Rosewater Oasis your excellence

He could feel it in the air— amusement, dominance. The Pharaoh enjoyed watching him bow like a wounded dog. Arkane had a feeling he exerted his power in such a way fairly often.

Good. He was meant to.

“I do not need to give orders to know power, sire. I feel it here, at your feet.” He answered honestly, nostrils flaring outward in a breath.

The brute could feel the smaller man’s breath fanning against his face, brushing his lips, gauging his reaction. Oh, he would be a difficult prize to win, but his loyalty would be priceless. With the favor of a Pharaoh, there was no telling where Arkane’s influence would reach. He would prove himself, no matter the cost.

The Grand Marshal rose slowly to his paws as he was ordered to do so, tongue sliding across his teeth with practiced care. Samirseti would test him, he knew. And he would pass with flying colors, or his rise to power would end abruptly.

“Know this. I bend for you and you alone, and I will prove it to you in any way you desire. Be it on the field of battle, forged in blood, or within your enemies’ chambers in the dead of night. You need only say the word.” Pointedly, he did not look down. Molten eyes remained fixed on some distant horizon, acutely aware of the Pharaoh’s piercing gaze upon him. To meet his eyes without direct invitation would be a challenge, a slap in the face.