Redsand Canyon stones

Tamar, my sweet, my most beloved, you are worthy of all these things and more.

The man’s smile did not falter. He gazed upon his wife with adoration. She had not lived a life of praise, or so he believed. Arsenio knew that the Pharaoh had thirsted for each of his Fellahin. He did not believe that Tamar had been an exception to his lusts. The words he showered upon her were not those of a carnal man. He loved her. Tamar was cherished by him in ways he could never explain. He wished for her to know it, though.

It will come, my love. I will fill your every desire, too. You will know nothing but bliss. 

When she asked for the name of a boy, Arsenio breathed a small sigh and looked to her curiously. He wondered what a son should be called. For a moment, he thought of giving a boy the name of his father. It would have been beautiful to see his son do greater things than his father had ever done.

Alexios, perhaps. Or… Antigone.

Arsenio searched her face, wondering how her soft heart would aid in the raising of a young man. He could see only good things.