Blackfeather Woods March,

Quite abruptly his eyes returned for her, the ends of black whiskers brushing her jaw as he stoked a kiss up the side of her mouth. “Hear that I regret nothing, only that which puts worry into your eyes.”

His lips lingered on the Akashingoan Pharaoh. She had a woman’s heart; he cherished it. But she knew when to act for the interests of her people and it was this strength he felt passed between them now.

“There can be no paradise in violence, my love. Lawless men are everywhere in south. Men with cold hearts. If rebels are being raised in the desert then we must station our outpost there. Reclaiming the Pass would secure travel between the palaces.”

“After our enemies are dealt with, we will proposition the hebsut, and I will speak with the jodai. Peace will be restored, meryt,” Rashepses said, kissing her lightly on the brow.

It was time to return to the reign of men.