power? what power could she possibly have? so convinced within her own mind that this elevation of her father, and their family, did not extend to her. especially now that he had stepped down; he was fellahin again, or priest, or something lesser, that's what khaemwaset had told her! what then? what power could either of them have here—and more importantly to aiesha, what did that matter? she had never wanted it!

every thought circled in her mind. it was the same argument as before, the one which had sent senmut away from her—to the fire, to the light, what had he said? away, that's all. away. she did not want that. she would not let that happen again.

he dried her tears as best he could, but there would be more. her cheeks were dark. her eyes were tired. she sucked in breath after breath until she had calmed enough to look at him and see him—clarity, finally.

i don't think he is afraid. he cannot be afraid. not of me. it didn't make sense.

all she wanted right now was her father, close. so she sank in to him.