Lion Head Mesa (ap) godhead

the bed of pharaoh ramesses had been stripped and piled with fresh skins. between the layers were crushed and dried herbs taken from the red sands, sweet-smelling without pungency. ramesses twiddled the hawk's tailfeather between his teeth. ruenna had brought them a bevy of impressive gifts, most of which he would allow @Satsu and her servants to unpack, but this he would keep for himself.
it was odd, to have her here. the stone shelves had been cleared of items. these would be her own spaces. but he approached one such area and lay the feather down.
ramesses stood across from his new queen. the bed was between them. the fellahin had been forbidden these rooms, at least for the present — he hoped that eventually she might return to her own apartments and diversions.
his lazuli eyes sought her own.
he had asked satsu once and for the last time if their contract had changed. and now they stood before their marriage bed with the same boundary-line between them.
ramesses meant to keep his word. he would not ask her again.
"Sobekneferu." his voice was soft and reverent. "queen of akashingo."
pharaoh smiled lightly at his bride, gesturing to say that she should enter the bedfurs before himself. a last ritual of sorts, his respect of her continuing even when there were no eyes to see.