Lion Head Mesa all's well that ends

in makono came a vsion of ramesses. perhaps it was the lilt of her voice, or the cool way her lapis gaze turned over.

her father's daughter in every respect save the one that had cost him his death.

qiao was being measured. assessed. flattered to soften the hardness of her shoulders. but qiao had learned long ago that rulers could end a life with a snap of their claws - it was not enough to speak carefully. one had to move wisely.

my service has always been to the crown, pharaoh makono -- but know this -- my service to ramesses was contractual, and he did not pay his debt.