“We have our own battle to fight here.”
Once again, the idea of discovering the culprit looms larger in my mind. “Manuel mentioned that a new area of the jungle has been corrupted. Do you have any idea what’s causing it?”
He shakes his head. “I was hoping you’d be able to tell me. At first I thought you might be responsible.”
My back stiffens, and my hand flies to my chest. “Why would you think that?”
“You’re a stranger with a bloody history.”
“You shouldn’t make assumptions about me.”
“It was a logical observation, not an assumption. And besides, you’re one to talk about making assumptions.”
I sputter. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m told the new Llacsan queen is honorable.”
“How would you know such a thing?”
Sonco raises a brow. “The jungle is our home—we know every inch, the way in and out. What makes you think we don’t have news of the outside world?”
My body stills, as if frozen by an enchantment. “Well, you’ve been misinformed. The new queen isn’t honorable. Her brother killed my people. My parents. Destroyed half of my city in an earthquake with his Pacha magic.”
“Exactly.Her brother.Not her. You’ve assumed she’s a copy of her sibling.”
I hate what he’s suggesting. “Why do you think she deserves your respect?”
“She’s welcomed everyone back into the city, opened up the castillo, and housed those without homes. Fed them and clothed them. The new queen is accessible and, by all accounts, kind.”
The words scrape at my edges. “Have you forgotten what they did to the Illari? Why you’re here in the first place?”
He seems amused by this. “Do you mean a thousand years ago? Give or take a few years? Incredibly, I’ve let that slight go.”
“My people were virtually trapped in a fortress, supplies scarce, for ten years. It was the only way to stay safe against the Llacsans, who were always on the verge of declaring war.”
“But her brotherdied.” His next words are said gently. “Perhaps it’s time to move on.”
“I promised my people I’d give them back their homes and their way of life before the revolt.” I wait for my usual anger to sweep through my body. But it doesn’t come. Instead my words are laced with a tired, sad note. “What about what I’ve lost? My parents were murdered. Am I just supposed to let that go? Forget that I’m the only one in my family who survived the Llacsan attack? All I’ve ever wanted is to go back to the way things were.”
Back to when my life made sense. When I’d had parents and aunts and uncles and cousins. When my home wasn’t destroyed and I couldn’t wait to be a big sister. My mother was a month away from giving birth.
“That’s a silly thing to promise. Time only moves forward. No one can go back.” He tilts his head. “Are you afraid of what will happen if you let go of your anger?”
I want to lie to him, but this entire conversation is unsettling and surprising. “I don’t know if I understand your question,” I hedge.
“Yes, you do. Without your anger, you’ll have to grieve the loss of your family.”
My throat feels thick. “I think I liked you better when we were discussing your impending marriage.”
He picks up a clay cup, takes a small sip. “I’d consider marriage to you if you proved to me and my people that you’d make a fine leader. Becoming a capable seer is a step in the right direction.”
For a moment I can’t speak. He doesn’t know how badly I want to be the answer to my people’s troubles. Ximena didn’t believe I could rule. Sometimes I don’t think I can either. But his words spark something deep within me—the overwhelming urge to prove that I am capable, that I’m more than a sheltered girl, betrayed and banished.
The Illari king continues. “If we’re to marry, you’d get your army outright.”
I swallow hard. “Are you being serious? I can’t tell.”
Sonco puts the cup down. “I value the role of seers in our city, but unfortunately we only have Chaska. Perhaps her descendants will have the same gift, but I’m worried nevertheless. Everything I do is for my people—to keep them safe, to keep themhidden.Our scouts travel beyond the jungle border, but having reliable seers will help gather information from within the city. I’d do anything not to risk Paititi. Even marry a condesa without her throne.”
