The Queen was with child, and this was now quite obvious to most with the power to scent it, or familiarity with her figure to know it had enlarged most noticeably!

Nakhtmin felt uncertain whether Imenet would understand this, but he believed that for all her conceit she would surely not be crass enough to call a living goddess fat, and so did not concern himself with it overmuch.

For those to whom it matters — Queen would bear heirs and Pharaoh would put to rest any whispered notions of an improper bride. This was good! Nakhtmin had been told so, by those with sterner minds for politics, and generally believed it.

But he must not be distracted!

Oryx had entered the chamber and bowed low, and made obeisance — praising the twin gods strength, virility, and goodness. And then risen to answer their questions, A secret, Great Falcons! Hmm... He glanced to the not-baboon woman, and offered what was intended to be an encouraging grin.

Tail swished. She knows not her name! So I have called her Imenet. We met first on the dunes, and she vanished into oasis waters. Now she has reawoken from the River, and this, I thought, was a matter for the priesthood to examine.

Khaemwaset, as Pharaoh, would be highest of priests, and so was qualified to make determinations.

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