who was there to see it all. His court in Texcoco is known for its refinement. He must think we come across as quite artificial.”
“Nezahualpilli is here?” one more lady interjected with excitement. “They say he is quite the lover.”
“It’s said he has over a thousand concubines,” added another, “and forty wives. How does he get to each one?”
“I dare say,” Tlalalca replied, “such a remark is so typical of you, Nenetzin. You do have a way of getting to the point of a subject.”
This sparked an outburst of laughter among the members who appreciated its message. Tlalalca continued, “Perhaps you should ask Nezahualpilli how he manages it. Such straight—forwardness may be pleasing to him over all our affectation. But let’s not dwell on this. I do not care to have my afternoon spoiled with this sort of vulgarity.”
‘As you say, my Lady, but I’m sorry I missed him. Someone will have to point him out to me next time. I should like to see what such a man looks like.”
“Surely you make this Texcocan seem too extraordinary, Nenetzin,” another of the ladies broke in. “We also have lords to compare with him.”
“And which of our lords might that be?” asked Nenetzin.
“Lord Ahuitzotl,” a voice spoke out assertively.
A hush ensued, as if out of an awareness that an apparent error had been precipitated.
“It’s Pelaxilla,” Tlalalca said after a brief delay. “We know she’s taken a fancy to him.”
“It’s true I admire him, my Lady,” replied Pelaxilla, “but even if this were not so, we are improper in placing our own lords below Texcoco’s.”
This mild rebuke offended none, for Pelaxilla was fondly regarded. She was seen as one of those endearing personalities who with seemingly effortless ease exude a winsome presence and manage to attract well-wishes out of all who know her.
“Our little one is correct, of course,” said Tlalalca. “But let us remind her that we are not talking about all the lords of Texcoco—only of one. And in truth Nezahualpilli is an exceptional man if we are to believe what we hear of him. He is by reputation the wisest man in Anahuac—even Lord Tizoc places the greatest value on his counsel.”
“He may be all they say, but I did not even notice him,” answered Pelaxilla.
“Of course not,” Nenetzin quickly added. “The only person you see is Lord Ahuitzotl.”
“With good reason. Is he not the handsomest man in Tenochtitlan?” Pelaxilla retorted.
“Come now, Pelaxilla,” Tlalalca interceded, “you cannot expect everyone to share your enthusiasm for Lord Ahuitzotl. Handsome he may well be, but the real worth of a man lies in more than mere appearances. Even an ugly man can be appreciated, perhaps even loved, when one learns that he possesses noble qualities.”
“I meant no disrespect, my Lady,” said Pelaxilla, her embarrassment much in evidence.
“You are forgiven, my dear. You are young and in love; we understand how that can rob us of our better judgment. Lord Ahuitzotl is indeed fortunate to have so devoted an admirer.”
“Why are all these nobles here?” inquired Nenetzin.
“There are movements about portending another war. The nobles meet in council tomorrow to discuss the matter. Lord Tizoc mentioned something about a revolt in Toluca, I believe.”
“Another war? I hope not. It’s not very exciting around here when our men are gone.”
“For shame, Nenetzin! You risk angering the gods in making light of this.”
“I only said it in jest, my Lady,” Nenetzin retracted.
“Still, it would be better not to tempt them. We should not question the purpose of our men’s action as it involves our relationship with them and has great importance,” counseled Tlalalca who then chanced to see the ashen look in Pelaxilla. “Is something wrong, Pelaxilla? You seem unduly disturbed by the news.”
“I just did not wish for Lord Ahuitzotl to be gone again. It’s been only a few weeks since he returned from the last war.”
“Really, child! You do weary me with your constant preoccupation over him. Accept that there is a design behind what our Lord Tizoc intends to do. Were it not necessary, I should think it would not be done. But I have heard enough of Ahuitzotl. I shall retire to my chamber for my bath. Perhaps our conversation will be more pleasant tomorrow.”
With that, Tlalalca arose and departed from the room, accompanied by her loyal servant, the aged Xoyo, while the remaining ladies were left to puzzle over her annoyance. Nenetzin gave Pelaxilla a wary glance.
“You have angered her, Pelaxilla,” she said. “If I were you, I would be more careful.”
“I didn’t mean to. She asked me what troubled me, and I told her. What have I done wrong?”
“It would be prudent for you not to mention Lord Ahuitzotl’s name again. Something about him upsets her.”
“But why?”
“I don’t know. But it’s rather obvious—isn’t it?—so please be cautious. We like you and would hate to see you dismissed from the court.”
Pelaxilla, not understanding her transgression, was jolted by this, prompting Nenetzin, who sensed her consternation, to embrace her and allay her fears. “Now, now, Pelaxilla. You make too much of it. I made a reckless statement—too harsh. Our lady knows you would never intentionally offend her. Tomorrow you will find her well-composed again.”
While Nenetzin was calming a frightened Pelaxilla, Tlalalca took her customary afternoon bath in spring waters piped through stone conduits into a compartment adjacent to her private chamber. Her tub was a squared cistern into which steps had been carved so that she could climb into its depth and immerse herself to the level of her neck. She cleansed herself with the rich lather formed by cakes made from the root of the copalxocotl tree, and when she was finished emerged from her tub into large towels held forth by Xoyo. She wrapped her body in them and then entered her chamber where she sat down on the cushions placed abundantly about the floor. Xoyo sank to her knees and began to brush Tlalalca’s glossy raven hair. She noticed a disquietude not common for her charge.
“My lady is disturbed,” she remarked, giving voice to her observation.
“Does it show?” Tlalalca replied. “I don’t hide my feelings well. When I’m troubled, people see it instantly. It’s not befitting for an empress to reveal herself so.”
“May I ask what is the problem?”
“Pelaxilla thinks too highly of him. It is very upsetting to me.”
“You mean Lord Ahuitzotl?”
“He is not the man for her.”
“He is good-looking. Where I younger, I would fancy him myself.”
“He cannot be trusted. Have you seen how he glares at my Lord Tizoc? He does not look upon him with respect, or with joy, but rather with a cold, contemptuous gaze. There is cruelty in his eyes. I find it very upsetting.”
“Perhaps my lady misreads him.”
“What I say about him I cannot prove. They are things I feel. I was told of the extreme vehemence he displayed when the council named Tizoc as Revered Speaker. They say he flew into a rage and bolted from the scene like a savage beast when its choice was disclosed to him. Such conduct is most unbecoming. And to his brother. To this day whatever communication exists between them is of an official nature only. They do not socialize. There is no cordiality between them. He keeps his distance, residing in Axayacatl’s palace instead of here. If only I could be certain of his intentions. I fear he means Tizoc harm.”
“Surely you