Deep in the night, a wind rose, blowing the thin cloth tent until it flapped and rustled. The brazier inside the tent flickered without end, the rising and falling light and shadow outlining a kneeling curve, and also illuminating the silent king.
Xolotl silently lifted his head, looking up at the night sky through the tent roof, gazing at the dim, bright moon. Only after a long while did he lower his eyes and speak faintly.
"Miawa, I have already petitioned King Avet for an enfeoffment. The coastal land will become the fief of my eldest son, Xiuhua."
"Your Highness... your eldest son was born with the divinity of the Main God, and will inherit the powerful Mexica Alliance on the plateau!..."
Miawa's eyes flickered as she spoke softly yet firmly.
"With his noble status, he will only serve as the bond between the Alliance and the Kingdom, governing the land of the Totonac in name. How could he truly come to the harsh-climed coast? You would never feel at ease letting the young prince come here, to these distant and savage lowlands, to the Totonac's Golden Bay City, to experience the damp heat of the swamps and jungles..."
"And the great King Avet would surely keep him in the Lake Capital as well, to raise him as an heir, wouldn't he?... In truth, to King Avet, the newborn Prince Xiuhua is probably an heir who satisfies him even more than the powerful you... Hee-hee! I have heard the songs spreading through the Alliance, too..."
"Miawa..."
Xolotl reached out a strong hand and held it over Miawa's neck. His gaze turned dangerous, killing intent faintly leaking through.
"The Main God blesses the Alliance! Some words, if you do not wish to meet the Main God, should never leave your mouth."