Page 69 of Corvus and the Broken God

I ran my fingers through my hair, surprised when it ran out at my ears. I’d had long hair forever, but Ixtab’s short hairdo felt oddly freeing. I shook my arms out, thinking about her and what little I’d seen of her, channeling what I thought it would be like to step into her life. I needed to go about my day like a goddess. Surely there were worse situations to be in, except that I had never been a good actor.

I drank her black coffee, wishing for cream, but the mango was delicious.

“You’re up late.”

The deep voice surprised me from my musing. Chaac stood at the door, watching me warily.

The interaction with Ixtab would most likely be etched in my brain for the rest of my life, her words ringing in my ears. Her fluent English only hinted at a slight foreign, vaguely French-sounding accent. I could do this. I cleared my throat. “Come in.”

He entered hesitantly, standing a few feet away. I motioned toward the chair across from me.

He sat down heavily. “I gave him another dose. He hasn’t moved since yesterday, so our concoction seems to be up to the challenge.”

“As long as it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

“Yes, I know.”

I looked away, unsure what to say, balancing worry with derision.

“You still want to do this? Transport him?”

“It’s harder than I thought it would be, condemning him to his worst fear.”

“Well, you’re not made from stone after all.”

It was hard not to laugh.

Instead, I gave him the side-eye. “Thanks.”

“If you want, I can just kill him. Cut his head off while he’s immobilized.”

“No. Let’s stick with the plan.”

“Why, though? It will take a production to haul him back there. People will want to know what we’re doing. Rune has already tried to convince me.”

“Why not let them get a good look at him? They should be reminded that they need to fear us. It has been too long.” I had no idea what to say about Rune.

I glanced up at Chaac to find him studying me. I waved him off.

“Don’t mind me. I guess I’m surprised at how much affection I still have for the old bat. I’m not ready to kill him permanently yet.”

“But you don’t mind knowing he’s wasting away, cursing your name for years?” He chuckled. “Remind me not to anger you, my queen.”

I gave him my best haughty look. “I need a swim.”

He stood immediately, ready to leave me alone, but paused at the door. “Will you be ready to leave tomorrow then? We have just enough to keep him sedated…”

“That’s fine. I’ll be ready to leave at dawn.”

He gave me a surprised look but choked down his response. “See you at dinner,” he said instead.

As soon as he left, I jumped out of my seat. Dinner? Had I slept the day away after all? Clearly, Ixtab didn’t wake at dawn for anyone since he was more surprised at my statement than at finding me in my robe at whatever late hour it was. Oh well, lesson learned.

I searched her room from top to bottom, snagging a black, one-piece swimsuit from a beautifully carved bureau and stepping into it before continuing my search. Even if we were going to leave in the morning, I didn’t want to be caught unfamiliar with her intimate space by anyone—although I was probably making mistakes left and right. The good news was Chaac didn’t seem too surprised by my admission. Hopefully, he would keep his distance long enough for me to pull off this farce. By the time he started thinking I’d had enough time to mourn my husband and was getting ideas, I’d be long gone. I could hardly wait to let her perfect form meld into feathers.

A small box caught my eye, its intricate inlay almost identical to a box in my room at my Monster’s house, wiping away the last shred of denial about whose room I had taken over. I opened it, finding a silver necklace complete with a long teardrop jade pendant similar to the one I’d been wearing back home. I shut the box, trying to shake off the mass of conflicting emotions.

A swim would do me good beyond just kicking Chaac out of the room. I found a linen closet loaded up with fresh-scented towels. Grabbing one, I headed to the pool, hoping to avoid everyone.