I dream lying dreams of your love lost,
And my heart stands still inside me.
—Song of the Birdcatcher’s Daughter
Rhys felt like a bastard. There were no two ways about it—he’d misled Gillian, and gotten her here under somewhat false pretenses. Which in itself was nothing new. But feeling like a bastard about it was.
He did not like that feeling. Not one bit.
But did he have a choice? No. He was fulfilling his duties as master steward of Khepesh, something he’d done countless times before. So, what was different about this time?
Foolish question.
Gillian.
And the fact that he desperately wanted her for himself.
That had never happened before.
As he watched Seth take possession of her, Rhys had to physically restrain himself from stepping between them. Luckily, Nephtys did it in his place.
“My lord, allow me to take Gillian to the temple. The ceremony is in five short days. She must be quickly taught our ways and prepared.”
“Yes, of course,” Seth said, though Rhys could tell he was loath to release his hold on her.
“I promised she’d be shown around the palace,” Rhys interjected, mindful of the deer-in-headlights look she was now giving him. “So she can see how we live, and what to expect of her future here with us. I know she has many questions.”
“That I’ll leave in your capable hands,” Seth told him, finally letting her go of hers.
“But, Rhys—” she began to protest.
He cut her off. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Haliday. Tonight just relax and settle in.”
“But—”
“Nephtys will take good care of you. We’ll talk in the morning. I promise.”
Rhys smiled reassuringly at her as the priestess led her away, already calculating what excuse he could concoct to break protocol and see her tonight.
The crowd dispersed, and he and Seth set off for the council chambers, where they were to meet with the rest of Khepesh’s leaders to update the plans for the ceremony, now that the sacrificial vessel had been chosen.
He must also inform Seth of Haru-Re’s threat.
“She’s perfect,” Seth said as they strode along. “As usual, you manage to exceed my expectations, Kilpatrick. I couldn’t have asked for better.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” Rhys returned, then cleared his throat. “There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, my lord.”
“Very pleased,” Seth continued, brushing off his request. “Did you hear Nephtys had a vision of the woman?”
Rhys frowned, a tingle of foreboding trickling through his veins. “Indeed?”
“She says Miss Haliday will come to be greatly respected by the people of Khepesh. And that we will be happy together, she and I, as true lovers.”
Rhys’s heart nearly stopped beating. That changed everything. If this was true, Rhys had no chance whatsoever to claim Gillian as his own. “Is that right? Nephtys saw this?”
“Earlier. Just before you arrived. It’s why there were so many at the gate to receive you. They wanted a glimpse of the woman the god has smiled upon.”
Pain and jealousy raged through Rhys, but he forced himself to say, “That’s wonderful news, Seth. It’s about time you found a woman of your heart.”
Normally, Rhys would honestly be pleased for his friend. Seth had been alone for a long time. But why did it have to be this woman?
“Yes,” Seth said thoughtfully. “She is beautiful. Though she seems a bit...timid. And obviously terrified of me. I suppose that’ll change in time.”
“This must all be strange and overwhelming to her,” Rhys said. “Give her a chance to get used to things. To you.”
“There won’t be much opportunity for that before the ceremony,” Seth observed with a frown.
“You needn’t join your flesh with hers”—Rhys swallowed— “immediately afterward.”
“It’s tradition.”
“But not a requirement for the ritual. What you really need is the nourishment of her blood. The sex is just for added pleasure.”
Seth looked doubtful. “I suppose so.”
“If you like this woman, you should take extra care.” Nearly choking on the words, Rhys added, “You’ll have all eternity to enjoy the pleasures of her body.”
“Very true.” Seth clasped his shoulder. “Your counsel is wise, Englishman. It’s unlike me to restrain myself, but I’ll give it some serious thought.”
“Good,” Rhys said. “Meanwhile, I’ll look out for her. Make sure she learns the things appropriate to the high priest’s consort.”
And try desperately to figure out just how in hell he’d go about changing Seth’s mind about her. Because when it came to Gillian, Rhys wasn’t certain he’d be able to restrain himself.
But if one or the other didn’t happen, immortal or not, he had a nasty feeling his days on earth were numbered.