Lion Head Mesa aon

Not a whisker budged, but Rashepses’ smile was enigmatic; rats, and jewels. The consort was more interested in seeing her perform a jolly tune for his wife, or provide his future teething sons with a chew-toy. If for nothing else, it was a repulsive face that would frighten off attackers.

The king leapt from his plinth, landing with a solid thud in the fine quartz earth. He gripped under the imp’s small jaw, raising her chin high to meet his eyes. In them, he dared her to move.

“You will have all the meat and wine on which to gorge yourself. But in return, I want your loyalty; a dog who is never far from her master’s heels.”