My thanks to PamZ. Her transcripts contribute significantly to the creation of this story.

Every word you recognize from the series isn't mine.

And the chapter got longer and longer and ..., longer. Once I thought of sending Diego and Victoria on an outing, I couldn't resist sending them to a wedding to attend.

I want to thank the few of you for taking the effort to leave a review. It is what increases my pleasure in writing tremendously. Even the small short ones are appreciated. I like it even more when you add a remark based on your feelings or thoughts.

Chapter 23

In the distance, Victoria spotted a large dust cloud approaching, caused by multiple riders heading towards Los Angeles. She was returning to the hacienda after spending a morning in the tavern. Recognizing Sergeant Mendoza with six of his men, she surmised they were part of the patrol sent out by the alcalde earlier that day. The fact that it was a full moon meant that Zorro often ventured forth during such evenings to apprehend wrongdoers who fled the law. Clearly, Ramon had grown increasingly determined in his pursuit of capturing Zorro. Shaking her head in disapproval, Victoria couldn't help but think that if the alcalde devoted as much energy to the welfare of his people as he did to this fruitless quest for Zorro, countless individuals would face far fewer difficulties.

She urged Pandora into a brisk trot. Pandora was a brown mare, a gift from Don Alejandro. Victoria arrived at the hacienda to find it deserted. Maria informed her that Felipe and Diego were out fishing, and Don Alejandro was somewhere on the land overseeing the livestock.

Last month, the family travelled to Santa Barbara to attend the wedding of Raphaël and Margarita.

Victoria had initially refused to go along until she realized that, given the number of guests, it would be impossible to provide all the couples with two separate bedrooms. Convinced by this argument, she had willingly allowed herself to get persuaded by Diego to go along anyway. Unfortunately, her plan had failed miserably. Santa Barbara followed the high social standards of the highest social class. And it was unthinkable for a married couple to spend the night in the same bedroom. On the way over, she had no luck either. They had spent the night at a convent. Diego and his father had slept in the men's wing, while Victoria had once again spent the night alone in a small women's cell.

The only form of satisfaction Victoria received was that she had a beautiful green silk dress made that showcased her emerald jewellery well. Diego had burst out laughing when he saw her thus dressed up and teasingly suggested he wanted to buy a matching brooch and tiara.

To her surprise, however, Margarita had been pouty throughout her stay and had not mentioned a word about Zorro. Margarita used every opportunity to make remarks about all the charity work she did for the local church. Hearing her babble like that, Victoria thought Margarita would have been better off becoming a nun.

While staying in Santa Barbara, Diego insisted on buying her an entirely new wardrobe.

Initially, Victoria resisted, claiming she didn't need any new clothes. Nevertheless, Diego persisted, allowing her only to choose the fabrics and colours.

The dresses, skirts, blouses, and everything else were all beautiful. To Victoria's satisfaction, Diego had also ordered many garments for daily use, clothing she could wear while working in the tavern without fear of irreparable damage.

For the first time in her life, Victoria had an abundance of clothing. Seeing how poorly the children at the orphanage dressed, Victoria realized she could donate her old clothes to them. Items could get altered to fit the older girls. And from a few old skirts with worn-out spots, new dresses could likely be made for the little ones.

This was why Victoria had decided to spend her free afternoon organizing her wardrobe.

Victoria sets herself to work energetically. First, she emptied the entire closet and then divided all the clothing into two piles. On the largest pile were the clothes Victoria wanted to keep and the new ones. She stored these back in the closet. The other pieces all coming from the tavern and no longer needed, went into a large travel trunk.

The task was tedious. It provided Victoria with ample time to reflect on the past few months.

She had been married for over three months now. Married life had surprisingly been easy to adjust to. Initially, Victoria doubted whether she could adapt to life in the grand hacienda. But those fears turned out to be unfounded.

Don Alejandro had always been a parental figure to her since her mother died. He had fully accepted her and welcomed her into his heart. The don insisted on being called father and involved Victoria as much as possible in running the daily affairs of the ranch. And he was glad to have someone to assist him since Diego was often too distracted by one of his many interests.

Don Alejandro also liked to entertain her with stories of his time in the army and Diego's childhood. Their bond was warm and familiar. It made Victoria feel like a beloved and valued part of the de la Vega family.

Her relationship with Felipe had also grown. There wasn't a day passing by without Victoria picking up on new gestures and learning their meanings. To her, communicating with Felipe had always been challenging because she was never entirely sure if he understood her completely. Now, however, she knew that there was very little the boy didn't comprehend. Although he couldn't hear, Felipe quickly understood and knew instinctively what people meant to say. The boy could also express himself excellently through gestures, clearly showing what it was he tried to say.

Victoria felt content and fortunate to have a husband like Diego. He was progressive and modern in many ways. When she suggested continuing to work in the tavern, Diego didn't object. Don Alejandro had raised an eyebrow and expressed his doubts about the idea of a married woman of stature running a business. However, Diego had encouraged her to do what made her happiest. Pilar was now the manager, and Victoria, although not every day, could be found in the tavern regularly. On days when she wasn't there, she filled her time with tasks for the ranch. Initially, Victoria believed that the life of a doña mainly involved sitting still, changing dresses, and drinking tea. She was wrong about it. Every day, tenants and people from the pueblo came to the hacienda for advice and guidance. The first week, Victoria had assisted don Alejandro in advising tenants, but then he had given her free rein. He trusted her to act in the interest of the ranch and the people living on its grounds.

Victoria was now the one visiting the sick. There was always something to do in the household, despite the help of Maria, the maid, the stable helpers, and the gardener who came to assist daily.

There was always a room that needed airing, supplies to get checked, and a lot of work involved in the dinners and gatherings don Alejandro regularly hosted. Silverware needed polishing, menus made, and shopping lists prepared. Although Maria was an excellent housekeeper who had managed many things according to her own judgment for years, it was now Victoria's responsibility to ensure everything went according to plan. She was now a de la Vega and a representative of one of the most important families in the territory. Victoria had grown into her new role with ease. It was partly due to her experience as a tavern owner. After all, as a hostess, it had always been her duty to ensure her guests felt comfortable.

Was she happy? Yes, she dared to say so. Diego was a good, attentive husband. He granted her the freedom she cherished. And all she had to do was hint at wanting something, and Diego would try to get it for her. She enjoyed his presence, and together they experienced many pleasant moments each day.

Despite the growing friendship between her and Diego, there were also immediate tensions from the first day, mainly related to the nights. Victoria had never imagined that Diego would be so prudish in the privacy of the bedroom. He preferred to sleep in his own bedroom and felt uncomfortable at the thought of her getting naked or she catching a glimpse of his undressed body. She didn't understand why Diego kept himself so distant from physical contact when she enjoyed those rare moments of contact skin-on-skin.

During the wedding night, Victoria recalled seeing a fiery passion in Diego's eyes. At the time, she had thought they shared the intimacy she now longed for. But ever since then, Diego always approached her while wearing his nightshirt, which he never took off. She desperately wanted to run her hands over his warm, naked skin. Before the wedding night, Victoria had no idea about how things precisely happen between a man and a woman. Now, she knew for her in bed clothing was more of a burden than a desire. And she found it an increasingly uncomfortable, an annoying barrier.

If only Diego weren't so prudish and cared less about social rules. She had to wait until he was ready to share more intimate moments.

Almost every Wednesday and Saturday, Diego asked if he could visit, and she always looked forward to his visits. Diego was loving and caring, both in bed and outside of it. And every time after they made love, he kisses her forehead, got out of bed, puts on his robe, and hands her a wet cloth to clean the area between her legs. After she has done this, he wishes her goodnight and returns to his bedroom.

Although this was exactly what was considered proper in high society, Victoria had not expected Diego to be so prudish and traditional when it came to marital customs. She increasingly dreamed that Diego would stay with her for the rest of the night as well. But when she lay alone in bed at night, surrounded by an emptiness that only could be filled by Diego's presence, she longed for even more. Victoria wished Diego would come to her undressed, remove her nightgown, and let her touch and caress him freely. She yearned to feel his hands in places where no one ever touched her.

Victoria wondered if Diego's prudishness and reluctance stemmed from his upbringing, with its rigid norms and values. She hoped he could overcome them.

Last Wednesday, Victoria made an attempt to seduce Diego. She deliberately wore a nightgown with an adjustable neckline. When Diego wasn't looking, she intentionally loosened the ribbon. It caused the nightgown to fall open. She longed so much to feel his skin against hers. Diego brushed his unshaven cheek against her breast and nipple, creating an unexpected sensation that quickened her heartbeat and made her body tingle. Victoria had to bite her lip to suppress a moan of pleasure and not scare him off. Diego looked, the only words Victoria could think of to describe it was terrified and shocked. He had covered her breasts and uttered a ridiculous apology. If he was this upset by seeing her partly naked, how bad would it be if she asked him to get undressed?

The lack of intimacy was starting to take its toll on her. She missed the deep connection with Diego she desperately wanted to feel. She yearned for a profound bond, a merging of bodies and souls that she had only experienced in her dreams. It made Victoria sad. To the outside world, they had a perfect marriage, and during the day, that was certainly true. But it didn't mean that she felt any less lonely at night. Victoria struggled with her inner turmoil, constantly restless and longing. She couldn't understand why she couldn't be satisfied with the love and affection Diego gave her. Victoria had no point of comparison, no experience with other men. So why did she feel she was missing out on something essential? Something that would make her heart beat faster and fill the void in her soul.

With each passing night, the desire within her grew like a smouldering fire that couldn't get extinguished. And then there were the other thoughts that didn't diminish. Instead, they became more intense and harder to ignore. There was another man she couldn't get out of her mind. No matter how hard she tried. She even started refusing to speak his name. Not that it helped. She was a married woman. And despite Diego's reserved nature, she loved her husband.

Victoria discovered the hard way marriage hadn't helped a bit. It was difficult not to think about a man wearing a black mask.

Incredibly difficult.

.

'Victoria is asking for you'. Felipe gestured as Zorro entered the cave. 'You, fishing.'

"Alright, thanks."

As usual, Felipe was busy in the cave. Diego looked at him. Felipe was avoiding him and hadn't asked whether Zorro had succeeded in luring the lancers to some bandits patiently waiting to get arrested. So he asked, "Is there anything else?"

Felipe gestured angrily, the words. 'Victoria, you, truth.'

"Felipe, there is nothing I want more. You know it is impossible right now. Soon," Diego said reassuringly. He wanted to pat Felipe's shoulder in a friendly manner. But he got startled by the intensity with which Felipe pushed his arm away.

'Truth, now!' Felipe gestured intensely.

"I can't! She hates..., Victoria hates Zorro!" Diego defended himself.

Felipe vigorously shook his head and angrily gestured, 'Not true!'

"Felipe, you heard her express her thoughts on Zorro, didn't you? You were there when she vehemently expressed her anger. Si, Zorro may have dealt with Lopez a bit too harshly. I didn't need to hang him upside down by his ankles. He only got a few bruises. All the information I had was that someone was to rob the coach. How was I supposed to know it got done at the request of our esteemed alcalde? What does she expect? That all bandits surrender to me without any resistance?" Diego felt his frustration growing.

Felipe continued to glare at him angrily.

Diego spoke defensively. Felipe seized every opportunity to point out the complete failure his marriage was threatening to become.

"It's not like I haven't tried anything. Before our wedding, Zorro approached Victoria. I asked her to reconsider her opinion of me. She doesn't say much about it. But she even has become even more critical since then. How can I tell her when she hates Zorro?"

Felipe began gesticulating frantically, a mixture of anger and helplessness.

"Slower, please!"

It took Diego several attempts before he understood Felipe. "If I ever get lucky enough to find a woman who loves me as much as Victoria loves you, I would do anything to make her happy. Haven't you noticed that she hardly ever smiles?" Diego translated Felipe's agitated gestures.

"I'm doing everything I can! What else can I do? Besides, Victoria is probably happier not knowing." Diego defended himself against better judgment.

Felipe stared at him, his eyes filled with frustration, and gestured forcefully, 'Truth!'

"Diego!" a voice suddenly came from the other side of the hearth, further escalating the tension.

Diego looked at Felipe and said hastily, "That's my father. Tell him I'm out fishing."

Zorro mounted his horse, turned around, and left the cave, watched by Felipe, who expressed his anger, helplessness, and frustration using his whole body.

.

Arriving at the ocean, he let Toronado gallop along the coastline for a few miles. His frustration slowly subsided, and he switched to a calmer pace.

Felipe thought that love was so simple. You love someone, and she loves you back, and that's it.

But what if you could never fully be yourself, not even near the one most dear to you? Even near Felipe, he never felt totally at ease. And with Victoria, he had to be even more cautious. He couldn't afford to let his guard down for a moment.

The days were heavy for him. He enjoyed Victoria's company. And despite everything, their friendship had improved. He tried his best to spend as much time with her as possible, especially during the reading hours in the afternoon siesta, which were his favourite moments. He enjoyed listening to her voice and secretly watching her. How Victoria increasingly asked questions about the progress of a story. Her sparkling laughter at some scenes from don Quixote touched him deeply every time.

In the solitude, Diego wrestled with his inner struggle. He wondered if he could ever find a balance between his love for Victoria and his calling as Zorro. Only twice a week, Diego permitted himself to visit Victoria, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. He was scared it would raise suspicions about going to her room more frequently. The nights he was absent were more than he liked.

Victoria had mentioned a few times that his visit wasn't convenient for her. The other times they made love. Although not as passionately as he desired. He had to restrain himself from overwhelming her with his passion. He always wore his nightshirt as a barrier to prevent too much skin-to-skin contact. He also suppressed the urge to undress her. Each time he left her arms, his heart felt heavier than the previous time.

Last week, it had almost gone wrong, and he had come close to losing control. Victoria had worn a snow-white nightgown with a high neckline held together by a satin ribbon. She had looked enchanting in the soft moonlight streaming through the window. As soon as he had entered her room, he had struggled to keep his desires in check and maintain his self-control.

Victoria had given him her most enchanting smile, clearly indicating her joy at seeing him. The first kiss had sparked an immediate passion. He didn't know exactly when or how it had happened, but somehow, the ribbon holding her nightdress in place had come undone. His cheek had brushed against the silky skin of her breast, and he had felt how hard her nipples were. The touch had reached deep into his soul, igniting a desire so intense he had almost lost his self-control. It was only thanks to Victoria's protesting moan that he had found the strength to restrain himself. Diego doubted he could have done it otherwise.

He had been foolish to think that his longing for her closeness would diminish after their wedding night. He didn't want to be intimate only twice a week, their bodies shielded by cotton. He wanted to make love and show Victoria the stars. Feel her hands touching his skin. He wanted his mouth to wander and explore her entire body. He wanted to surrender to her completely.

He wanted to hold her in his arms all night and see her wake up in the morning with sleep in her eyes and her hair dishevelled.

Diego had considered pretending to fall asleep after their lovemaking. He would pretend to be asleep until Victoria fell asleep, and then he could watch her for the rest of the night. Or wait for her to kick him out of her bed. Diego hadn't done it because he feared that once he experienced what it would be like to hold her in his arms for hours, he could never have the strength to leave her alone again.

All in all, Diego felt trapped in a web of secrets, lies, desires, and love he created himself.

.

.

In this chapter, Diego refers to the episode "The Whistling Bandit" (S2E18).
This episode doesn't fit into this timeline.

It's quite challenging giving Victoria reasons to express her displeasure with Zorro. After all, let's face it. Zorro is impressive, and don't we all secretly have a crush on him?

When I was thinking about something I could use for my story, this scene came to mind. That's why it gets used in this chapter.

The following chapters get inspired by the episode, 'Zorro's other woman.' S1E7.