Redsand Canyon cactus fruit

Ruenna nodded in understanding. "Then I may be wrong. Akashingo may yet be its own undoing." She would not make any comment on the differences between high blood and low. She had her own opinions certainly, but she thought it would serve her best to keep them to herself. Especially since one of Mereo's own was not lupine. 

"Ramesses is only a man," Ruenna reminded Tamar. Perhaps it would be news to her; Ruenna was uncertain of the extent of Tamar's indoctrination. "He is viewed by all outside of Akashingo as just another alpha. Certainly not as a god. The concept of royalty is entirely fabricated. It's a construct to justify a claim to power that is not earned." 

Were Ruenna's words treasonous? Perhaps. She was aware that Mereo ultimately answered to Pharaoh. But this should not mean that they were required to worship him. 

"In Mereo, no child will stand above the others by birth alone." It was important to Ruenna for actions and character to be the primary determinants of success. Even if that meant that someday a pug-snouted, excessively-wrinkled wolfdog served as Imperator.