Lion Head Mesa thirty-seventh

senmut reclined upon one elbow, his face a smooth study in open, quiet amusement as swan moved through the stages of her headlong consumption. "it is meant to make you feel this way," he said to them both. "drunken. light. evocative." 

noting how she watched taltos, the prince now answered the man. "it is akashingo's way of honoring one who has come to make a marriage of benefit for the kingdom. it would not do if a prince married below himself."

granting royalty to lliitu would also have added another rein of control to ramesses' hand, a hold over brecheliant made in blood. but senmut did not say this, for such was the right of whomsoever sat upon the Horus Throne.

"akashingo has other pleasures to enjoy," senmut said at last, his eyes returning to swan. "other things to imbibe."