The alcalde was eating at his usual table. He watched Diego approach his normal seat at the bar with interest.
"Mendoza tells me you've invited him for Christmas lunch, Don Diego," he said, taking a sip of his wine. "Odd choice for your only guest…"
"Only guest? I was aware the rules stipulated two," Diego said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, Felipe is counted in the two," De Soto answered. Diego met his eyes and they regarded each other thoughtfully for a moment. Then Diego sighed, and frowned a little in confusion.
"You're mistaken, Felipe has been recently adopted. He is my son," Diego said. De Soto could not mistake the edge to the tall man's voice.
"The rules stipulate blood relations, Don Diego. It goes for everybody, and every household. It's only fair."
Diego nodded slowly, and turned back towards the bar. De Soto smiled. He had finally seen some fire in the man's eyes. He had managed to disturb the happy go lucky idiocy of the man. He shrugged a little. More letters to the governor wouldn't do him any good, Christmas was next week, and the governor was too busy and too corrupt to care about one caballero's complaints.
De Soto considered Diego's stiffened back, and wondered if the young man would act in any way against him. Maybe he would thwart the rules, insist on having whatever guests he wanted. He'd have to have him watched next week.
Zzz
It had taken all of Diego's self-control not to complain to De Soto about his stupid rules. He'd had no sleep lately, and his nerves were wearing a little thin. De Soto had no right to dictate terms of Christmas celebrations, but no one could stop him. There was one man, of course, but that man absolutely refused to commit to anything but sleep for the next few days. It wasn't that bad, and it was only for a few days. He'd hate to get sick again over Christmas.
"What's wrong?" Victoria asked, eyeing his rare frown. She reached out and touched his arm, drawing him back from his daydream. "You look so tired. No more reading late at night, alright? Do it for me."
"Your wish is my command," he murmured, taking a sip of his customary juice. It covered a number of slips, that handy glass. He realised too late that he had used his Zorro voice by accident yet again. One day the smart lady he loved would realise. He really must be more careful around her.
"What is it?"
"De Soto. His mad rules about Christmas have prevented my plans for our celebrations. I'll get over it. Most people in town have to."
"What has he done now?"
"Blood relations…Felipe is classified as a guest."
"Alcalde! Is this true? Felipe is a de la Vega by law."
"Yes, but not by blood," De Soto sneered. "And unless you both want to spend Christmas in jail I suggest you accept that ruling."
"Christmas is a week away," Diego replied a little shocked. "You'd put up with us for a week in the cells? You really must be desperate."
"Diego," Victoria said softly, touching his arm. "I think he means it. You know how he gets about Christmas. I don't want to be wasting time in that place, not over one of my busiest times. The tavern will be closed by law on Christmas day. What would your father say, Diego? You need to be together for Christmas."
I'd listen to your friend, Don Diego," De Soto said softly.