Lion Head Mesa Thlípsi

she too was not sure if she would inform the pharaoh.

the idea of entering his rooms nauseated the girl. she felt as if he were a great pale spider, his eyes fixed upon her wherever she went. he and the guard. ramesses frightened tamar. arsenio frustrated her.

he described the queen as water. he would not say so if he had suffered her sharper words. arsenio wanted fire. "the flames can burn," she warned him. "men like danger until it is directed at them."

tamar's ribcage swelled with a breath. she was not certain why she had said it, only that she must. 

"do you hope i will come to your bed, arsenio?" the girl said his name carefully, drawing out the syllables.