Lion Head Mesa sackcloth

tamar had come alive and trembling at the crudity of the guard's words. she knew of what he spoke, for jawahir had prepared her for the reality of being beneath pharaoh. and when it had not come, when the girl realized she was to be a present, it had shocked her in another way.

arsenio's striking face had become hard in his mockery. "pharaoh does not visit her rooms. and if our queen asks me to do this, i will." her voice was defiant, and she did not give her name. if they spoke louder, satsu would waken. 

tamar dropped back down against the wall again and turned her narrow spine to the guard. soon the queen would waken, and then the girl could disappear into the recesses of the room forbidden to this man. arsenio had spoken of her body. tamar was warmed through and provoked.