50Shock rippled around the campfire. Mouths hung open. Before anyone recovered enough to say anything, Clifford pounded the ground with a fist and said, “I knew it! I told you guys. Ol' Tut was having a clandestine affair!”
A quick sudden strumming of the oud player punctuated Clifford's words. Everyone expressed congratulations, along with disappointment at not having been present for the ceremony. Marlowe suggested planning a wedding party. Siti arrived with more tea. Chione accepted the Karkade and felt herself slipping into an altered state, but this one was different. She felt in control, utterly empowered. She looked to Bebe who understood. Whether or not the others accepted, she meant to go on. This was her life, and she was not about to allow anyone to denigrate it. From this day
