She nearly corrected him, but he did it himself. Aiesha listened as best she could—she was used to being taught, and the lion had much to express.

He was forgiving of her outburst; he accepted the value of her feelings, which was a charming piece of his personality, she decided. As for roles—Aiesha let out a little laugh.

The sound cut out when the topic switched to fathers. Aiesha remembered the last time she had spoken to her own father and the argument that had resulted. The feeling of being put second. The way Senmut had turned from her and fled.

They're supposed to. At this point I think my step-mother cares more, and we aren't even blood. She mumbled this, most of which was drowned by the way Osiris spoke of the gods.

I wish we could ask them! The gods are powerful; they brought all of us here, had us pass through the field of reeds—but we aren't any different here. They watch and scheme, but it would be so much easier if they would be direct. She was exasperated by the very idea.

Of course, that's what a priest was for.