Luneshale Pass good fortune

she was wise and direct; she exceeded all expectation of queen or even pharaoh. akashingo's resplendency was renowned in her, but more than that, it was given light and gold by her own understandings, which ran far deeper than even senmut had known.

"then — for my part in it — i did not protect her, and i could not now. she must not endure me any longer, great one."

it was as much as he could say. senmut tried with valiance to maintain the set of his bearing, to remain a prince. for her, as much as himself. more than himself. there was no greater sum of Ma'at than her eyes upon him. and as pharaoh he could only be her consort, for never would he bear the royal stamp necessary to demand the throne.

at last senmut moved as he had not before, to draw upon daring and to place his unworthy scarlet paw, stained with months of painting, o'ertop her own, for a moment that lasted longer than appropriate — if she was a goddess and he her servant. "my queen. i am ready now."

the truth was settled, calm, in the brilliance of his viridian eyes.