I walked up to the couch and crouched down.
"Wake up," I touched Maul's arm, shaking it gently. His eyes snapped open, the ferocity of their sunset color betraying the peaceful expression he donned while sleeping.
"Sabra will be here to pick up Casta soon," My fingers brushed Maul's bare chest as I lifted Casta from him. "Imagine the fit she would throw if she saw this," I rolled my eyes at the thought. I could feel Maul walk up behind me as I changed Casta. I took a second to glance over my shoulder at him.
"Something on your mind?" There clearly was, but I didn't expect him to tell me. His stoic expression was restored and he seemed firmly rooted to where he stood. His fists were clenched at his sides.
"I've over slept," He stated in a very as a matter of fact tone.
"Yes," I looked at him again, this time feeling confused. His eyes were still locked on Casta's face. "Father will be looking for you," I offered him an escape and he took it, leaving the room after a stiff nod.
"How strange," I mused to myself. I changed Casta's clothes and fed him before gathering his things. By the time I went to the dining room to meet my father for breakfast, Sabra was waiting for me.
"How was he?" She asked as I handed him over to her.
"Wonderful, as usual," I assured her with a smile.
"You seem better for it," She held pity in her eyes, but I ignored it. She was, of course, correct. Watching Casta for the day turned out to be the best thing for me.
"Well, I should be going. Someone has a play date," Sabra bounced Casta and he giggled, reaching for her face.
We said our goodbyes and I sat at the table, waiting for Father to join me. A droid brought me water to sip on as I waited and I allowed my mind to wander.
What a strange day I'd had. Maul had acted rather strangely, though his demeanor never changed. As usual, I had no insight into what he was thinking. Clearly he was curious about Casta, but why? He never had been before.
Images of the night before flooded my mind. There was nothing more attractive to a woman than a man holding a child. It's certainly instinct and not one that can be easily overlooked. There are many qualities that beings look for in a partner; strength, intelligence, protectiveness. What I'd seen in Maul was perfect, as far as my primal being was concerned.
I shook my head firmly and rubbed my tired face.
No, I can't think of him like that. He would never reciprocate and even if he did, what kind of relationship would that be? He is cruel and appears to feel nothing but anger. He is not a social being. His only focus is on his training and destroying the Jedi order. Even if hatred is best fueled by love, he would never take that path.
"I apologize for my tardiness. My apprentice was also running late this morning," Father said as he entered the room. I was jarred from my thoughts. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?" I could feel my face heat up as he sat across from me.
"No," I stammered quickly. "Should I?" This time I managed to calm myself before speaking.
"I don't know. That's why I asked," I could feel his eyes boring into me. He knew something. He at least knew that I was lying, but anyone would have been able to tell.
A droid placed a plate of food in front of me and I immediately picked up my fork and began poking at it. "He was probably just exhausted from his missions. You have been running him quite a bit lately," I said, hoping to divert the course of the conversation. It worked.
I was lucky enough to spend breakfast talking politics, which usually I would have despised. I was though, because of the avoided conversation, going to have a pleasant meal. That thought left me when the door to the dining room flew open and I was tackled to the ground.