---
"You came," Sekhmet said.
Lily lifted her chin. "Of course I came," she replied. "You think I would let you eat nothing and collapse like an idiot."
Sekhmet's eyebrow lifted. "I am not collapsing," he said.
Lily stepped closer and shoved the tray slightly toward him.
"Lunch," she declared. "You are going to eat."
Sekhmet stared. He almost wanted to argue, but her expression said she would drag him to a chair if necessary.
He exhaled. "Fine," he said. "I will eat."
Lily's shoulders relaxed slightly, as if she had just won a battle.
They sat in the main dining area. It was not the grand banquet hall. It was the daily family dining room, still large, but warmer, more intimate, with polished wood and soft curtains.
Servants quickly arranged plates.
Lily opened the tray she brought.
Meat, rice, vegetables, and a small bowl of soup.
It smelled good.
Sekhmet tasted the soup first.
Warm.
Comforting.
For a moment, his mind felt far from caves and chains.
