Lion Head Mesa titanium

the princess had gone into heat.

her scent was redolent within the palace and no doubt had turned the head of any man divine or otherwise. the evening was cool. tavina strode down the hallway, fellahin in tow bearing meals. she hardly asked for entry before bowing herself into the chambers of prince @Charles.

she had asked @Gucci to escort @Lilitu here quite soon. as he was not only meant to be married but miniscule, she thought the danger of unexpected conception was rather slim, though from time to time she glanced into the corridor, searching for them.

"your highness," she murmured, wondering if the coyote-blood man was even able to be roused toward anger, "neb gucci and i thought it a fine night to join you for a meal. i wanted to bring you news of the outside world."

inside her jaw was tucked a rolled leaf with a particularly lush mushroom, dried and powdered. 

an encouragement, pharaoh had called it.

he pranced besides the princess, but spoke very little.

there was... a certain miasma in her presence which, if in any way gestured at, would only make things more awkward. this the little man was sure of, and so he opted for a stiff, but persistent smile, and short replies.

before all this, he was bathed and rolled in petals, groomed to maximal poof of coat. it did well to conceal his shameful pudginess. and the slight shame he felt at the plan he was meant to help enact 

it was only near the chambers, that gucci picked up the conversation.

"... fascinating man, that mistah charles. no doubt you've met, but ah can attest t' a well-concealed depth o' character!" 

the rooms were within sight.

Tavina entered and Charles greeted her with a smile. It often meant something pleasant, such as a bath or more berries. Tavina had been good to him, alongside the other servants here. He still felt he did not deserve any of this, but that did not keep Charles from enjoying it to the fullest.

Oh, Gucci was there too. He peered at the creature after he and Tavina appeared, clearly suspicious and less eager to see him than he was Tavina. Then he turned his attention back to Tavina and said, Of course! Yes, join me. He got to his feet, stretched his body and then lay down elsewhere, seemingly not planning to move very much today.

fading!

it would be a hushed meal.

the princess did not arrive and so tavina and gucci were only compelled to eat and drink with the prince.

she departed said dinner party quite intoxicated, and slept late into the next day.