---
He led them out, not toward the guest wing, but toward a room closer to his study, one that used to belong to his father's old assistants. It was empty now, clean but unused.
"This is your room," he said.
Vera glanced inside. It was plain. Bed. Wardrobe. A small table. No luxury.
Vela did not complain.
Vera did not complain.
They looked relieved instead.
Because plain meant safe. Plain meant no one visited casually.
Sekhmet spoke one more time, voice firm.
"No feeding. No wandering. No playing with servants. You will learn this house rule before you become a part of it."
Vera bowed.
"Yes."
Vela bowed.
"Yes."
Sekhmet closed the door behind them and walked away.
He did not go to his own bed.
He went straight to the lower corridor.
Mira's room.
He knocked once.
A pause.
Then the door opened.
