Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
The senatorial carriage emerged on the horizon.
And I’d just been thinking what a perfect day this Sunday was – Miguel and I had been training one of the stallions in the paddock.
As Felipe approached, I ordered the staff to send Annabelle into the safe room. Harold Ferring’s foresight of constructing a clandestine room beneath our bed, and not just in my office, had proven to be a godsend.
After giving me a look that said, “Be cautious,” Miguel guided the horse back to the stables.
Felipe stomped towards me.
Two weeks had passed since Alicia and Salvador had left for Italy. I assumed they’d be halfway there by now.
Casually, I strolled to meet him. “Good morning.”
“Fuck the pleasantries,” Felipe snapped. “Where are they?”
“Alicia?”
“I want my son back.”
“They’re not here.” I’d long ago mastered the art of deception. Now more than ever, I needed those skills – a calm demeanor, a steady hand, and an innocent gaze that never wavered from his.
“If I find out you’re lying…” Felipe turned to his men. “Go!”
They headed for the house.
A thin line of sweat trickled from his brow. “My lawyers informed me that you failed to sign our agreement.”
“Did you actually think I would?”
Felipe glared at me. “Search every room,” he shouted, his fingers frantically tapping his thigh.
I cleared my throat. “Aren’t there laws against trespassing?”
“I am the law.”
“I thought your wife bore you a son.”
He swung his fist, striking my jaw with a crack. I staggered back, though made a quick recovery. So much for Miguel’s advice to use sound judgment, though I doubted it would’ve changed the way I handled the situation. My hatred for Felipe made it nearly impossible to remain civil.
“When you see Salvador, tell him he’s dead.” Felipe stared up at the house, studying the windows. “Tell me where my son is and I’ll spare Alicia.”
A chill ran through me.
His eyes burned with loathing. “Your title doesn’t protect you.”
“And neither does yours.”
“I can get your knighthood stripped. I can take it away.”
“I never did care for it. You’re the one who loves power.”
“I’ll see you hang, Velde.”
“If you ever set foot on my land again, it will be the last time you do so.”
“Threaten the senator and you threaten the king.”
“Hiding behind the Crown now?”
“Your luck is running out.”
My gaze settled on his agitated hand. “Leave my property.”
His fingers stilled. “This is Roelle’s house.”
“His house burned to the ground, remember? This one was built on the ashes.”
“This land is mine.”
“As I recall, Roelle didn’t even like you.”
He turned and glared at me. “Are you hiding Alicia?”
“Now why would she suddenly turn up on my doorstep after all this time?”
“You owe me,” he said, sputtering.
“For what?”
“You’re still here because I allow it.”
“You desecrated my family.”
He shrank back. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
His men reappeared at the door and one of them signaled to Felipe that they’d found nothing.
“Your political career is hanging by a thread,” I said.
His jaw muscles tightened. “How so?”
“I know your dirty little secret.”
Perspiration settled on his upper lip. “I do what has to be done.”
“In whose name?”
“The king’s.”
“He’d be interested to know that you’re comfortable committing murder.”
“Peasants must be ruled with a firm hand, or else, like you, they get ideas.”
“If you mean they desire their freedom…”
“Don’t debate with me. You set yourself up for failure.”
“Like that kind of failure?” I pointed to the house.
“Roelle should never have educated you. I warned him.”
I shrugged. “He told me he found no value in your opinion.”
Felipe turned and headed back to his carriage.
“Would you like to know where Aaron’s remains are?” I called after him.
Felipe stopped in his tracks and spun round to face me.
“If that’s what a nine-year-old boy can do, imagine what I’m capable of now.”
It was a good lie – one that got to him.
His lips twitched. “Don’t ever sleep again, Daumia.”
I smiled. “I will bring down hell upon thee if I ever see you again.”
Fear…that’s what I saw in him, and a rush of devilish pride twisted in my belly.