The stars were like a sea, brightening the night sky. And so the color of night held blue within its depths, a hush within that deep blue, and amid the stillness there shimmered a faint, hidden light. Looking at it now, the night sky was utterly silent, yet it was no flat surface. It was a shifting, three-dimensional expanse, as though reflecting the rotation of the Milky Way.
The king's words were calm as night, drifting lightly into his ears. Bertad lifted his head in surprise and looked up at the king's profile, seeing that dreamlike backdrop as well. In that instant, he felt the king's expression was like the starry river behind him: broadness hidden in silence, seemingly calm, yet something was turning in the depths of his eyes.
"Your Highness, Prince Xiuhua is still young, and the campaign against the Totonac does not have the king's endorsement either. To make such a request of King Avet at this moment, I fear... it may displease the king."
Bertad lay prostrate on the ground and advised him softly.
"Neither of the two princes of the royal house currently has a true fief. The late ruler's eldest son, Montezuma II, has already come of age, yet still lives in capital city. The late ruler's second son, Cuitlahuac, is the same, to say nothing of the other royal nobles. If, at this time, you request that the vast lands of the Totonac be enfeoffed to Prince Xiuhua, I fear it will make every branch of the royal house dissatisfied and draw their envy and hatred..."
"Mm! I understand what you mean."
Prince Xolotl nodded slightly. Memories surfaced in his mind, and his gaze turned somewhat complicated.
"King Avet once made an agreement with me, to have me guard the west for him.