were it not for his courtier's mien, pharaoh's face might have shut with displeasure. as you wish, he said smoothly. i will expect your messenger when you desire to speak. but he would not wait. satriya did not wait. standing smoothly, khaemwaset motioned to the gifts. keep these as tokens of goodwill, he said, looking to his queen. i agree that satriya must have you visit, he went on, intrigued by the young man and woman who had arrived thereafter.
they were tired, and this was not their home. khaemwaset was gratified to see what he thought might be some exposure, but he did not seek to press upon its core. we will camp nearby. your wolves are welcome.
disappointed but refusing its revelation, pharaoh and the great royal wife, surrounded there by their guards, their vizier; khaemwaset allowed his eyes to sweep the assembly with an expression of politeness. i hope for you a good rest, jakten.
with that, he had nothing else to say, and with merneith at his side, made his own small adjusting preparations for their own return.
the jungle! this place of jakten! fine dreams fogged to quiet on a tongue which had not made its suggestions.
royal pride dictated that they not wait about to be summoned, though he did not yet feel insulted. perhaps he might speak among them; perhaps the true trade would be information.