Lion Head Mesa put my heart in its recipe

She lifted her head at the sound of pawsteps, and the frown faded. Hello, she greeted, adjusting her weight to rest, sphinx-like, on her belly. She observed the woman, gaze raking over the curves of ear and cheek and neck and—

Maegi ripped her eyes away after a lingering moment, giving an awkward smile. She'd noticed her pregnant belly, and wondered who'd sired them. Pharaoh, surely?

I am Pharaoh's guest, she said, and her voice was a touch defensive, as if she was to be kicked out, or taken somewhere else. The events on the island had rattled her; bar the occasional moment here and there, she found it difficult to let down her guard. My name is Maegi.