Tom could never get past the grandeur of the Palace after he had been to it. It was as if everytime he visited he noticed a new marvel. 

But as time pasted and he learned more about the Princess and Xyacotal, the way he looked at it changed. He used to be impressed, even envious of the gilded walls and rich decor. Now as he walked past jewel encrusted decorations he wondered, how many could this have fed? He pictured The Sticks and how the Palace could have easily housed everyone, kept them warm and fed, but was reserved for only a few.