Revolutions

22 - Haesan

For the first time since my arrival, there has been a period of time where nothing urgent is taking place, and it's been immensely off-putting. There was no fanfare at dinner, finding myself alone when it came time to eat; no special appearances or dining guests were present while I ate. I'm mildly amused that, after only one night at the palace, I have already been left to my own devices, largely ignored and passed over as I wander the grounds. Yet I can't help but wonder, even if it's unprovoked, if I'm being actively ostracized from regular noble activity.

Before dinner, I had left Nuqasiq to be by herself at the loom and made my way to the dining hall, considering our exchange and what could be derived from her warnings regarding the jade scarf I found on the floor, left behind by Onixem. While I consumed succulent pieces of guinea pig and roasted sweet potatoes and yuca, something within me felt the urgent need to confront Onixem and find out what is the story behind this jade hummingbird. We are merely acquaintances, hardly having a single pleasant exchange other than her grunt after the confrontation by the marketplace, which I assume was her way of thanking me for interfering. There's a part of me that feels I'm being overly intrusive, thrusting myself into her life without her consent. Yet there's a nagging part of me that suspects something unlawful is taking place, of which Onixem could be culpable.

After finishing my meal, my walk takes me by the throne room, where I'm surprised to hear a conversation occurring through the undisturbed silence in the grounds at such a late time of night. The discussion between a male and female doesn't seem panicked or urgent—in fact, it appears to be business as usual, with how unenthused and flat the muffled voices sound, all while in the dimly lit room. Guards rush past without confronting me, occasionally shouting orders to one another. I slowly approach the opening to the room and peer in, attempting to not give away my presence so I can listen in as I'm goaded by my curiosity.

Inside the room, the Arbiter and Anqatil are conversing. I'm positioned to the side of the throne, in which Achutli sits on the oversized chair while Anqatil stands directly in front of him, hands clasps and her arms rest behind her back. While Achutli wears next to nothing, other than an orange and red loin cloth along with the large headpiece as he had when I first encountered him, Anqatil wears a form-fitted red dress with gold thread outlining the bottom and arm holes, as well as a gold and orange cape that cascades down to the floor, and her hair is tied in yet another elaborate braid, twisting around her scalp before collecting into a bun behind her head. Both appear stoic, expressing little emotion, though their tone is, in fact, tense and severe.

"Indeed, Sapa, this... unexpected visitor... is a distressing turn of events," Anqatil says to Achutli. Sapa? Yet another term of which I'm unfamiliar; it's probably another title. These Tapeu love their titles. "The unexpected return can certainly bring about unease."

"Her presence is a nuisance," Achutli says angrily, his voice echoing throughout the hollow chamber. "Why did you not do more to prevent this from happening?"

"I apologize, Sapa," Anqatil concedes. "You mother was very persistent with–"

"Pah!," the Arbiter sputters aloud with a slight scowl, gripping the arms of the throne firmly and tensing his muscles. "I must speak to her caretaker at once. This betrays the arrangement that was agreed upon."

"I understand your concerns, Sapa," Anqatil says. "It is essential to maintain the stability and harmony within the realm. However, due to our alliance, we must tread carefully. They are a vital part to the overall plan."

"The possibility of her true identity being revealed only increases with her existence in Qapauma. We cannot allow her to stake a claim in the line of succession."

"Perhaps the matter will take care of itself. There is always one way we can–"

"I have told you," Achutli shouts, his eyes grow large and an intensity washes over his face, "the prophecy has stated I cannot be responsible for the murder of my own flesh without losing my position of power. Stop suggesting this or I will throw you out of my court permanently!"