Lion Head Mesa twentieth

the room filled and swelled with life.

makono found herself absolutely dizzied by it. a court. one she held. this was not a thing to sit in upon like a dutiful servant. this would be her own to sort through and manage.

lesser matters must come first, so that they were not cast aside in the shadow of greater things. a knowing look to those who gathered. loving eyes settled upon toula. a sister who could do no wrong in the gemstone eyes of the pharaoh.

amiirad, her nostrils flared with warmth. a respect in using their titles in court. amiir. a brother was a curse and a boon. he must decide which he'd be more of. she did not let her gaze grace him long. for it focused upon the room as a whole now.

devotion, loyalty, they must be presented before the court to i as pharaoh. her eyes swept out to the circle. witnesses, proven loyalist, some obedient and that was simply enough as it was.

her voice did not invite rebellion.

and if they did? well, one more thing to be dealt out by the end of the night, and she already dreaded the first.