pharaoh sparkled with the artifice of drink and the genuine delight in queen's presence.
but she was his sister. she was one half of him, and khaemwaset knew she grieved. satakhetem had all but come between them, and he had no idea how this could be mended. all princely plots, all evil lies; he was set adrift on those well-buried currents of her sorrow, these waves that would never show.
he filled the subtle silences merneith left with more racuous laughter. he called for games. he plied her with blossoms of as many colors as could be counted, placed choice morsels before her.
jodai announced a name he did not know, and on approach, he watched the gleaming limbs of the tianlong princess.
golden eyes saw the gentle stature, the way she appeared unlike those wolves of the desert. he was fascinated, and looked to merneith, wondering if she felt the same.
a grand welcome to satriya, amiirad téng lian. that is our word for princess, he added, white teeth glinting in a welcoming grin. please, be seated with us. i wish to hear from where you have come.