Melody had learned to listen to the whispers throughout the palace. For better or for worse, she was no longer quite so ignorant.

This time it was worse. Senmut — no, she wouldn't think of it. Her throat burned; she felt as if she might be sick; and she knew that she had no right, none at all, but that hardly made a difference. She wanted to scream. How could he notice everyone except for her?

Melody slipped away from Akashingo, determined that she would find something beyond its borders. Either to cure herself of this burning want for Senmut's gaze on her, or to find a way to ensure his eyes never left her again. Jealousy was never a good look on her.