Dawn of the Jaguar (Volume 2) by J.C. Cervantes

Author:J.C. Cervantes [Cervante, J. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2023-10-10T00:00:00+00:00

20

Turned out the stone palace consisted of high walls, enormous courtyards, countless rooms, and impressive halls, all painted in bright, daring colors.

After Zulema took Edison and Monty to their respective rooms, she led Ren down a long hall to the queen’s suite, a large, sumptuous space with a golden chandelier, wide open windows, and a massive mahogany bed draped in silk bedding. There was also a full-length mirror, a few pieces of furniture, and lush rugs. Ren peered into the adjoining room.

“That is your private bathhouse,” Zulema said.

“Bathhouse?” At the center of the chamber was a four-foot-high altar piled with stones and a clay pitcher.

“Volcanic rock walls keep the heat in,” Zulema said, “and those stones are enchanted with tranquility. Once you pour water over them, they will create steam to cleanse and calm you. It is no small thing to wed the great Prince Lord.”

“Why do you think he wants to marry me?” Ren didn’t really care what Mr. Sunny-Side Up wanted, but she thought the question might get Zulema to open up a little, leak some good intel.

Zulema studied the godborn, a small grin spreading across her lips. “You have magic in your blood. A rare sangre, a blend of old and new.”

Old and new.

The words reminded Ren of what she had thought was a dream, but now she wasn’t so sure. She allowed her memory to wander back to the day she died, to the moments just before the arrow plunged into her heart, when the Smoking Mirror had said, Her blood is ageless. Worthy of being joined to the gods. To the Prince Lord.

“Ageless,” Ren whispered. And with jaguar magic!

Zulema sniffed. “We haven’t had a wedding here in eons. More than eons.”

Ren saw her opening and dove right in. “Before the wedding, I’d like to see the whole palace. Maybe a tour. . .?”

“That can come later. For now, you must rest. Take a bath. Make sure to pour the water onto the rocks.”

What was with this lady and baths?

Zulema added, “Your attendants will be here at dawn to help you into your dress.”

Attendants? So not going to happen. “Oh, that’s okay. I can do it myself.”

Zulema’s eyes darted about as if she were looking for something or someone. Then she walked over to the far wall. “I think you’ll enjoy your bath—it was made specifically for you. But make sure to get the steam nice and thick.” Then, strangely, she patted the volcanic rock. “So many stories in these walls.”

And just when Ren thought the woman would say more, Zulema made her way to the exit through the bedchamber. “Please rest now. Tomorrow is going to be a sacred, magical day, and you will need your sleep. And do not try to leave this suite. The halls are patrolled by the souls of Mictlan. They don’t like anyone slinking around, and if they find you, they might mistake you for food.”

Food? Was this lady serious?

“But. . .no one would dare eat the queen!”

Zulema said in all seriousness, “A dead queen is even more powerful than a living one.

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