But it’d be another failure.
I can’t have that.
Sonco hands me a plate, and I immediately pile on a little of everything. “You have a hearty appetite in the morning.”
I shake my head. “It’s all the walking and climbing. Ximena is the one who—” I break off with a sudden flush.
He pauses in bringing the food up to his mouth. “She’s the one who what?”
I take a bite of the roasted pork, and that first crispy taste nearly makes me swoon. Casually, I ask, “So, have you given any more thought to my offer of marriage?”
Sonco blinks. “You’re trying to change the subject.”
“It’s a painful memory.”
He resumes eating, but in between bites, I feel him assessing me. When he’s finished, he leans back on his hands. My plate remains perpetually full. I can’t seem to eat enough pork or plantains. And while it pains me to think of this, Ximena would love all of the food here.
“Are you going to answer my question?” I prod. “Or you can tell me what you’re looking for in a wife.”
“Ipersonallyam not looking for one.” His voice holds a note of exasperation. “But everyone is encouraging me to marry their daughter or niece or cousin or great-aunt.” He stops, considering. “Though I suppose it might be time to consider my options.”
“The downside of being popular. Do you like any of them?”
Again, he blinks at me and I smother a laugh. It’s part of my charm, I guess, getting away with mildly inappropriate questions. It’s only Manuel who doesn’t let me gain any ground. I’m immediately annoyed that I’ve thought about him again, and in the middle of this conversation. I need to focus on finding out what Sonco wants in a partner. I help myself to more food.
“That’s a personal question,” he says. “Are you involved with the man you’re traveling with?”
I choke on the yuca. “You’ve made your point.”
He smiles lazily, and I return it.
“I have to commend you for your ability to keep this city well insulated from the outside world,” I say. “Just how large is your army?”
Sonco narrows his gaze. “You won’t give up, will you?”
“I’m told I’m stubborn.”
“The army is large enough that my people are safe from outside danger.”
I lean forward. “And all the gold.”
“Yes, I’ve been told people in Inkasisa will do anything for it—kill for it, enslave others to mine it.”
I flush. It seems the history of my people is common knowledge.
The past has always felt like a distant memory, something that has nothing to do with me. I’ve only cared about what happened to my people, my family, our homes ten years ago. That felt real. But standing in this city—with their own valuable mountain—I can’t help but think that if my ancestors had known about Paititi, they would have moved heaven and earth to find it.
The thought turns my stomach, twists my heart.
But I am not my ancestors. I’d rule differently. More fairly.
Wouldn’t I?
“That was a long time ago,” I say. “My people are different now. You might trust us.”
“Among the Illari, trust must be earned.”
“How might I earn your trust? I don’t have much time. My people need their leader. They want hope for the future, one that doesn’t have a Llacsan queen lording over them.”
