Lion Head Mesa ivory & steel

But it was he who misunderstood. Her eyes narrow; not in anger, but in something akin to wariness. Such an odd implication, she thought. I chose to be a fellahin, she says simply, as if it had been obvious. Was it not obvious? Queen Toula made sure it was what I wanted before she accepted me. And, y'know, it is! I like it. I don't do anything I don't want to do, I don't have to worry about anything or anyone,
And then, she leans forward, warm mouth pressed to his shoulder. and I get tired soldiers like you as my reward.
And she was lucky, for it was not like this elsewhere. Had she gone to another palace, perhaps she would not have had the choice.
But I do worry about whoever our pharaoh might be. What he might expect of me. and in that is genuine concern, vulnerability, as she rolls to her side and exposes the pink of her soft belly. Perhaps, given that, she would heed his word.