Two Eyes Cenote armarium

by now, being raised in a place such as this, she knew words mattered—each of them a choice, as was every action. was it deliberate, then, that he did not simply say “yes”? Toula knew he was not only a soldier, now—Germanicus had more cunning in him than most. and she knew this for certain now, with what Cornelius himself had told her. all things a move on the senet board. 
but this was no game to her. not this moment. not how she thought of him. Germanicus might have been a pawn on the board of any other, but she in her youthful naivety still considered him friend. one who had done wrong—but if her father could have made it to the Land of Reeds, she felt certain so too could Germanicus. 
or whatever his own afterlife might be. she did not think he could not find redemption—but it would require some sacrifice, perhaps. 
she had questions for him—only for him. as the Sphinx requested a moment into the chambers, Toula nodded—but knew her own inquiries, private, must wait. Germanicus had spoken, and Toula looked to him—she saw and heard only concern for his son. and perhaps it was her own bias that colored this thought! 
she could sense that Germanicus did not wish to inflict doubt into his son. perhaps he did not wish to have this conversation before him. and so, she would not force such a thing—only seek to comfort. it has indeed been a while—much has changed, and much will continue to change. Akashingo no longer partakes in… older business ventures, she took exceptional care to ensure no contempt bled into her voice, knowing Germanicus himself played a part in the trading of a slave. he is your son. you led Mereo, and were Imperator. the general of Akashingo, her eyes were bright. you have done much for my family. and Cornelius—he has the same vision as I do. that old mistakes must not happen again. that we must forge ahead, and become better. your son asked to become servant, she breathes, looking fondly to him, he has a noble heart, wishing to take the place of another. but I granted him another choice. 
yes, she knew! her heart ached to know it, this thing that could not be undone—this thing that her father, too, has taken part in. he will be forced into nothing. no one here shall be, her gaze held Cornelius, warm, and so I grant him the choice to depart with you now, if he so wishes—but I believe in him, in his heart. already, he is a better Sphinx than most, now she looked to the Imperator, willing him to see her and understand:
I am not my father. I am not Makono.