The Lord of Opium(133)

“I’m thinking of not opening the border until people adjust to the new system. We’ll soon be self-sufficient, especially if we can persuade women to join us. I’m thinking of turning Opium into a larger biosphere, or as close to it as we can get.”

“The drug dealers won’t like it,” María pointed out.

“Crot the drug dealers,” said Matt. “It will be an adventure, and it may not work, but it’s worth trying. And one thing more, mi vida.”

She turned toward him.

“I want to marry you.”

She smiled mischievously, so like the lady in the Goya painting. “I’m only fifteen, you know. It’s illegal.”

“I’m fifteen too, and I’m the Lord of Opium. I say it’s legal.”

“Mother will be furious.”

“That’s one of the side benefits,” said Matt. They said nothing for a while.

María gazed out at the field of bones, and the moonlight painted the world with a pale blue light. “You sure picked a weird place to propose,” she said.

“I think it’s peaceful.”

“You’ll have to bring in a real priest. I’m not going to be a drug lord’s floozy.”

“You can have ten priests if you want them.”

“You’re crazy, but okay. I accept. After all, who’s going to say no to the Lord of Opium?”

“Only the Lady of Opium,” he said, putting his arms around her.