Greatwater Lake [m] I lift my head and all is born again.

The one who came to meet her call was not the feral frost-giant she had wished for; it was the desert's answer to her need, and Zharille was angered upon seeing his face. At the same time there was allure, because he was a man and she had her desires; but she was resistant to his presence, lifting a lip and snarling a warning.

The desert chose you, she remarks, Zharille did not. Beyond that, she had agreed to take a husband of Senmut's choosing and to provide warrior children to the palace, but that did not mean they were the same thing. Mesen-ka could father bastards somewhere else—but so far as the palace was concerned, he was indeed this husband.

She called again for Kaxwaan, a bellow that shifted towards a deep, masculine howl. Where was her chosen? He who would father Greatwater's true heirs?