Lion Head Mesa djed

charles did not speak but busied himself with the fermented berries. ramesses watched him for a moment and then looked toward lilitu, finding her beauty refreshing despite the fact he still burned with desire for the coywolf. she was polite, and he found this a credit despite whatever inferior breeding had spawned her.
a jewel remained a jewel.
"these berries were grown not far from the palace. each seed was chosen with care. it is an artform," pharaoh purred, white teeth glowing in a gentle smile. enough pleasantries.
"princess lilitu. your marriage to prince charles would be a benefit to brecheliant." his lapis eyes sought to hold her own. charles need not be shocked himself; he had known what this was. "it is a marriage of politics and its — consummation is of no account to me. you may even return to your people once the ceremony has been completed."
a pause. he gazed at them both.
"but if your union were to bear fruit, then i would see them set in a high position. the world is large. i wish to have another outpost. a pair of newly married royals might understand the necessity of such a project."
his smile was sugared. ramesses waited expectantly.