Lion Head Mesa Influx

"are you so certain she will choose you, prince? she has a commander before her, a courtier, a romantic." he did not name himself as challenger to rashepses, wishing to know how the man might fare being led in such a direction.

the meat-offerings of akashingo were rich and sweet, though both tastes turned to chaff in his mouth, to see such ribald confidence. suppose the queen were responsive to it. did he himself wish to serve beneath this man as pharaoh?

senmut knew he would retain his title as high priest so long as the queen held influence. but rashepses did not seem a man who would permit the eclipse of a royal woman, even one so blooded as their ruler.

the mockery spiked along his tongue. he felt emboldened by the drink. and yet he bided his time.