‘Leave us,’ said the Coya suddenly, once she had taken the necklace. The Nustas looked confused. ‘All of you. Get out. I want to consult with the spirit in private.’ The women were clearly shocked. They never left the Coya. Never. They were there when she ate, bathed, slept. It was not natural. Not right. But they never disobeyed, so reluctantly, they all filed out.
When they were alone, the Coya stepped down off her platform and came closer to Teya. Standing up, the Queen was a head shorter. She smelt strongly of herbs and chicha, and something else dank and indescribable. Teya noticed that her eyes were slightly crossed, like a Siamese cat’s. The effect was unnerving. It was as though she was looking directly at you, and slightly behind you as well, as if she could see things no one els
