"And I shall be thy lieutenant, and none shall know of it, save thee and me."
He smiled up at her.
"Nay, there is danger in this," he said gently, "and I would not imperil thee. Already thou hast overstepped safety for Egypt's sake and mine. More than this I will not let thee do."
An expression of panic swept over her face. He interpreted it as hurt.
"Thou hast been my guide for so long, Ta-user. Let me choose this once for thee."
She pouted, and putting him away from her, arose and left him. He followed her and took her hands.
"A confederate thou must have," she complained; "and whom dost thou trust more than Ta-user?"
"It is not a matter of trust," he explained, "but of thine immunity should the Hathors frown upon my plan."
"It matters not," she protested. "Whom wilt thou trust and imperil instead of Ta-user?"
"Thou dost hurry me in my plan-making," he remonstrated mildly.
"Mayhap I shall choose Hotep."