It was not the blank mask she had half feared it would be.

On the surface, the Maha looked like a mortal man. He wore no turban, no mark of noble status. His hair was cut brutally short in the military style, but what little of it she could see was peppered gray. He was old—she had guessed, of course, that he would be old—but every inch of him exuded strength and charisma that belied his age. His eyes were as sharp as knives and unclouded by time. His bones were hard, but his mouth was shaped into a kindly smile. He reminded Mehr absurdly of her father.

“Kalini,” he said. He kissed her forehead. Kalini closed her eyes, savoring the touch of his mouth. “You’ve done well.”

“Maha,” she said. She pressed a fist to her chest. “It was my honor.”

“Did Amun give you trouble?”

“No, Maha,” said Kalini. Her mouth firmed. She seemed to steel herself. “There was a daiva.”

The Maha gestured at Kalini to continue.

“It was dealt with,” Kalini went on, a pleading note in her voice. “Amun performed the rite. No other disturbances occurred. It didn’t harm the girl.”

“The others?”

“Were also unharmed, Maha. Amun banished it swiftly.”

“You should have been more vigilant, Kalini,” he said.

“Yes, Maha.”

“Blood first,” he told her. “The rite should always be a last resort.”

Kalini lowered her head, chastised. The Maha placed his fingertips against her forehead, at the same spot where he had pressed his lips. Mehr saw Kalini’s shiver. The sight made her stomach knot.

“Go now. I wish to speak to your new sister alone.”

Kalini bowed again, forehead to the ground. Then she stood and left.

The Maha turned his sharp eyes on her. Mehr was uncomfortably aware of her bare face, and of the ache of the mark on her skin.

“How do you like my temple, Mehr?” he asked. His voice rolled over her like a storm. She felt the mark flare to a biting pain. She sucked in a sharp breath and saw that kindly mouth twitch.

“It’s like nothing I have ever seen, Maha,” said Mehr. Careful words were required, she thought. “A holy place indeed.”

“It truly is,” he answered. “Look out there.” He swept a hand out in the direction of the oasis. “An oasis so vast and fruitful shouldn’t exist in such a desert. But this marvel thrives because our prayers ensure that the Gods dream a world that is kind to us. The Gods bless our Empire with good fortune. The world turns its tide in our favor, over and over again.” He looked at her. “Do you know how Durevi was won, Mehr?”