"Oh," The small note of surprise passed over my lips before I could stop it.
Standing in front of the crib was Maul. In the dim light I could see the contorted look on his face as he peered down at the small child he held against his chest.
"I don't suppose you're taking my advice," I said, stepping reluctantly into the room. I felt lucky for having witnessed such an act of humanity from him and feared disturbing the moment.
"I have never held a child. I always assumed they would fear me," Maul still held a slight scowl. I could not distinguish the emotion in his voice.
"Put your hand here, on his head," I approached them showed Maul how to properly cradle Casta's head. "There," I placed my hand over-top Maul's and stroked my thumb across Casta's soft head. Maul grunted and I could feel his glaring eyes on me. He did not appear willing to move, so I removed my hand and stepped back from him, leaning back against the crib.
"They're fascinating, aren't they?" I said, my eyes set comfortably on Casta's sleeping form in the hands of such a vicious man.
"Infants? I should hardly think so," Maul looked from me to Casta.
"You were interested enough to tend to him," I reminded him with a small smile and the quirk of an eyebrow. "Why is that?" I couldn't help inquiring. I was genuinely curious. For the young child's entire life up to this point Maul had adamantly ignored him.
"I do not have to explain myself to you," The usual anger he spoke with filled his voice.
"No," I chuckled and reached my hands out for Casta. Maul clumsily handed him over.
"He needs changed," I stated and walked the short distance to the changing table. Casta woke up almost immediately and began crying and reaching for Maul once he realized I wasn't him.
"Hush now. Sith Lords don't change diapers," I told Casta in good humor. To my surprise, Maul didn't leave the room now that he was no longer in possession of Casta. He stood by and watched with a wrinkled nose.
"Give him your finger," I waved a hand at Maul as I reached for the baby wipes. He hesitated and glanced at me questioningly before extending his hand towards the crying child. Casta took one of his fingers in his own and his squalling settled into whines.
"I wonder what it is he sees in you," I said more to myself than to Maul. Perhaps Maul radiated a sense of safety to Casta, one stronger than my own.
"You know," I began on a whim as the thought overcame me. "When I was being held by those men my only hope was that you would find me. I knew my father would send you and I knew that if I could be rescued, you would be the one to do it. I thought about you often. I tried to remember your face and your strength, and it gave me hope.
"I know you aren't particularly fond of me. I'm sure you view me as weak and reckless. To you, my life is probably meaningless," I lifted Casta, who was now changed and redressed. Maul's finger slipped from his grip.
"I want to make it quite clear that regardless of what your opinion is of me, I do care about you. If you asked me why...I'm not sure I could tell you," If I hadn't been so utterly exhausted I probably would have felt embarrassed spilling my guts the way I had.
"You should hold him again. Just until he falls asleep," I handed Casta to Maul, who did not protest my request. I watched as he situated the child the way I had showed him and, though I could have watched for hours, I knew I was no longer needed.
"I'll leave you alone," I walked from the room, leaving the door cracked the way I had found it. A small smile overcame me as I returned to my room and burrowed under my blankets. I felt utterly safe and light as a feather. It took no time at all for me to drift back to sleep.
I awoke early to wake Casta and gather the things Sabra had left with him. When I entered the nursery I was surprised to find Casta wasn't the only occupant of the room. Maul was lying on the couch, which was much to small for him. His hand was settled over Casta's back from where he rested on Maul's chest. For a moment I just stood in the doorway, wondering to myself what had provoked this drastic change in attitude.