To be alone was natural. She was often alone, at least in the way a child might find important. Her parents had been there for a while (Nazli in the beginning, then Senmut, but not ever at the same time); but in the juvenile way that such connections did not count, Aiesha considered herself oftentimes without connection. Her only friend throughout her short life was Khusobek. All this to say, she would not let her singularity in this moment harrow her.

Then there was Legend. This woman who so captivated her father, allowing him to move on and find happiness; thought lost during this recent transit, only to be found again in that throne room. Aiesha heard her voice now and forced herself to breathe, and be calm, and not spill over with her many emotions.

Then their eyes met, and Aiesha felt something shift. Her expression sank. Her eyes became glossy. I don't know what we are supposed to do, now.

It wasn't what she had wanted to say.

Suddenly she is crowding close to her step-mother as if she were still a small girl, seeking comfort. Blotting tears on Legend's shoulder.

Why did the gods do this? Was I not a good princess? Was my father -- did he make them angry? Legend, she finds herself sobbing —I want to go home!