What do you think of Tizoc, Teomitl had asked him, and Acatl—Acatl had told him honestly, had spat out words like lead on his tongue. Had told him that their emperor was weak and cowardly and a murderer, a man who didn’t deserve to wear the Turquoise-and-Gold Crown. It had hurt to say, even more when he’d had to follow it up with a simple plea for Teomitl to stay his hand. To not slay his brother yet, no matter how badly he deserved it.
But Teomitl had taken his words to heart, and since then Acatl had discovered it opened the floodgates. It was easier to speak his mind now, to not worry about going too far or being judged for it. Teomitl had plenty of venom of his own for cruel and stupid people; he wouldn’t be shocked.
And Acatl no longer needed to worry about setting a good example.
Still, the first time he grumbled, “That’s because Quenami is an utter bastard,” Teomitl dropped his tamale in shock.
Obsidian & Blood, Acatl & Teomitl
What do you think of Tizoc, Teomitl had asked him, and Acatl—Acatl had told him honestly, had spat out words like lead on his tongue. Had told him that their emperor was weak and cowardly and a murderer, a man who didn’t deserve to wear the Turquoise-and-Gold Crown. It had hurt to say, even more when he’d had to follow it up with a simple plea for Teomitl to stay his hand. To not slay his brother yet, no matter how badly he deserved it.
But Teomitl had taken his words to heart, and since then Acatl had discovered it opened the floodgates. It was easier to speak his mind now, to not worry about going too far or being judged for it. Teomitl had plenty of venom of his own for cruel and stupid people; he wouldn’t be shocked. And Acatl no longer needed to worry about setting a good example.
Still, the first time he grumbled, “That’s because Quenami is an utter bastard,” Teomitl dropped his tamale in shock.