21
Capacocha
‘I can’t believe I’m still alive.’
Teya was huddled on a sleeping pallet, in a strange part of the Acllahuasi that she hadn’t been to before. She was guarded at all times – there were women with her always, and male guards at every entrance. Cocohuay had been allowed to stay with her, and was trying to coax her to eat.
‘The Inca had decreed your death. I do not know why the Coya intervened on your behalf,’ Coco said. ‘It has never happened before.’
‘I know why. She thinks I will have a son with the Inca who will save the Empire.’ Coco remained silent. ‘But what about Pahuac? Is there any hope?’ she asked, desperate.
Coco looked away.
Teya wanted to die. There was no reason to go on. The weight of her guilt was so consuming she could barely lift her head. She did not car
