“That,” Quenami sniffed, “is because Acatl is a fool and a coward.”

He must have thought he was safe. They stood in the middle of a crowded palace courtyard, after all, and no up-and-coming young heir apparent to the Mexica Empire would dare to cause a scene in front of so many people. There would be far too many social and political repercussions, particularly with the Revered Speaker’s noted...instability. Quenami was one of the few people known to still reliably have the Emperor’s ear; it was common knowledge that he was, therefore, untouchable.

Teomitl had learned to consider the consequences of his actions. He had. Nothing was worth endangering the people he loved or losing their respect. Acatl would tell him to let the insult go.

Acatl wasn’t here right now, and the crack of his fist meeting Quenami’s face was far more satisfying than any moral high ground.