Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
The old butler told me to wait.
It had seemed more like an order. The central iron chandelier hung low in the unfamiliar grand foyer. This family had a great deal of money – proof that banking had been profitable for them.
I’d left Valiente, my beloved stallion, with a stable boy who had promised to take good care of him.
I wondered whether accepting Senor Moran’s invitation had been a mistake, but now it was too late to back out of this soirée.
I remained wary of our neighbors, even though acres of land lay between us.
At twenty-four years of age, I’d reinvented myself, reflecting nothing of the boy I used to be.
Even my walk appeared different. I took longer strides with my head held high.
My gait reflected pride and my manner, confidence.
My friend Miguel’s vision had become my own.
We’d established ourselves as Spain’s most successful Andalusian horse breeders.
Spellbound, Miguel and I would linger at the paddock gate, admiring the ethereal vision of our cantering Andalusians, enchanted by their extraordinary sense of balance, natural grace, and astonishing ability to learn quickly.
Our horses even drew the attention of royalty, who paid a high price to make them their own.
Our success had aggrandized the house of Velde, the very reason why an invitation to tonight’s soirée from such a renowned family brought no surprise.
The estate had been built on royal land, and the home’s varied history was reflected in its structure. Although in need of repair, its character remained and whitewashed walls loomed. Here in the entrance, glorious broad pillars rose up in Romanesque style.
Senor Moran greeted me as music filled the air. With pride he revealed that his youngest son, Salvador, had just returned from a military excursion to the Canary Islands.
With a nod, I appeared interested when he conveyed that the Vespers were renowned for their thuggish tactics. Apparently, the fight had been bloody. He told me all of this as he guided me through the house.
My feigned interest in his son’s achievements earned me approval. We strolled down the longest corridor I’d ever seen. How easily brick and mortar can intimidate.
Having access to skillful tailors ensured I blended in, and I was grateful for it.
Although eager to impress upon my host the advantage of replacing his entire stock with Spain’s finest horses, I’d have to segue into the subject naturally.
Mention it too soon and I’d appear desperate but bring it up too late and the moment could be lost.
The grand ballroom opened up before us, where two hundred or so guests mingled. An extensive gathering of family and friends shared in the festivities.
This was the first time I’d been surrounded by so many people – it was overwhelming, and I felt they could somehow see the shame I carried from my past.
My uneasiness relented when Senor Moran’s wife, Renée, hugged me warmly. She introduced me to Cornelius, her eldest son, and then her youngest, the man of the moment, Salvador.
Wearing his captain’s uniform, Salvador cut a striking figure. Both brothers had inherited their mother’s features instead of their father’s – something they both must be grateful for. That thought made me inwardly chuckle.
Despite Salvador remaining seated, his majestic height was clearly evidenced by his long legs.
He had one of them crossed over the other, his left foot resting on the lower rung of his brother’s chair.
He had been blessed with rugged good looks, and by the way he raised an eyebrow during our introduction, Salvador knew it.
But the playful smile with which he greeted me made up for his spirited loftiness.
He gestured for me to sit beside him, and I accepted the large goblet of plum wine he handed me. His air of confidence would have flustered me in the not-too-distant past.
Part of me still questioned whether I deserved to be here, but another part whispered that I did.
This dashing captain appeared to be the quintessential man’s man. I found myself staring at him and in return he stared back, until his intense, brown-eyed gaze forced me to look away. I mirrored his charisma, having learned early on that I, too, could mesmerize.
My attention turned to his mother, Renée. Sipping my third glass of wine, I easily conversed with her. It seemed that every member of the Moran family had an easy charm. Her kindheartedness reminded me of my own mother.
Fearful of spiraling into melancholy, my attention returned to Salvador. Something about him fascinated me. His unassuming demeanor reflected wisdom. His eyes carried the weight of a thousand lives.
A tap on my shoulder caused me to turn.
Senor Moran smiled. “Senor Velde, may I introduce a dear friend.”
I rose up, biting hard on my inner cheek, feeling a gut-wrenching sense of danger.
I knew this face, though I’d never met the man.
Senator Felipe Grenaldi’s likeness to his image in the portrait I’d found in Roelle’s cellar was uncanny.
The artist had captured his crooked mouth and his receding hairline.
Time hadn’t softened his arrogance. He’d aged well, easily hiding his fifty years.
When we shook hands, I felt moisture on his palm.
Felipe offered a smile that quickly faded.
Moran patted my arm. “The senator’s interested in purchasing an Andalusian.”
I nodded, my gaze still on Felipe.
“Business should never be discussed in front of a lady,” Felipe said, gesturing towards the garden. “Shall we?”
As Felipe led me away from the table, he said, “They’ve certainly picked a good evening for their party.”
Stone-faced, I concentrated on keeping my jaw relaxed, not wanting to give away the tension I was feeling. In a single night, I’d mastered his signature and used the skill to deprive this stranger of his inheritance, and I wondered if he knew.
The gardens were sprawling. Two gentlemen passed by us, heading back into the house.
“How’s the ranch?” Felipe asked casually.
“Excellent.”
“Affluence agrees with you,” he said.
I gave a nod and changed the subject. “I have a good stallion for you. He’s temperamental, but fast.” Hopefully the horse would throw him off and then stomp on his head.
He shrugged. “Senor Moran misspoke.”
“I thought he suggested—”
“I have a proposition,” he said. “I’d like to invest in your ranch. Help establish your business.”
“It’s a generous offer, but—”
“My influence could further your reputation.”
Something about the way he favored his right leg, how he flicked the fingers of his right hand against his thigh, an impatient trait, seemed familiar. Yet the painting had been the only time I’d ever seen him.
“A royal seal will advance your success,” he said.
I turned to go. “Let me know if you change your mind about that horse.”
“Roelle had a tendency to be unruly, but you know that.”
I faced him again.
“Such a long time ago,” he said. “But I haven’t forgotten him.”
I stayed silent. No happy memories there – none worth my time, anyway.
Felipe slid both hands into his pockets. “Roelle was the only one to die in the fire.”
I nodded, giving him a wary look.
“I still believe it was foul play.” Felipe squinted. “You were there that night?”
“Why all the questions?”
“I never got an explanation.”
I shrugged. “We were all devastated.”
He looked skeptical. “Roelle planned to leave me an inheritance in his will.”
“Did he?”
“You know the answer to that. And I suggest you accept my offer.”
It was clear what he was doing – once involved he’d steal my property away.
“As you already know, my business is doing well,” I replied.
“Don’t cross me, Daumia. My power reaches all the way to the crown.”
I met his gaze. “I’ll never be beholden to you.”
His eyes widened. “You tampered with the will.”
“Is such a thing even possible?”
He shifted uncomfortably. “What happened to Aaron?”
“I was nine when he disappeared, remember?”
We both stared in the direction of a rustling bush. A bird hopped out from the greenery and flew off.
I met Felipe’s gaze again. “Stay off my ranch.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I have nothing to lose,” I said. “You, however, would be risking your money, status, and power. Your future lies in my hands.”
“And your sister’s fate lies in mine.”
He read my shocked expression. “That’s right. You kept the money, and I kept your sister. Perhaps you’d like to exchange one for the other?”
No, not him.
She couldn’t have chosen a friend of Roelle’s…my enemy.
But at least Alicia was alive. The thought of seeing her again filled me with hope.
Still, this man wasn’t capable of kindness.
“Where is she?”
“In Vigo. The way I see it, you’re benefiting from this transaction.”
“I want to see her.”
“Perhaps.”
I tried to conceal my panic.
“I warned Roelle, but he wouldn’t listen. I told him you were trouble.”
“I worked hard for him.”
“Daumia, he never paid you. You were his slave.”
His words hit me hard; perhaps there was some truth to this, or perhaps my suffering was well-earned.
“He was a coward like you, Senator.”
“I’ll see to it that Alicia is given as a gift to the soldiers.”
A flash of rage surged through me with a jolt of pure hatred. Without thinking, I lunged forward and seized him by the lapels, thrusting him back against the outside wall.
His head struck the masonry.
“If anything happens to me…”
I pulled back, regaining my composure.
He straightened his jacket.
Cornelius appeared in the doorway and signaled to us.
I nodded at Cornelius and then said, “We’re finished here.”
“Then you agree to my terms?” Felipe asked.
Cornelius motioned for us to hurry.
“You’ve been summoned by Father,” he shouted. “The entertainment’s about to begin.”
His timing might have saved me from doing the unthinkable. My sister was still with this man, and only he knew her whereabouts.
Felipe turned to me and whispered, “A dispatch from the king will be sent to you.”
I stared at him. “Dispatch?”
He gave me a smug smile. “I’ll have my lawyer draw up the papers that secure my share in Roelle’s ranch.” He walked away and followed Cornelius back into the house, telling him, “As I recall, you promised me the girl after the dance.”
“Come see your prize,” Cornelius said brightly.
Maybe I’d just get drunk.
I remained by the large double doors that led to the garden, leaning against one, grateful for the cool evening breeze, even as my hands shook.
I lifted one of the drinks offered from a tray and gulped the wine. Responding to my gesture, the waiter paused, allowing me to drop the empty glass and immediately take another. I felt a nudge and turned to see Salvador.
“Happy with your transaction?” he asked.
My guess had been right – he stood an inch taller than me.
“What?”
“The senator’s horse?”
I forced a smile. “We’re still negotiating.”
“Must be quite a horse.”
I grimaced at the thought of Felipe touching Alicia. Salvador didn’t seem to notice my reaction.
“My intention is to work for the senator when I retire,” he said. “I have one more year as a captain.”
“Politics?”
He nodded and I was polite enough not to cringe This man’s brilliance would be dulled by joining the elite in their nefarious dealings.
More guests lingered at the ballroom’s edge and the orchestra struck up.
“Change is what this country needs.” Salvador raised his voice over the music. “I have no interest in business.” He flinched. “Sorry I didn’t mean—”
“You’d make a fine politician.”
Upon Salvador’s breasted jacket hung a gold medal engraved with a military emblem. I wondered how many men he’d had to kill to get it.
I followed his gaze.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” he said.
I sucked in my breath, entranced. At the center of the ballroom there stood a beautiful flamenco dancer likely around eighteen years of age, but her dramatic makeup made it difficult to say for sure.
Staccato handclapping arose from the crowd.
Waiting, she tilted her head, as though listening to the rhythm of the chanting.
The fingers of her left hand struck the right, slapping the perfectly formed hollow.
She threw back her head and lush, dark curls cascaded over her face.
She snapped her fingers again and clicked her heels in an explosion of passion as she twisted the frills of her red dress.
They swayed and whipped around her. She conveyed a tortured expression, exposing a broken heart shattered into a thousand pieces, and then flicked up her lace fan to cover her face, peering over it.
Our gazes met.
I wanted to know her.
I need to hear her name.
I tried to suppress my fascination and turned to Salvador. “When does the senator return home?”
“Tonight,” he answered. “He has to be back in Vigo by the morning.”
“How far away is Vigo?”
“It’s a two-day journey.”
I studied the faces of the other guests. They, too, were captivated with the dancing girl.
“Look at the senator – he’s practically drooling,” Salvador said.
Salvador’s gaze returned to meet mine, then drifted down to my mouth. The moment caught me off guard.
He gestured to a waiter and placed my empty glass on the man’s tray, then lifted a full drink off it and handed it to me. He also took one for himself. “To new acquaintances that become close friends.” His hand brushed against the lower arch of my back.
Feeling a sudden thrill, I raised my glass to clink it against his before turning to glance once more at the beautiful dancer.