“That man’s sister now reigns over Inkasisa, a descendant of the people who drove your people from their homes. I’m asking you to lead an army against the city so we can reclaim what belongs to us.”
“And split the kingdom in half?” he asks casually. “Or rule it together?”
My mouth is dry. “I’m sure we can think of an arrangement that works for both of us. It doesn’t have to be marriage.”
Sonco’s eyes warm. “I never said a word about marriage, but now that you’ve given me the idea …” He trails off, considering. “The idea of having another seer in the family is certainly appealing. The gift is hereditary.”
He meansheirs.A child of his and mine.
The silence presses into me, as if I were standing between two stones. I’m painfully aware of Manuel, who hasn’t taken a breath for half a minute.
I’m in the same state. Not daring to breathe while Sonco considers my request. The king tilts his head, silently communicating with Kusi, before he straightens. “I don’t think helping you is in our best interest. At least, not in the terms you have outlined. We are a peaceful city, prosperous, and hidden from any dangers from external forces. Marching out will only allude to our location. I do not want to rule over a larger country. I do not need more land or wealth. My people are happy and that is enough for me.”
I recoil in shock. He’s denied me—but he can’t. If I don’t have their help, there’s no chance of my ever going home. “Please, I ask you to reconsider.”
“My brother said no,” Kusi says coolly.
“He’s not thinking this through.” I turn to Sonco. “You don’t understand. The Llacsans have murdered my family, my people. Driven us from our homes, our city. Everything we hold dear, our way of life, our culture is gone. They will become stronger.”
“The jungle will protect us,” Sonco says.
“I won’t accept that.” There’s the slightest hint of desperation in my voice. I can’t stand it. “The jungle will protect you? It’s turning against you. Dying before your eyes. How long do you think Paititi will remain hidden? La Ciudad will only become more crowded, its borders expanding. It’s only a matter of time before the Llacsans come looking for the gold.”
“You have my answer. I will not invite war. Should it come, we’ll be ready.”
My heart crumbles, shattering into a million irredeemable pieces. What can I do now? There must be a way to convince him. There has to be—I need his army. In the deepest corner of my heart, I picture myself arriving in La Ciudad, a legion of soldiers flanking either side of my stallion. My people rushing out into the streets, calling for their true queen.
I’ve come all this way. I can’t fail. My heart slams against my ribs as an idea takes root. The words are thick in my throat. Somehow I manage to speak them in a clear voice. “I’m open to the idea of marriage if you’ll grant me access to your army.”
Sonco’s smile is kind. “But your skills as a seer may never fully develop. And I’m not interested in leaving this jungle, not even for a throne you claim you have a right to.”
My lips flatten. I’ve failed.Again.“I’m very motivated to learn.”
He senses my profound disappointment. “You’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like. Stay until the day you die; it’s fine with me. You may learn from Chaska, and perhaps one day you’ll find yourself working as another seer we trust. Perhaps even among our own family.”
Stay here forever? I look around at the solemn faces studying me. I never considered this might be an option. My hope was always to go back home, rescue my people, and fulfill my promise to them. I’m not the only one wanting vengeance. Manuel catches my eye—and his expression robs me of breath.
It’s one of utter resignation, as if he thinks the marriage is a foregone conclusion. His belief that I’ll become a capable seer is so palpable, I could cradle it my palms.
“You’re making a mistake,” I say. “Please reconsider.”
“My offer of hospitality will have to be enough.”
“For now. But I won’t stop asking.”
Kusi frowns. “You need to respect my brother.”
“I mean no disrespect. I only ask that you consider this warning—from someone who has lived through war.”
“Your warning will be considered.” Sonco inclines his head. “But enough of this heaviness. We’ve never entertained nobility. We’ll hold a feast in your honor.” He raises a brow at his cousin, and she nods before he continues. “There’s a full moon in three days. We’ll have it then.”
“Gracias,” I say, surprised.
“Chaska will be your guide. Should you need or want anything, please let her know.”
He gestures to one of his attendants dressed in a handsome tunic with a fringed hem, and they immediately stand and leave the room. Low chatter begins, and Sonco engages the woman on his right in conversation. I can’t manage to look anywhere other than down at my hands, clasped so tightly, they’re nearly white.
“I know this is hard for you,” Manuel murmurs.
