She did not ask anyone for permission to leave Satriya—too excited to consider that—and would have told her father if she had seen him, but Senmut had been gone at least a day.

When she finally departed there was a spring in her step. Aiesha hurried to where she was to meet Osiris—carrying a bundle of rations and herbs, in case they needed anything during their travels; she had pilfered a storeroom while nobody was looking, presuming it would go unnoticed.

Have you traveled much? The girl asked her new companion as they crossed the dunes, having spent much of the afternoon moving north. Myself, I like to think I am well traveled, but... That was before my arrival here. Everything is different now.

He was a traveler—and a companion to Merneith? Aiesha considered asking about the queen so that she might further grow their friendship, but thought better of it as Osiris explained; no, she wasn't going to side-step an opportunity to learn directly from the woman if given the chance. Now was a better time to learn about her new friend.

He was curious, and Aiesha laughed at his formalities. Aiesha, please! But how could she explain this...?

I was born in Muat-Riya, the summer palace of Queen Toula. My parents were—are, priests; but when the Divine One left Akashingo, she elevated my father to rule. That made me... Amiirad. As she spoke of this she found it easier to gloss over the more painful parts.

Then we arrived to Satriya and... I suppose since my father is not pharaoh, I am not really a nebet. Smiling to the guardian, Aiesha wonders what he makes of this.