I was alone, for Bes had gone to bring our horses on which we were to ride, and sat myself down beneath a palm-tree, thinking of the great adventure on which we had entered with a merry heart, for I loved adventures.
Next I thought of Amada and was less merry.

Then I looked up and lo! she stood before me, unaccompanied and wearing the dress, not of a priestess, but of an Egyptian lady with the little circlet of her rank upon her hair.

I rose and bowed to her and we began to walk together beneath the palms, my heart beating hard within me, for I knew that my hour had come to speak.
Yet it was she who spoke the first, saying, "I hear that you have been playing a high part, Shabaka, and doing great things for Egypt." "For Egypt and for you who are Egypt," I answered.
"So I should have been called in the old days, Cousin, because of my blood and the rank it gives, though now I am but as any other lady of the land." "And so you shall be called in days to come, Amada, if my sword and wit can win their way." "How so, Cousin, seeing that you have promised certain things to my uncle Peroa and his son ?" "I have promised those things, Amada, and I will abide by my promise; but the gods are above all, and who knows what they may decree ?" "Yes, Cousin, the gods are above all, and in their hands we will let these matters rest, provoking them in no manner and least of all by treachery to our oaths." We walked for a little way in silence.

Then I spoke.
"Amada, there are more things than thrones in the world." "Yes, Cousin, there is that in which all thrones end--death, which it seems we court." "And, Amada, there is that in which all thrones begin--love, which I court from you." "I have known it long," she said, considering me gravely, "and been grateful to you who are more to me than any man has been or ever will be.

But, Shabaka, I am a priestess bound to set the holy One I serve above a mortal." "That holy One was wed and bore a child, Amada, who avenged his father, as I trust that we shall avenge Egypt.