Lion Head Mesa thheeee Pizza by Alfredo guy is here.

set like a couple days after the Charles-Lilitu wedding

She waited until the hangovers were beginning to subside from all the assorted revelry. She hadn't partaken in much herself, wanting to keep a clear head for this conversation. The less pounding heads and irritable tempers around, the better.

She had to be delicate here, she thought.

Pharaoh? Lilitu called out after greeting whichever fellahin lingered outside his threshold. She took a step inside his chambers, stomach churning. I'd like to speak with you, if you're free.

this time he would take his queen along the river and they would spend a good time together; he would seek to treasure treva not only for herself, but before the eyes of the gods.
he was considering certain and more fleshly matters when the newly married nebet came for an audience. "princess lilitu," he purred, turning to face her. "what pleasure is mine today, to have your presence here?"

vomits dialogue to move this along

He wouldn't be so chipper in a moment, she thought. Lilitu stepped closer, giving a brief but respectful bow toward the man who had, admittedly, showered her in foods and drinks and put a lavish roof over her head for moons.

Still. Even the finest of things had ceased to cut through her depression. 

I'm going home to Brecheliant, Lilitu said without preamble. I miss my family. I'm so lonely here. And you said I could, once I was properly married. Soooo. . .

Her eyes were soft but firm upon his gilded visage. I'll leave when the festivities have ended. And I'll let Charles know myself. Unless you'd rather do it.

She'd rather just run to the caldera now, truthfully. But she needed to keep her relationship with the Pharaoh intact.

she was correct; pharaoh's expression soured slightly in the rich finery of his own party. yet the man's expression smoothed, for he indeed had extended this right to lilitu. "very well. i will send an escort with you when you go."
he stopped a passing servant, who offered them both the fermented berries before traipising away. ramesses chewed thoughtfully. "do you mean to be gone indefinitely? or only until you are recovered?" his tones were conversational; it mattered not.
so long as she kept herself loyal to charles, and did not return pregnant with a child outside of their important union.

She looked down at the berries given them, pleased that Pharaoh had accepted her decision with no argument. Lilitu took one fruit in her mouth and held it there for a moment, the tart taste dissolving over her tongue.

I don't know, she replied, once she'd swallowed. I— I mean, I'm sure you know that I wasn't able to have pups this year. I even did, you know, the thing. And nothing happened.

It had wounded her more deeply than anyone knew. I just need some time with my family, Lilitu continued. Maybe I'll be back. But I'm really grateful to you for taking me in, and everything your kingdom has done for me.

This last bit was fervent; she meant it, though the experience had soured of late.

"perhaps the fault is not your own, nebet." she was still ethereally beautiful, and perhaps moreso for charles' failure. ramesses toyed with the idea of inviting lilitu back in the spring, for he was assured of his own virility and could provide the same to her, regardless of the marriage that had borne no fruit.
"go then. be with them." pharaoh was gracious. "do not forget that you have power in akashingo." power she might not otherwise have.

She shrugged, looking away. Perhaps not. But she wouldn't know. Not until she tried again. . .with someone else. And with the royal marriage, that was looking unlikely—unless. . .

No. No use in going down that road now.

No, she instead kept her poise and smiled warmly at Pharaoh, taking in his words. I appreciate that, she murmured. And I appreciate you, Pharaoh. I hope your family stays in good fortune and health.

Once dismissed, she'd make a beeline to her goodbyes, and then straight home.

She wouldn't linger.