Two Eyes Cenote armarium

it was a fellahin who met him first, and then brought him to the receiving chambers of this palace. it was there Toula awaited him, an array of the things that he most enjoyed (the things that he did pick, each time something was offered in the past) lain out. furs, too, for him to rest upon.
and she looked upon him now with fresh eyes, knowing what he had done—but there was no coldness within her, and so there would be none directed toward him. once, she had idolized this man—who had taught her, who had taught her sister! 
now… now she understood there was a secret he had kept. or perhaps that was not right—had it been a secret? perhaps it had been something only just learned by herself, by Cornelius—the darker nature of their fathers. 
Imperator, she greeted, looking him over with a fond softness in her gaze. perhaps he too had come to redeem himself. it has been too long! she starts, allowing him to lead their conversation the way he might wish.