Lo’s heart skipped a beat.She had woken up last night and had snuck out of the room to search for Mamá.Not that she got far.The strange noises the house made and the uncanny feeling of being watched sent her scurrying back to the room.Mayté didn’t need to know about that.“I actually slept pretty good.”That part was true at least.She couldn’t recall her dreams, but the black nothingness wrapped in the silky warmth of her blankets had been so wonderful.“Are you sure you don’t want to try and get a little more sleep?”She could have easily fallen back into slumber if she let herself.That sounded better than facing the game.At least for a bit longer.
“I—” Mayté furrowed her eyebrows.“I saw you leave.I—I thought I did, but when I returned you were sound asleep.”
Lo could have easily told the truth, but no, she didn’t want to see the look on her best friend’s face or have to hear the words that everyone had told her for years.
Your mother is never returning.
“You left?”Lo asked instead.
“Yeah.”Her eyes darted.“I ran into Alejandro.The croupier.”
“Oh?”Lo pushed the blankets away, both intrigued and relieved that the focus was off her.
“But what did I see then if you didn’t leave?”
Or not.
“Maybe it was your mind playing tricks on you in the dark,” Lo quickly said.Inwardly, she told herself she would tell Mayté everything after she found Mamá.That would negate the lies, right?“Especially given how frightening everything has been.”She was ready to change the subject once and for all.“So, the croupier’s name is Alejandro?What did he say?Were you able to get any information out of him?”
“Kind of.He said that the house has a way of leading people to what they desire.And it already has.I think it led me to him last night.”She twirled the long wisps of hair as if deep in thought.
“Really?”Lo almost choked.Then why hadn’t the house led her to Mamá …?Was it because she hadn’t tried hard enough?That had to be it.“Did he say anything else about … how that works?”
“Oh, he also said the house feeds off the players’ emotions and reflects them back.When we were in the library, I guess I was feeling calm and relaxed, so the room began to feel extra warm and pleasant.”
“I see.”That was a lot to take in.It wasn’t exactly the clear-cut hint that she had hoped for, but maybe there was a way they could use this information.“Do you think that it can be controlled?What if we go into the next game feeling calm, positive, confident, and aware of our desires to survive and win?Would the house … help?”
“I don’t know.”Mayté frowned.“It almost sounds too good to be true.”
“It definitely does.But it’s the only thing we have to work with for now.Let’s try it and see.”
“Yeah.”Mayté still sounded uncertain.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s just …” She rubbed her arms as if trying to warm up.“Alejandro.It almost seemed like he wanted something from me.”
Oh.Was that all?“He probably wantsyou.That’s how men are, but you get to use that to your advantage.Dangle his desire before him until he gives you whatyouwant.”
“Mm.”Mayté looked down.
Lo hopped off the bed and moved to the walk-in closet.“We should get dressed.If we’re going to project confidence, we need to look the part.”
Long ago, Lo had learned that a gown could make all the difference in how others perceived her.Luxurious garments impressed the nobles.The latest fashions caught the eye of the other young women, but it was a balance.Dressing too beautifully could easily cause envy.Something a bit more fitted and revealing made her suitors even easier to manipulate.
Staying calm, confident, and positive.Desiring to do well in the next round.That was today’s objective.The best way to do that was to wear something that made her feel gorgeous, all while being just comfortable enough.And maybe this would help her understand the house better.Maybe she could use that magic to find Mamá.
She decided on a soft pink silk gown with a waterfall of lace ruffles down the front and at the sleeves.She tied her curls back with a matching pink ribbon.
Unsurprisingly, Mayté went for something much simpler, claiming it was easier to move around in—a baby blue cotton gown.A chiffon flower bloomed just under her breasts where the gown hugged her the tightest, before blossoming out around her hips.The quarter-length sleeves and bodice were made of cream-colored lace.It may have been less extravagant than Lo’s gown, but it was still much nicer than what Mayté usually wore, shabby rebozos and all.Now if only Lo could get her to wear her long, silky hair in anything other than her signature braid.
The two left their suite.If Lo allowed herself, she could imagine that things were the way they used to be.Back when Mayté was still a part of las grandes familias.The two of them arm in arm, giggling about the boys who would one day become their suitors.
But the door to the room directly across from them flew open, crashed into the wall, and out stepped Dominic.“Oops.Oh!Good morning!”He waved before rushing over.He was wearing tan woolen trousers with a matching silk waistcoat with a rose pattern detail.His white oversized sleeves flared out, and, as always, he wore a cravat.Everything about him looked bright and cheerful—both his clothes and his big, toothy grin.Aside from his puffy eyes and flushed cheeks, he looked good.“I’m so glad to see you both.I was worried I’d be the last one up.It always takes me a while to get going in the mornings.”
And we’re expected to care?Why?Lo was close to saying it, but it must have shone on her face, because Mayté lightly pinched her arm.Lo raised an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes.
Mayté pursed her lips and lowered her chin.
