Alejandro sat at his ornate desk in the small room, and steepled his fingers in front of him. Diego took a deep breath.

"Sit, Diego."

Diego sat, and waited for his father to say something. The silence in the room was uncomfortable.

"Father…"

"Diego…" They spoke at the same time, and frowned.

Alejandro glanced at his son, and sighed. "If I told you I knew what was going on, what would you say?"

Diego glanced at the desk top and thought. "I'd ask you to elaborate…"

"Are you up to that much mischief? Are you in that much trouble?"

"I'm not in any trouble that I can see," Diego said with a shrug. "Have I offended you in any way, Father? I must admit the waltz was a daring thing to do. I hate having strangers in the hacienda. I hate this idea of competition. I just wanted to do something to alleviate the tension."

Alejandro smiled grimly. "And why do you hate this so much, Diego?"

"If you are not going to elaborate, I will not play this game, Father. I don't know what you want to talk with me about that can't be said in front of Victoria."

"Really? The fact that you are most definitely Zorro would not cause difficulties? You expect Victoria to take that fact lightly and calmly?"

"That is ridiculous."

"It might seem like that to some. I have been watching closely for some time, Diego. You are the same height, the same build. With Sir Edmund as a tutor, you would have developed the minimum of skills, not absolutely none. When you think no one can see you, your stance, and everything about you changes just enough to make one wonder."

"Wishful thinking makes people look for things that are simply not there."

Alejandro stood up slowly, and began to pace. "I am giving you a chance to admit that you are Zorro. I love you, and I am proud of you. I'd prefer it if you took me into your confidence and talked to me more, but I suppose it is hard being two people," Alejandro said. "In fact, I am even impressed with your choice of bride. Victoria is a very beautiful and talented young lady, and I would be delighted in welcoming her to the family."

"As you have mentioned, not a topic that would be safe or smart to delve into."

"I didn't say that, my son." Alejandro relaxed his frown, and a twinkle came into his eyes. "Did you really promise marriage if she worked out who you are?"

Diego glanced at the floor. "She won't let that go, Diego. Victoria's curiosity is legendary. She has been kind up til now."

"I have been trying to downplay the similarities…" He glanced at his father. "You are not considering…"

"I want grandchildren, Diego. This is not the way to go about producing them."

"You would betray your own son…"

"To the right person, yes."

"Consider the dangers it would place her in," Diego said.

"What danger would she be in other than she has been for the last couple of years? As your wife, she'd have the protection of your name. No one would dare touch her, let alone hurt her. Our wealth does count for something. As does our connection to the royal family."

"I doubt she'd forgive me for deceiving her for so long. She loves the man in the mask, not the mere mortal underneath it."

"You are a piece of work, aren't you?" Alejandro said, somewhat crossly. "You are a coward. That mask is a piece of cloth, not another person. The only rival you really have is yourself."

"Thank you for the reassurance, Father," Diego said, gruffly. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I believe I have a race to lose."

Alejandro grabbed Diego's arm as he turned to go. "Try to do us both proud for once. Show Victoria the man you really are. No alcalde or soldiers at this party, Diego. Win the stupid race…"

Diego glanced at his father's hand on his arm, and then smiled at his father. "You know, I am rather sick of losing to those men out there."

Zzz

After a hasty bath, Diego changed into his brown suit to attend the race later in the day. Felipe nodded with satisfaction at Diego as he ran a brush through his hair.

Very good looking, Felipe signed, making sure that Diego could see him in the reflection of the mirror.

Diego smiled, and placed the brush down. "I wouldn't laugh too much," Diego said softly. "Once I am married off, you are next."

Felipe grinned and dashed out of the room, heading for a good spot in the audience, Diego thought.

Diego walked slowly out to where the other young men were gathering. When Alejandro joined them, a hush fell over the chattering men and they listened intently.

"As you are aware, we want to challenge everyone to excel in these two weeks. This is the first of many races, and I hope the spirit of good sportsmanship prevails over the proceedings. As it goes without saying, that is all I will say on the matter. May the best rider win!"

The men let out a cheer, which Diego didn't bother to indulge in. He met his father's eyes, and caught the expectancy in his intent gaze. He would do his best, he decided. Without Toronado it wouldn't be his very best, but he knew Esperanza would be a good choice as well. He walked outside with the rest of the gentlemen, towards the stables.

When everyone was gathered, Juan Perez held up a bottle of red wine. "I propose a toast. To the victor goes the spoils!"

He poured all the men a small glass of wine, and passed them around. Diego held his thoughtfully.

"You won't join me in my toast, Diego?"

"I don't drink before a race," Diego answered.

"No, you just don't drink ever." Juan's eyes took on a mocking gaze. "Maybe you should sit this one out. It's not as if you are much of a challenge."

Diego tossed down the small glass of wine, and placed the glass on the rough table. "You may be underestimating me, Perez."

The horses and their riders lined up at the rough starting line. They listened patiently to Alejandro as he explained the rules. It was simple enough. Twice around an exceptionally large tree, and back again. Easy enough, Diego thought.

Alejandro fired his pistol into the air, and the horses raced away.

Zzz

Diego was determined to get to the lead position and stay there, even from the early stages. Esperanza was a mild enough mare, but she did like to gallop. Giving her room to move was exhilarating, even for him who was more used to Toronado at full gallop.

Three quarters into the race, Diego felt strange. An ache in the pit of his stomach twisted and turned. It took more concentration to stay in the saddle, but he managed it.

Esperanza beat her rival, Juan Perez's Storm, by a head, and as he pulled Esperanza into a canter, Diego realised he was going to be violently ill.

Felipe grasped Esperanza's bridle to allow Diego to dismount, and avoiding everyone, Diego went into a nearby copse of trees.

Alejandro followed him. "Are you alright, Diego?"

"Not sure. I was feeling alright…just before…" Diego was lucky his father was quick enough to catch him as he passed out.