Two Eyes Cenote [m] Adder

“I’m fine,” she assures the woman, meeting her concern with a tense smile. She wasn’t prepared for the warmth she saw reflected back at her. A mother’s warmth, who had lost her own child. Breath is caught and her gaze flicks between both of them. Now is when she’d customarily move to tidy herself but there is no point with vomit staining her paws.

Machiavelli speaks of love; Eira wants to muzzle him.

“Lady Eira,” she addresses the woman first, “with all due respect, you are in the palace of Muat-riya. Machiavelli is our prisoner and I am in charge here. Send for your party if you wish but with the understanding that none will touch him save for my command.”

She glances down at the soiled ground apologetically. “The guards will escort you to the baths. I need a private word with the prisoner.”

In the dark, she turns towards him.