Lion Head Mesa fire bringer

it was to be expected. a flurry of storming paws cleared a hall and makono was seated in a chamber that felt far too big for her. yet she did not turn to look at the doorway, the voice announced all she needed to know.

"what have you done?!"

practically a banshee screech at her. only it felt very much like it passed through her. treva had played court and wife to a man in madness from the moment of their wedding. makono had not given thought of what to do when the ire of her came down.

ashikaga had been meant to be queen's heir by the instruction of senmut. now makono considered toula — or perhaps an empty seat alongside her was the most honest course.

he was mad. do not tell me you did not see it. her voice was too tired to tremble or sway. i am pharaoh now. you are not my shabti.

you never were. a woman playing house in a seat her mother should have held for years. it burned her harsher in the wake of her father's demise.