CHAPTER 71
Dusk was fast approaching as she found her way back through the waves to home. At some point as she neared, a white head popped up beside her, only to his nose like he was again nervous.
She stopped rowing and the boat slowed until it came to a stop, and Kallias swam behind in silence until it fully did, and then he swam there, mostly under, his hair floating all around him on the surface like he was some beautiful flower and it was his petals.
Well, he was really. He was as beautiful as anything she had ever seen.
“Kallias,” she started, right as he spoke her name. It caused them both to stop until he blurted out, “I’m sorry! I didn’t know—I didn’t think. I just wanted to see you, and tell you the men seemed fine….and…and….”
“Oh, no, no, no,” she said, rushing over to the side and leaning to him.
He looked so ashamed. “It’s my fault. I’m the one that’s sorry.
I should have thought before I sent him out.
I just so wanted to be rid of him I wasn’t thinking.
I…Kallias, I think I lied sufficiently, but if he keeps coming around, you’re going to have to—”
“Do not say leave,” he demanded firmly. “Please, Daria. Do not tell me to leave.”
She opened her mouth, and as if reading her mind, he added, “Even if it’s to protect me, please do not say it.”
“Even if it’s temporary?” she asked, and he fell silent. “Kallias,” she murmured, stroking his face. “My darling, darling Kallias, you’re the only one I want. You’re my happily ever after, right? How could I ask you to leave me for long?”
His gaze was so sad and she didn’t know what to do.
“Let me set up the lighthouse,” she said. “And then will you spend the night with me?”
He nodded, eager but sad. And then, getting behind the boat, he started helping her along. For without her even saying it, he knew that by the height of the sun, the light should already be lit.