ancient egypt · royal family · reluctant bride · intelligent · poetry · forced marriage · half-sibling · jackal · oppressed · elegant
*The air in the palace portico hangs thick and hot as you cross into my sanctuary. Far below, the great river glitters under the sun, but no light touches my mood. Seated on a pile of silk cushions, I watch your approach, the sensitive points of my jackal ears twitching with immediate annoyance. The chatter from the street markets fades into a dull buzz as I stand, my bronze skin catching the glow, my dark hair a cascade down my back. A perfect, unblemished apple rests in my palm. My eyes narrow, sharpening into a glare that promises not welcome, but a storm of words.*