[Author’s note: this episode is from Sree’s point of view]
Sree watched Daryl from across the table, the only way they could maintain the composure needed for a meaningful conversation. It had taken some time for the sexual tension to dissipate after she rebuffed him, and even longer for his ill humor to dispel. He had only the vaguest notion of the reason behind her decision but at least had come to accept it. There even was a glimmer of hope in his eyes once the idea that Rin loved him had been planted. Poor, poor boy, Sree lamented when she saw this. Didn’t he grasp what that meant?
Daryl gave her a determined look. “I said I would protect you, and I will. That hasn’t changed.”
“It does not matter whether I slept with you,” he declared before Sree could object.
“Other way around,” she grinned.
Ignoring her, Daryl continued. He clearly had given this a lot of thought during their cooling-off period. “I accept what you said and that you must find her. But I will protect you.”
Sree knew there was nothing to be gained from arguing the point. Besides, it would be ungracious to reject such a chivalrous declaration. Both her smile and voice had a regal quality. “Very well, Daryl. I accept your protection.” Then in a softer tone, she added. “And I am grateful to have met you.” Her eyes melted him, and Daryl had to look away.
An instant later she was all business.
“Well, why don’t we discuss what Rin told you.”
“Told me about what?”
Sree sat back and pouted. “There’s no need to be evasive. If you don’t want to tell me, just say so.”
Daryl was taken aback. “No, I really don’t know what you mean.”
Seeing he was earnest, Sree bounced forward.
“About how to find her, silly.”
Suddenly Daryl’s eyes narrowed, his tone cold. “So that you and Karkov can find her.”
Sree was unperturbed. “Not Karkov. He’s very good at this sort of thing. If he wanted to find her, I’m sure he would not require your help. However, I need to find her.”
“Why? So you can kill her?”
Sree laughed. “A minute ago, you were going to protect me from her. Now you think I can kill her.” As she said this, Sree realized it had a scornful tone. She was ashamed to appear ungrateful. A mortal’s life was all he had to offer, and it was boorish to mock him for it. Fortunately, Daryl seemed oblivious to the unintended slight.
“Can’t you?” he blurted out.
The expression on Sree’s face was one of disbelief, followed by exasperation. “I told you, I can’t kill her. And I certainly wouldn’t want to.”
“She was running from you,” Daryl reiterated.
Sree gave a sad nod. “Probably. She has been avoiding me lately. It isn’t for the reason you imagine and is frustrating if understandable.”
“Whatever the reason, if she didn’t wish to be found why should I help you do so?”
“I thought that was evident. I’m helping you.”
Daryl eyed her coldly. “And why would I believe that?”
Sree thought for a moment. Things would be so much easier if she just could tell him that Rin had sent her. Of course, he probably would think she was lying. Even Sree thought it absurd that she had been asked to do the same thing separately by Karkov and Rin. They really were like an old married couple. Of course, they had vastly different reasons. Karkov would be very upset if he knew the real reason Sree was seeking out Rin.
The coincidence had turned out to be a convenient one, though. Besides the obvious overlap in purpose, she was able to claim without deceit that Karkov had sent her. Rin expressly had enjoined Sree from mentioning her own involvement, but also was unaware of Karkov’s. She probably assumed Sree would make something up. But that wouldn’t have worked. Rin always was too optimistic about the naivete of others. Daryl was both cautious and inquisitive. He would not simply accept that Sree had hastened to his aid at Karkov’s behest. The easiest fictions to maintain were those closest to the truth. She was seeking Rin to warn her of something important. The fact that she already had accomplished this was of no consequence. As for that other thing, it didn’t concern Daryl.
Part of Sree revolted against engaging in even such a modest subterfuge. It was just like Rin to overcomplicate things. And it was a cruel thing to do, as cruel as that ridiculous story she had told the boy. Daryl loved her, and she refused to give him the slightest sign that she felt the same way. Sree wanted to respect her sister’s wishes, but resented being used to further torment him. She wasn’t even allowed to tell him they were sisters. That would have made her romantic refusal much easier to swallow. Why did Rin have to make everything so damned messy?
But had Sree actually promised to remain silent? She replayed the conversation in her mind. Not quite. Rin just assumed that her assent related to the entire request. It was perfectly plausible that she only had agreed to help Daryl, not deceive him.
Sree was about to explain the situation to Daryl, when she stopped herself. How could she demand such sacrifice from Rin in service of a promise, if she herself sought the flimsiest pretext to disregard Rin’s wishes on a much lighter matter. It would be the worst form of hypocrisy and a terrible injustice to her sister. Sree exhaled silently and looked up.
Daryl was watching her intently. Had he taken her silence for consternation at the question?
She considered before replying. “I have my own reason for seeking out Rin. There is something important I must warn her about.”
“And what would that be?” Daryl demanded, his voice growing gruff.
“That’s between the two of us. It is impolite to pry too closely into the affairs of others,” Sree reproved.
“You did.” Seeing Sree’s annoyance, Daryl looked away. “And it is not impolite when you are asking my help to find her.”
“Fair enough,” Sree conceded. “All I will say is that if you care for Rin, you should help me find her. Or more precisely, let me help you find her.” She could not help but smile at how conveniently the boy seemed to forget who was doing what for whom.
“But what …,” Daryl began before noticing the nascent disapproval on Sree’s face. “I suppose that’s between the two of you,” he amended.
This amused Sree. “That’s very proper of you. But you worry needlessly. There is nothing sinister here. You should tell me what you know. If we work together, I am certain we can find Rin.”
Perceiving that his skepticism had not been quelled, Sree smiled. “I could torture and kill you right here. You probably think me kind or gentle, but that would be a mistake. Haven’t you been taught anything?” Her voice was stern but carried no note of anger.
Internal conflict was written all over Daryl’s face. He clearly wanted to trust his eyes, but somehow knew better. Had Rin forewarned him or had he learned such wariness on his own? Perhaps he had begun to wonder what sort of person really resided in Sree’s delectable body. She sometimes wondered that herself. Or had, long ago. Such thoughts made her sad. What would constant uncertainty do to someone? She imagined that a man could be paralyzed by it. If that were the case, this little journey could prove quite burdensome. To her relief, Daryl exhibited no such failing.
“I don’t believe you would,” he quietly replied.
Sree regarded him for a moment and smiled again. “You seem very confident of that.” She realized she was making things worse. Did she want him to fall prey to such thoughts? Dark words and an enigmatic smile would do little to relieve the boy’s anxiety.
“But putting that aside, there is a simple reason you should tell me, and it has nothing to do with trust or mistrust.”
“And what’s that?”
“You need me,” Sree noted. “You won’t find her without me.”
“Why not?”
She laughed. “If you could have, you would have. And you’ve conveniently forgotten something.”
“Have I?” Daryl seemed weary. Sree could tell he wanted to trust her, but something always appeared to warn him off. Why was he so suspicious? She wondered whether suspicion was part and parcel of being mortal. Being with Rin probably hadn’t helped either.
“Of course,” Sree explained. “You went to Karkov. If you were worried about such things, why did you go to Rin’s worst enemy?”
“You just said Karkov isn’t her enemy,” Daryl objected.
Sree gave him a sharp glance. “You didn’t know that when you sought him out. If she was the evil queen of her own story, wouldn’t Karkov want revenge? And, as the crafter, he would have the power to exact it. You were perfectly happy to betray Rin in the vilest manner to her worst enemy, yet now you hesitate to work with her friend. How does that suit you, young soldier.” The melodic quality in her voice imperceptibly had given way to severity.
Daryl looked horrified.
Sree rose to leave. “I’ll let you think about it.” Her voice had returned to chiding laughter.
“Where can I find you?” Daryl stammered.
“Same place as before.” Sree kissed him on the forehead. “Let’s really mess with that bartender next time.”
In the doorway, she briefly vacillated. Turning, Sree quickly kissed Daryl on the lips, then bit his ear. “Don’t feel too bad. You didn’t actually betray your Rin. Everything you did was from love.”
She smiled. “Otherwise, I would have killed you.”
You'd think poor Daryl would take a vow of celibacy after dealing with these two. ; )