Lion Head Mesa flowers before men,

atm @Senmut

 

since all had returned safely from war, Akashingo had felt especially blessed. she had made the right choices; she felt the warmth of Ra upon her as she sang her morning prayers. 
but Makono had not returned. now, Toula was not sure she ever would. nothing could keep her away, she believed. and Toula communed with the Gods, praying feverently for an answer. she did not want any of this to go away; she wanted no man to command things any differently. a man might have wanted blood. not yet did Toula know or understand the perhaps more darker whims that men might have when in a position of power. 
but the thought of blood—that was enough. more men might come here, wishing to be her King—and when they knew, as she did, that Pharaoh was dead… 
she had always thought Makono would be back. but she had not returned, and she could delude herself no further. 
Toula sought her most trusted of companions, and brought with her the most trusted of her fellahin. that had been driven into her; she would ever maintain her sense of her propriety. all others were dismissed, and to him she said, Pharaoh is lost to us, and he might take her meaning as she intended it. 
of all that had come, she still trusted Senmut the most for this task—but she wondered if she herself was suited for it at all. have there ever been two Pharaohs, at once? ruling together? her eyes were bright as she observed him. 
it might fall to him, if it was him that she wed should no one else suit. but Toula was keenly aware she needed to give the others more time, and more chances to interact with her. she had been busy preparing for war, for her coronation—
and now, this!