Part 117 (1/2)

We both snapped to attention.

Luis had entered the reception area.

For a moment I was fl.u.s.tered. I instinctively reached for my sword and cleared the scabbard by several inches before I caught myself.

Luis's lips formed a smile, but his eyes were as I remembered. Hard. Snake eyes staring up from a luckless throw of the dice.

”I didn't mean to startle you. The viceroy is waiting.”

”Don Carlos, may I present my fiance, Don Luis de la Cerda.”

I exchanged bows with him, barely able to keep my face neutral. The word ”fiance” had caught me off guard.

”You have the appreciation of all New Spain for your efforts on behalf of Dona Elena. And you especially have the thanks of her future husband.”

He bowed again. The words were spoken with sincerity. But each one grated on me and set my teeth on edge. I did not doubt that he was attracted to Elena, but I knew the man was incapable of truly loving a woman. I remembered his comments from so long ago when I was hidden under the seat of a carriage.

”We had better join the viceroy,” Elena said.

Elena led the way, with Luis behind me. The hair on the back of my neck bristled. I had seen something in Luis's eyes when he spoke his thanks to me-jealousy. When Elena and I had looked into each other's eyes, Luis had spotted something beyond my saving her life.

Unlike myself, Luis's appearance had not changed. His beard covered many of the pox scars, but his eyes betrayed the harshness of his dark soul.

I was consumed by anger at the tragic murders of the people I loved. But even at that I felt no animosity for the world at large. What twists of fate, what disappointments had caused this scion of wealth and power to stain his birthright with common thievery. I knew the stories of his need to involve himself in business. True, his father had squandered the family fortune. If Luis had not acc.u.mulated one of his own, he would have traded his t.i.tle for a rich man's daughter and dowry rather than marrying into the viceroy's family.

What had caused Elena to change her mind about entering a convent? My suspicion was that the change in plans had to do with Elena's pleas to her uncle on my behalf. In a convent she would be safe from the monster, and I could dream of stealing her away. Ay, my new disguise as a gentleman of Spain had driven her farther from me and into the arms of a villain.

Don Diego Veles de Maldonato was short, no taller than Elena, but he made up for his diminutive stature with aristocratic arrogance and a steely gaze of cold command. He wore his mustache and beard short, his hair as close cropped as a monk's. He ruled as a king a wild land as large as half a dozen European countries combined. Although he was known to have mistresses, the viceroy was a widower without children. He had raised Elena as his own daughter.

After proper introductions had been made, the viceroy came around from his gilt desk to personally inquire as to the status of my wound.

”Don Carlos, your boldness and courage were most n.o.ble. Had there been a dozen more like you in Veracruz, the entire pirate army would have been summarily routed.”

”I am sure there were greater acts of bravery that morning, Your Excellency. In fact, if your niece had not stabbed the man who was about to chop off my head, I would be buried in Veracruz rather than standing before you today.”

”In truth, naked greed not lost courage stripped our soldados of their weapons. And as for my niece, I have lectured her many times about carrying daggers and other unladylike conduct. Fortunately for you both, my niece ignores my advice.”

”Uncle, that is not true. I listen to all your commands.”

”But obeying them is something else.”

Elena murmured her dissent... quietly.

”But as we know, this time her disobedience proved expedient. In any event custody of her iron will soon fall to another's hand; I am certain Don Luis will invite you to the place of honor at his wedding table.”

Luis bowed. ”We would be most honored if Don Carlos graced our banquet table.”

”I live for the day,” I said evenly.