Two Eyes Cenote Shm'Usert

a palace had many roles for those who were lovely, but her beauty would not outweigh her sickliness in the eyes of any man. 

in this, perhaps it was a mercy, came the cruel and idle thought. if this was to be nazli's state of being henceforth, then he agreed she should devote herself to the gods. it was why parents gave crippled or blind children to the priests; such individuals were said to have a greater connection to the lands beyond.

"ask for it, when you see the queen. we have no astrologer in akashingo. make yourself maiden of the stars and their power will never fail you."

khusobek remained powerfully interested in the missing swathes of nazli's story. how had this wisp come beneath the notice of the most powerful man — for now — in akashingo? senmut was not a romantic. what did he wish here?