Lion Head Mesa threw it away, but now i say

he asked a child her judgment. qiao blazed. ther years of experience, meted out before the eyes of a pup that had not yet experienced the blood of her first season!

khaba did not ease qiao’s suspicions. qiao measured him as he stood before makono’s doors. which was he..? the hare?

or the snake?

this was told to you on our first meeting, jodai. qiao sensed she was being strung along, though the purpose remained unclear. she did not understand why he would seek her out if his confidence in the crown prince’s judgment was so strong. would he not have felt validation, instead of second thoughts? men are not made mazoi for their deep capability of abstract thought. i serve as the pharaoh’s eyes for a reason, as you serve as his shield. we must honor our strengths, not shame people by showing our weakness..

qiao’s voice took an icy edge as she stepped fearlessly into the jodai’s face. which is it, khaba? first you tell me she does not want visitors at her chambers and has sent you away — now you say she is bathing outside of her chambers. a most peculiar notion for a crown prince who wishes her privacy. i saw no souls at the wellspring, and her scent is long faded from these doors. tell me what your little heart is scheming, or i will put your hide to ramesses’ wrath.