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I thought of Rey José Maria, and the crowds of people cheering for me, the woman they thought was a sovereign. It was abundantly clear that everyone was unhappy in some way or another. While I was stubborn, I didn’t consider myself foolhardy enough to think I could make everyone happy. In the distance, past the bleak gray of reality, there was a new dawn painted in colors as brilliant as the wing of a butterfly. I picked up my orange juice.
Surprisingly, it was Santiago who broke the silence this time.
“Well, this has been the most exciting breakfast I had since the time Isabela’s mother asked my father for an affair,” he mused.
Magda laughed, but I choked. “What the hell?”
Antonio snorted, and I briefly traced the line of his lips with my eyes. It hadn’t been that long ago that he had put them on mine. “Son told me about that.”
I furrowed my eyebrows at the mention of the name. Was that one of the men who had donated to my tournament fund?
Not wanting to ask, I pressed my lips together and watched while Santiago nodded. “I think she was a little bit drunk.” He made a gesture of someone guzzling a bottle, and I wondered what her sister Ana would think of that.
Magda squeezed my hand supportively.
“During the dinner at your house, she told me all the boys were idiots.” It felt good to have something to add.
Antonio laughed harder this time. “I would agree.”
“Speaking of the party, why didn’t you come see me?” Magda piped up.
At first, I didn’t remember what she was talking about. But Santiago had told me to go to the servants’ hall… just before Isaac stole me away. If I could change that night, I wouldn’t have gone with him. I wouldn’t have these ugly pictures circulating on the front of tabloids. Maybe his mother would still be alive.
My cheeks heated. “San Volcán. I didn’t know.” It was possible that I was the worst friend.
She shook her head. “It’s okay. We’re together now.”
Antonio shifted. “Carmen hasn’t eaten anything yet. Might I suggest we call the servers in?”
Eating was the last thing on my mind right now, but I nodded my head and let the moment flow around me. The present was all I had.
Chapter17
How Could A Man So Evil Love So Much?
The sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with darkening blues and purples as Antonio and I arrived at the festival. We were still sitting in the car with deeply tinted windows, but I had lowered the thick glass down just a crack so that the air, thick with the scent of roasting meats, sweet pastries, and exotic spices from all corners of the six Islas, could fill the small space.
I took a deep breath, allowing the scents to transport me through time. Magda would be here tonight with her ward, Lirio. After the awkwardness at breakfast had eased, she told me about Santiago’s younger sister.
Magda had always been self-sufficient and knew how to care for children. It was sweet to see her so endeared to the little one.
I fisted my hands, committing to fight and win so that Magda and I could stay together. A kaleidoscope of colors danced around us as lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the exuberant crowd.
Ours was one of the few cars allowed on the street tonight, as we needed to make it safely to the stage where the grand spectacle of performers would take place. With over two hundred competitors, it was impractical to set up individual performances, so I was grouped with the other people from the Quinta Isla.
I was nervous about my part with Isaac. We were all going to dance Flamenco, but I didn’t relish being so close to him.
My outfit was the most elaborate, but I was glad the deep neckline showed swirling lines instead of grotesquely jagged angles.
Antonio sighed, and I turned around to look at him. Butterflies came to life in my belly, and that unfamiliar heat pooled all along my torso.
“¿Que paso?” I asked.
He looked at me. “There are too many people here. It’s dangerous.”
I pressed my lips together. “You said as much before we left. I don’t know what else you could’ve expected during the largest celebration all year?”
“Would you rather I didn’t care about your safety?”
