Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Roaming with wild horses, Monteverde was breathtaking in the early morning light. It was a picturesque region with sprawling tobacco fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Despite the beauty of the rolling emerald hills and the cliffs overlooking the ocean, I felt disoriented, physically and emotionally exhausted.
Towering trees and tropical jungle made up the green mountains in the countryside of Castillo.
"This was not what I intended for our honeymoon," Meroveo's voice filled the silent car. His hand wrapped around my wrist, gently stroking the erratic pulse. I said nothing. His caress shocked me with its intimate familiarity. He hadn't moved to touch or kiss me since we left Salamanca.
"Unexpected business has called me back to Valencia tonight," I heard a slight note of anger in his voice as I turned to face him.
My heart secretly sang in relief, knowing I could escape his touch, even if it was just one more night.
"I will take you to the capital when I return. It will be in time before the races start".
The car stopped at the grand staircase leading up to the large waiting doors of a stately palatial home. It stood like a tropical manor, multiple stories high, surrounded by an oasis of vibrant colors and palms.
Meroveo led me out of the car and toward smiling and inquisitive faces. A tall woman with a pinched face approached. Her sharp gray eyes welcomed me with blatant suspicion. Her thin lips spread into a weary smile.
"Mister De Los Santos, let me be the first to congratulate you on your wedding," she said, looking at me again.
"Thank you, Naira. This is the new Lady of Monteverde," he said with pride. I felt his warm, strong hand on my back, disturbingly comforting.
"It's nice to meet you, Naira," I smiled, kissing her cheek with a polite greeting.
She seemed taken aback by the exchange but quickly composed herself, smoothing out her simple purple dress. "And you as well, Missus De Los Santos. I am the head of housekeeping." Her Castillian accent was much more distinct than Meroveo's."Let me introduce you to the others," she said, gesturing towards the line of two curious faces.
"This is Ines, our cook, and that is Yani." Yani was young, no older than nine. She had bright green eyes, sienna brown skin, and a shy smile. She was peeking out from behind Ines, who was older with graying temples, brown skin, and a plump round figure with welcoming eyes.
"Naira will be able to show you around and make sure you're settled," Meroveo said, looking at Naira.
"Of course," she replied, clapping her hands sternly as two men came quickly to take the luggage.
"I hate to leave you, but it seems the matter can't wait any longer." He kissed my forehead. I blushed, hating his gentle affection.
I was glad he was leaving. I didn't want to feel like a child, but he was the only person I knew in this house - on this island. I was nervous to be on my own, but I'd rather die than tell him that.
"Remember, you are the lady of the house," he said, leaving me to get back into the car. I watched him drive away, a trail of other vehicles quickly following behind him.
"Missus De Los Santos," Naira gestured for me to walk into the house. The grand double doors opened into a marvel of the old mixed brilliantly with the new.
High arched ceilings echoed the Spanish influence of the past, and large tropical windows flooded the open space with bright rays of the sun. We passed several formal and casual rooms, terraces, and a beautiful central courtyard with a grand water fountain surrounded by flowering bushes and ferns. The home was updated with every modern need.
"The estate of Monteverde was originally built by Mister De Los Santos' ancestors. It has been in this family for a long time." Naira beamed as she walked around like a guide in a museum, pointing out the various opulent fixtures and the stained glass windows.
"Mister De Los Santos mentioned that you like to study plants, senora. That's why he chose this residence. He especially wanted the gardens to be perfect for your arrival." Naira mentioned the garden as if I should have been impressed by Meroveo's generosity. Holding back my scoff, I was surprised by the intimate detail. I didn't know him. I never shared my love for anything with Meroveo.
I spotted Yani hiding behind bushes, trying to be discreet. She had been quietly following us for a while.
"I learned about herbs from my mother," I answered, not caring to share more, keeping down the ball of emotions choking me. My attention was caught by a large tree with giant roots and overhanging vines with bright vermillion flowers. The aroma was entrancing, earthy with hints of sweetness, pungent and sharp. The red feathery petals stood out against the leaves.
"Do you know the name of this tree?" I asked, unable to resist my curiosity. I reached out to feel the silky texture and inhaled the alluring scent.
"La garanate ," Naira replied. "It only grows here on Castillo, mainly in the country. It likes the soil." She boasted happily. "The fruit is delicious," she continued. "I could have Ines cut some up for you when they're ready later in the season. We eat the seeds inside."
It was the first time I had heard the name, and I had never encountered it in any of my books. I bent down to feel the soil's moisture, its rich and dark color, and the smell of fresh rain. "The soil is healthy," I acknowledged, smiling up at Yani, hiding behind Naira as she watched me quietly.
She finally smiled back.
"Of course," Naira replied, almost offended by my words. "Missus De Los Santos, we have nothing but the best here at Monteverde. I take pride in running an effective household."
"I have no doubt about that," I smiled, disarming her hostility and dusting the dirt off my hands. "Please, Naira, call me Dove."
Mrs. De La Santos sounded foreign. It sounded unnatural.
L istening to the sounds of the early evening, the garden was a sight to behold. I had an unobstructed view of the setting sun over the mountainous hills and fading sunset. The open windows allowed the night air to circulate.
The master bedroom looked like it belonged in a paradise magazine. It was elegant and simple, with natural colors that easily blended with the green flowering landscape.
I spent the night alone, having a quiet dinner, barely able to touch my food. Ines kindly laid out a mini feast in my honor. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The black beans were rich in flavor and balanced perfectly with the sweet plantains and tender chicken.
I insisted that Yani eat with me, as there was plenty of food, but Naira denied my request and shooed her away.
Ines must have sensed my sadness. She cleared the table, and I remembered her encouraging words: " You will settle into this in time. Sometimes, women have no choice, especially against a man like your husband." I didn't know whether I felt relief or loneliness.
My phone began to ring from an unknown number."Hello?" I answered, holding my breath, instinctively knowing it would be Meroveo on the other line.
"How are you settling in?" it was his deep voice.
"Everyone has been kind," I replied truthfully, confused by my heart's erratic beating.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. I'll make it up to you," he promised,
I stayed silent, not knowing what to say.
"Goodnight, Dove," he chuckled.
That night, I fell asleep in tears in a foreign home, not knowing if I would ever feel happiness again.