Lion Head Mesa not the same without you here [wp]

The stiff formality came naturally to Aquene. Only a few had managed to break through and pull the more carefree side from her: her husband, Towhee, Ruenna… occasionally Tamar and Arsenio when they could pull her from her work, and then when she would come to tease Germanicus. The stiff formality was an intrinsic part of her being that would not waver, not even as they circled the crowd and she caught the hints in his voice, the way his eyes smouldered as they peered at her to send an uncomfortable shiver down her spine.
 
If Kallik were here right now, she had little doubt her husband would be going for his neck… especially given her past dealings with men who were ridiculously full of themselves and the loyalty that she and her husband shared to each other.
 
She had told him then, and if she were there, she would tell him now: she could fight her own battles. “The entourage from Mereo will be remaining for the rest of festivities, Pharaoh. Such a sacred union between two individuals, and their loyalty to each other, deserves celebration, and Mereo is honored to take part in the festivities.” The words were pointed this time, her smile falling back to a more polite nature in turn.