Two Eyes Cenote flesh & toil

She does not anticipate his suddenness, she takes an involuntary step back, muscles tightening over the intrusive edge in her stomach. He could upbraid an uncivil tongue, though she does not think he will while she walks in the light of Queen Toula’s favor and it is this which leads her to bridle taller to take in the full measure of his cold eyes. Her veins lit.

Hebsut.

Is he an ally or an opponent?

He could want to breed fear. Scared servants are easier to control. He could build up a dependence, so when she needed guidance, she would come running. A pawn moved by his hand. She hadn’t served a Pharaoh, but she had served men. She recognized the ancient patterns. Repressive. Bureaucratic.

She was to be in control now. Five to vie for the seat of Pharaoh, but one board to play upon- scrubbed, designed, mounted by her hand.

“I can handle Pharaoh,” a careful intake of breath. Her eyes pass between his then down to his mouth. She thinks about war. She thinks about taking her lips to the rough jaw of Sobek.