He studied the photo of Mayan. “Oh sure. She’s been here almost every night the past couple weeks.”
“She has? Was she with anyone?”
“Nah, came in alone.”
“Did you ever see her leave with anyone?”
“Not that I remember.” He gave a start and his eyes grew wide. “I ain’t done nothing.”
“I doubt that’s the case, Alfie. Why else would you leach of all color in that manner?” Moran said, sauntering up to us.
Even without any sign of Moran’s sword, Alfie’s eyes bugged out of his head. He spun and ran off.
“Aren’t you going to chase him?” I said.
“No. Alfie’s an irritant, but he’s harmless. Come. Her Highness is ready for you.”
I planted my hands on my hips. “Is she now? You don’t want to dose me up with a little Eau De Meekness to ensure my obedience?”
“So dramatic.” Moran took my arm and we shifted—from one step to the next coming out onto the Queen’s flagstone terrace.
She sat on a loveseat wearing a formal red gown. Levi was across from her on a rickety chair, his expression tight, almost like he was caged in.
Moran positioned himself to the Queen’s left.
“Ah, blanquita,” she purred in her Spanish-accented English. “Mr. Montefiore has been most passionate about his circumstances, but I am unable to help and, as you brought him, I would like you to take him home.”
“I’ve done everything you asked,” I said. “Moreover, anything you’ve agreed to, whether you liked it or not, was of your own free will. If you have a problem with me, then talk to me. I’m done with these games.”
“What games?” Levi said, the calm he was going for undercut by the strain in his voice.
“You forget your place,” the Queen said.
“Or I finally understand it,” I said. “I’m not simply a pawn on this gameboard anymore. Even queens can be toppled.”
Moran’s sword appeared in his hand. “Very bold of you to assume I’d allow you to threaten Her Highness and live.”
“Not a threat,” I said. “If I can’t take care of myself, what use would the Queen have for me? Right, Your Majesty? Ally or enemy. What’s it to be?”
I had enough enemies, and besides, I admired her.
“Impatience is a folly of youth.” The Queen crossed her leg, her red stiletto dangling from her foot. “Surprise me with something of value.”
Like jewels? No, that wouldn’t work. What would? The Queen always said knowledge was power. There were a number of things about Chariot that I could enlighten her on that would be a surprise, but I was loath to give her too much on that front. Not until she was firmly in my corner. I’d find something else relevant to her interests that could cement the deal.
“I do that and we have an alliance? No more games. No more giving up memories when I come here. And I want a gold token for passage.”
A sly smile curled over her lips. “Chica, if you can surprise me, I’ll agree to whatever you’d like.”
“Deal.”
“You’re willing to make a deal with Ash,” Levi said, “but won’t concede the value of allying with House Pacifica when we’re both being targeted?”
“It is not the first time, nor will it be the last,” the Queen said. “You are a figurehead, Mr. Montefiore. A powerful one, but a figurehead nonetheless. I don’t think you have the cojones to bring anything of worth to myself or Hedon. See yourself out.”
Levi gave a one-shouldered shrug and stood up. “I’ll go, Your Highness,” he said, “but remember this. Hedon needs us more than we need you.”
The Queen arched an eyebrow. Uh-oh.
I ran over and tugged on Levi’s sleeve, but he was immovable. Jeez, Levi, you were undoing all my fine work of five minutes ago. “Thank you and have a pleasant day,” I said.
“Are you threatening me in my own home?” She tilted her head with a curious expression, much like a cat. Or a tiger looking at prey who hasn’t behaved properly—before they slashed their throat with a lazy claw.
“Not at all,” he said. “I’m simply reminding you that Hedon is safe and whole, and cannot be expanded anymore. Abraham was most forthcoming, including where all the entrances and exits are around the world.”
“You told Levi about Abraham?” the Queen said to me.
“No. I swear.” I was so discombobulated under her glower that I’d forgotten all about the existence of my armor and was half-hidden behind Levi, using him as a shield.
“She didn’t need to.” Levi tugged me out to stand beside him. “Abraham was registered in my territory. Did you really think I’d overlook the presence of one of the original architects of Hedon? Oh, and he’s under my protection now. Help me or I’ll make life very difficult for you.”
I don’t know what Levi’s problem was that he’d conjured up that more formidable version of himself back at Harbour Center, because right now he was pretty damn impressive.
Even the Queen reappraised him with a cool glance. “I could seal us off.”
“You could, but you won’t,” Levi said. “This place has very few natural resources. You need the stream of goods that traffic in and out of here. Now, someone is targeting us both. If you persist in your isolationist position, I’ll persuade every last House Head to make sure you’re cut off. Your population would riot, and we all know what happens to monarchs who fail to provide bread. The Queen of Hearts could share the same fate as Marie Antionette.”
Moran stepped closer to Levi and me.
I didn’t even have a bronze token to get us out of here. My economy class coin required us leaving the palace and getting back to that weed-choked fountain. Really, Levi? Did you have to bust out your cojones in quite this fashion? Miles would kill me if Levi got turned into a statue.
Hostility bubbled between the three of them while I tried to shove Levi, who stubbornly planted his feet, refusing to back
