“Kenna,” she said musingly. “The big, dark one?”
“Yes,” said Pawero. “A son of Set. Always at the centre of any commotion.”
“I was told that several miners died while being beaten.”
“Most unfortunate.” Pawero shook his head sadly. “Hardened criminals. There was no other way.”
“And many deaths by accident.”
“You will find, Majesty, that all of them were due to carelessness. I issue warnings. But if the men will not heed them ...”
“I was told there were faults in the construction of the mine. Dangers that could have been avoided.”
“I assure you there is nothing wrong with the mine construction,” he said. “I would ask you to inspect it yourself,” he crooned, “if it were not that your Majesty is a woman.”
Neferure and Senmut looked at each other behind her back with amusement. The fore
