Two Eyes Cenote the night does not belong to god

she simultaneously wanted to keep him in her sights, as a protective measure, and wanted to look to the stars and witness them when he asked his question. feeling powerful after her many nights with senmut, she chose to look up and to draw her attention fully away from the man.

there were many stars to choose from; there were always such a multitude that it could be overwhelming. nazli spied a few bright ones now visible, and smiled.

we are in the belly of nwt. each light is one of her children; like her, i can have no favorite. what others would call the milky way.

look there, that star is sothis watching over us. and her consort sah, which you can trace. what others might identify as a belt, nearer the horizon. these names had come to her with prayer and attention over the course of many nights, and sometimes by speaking with those of muat-riya, or hearing word from akashingo.

watching the stars and now thinking of the palace, her mind wanders happily to senmut; her body reacts with a small shiver she could easily blame upon the season. the wanting is still there, but her lover is not.