Page 17 of Beyond the Ruby River
Mahu was already looking up from his worktable. He blinked upon seeing Daka, then his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.
Relief relaxed Daka’s shoulders. He hadn’t expected Mahu to be mad, though he couldn’t rule out the possibility. He glanced down at the fruit and gathered his words.
“I’m glad to see you,” said Mahu in his soft, deep voice. “I worried yesterday when you didn’t come.”
The basket’s contents provided no help with an explanation. Daka was on his own. He met Mahu’s inquisitive gaze.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to come. I was on my way when my sister showed up.”
Mahu stood from behind the table, leaving a half-woven sheet of paper behind as he gestured to an open chair. “Your sister? She came from Rhakotis? By herself?”
Those questions Daka could answer, but if Mahu continued in this vein he’d falter. Or he’d have to lie and lying to Mahu wasn’t acceptable.
Daka took the chair, basket in his lap. “Yes, she came alone, but don’t worry for Niya, she can take care of herself.”
“She’s your older sister, correct?” Mahu resumed his seat.
Only by four hundred years or so, yes…“She’s a bit older.”
“You could have brought her. I would love to meet your sister.”
Daka’s eyes widened. That couldn’t happen. Terrible idea. Dozens of things could go wrong with Mahu and Niya in the same room. “I didn’t want to trouble you with our company. I knew you had to work.”
“Nonsense. You could never trouble me, and neither could your sister.”
You don’t know Niya.
“Next time, do bring her by.”
No chance.“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Tell me about her. How did she like Naukratis?”
Daka let a little laugh escape his throat. Niya had enjoyed a large portion of what the city had to offer. “She loved it.”
Mahu continued to ignore the project on his desk in favor of their conversation. It gave Daka a warm feeling, to be the center of this man’s attention, to be favored over the work he enjoyed. To have those lovely red-brown eyes on him. The lingering aroma of fresh papyrus and that odd scent Mahu carried with him hung in the air.
“Niya enjoys novelty. Naukratis is exciting because it’s new to her. And, of course, she was glad to see me settling in well. I’m sure she’ll report that news back to our mother.”
“That will give your mother peace of mind.”
“I hope so. None of them liked my decision to leave, Mother especially. Of all my family, Niya is the most supportive, though her methods are…debatable.”
“Why did you leave if they all wanted you to remain?”
“I had to.” Daka let his tone give away his passion. He searched for words Mahu would understand. “My family loves me, but their constant indulgence isn’t as helpful as they think. They facilitate my every need, sometimes before I have realized I need something.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” said Mahu gently.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful. Such care was wonderful as a child, but as an adult…”I don’t know if I’m enough of an incubus to live up to their dreams for me.“I hardly know myself in their shadows. And sometimes I feel I’m not worthy of their devotion. I have to learn what kind of man I am without them.”What kind of human?
Mahu didn’t answer right away, his expression thoughtful.
Daka appreciated the quiet. It was hard to explain, even to himself, why he felt so assuredly that he must branch out on his own. He’d never know his human side while deep in the embrace of other incubi. And for years he’d felt something missing. Something his human side craved.
“It’s a brave thing you’ve done,” said Mahu at length. “To make a difficult decision and to follow through in the face of opposition.”
Daka hadn’t been seeking praise, but the kind words from Mahu brought heat to his neck and cheeks. “Thank you. Oh, but I’ve interrupted your work with my chatter.”
