Lion Head Mesa tearstain

autumn leaf.

bewitching. tamar remained as she was. his heart sounded beneath her ear, rich and strong. she wished that she could have so much strength, to understand what she must do.

but the maidservant did not wish to leave akashingo. "i was given in chasteness to the queen. when that is — when i no longer have — when this is changed," she decided, "then pharaoh will come for me all the same."

"i will lie," tamar murmured, finally drawing away to look up into his gaze. "but it does not matter in the end. he will have what he desires."