Okay, only because Leiasky is standing over me and breathing, QUITE HEAVILY, down my neck right now, here is the opening continuation of Invitation to a Kiss.
Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me. DAMNIT! I only play with them for fun, not for profit.
Conspiracy of the Heart
Prologue
The earily morning air was crisp and refreshing. A thornless long stem rose lay on a dresser that was being carefully moved aside. Lightly trembling hands reached into a hidden compartment behind it and pulled out a small hand carved box; a family hierloom handed down from mother to daughter. With care, the box was set on the dresser and opened. A small pause in motion and then the trembling hand reached in and drew out a precious gold ring, set with an emerald surrounded by small diamonds. The bejeweled ring slid easily onto a slender finger.
With a deep nervous breath the mirrored reflection of a peteite woman looked up. Victoria stared at herself, at the ring sitting almost expectantly on her finger. Zorroís promise of undying love, his heart. With a resolute sigh, Victoria made her finale decission, turned the emerald to her palm to hide it and replaced the small box to itís safe hidding place and then carefully pushed the dresser back in itís proper place.
The rose slid off the dresser. Victoria picked it up and straightened to once again look at her own reflection. On her finger she wore Zorroís promise to marry, while in her hand she held the evidence of his unexpected midnight visit. He had been in her room while she slept and left behind a reminder of his love. She lifted the red flower to her nose and inhaled itís pleasent frangrance. Were it not for this delicate flower she might have forgiven Diego for decieving her all these years. But he had been in her room in the night as Zorro again. How many times had he, as Zorro, done that? Too many to count.
A small calculating smile crept slowly across the pretty senoritas mouth.
"Well, I think two days is long enough for you to recover, Diego."
With that she turned, picked up her shawl on the end of her bed and draped it over her bare shoulders. Her flowing skirt swayed, reflecting her determination while she descended the stairs. It was too early to open the tavern but that didnít stop her most loyal patron from greeting her at the door as she exited.
"Buenos Dias Senorita Escalante," Sergeant Mendoza smiled broadly, thinking that she was opening up early.
"Buenos Dias, Sergeant."
The happy smile slid away from Mendozaís face when she closed and locked the tavern door behind her. "Are you going somewhere Senorita?"
"Si, I'm going to visit Diego this morning and cheer him up."
The plump sergeant gave a sad agreeing nod, "Si the other day was not Don Diego's best day. Rather embarrassing if you ask me."
Victoria smiled and thought to herself, and very well deserved.
"I'm sorry but if you want something to eat youíre going to have to wait for Teresa to come this morning."
Mendoza followed her to her waiting cart and helped her up with a sad sigh ìIíll miss your tamales this morning, Senorita.
"I set aside a plate just for you, Sergeant," she smiled pleasently.
His mood brightened at once. "Tell Don Diego I said feel better."
"I'll give him your message, adios," she said, reigning her chestnut mare into motion. She had two miles in which to calmly plan how to tempt Diego into confessing his secret.
TBC