Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
On this August evening, a warm breeze carried the scent of jasmine and the faint chirping of cicadas.
Taking my usual seat on the front porch, I topped up my glass of white wine, made with the fermented grapes cultivated on this very land.
A brilliant sunset flooded the landscape.
The years had unfolded, seamlessly shifting from one glorious month to another. My relief from the suffering sustained during my former years bestowed on me a visceral gratitude not easily forgotten, as it seeped into the present.
But as I glanced up at the horizon, I was gripped with a wave of terror that the peace I’d come to cherish was about to end.
Salvador’s father galloped toward the estate. I put down my drink and leaped to my feet.
Senor Moran dismounted, his face ashen. “He has them. He’s keeping them prisoner at his home.”
“Dear God.” My heart felt like it would stop beating.
“I don’t know how he found them. They were in Italy.” His eyes revealed his fear. “By the time I receive an appointment with His Highness, it will be too late.”
“Ready my best horse,” I shouted to the stable boys. “Now!”
Moran was visibly shaking. “He has accused Alicia of witchcraft.”
No. The ground became unsteady beneath my feet.
Miguel quickly joined us.
“I’m going to Vigo,” I blurted out, my mouth dry.
Miguel grabbed the horse’s harness from the stable boy. “Felipe?”
I nodded and quickly mounted the stallion. “Tell Annabelle…”
“I know.” Miguel tightened the reins. “Godspeed, my friend.”