Page 77 of Ryld's Shadows
Hank took Ryld’s hand. “Are you sure?”
Ryld nodded. “A test. Logic tells me she is not the same woman who owned my mother and myself. She has offered no harm to us, in fact has helped us at every turn. Everything else inside me feels sick and wants to flee.”
Hank put his arm around Ryld. “You don’t have to—”
His murmured reassurance was cut short by the reappearance of Dzev with Lady Ksatha. Ryld went still under his arm, but a glance at the shadows told Hank he wasn’t completely panicked.
“I’m right here, hon. You’re doing good,” Hank said into his hair. “You just say if it gets too much.”
Dzev took a few steps closer, but Lady Ksatha stayed where she was. That alone showed Hank a vast difference between her and Lady Jessamine. She was already respectful of Ryld’s boundaries and didn’t push them.
“Well met, Ryld. And you, Hank,” Lady Ksatha said, apparently not standing on ceremony. Hank was thankful for the informality. He wasn’t sure he was up to all the subtle maneuvering and he knew for certain Ryld wasn’t. She also didn’t wait for a proper response from them, accepting Ryld’s silence and Hank’s murmuredhello.
“I hope you have been made to feel welcome in my court. I know you are much in demand right now, so I won’t keep you from your rest overlong.” She paused just a moment before continuing, “I cannot apologize for the mistreatment you’ve received at another’s hands. I can only tell you that I find it appalling. I was raised in a court where the rare few who were born with your ability are called silver-born, and they are treated with respect. One silver-born in particular became a most valued counselor to our queen, my mother. His name was Tyrk, and he was my brother.”
“You saywas, ma’am,” Hank said softly. “Did something happen to him? Or is it because you’re here and he’s not?”
She smiled at him, although the expression didn’t look happy. “That’s a story best told another time. For now, I wanted you to know that not all of the drow are vicious and cruel, although you are wise not to trust until that trust is earned. I think I’ll leave you now, best we move slowly. If you would like to dine with me tonight, or just have tea, you are both welcome.”
Hank waited for Ryld to answer, but he apparently wasn’t quite ready to. “Thank you, Lady Ksatha. We’ll talk about it.”
She took her leave then, and Dzev shortly after. Ryld had said not a word and so it was hard to judge his mood or his thoughts. Finally, when he did speak, he said, “I would like to stay here, for a while. Maybe a long while. But it is more important that I be where you are. Would you stay, or do you want to return to New York?”
“Well, let’s talk this through first.” Hank took both of Ryld’s hands, turning to face him. “Why do you want to stay? I’m not saying it’s a bad idea or anything. Just want to hear what you’re thinking.”
“Dzev has been able to teach me more about myself than anyone has in just a few talks with him. I would like to learn more. He might be willing to come to New York in time, but the court and Lady Ksatha need him here while things are so unsettled. Also, New York does not seem like a very good place for dragons.”
“New York would be a really bad place for dragons, you’re right.” Hank looked down into the sun-dappled water for a moment, letting the foot still draped over the edge swing idly. “I love that your decisions so often have to do with what’s best for others. And if you can’t stay in the court itself, we could always set up somewhere in the woods. Would you miss your work while you’re here? Your apartment?”
Ryld smiled. “My work is wherever I am. The patterns I make can be sent with a computer. The place I sleep is not as important to me as having you there.”
“All right.” Hank nodded. “And we both know I wouldn’t missmywork, since that’s you for now. Though…that brings me to something I’ve been kinda wrestling with the past few days. I don’t think I should be taking money to be your companion anymore.”
Ryld twitched and looked up at him. “You explained that no longer being my companion does not mean you want to no longer see me again.” He said the words with a flat inflection, clearly trying to calm himself with the reminder. “You do not have to take money to be my companion if you don’t want it. I have enough money for us both.”
“Right…um. We have to talk about the concept of feeling like I’m contributing to the household, but later, maybe.” Hank sighed and ran his thumbs over the backs of Ryld’s hands. “I want to be with you. That’s not in question. But not as…as an employee. Because…” He swallowed hard and turned his head to watch Ryld’s face. “Because I love you. And being your paid companion after saying that just feels so wrong.”
“I don’t want you to feel wrong, Hank.” Ryld squeezed his hands.
When that was all he said, Hank laughed nervously. “I thought telling you I loved you might…well, I’m not sure how I thought you would react.”
Ryld looked at him. He often didn’t meet his eyes, so Hank knew he was making an effort. “You show love when you do things like making sure I have eaten or setting up paper and paint for me. You say you love me without words all the time. I love you too, Hank. Very much.”
“Oh well, then we don’t have any choice.” Hank smiled as Ryld’s expression became puzzled. “I have to kiss you now. It’s mandatory.”
“I would like you to kiss me now, and I don’t care if it’s mandatory.”
Hank took Ryld’s face between his hands, leaned in and pressed his lips to Ryld’s, always careful of the tusks. “We’ll stay here until you’re ready. You learning right now is the most important thing. And of course I’ll stay with you.Andno more going off with investigating drow without you.”
“This makes me happy. You make me happy, Hank. My heart never wants to be without your heart.”