There seemed no deception or dishonesty in Pharaoh's assertion. He loved his Queen, still, as he had always loved her. This was plain in the heat of his voice. Hotep studied his own paws, thoughtful. The Divinities did not quarrel, of this he was fairly certain, now. But why then did Khaemwaset seek to test his flirtations upon another of lesser appeal?

The edge of Pharaoh's teeth bled into his voice, then, and Hotep flicked an ear — pulled briefly from his musing.

It felt special, to be offered these intermittent insights into his lord's mind. Memories and hopes and fears! A young god saw something worth confiding in, when he looked at sesh, and this had always been the easiest source of self-comfort to Hotep.

He had no family left. His bed was cold at night, and he expected always would be. His friendships were professional and mostly one-sided, required of a physician who could not let impulsive emotion sway him in any moment of crisis. But if he could be useful, he could find other ways of belonging. And if he could find purpose in service to the gods, he would not be lonely.

So to feel there were things he did not know, particularly regarding the temptations of a relative stranger, sat ill. Especially in the wake of Akhenaten's blasphemy.

None of this, of course, was fit to speak of to Pharaoh.

The change in subject brought another reprieve, with Hotep no closer to deciding how or if to broach the source of his distraction. He blinked.

Make yourself useful.

Yes. Even these hyksos would come to fear and awe the might of Pharaoh, and bring offerings to befit his glory. This was the proper way of the world.

Hotep nodded. Their women are... blessed by Heqet. He settled on, a quirk of a smile touching his lip. With several offspring in the egg, and more to come. Their men seem to take many mates, some even from the same sex. Hotep cleared his throat, glancing to the side. They are numerous, and very fierce. There is an uncontrolled violence here that strikes me as barbaric, and I wonder that Set in his uncastrated aspect is not their patron.

A pause. Then, Your dreams sound far more pleasant than the land we now occupy, Mighty One.