Two Eyes Cenote Reason of State

in her own heart, she believed her people would come to see the Sphinx the way that she did. she had no doubt in her choice, once it had been made. and it was not merely for love, though love played perhaps a great part. 
he was her match. his elegance, his education, his pedigree—their alliance, what they two could stand to build… Rashepses was the right choice. the perfect choice.
how lucky for her, that there was true love here! she saw it in his eyes, and he would hear it in her voice. they two could feel it in their togetherness, and the world would watch it through their every gesture. 
her eyes were full of mirth. her spirits were high as her heart soared. I love you, she echoes easily in answer, and as the priests came to collect them, Toula spun away. now let us go and greet the day together, and let Ra witness us side by side,