"Tiy"
The crystals shimmered dully with an inner light. He stopped to trace one with a finger, wondering idly how the Tok'ra had managed to create such fascinating rocks. A feminine voice interrupted his musings.
"You've been to see him again."
The accusation wasn't even phrased as a question. The person knew, without a doubt, what she said was true.
"And if I have?" he replied mildly, turning to face her.
The woman was dark-skinned, like the rest of the people of Egypt, with almond eyes the color of dead leaves. Black khol outlined her eyes, making them seem larger than they actually were. Her raven tresses were wound up in a conventional bun, held by a strip of leather.
"That whore is not worth your time," she snarled. "He is beneath you; far beneath you. And yet you treat him like an equal. He's Ra's bitch!"
Her heated gaze met his ice one. "Neferankh is not a whore, nor is he Ra's 'bitch'. You'd do well to remember that," he said coolly.
"Really, Sef, what has gotten into you?" the woman sneered.
"Nothing more, it seems, than what has gotten into you," he replied, turning his back on her. His military instincts screamed at him that it was a mistake—she was angry and his comment had only enraged her further—but he knew that she would never hurt him.
The woman paled. "You know not of what you speak," she said, trying for scorn but only achieving incredulity.
"I have pledged myself to Neferankh," he said, hands tightening to fists.
"You fool!"
Now he turned again, eyes so dark they were almost black. "I decide to whom I give myself, Tiy," he said the childhood nickname with derision, "and as my subordinate you have no right to question me. Is that understood?"
The woman looked murderous, her body shaking with anger and profound sadness. "He will be your downfall, Sef."
"Your seduction technique has not improved over time," Sef replied, seeing the conflicting emotions and remembering why she was so angry. He turned away one last time, and began walking away. "Do not address me like this again, Nefertiti, for I will not forgive such insults against Neferankh a second time."
The woman was left standing in the hallway, feeling bereft and alone.