“I believe you.”
Luna save me, but I really do.
“I don’t want to find the Estrella to have power over Atoc.” She takes a deep breath. “I want to destroy the Estrella.”
My jaw drops. Destroy the most powerful weapon in Inkasisa?
“A power so evil shouldn’t exist,” she says. “No one ought to have it. Not Atoc, not you, not even me. I want you to think about my plan—don’t discard it simply because it’s not what you’d do. Really think about what’s best for Inkasisa. I promise you, that’sallI want.”
Her sincerity, her passion for Inkasisa is as tangible as a warm blanket wrapped around my shoulders. Her words only confirm my instinct about her—I like the princesa. I didn’t expect to, but I do. In another life, we might have been friends.
The thought wars with my sense of loyalty and duty. It fights against the love I have for Catalina and Ana, and my dead parents. I don’t want to be a decoy anymore. I want the luxury of having my own thoughts and opinions govern my decisions.
“If you decide it’s the best way forward, I need you to find El Lobo and tell him where the Estrella is hidden. He’ll destroy it.”
“Are you sure he’s trustworthy?”
Her eyes flash. “Condesa, he’s made more sacrifices for Inkasisa than anyone I know. I trust him with my life.”
“Why don’t you tell him yourself?”
She shakes her head. “Atoc has more guards posted—it’s too risky for him to sneak in like before. He can never be caught. Too much depends on him.”
But I don’t trust the vigilante, and I’m about to say so when the door snaps open. It’s Juan Carlos and another one of my guards, come to fetch me. “His Majesty wants you back in your own room, Condesa. Sorry to spoil the party.”
His eyes flicker to Princesa Tamaya and then quickly away, as if he’s been scorched. We both stand and the princesa walks me to the door. “Remember what I said.”
I nod. For some reason I have the strangest feeling that this will be the last time I’ll see her alive. She gives a determined air, as if nothing will stop her from succeeding. I admire her for it. I know what it’s like to yearn for a win.
It’s realizing that I want to let her that stops me cold.
CAPÍTULO
Dinner is waiting for me when I get to my room, but not even the sight of crispy pan-fried papas and the garlic-rubbed sirloin roast tempts me to take a bite. Princesa Tamaya wants to destroy the Estrella. I want to reject the idea outright. Having that kind of power offers what can’t be bought: control.
But it never occurred to me that we could win the war against Atoc without fighting a bloody battle. It never occurred to me that we could get to the other side with our consciences unblemished and families intact. Unleashing the Estrella on Atoc and his army, his court, his followers makes us no better than him. Does the princesa have a point?
And now that I know the Estrella’s location, what am I going to do about it? It won’t take but an evening to weave the information and send it to the condesa. But that idea doesn’t sit well—for a reason I’m afraid to think about.
Suyana comes to collect the dirty dishes. She takes one look at the plate and frowns. “You didn’t eat all of your food. Don’t tell me you’re sick again?”
I pull off my socks. “I think I’m just nervous. Don’t call for the healer. It’s only worry and stress.”
She nods as she wipes down the dresser. I expect her to pry, but all she says is: “A bath will help.”
Once again, she surprises me. Instead of questions, she offers comfort. I appreciate the gesture, even if the bathwater usually arrives cold. When I say so, Suyana only smiles and carries out the tray. Later there’s a knock and the water is delivered. My fingers nearly turn to ice when I touch it. The water might have come from the snowcapped mountain.
Then Suyana is at my elbow. “How hot do you like it?”
“Caliente,” I say. “Thank you, though.”
She smiles again and dips both hands into the water. Nothing happens. Her hands are submerged but not a single bubble appears.
“It’s all right—”
“Now touch it,” she says, her voice shaking a little. “See if it’s better.”
Carefully, I dip my index finger into the tub. I pull away with a sharp hiss. “It’s hot!” Her face wears a pronounced grimace. “Suyana, I—Suyana? Are you all right? You look a little pale. Do you need to sit?”
