sound just like them.”
“I am human.” Daka’s voice picked up strength. “Half human. You pretend I’m not, but I am. We’re different. All I want is for you to try to understand. What is natural for you may differ from what is natural for me.”
The rasping tickle in Mahu’s throat grew difficult to ignore. He didn’t know what to say to help Daka or to ease the tension between him and his family. He tried to hide a cough behind his elbow.
Daka rubbed a hand between his shoulder blades. “Are you all right?”
Mahu nodded and took a sip of the beer, which was delicious and soothed the discomfort in his throat if not his mind. “Yes, sorry.” He glanced to Niya. “I will answer, though you must bear with me as I’m unaccustomed to putting such things into words fit for others.”
“You don’t have to,” Daka insisted.
“I don’t mind,” said Mahu, then he thought to check in. “Unless you’d rather I didn’t.”
Daka managed a half shrug. “I’m used to them. They mean well, though it doesn’t always feel like it. You can say anything you wish.”
Mahu took him at his word and directed his attention to Niya. “What’s it like fucking your little brother? I believe that was the question.”
