Redsand Canyon cactus fruit

she might have blushed to hear the matrona's thoughts.

it felt strange and good to be away from the palace, speaking of ramesses as if he had not once owned her. 

ruenna's words rang powerfully in the small space despite the older woman's measured tone. downfall. did the matrona mean to imply that their soldiers would rise against the palace? the thought made her heart race faster.

there came to her mind the memory of a conversation once had. she had not used the information, but it remained tucked into some pocket of thought. tamar came to it now, and unfolded it. "the queen is not of pure wolf's blood."

it hung heavy and damning between them. tamar looked at ruenna now, expelling a breath she felt she had held for months.