6. Chapter 6 #2
No wonder the Soberano is intimidated by the Otero family.
Or rather, Ana Otero. She is a puppet master, pulling the strings of the rich and poor, ensuring fate favors her.
Clearly, the Soberano taking power was not in the plan, proving she, too, can be blind to a usurper, but for the last fifteen years, she's been playing the long game.
Quietly, she has worked to guarantee victory.
All I question is how many of us will be left standing in the end?
How many of us are merely pawns in her game of revenge?
The queen is the deadliest piece, and she knows it.
"You are unusually quiet." The Dona's voice slices through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. I'm not sure how we ended up in the middle of the garden since I zoned out completely. "Tell me what thoughts have you so occupied?"
With kindness in my tone, fearing she will take my comment for offense, I say, "This is a very large estate for just you."
She doesn't skip a beat when she nods in agreement. "This property has been in my family for three hundred years. There used to be more of us but with old age, plague, and war over the last two generations, most of us have died."
When we reach a stone bench overlooking the bay, she tugs my arm downward for us to sit.
"Are you alright?" I scan her face to ensure she's not ill.
"Can't a woman sit and enjoy the view?" she snips, and I furrow my brow.
"Next time I won't ask. I'll let you weaken and fall to the ground instead."
She laughs, which makes me smile. "Lupe is right. You are a little brat."
"I've been called much worse."
Dona Otero's smile fades as she looks out over the horizon, as if she's dreaming of freedom just as ardently as me.
"Sometimes I envy my sister for being born second.
Marisol never knew the burden and responsibility our father thrust upon my shoulders the day he passed.
House Otero's survival depended on me – the first female heir.
I knew I would have an uphill battle to ensure the other houses didn't wet their lips and pounce, thinking me to be weak and incompetent.
I had to be ruthless and blood-thirsty the day my father died to solidify that House Otero was stronger than ever, and we were not to be trifled with. "
A heavy sigh escapes her lips and constricts my heart.
"Marisol married Guillermo Lozano and moved to his country estate to produce olive oil. She lives a life of peace and luxury while I have orchestrated endless business dealings, preserved my family's reputation, and strategized against those who would see me dead."
Her sudden confession tugs at my hardened heart. "You sound bitter, Dona." What I refuse to admit is she sounds like me.
Her eyes slide to meet mine, a raw and ugly vulnerability in her gaze. "I am bitter. But I would rather be powerful than compliant."
"So, your sister married. Did you not?"
"I did marry." Her face softens. "He was a good man."
"Was?"
She inhales deeply, grounding herself. "Oh, it's been nearly thirty years since he passed away. The doctor insisted his heart failed him, but I know he was poisoned."
My eyes widen. "Poisoned? By whom?"
"The Soberano, of course," she declares.
"Well before he became what he is now, we both sat on King Armando's council.
He strongly opposed the Venturans being welcomed into our city, and I was firmly in favor.
We were adversaries on many other issues but with my family name established, I knew how to throw my weight around.
I served my king and city with all the fight I had in me.
Unfortunately, about a year after the Wings joined our society, my husband suddenly turned up dead.
It wasn't an accident. It was a message.
It was then I knew I needed to be alone.
Family was seen as a weakness, and I couldn't bear another innocent's death on my hands. "
My shoulders hunch forward, her story a surprising burden. "You never had your revenge?"
She presses the cane against my chest, forcing me to straighten.
"I could never prove the Soberano was guilty of Hector's murder, but I know it was him.
Soon, I will have my justice. Soon, after decades of plotting, scheming and planning, the Soberano and his minions of cruelty will find themselves at my mercy and I will ensure none survive. "
I bite my bottom lip, but I can't help myself. I have to know. "So, you've been alone all this time?"
"I was unable to bear children. Not for lack of trying, mind you.
It just wasn't meant for me. And once Hector was taken from me, I had no room in my heart for another.
" She plants both hands on the pommel of her cane in front of her.
Her eyes are fixed on the endless sea. "The Otero line might be at its end, but we will not leave this world without dragging others down with us. "
"You aren't alone though." Her eyes fly to meet mine. "You have your niece, Elena."
"She is the Lozano heir, child. That is her priority."
"What about Salvador?"
Dona Otero doesn't respond. She simply stares at me as if what I said was the most preposterous suggestion she's ever heard.
"He might not be your blood, and I know you never adopted him, but clearly he is loyal to you and would see to it that House Otero continues long after you pass," I explain my reasoning but instead of hearing me out, she clears her throat and stands.
"I believe I've had enough time in nature." She heads for the house. "I will see you at dinner."
I leap to my feet. "Dona – "
"Good work today, mi querida."
And just like that, she slams the door shut on our conversation.
Why she was ruffled by the idea of Salvador taking over House Otero is beyond me.
Sure, he's not her son by blood, but there's no doubt in my mind that the phantom would make a deal with the devil if it meant keeping Otero safe.
Maybe one day I'll understand their dynamic and his heritage, but it certainly won't be today.
Enjoying the peace and quiet, I settle on the bench and allow myself a moment to daydream of all the riches that will be mine if I do my part in Otero's schemes.
I won't necessarily have a view like this in the Silver District, but at least I'll be able to breathe and enjoy the sunshine that the unfortunate souls in the Brogratto are denied.
I won't go back. No matter what happens to me now, I have tasted heaven and won't ever find myself back in hell.