Redsand Canyon cactus fruit

"matrona."

tamar was off the bed and bowing as ruenna entered the small room. it was still quite austere, nothing to beautify it or perfume the pelts with the fragrance of spring. she had nothing to do but neaten and neaten again. 

tamar fidgeted, not quite sure what to do with herself now that the imperator's wife was close. "in the palace, i kept the queen's apartments. her visitors." the young woman's voice wavered only a little. "i would like to do the same for you. ah, perhaps i could be your assistant?" 

tamar stood ashen and far too aware that she was without a purpose now. or so it felt.