Page 81 of The Truth About Myths
"Yes, you do."
Dio frowned, his face bleached of color. "What if Isabel knows?
"I thought she was like a little sister to you."
"A little sister with some twisted notions about duty. What if she decided Alfonso would be a better king than her brother?"
Had she? Henrique paused. He shook his head. His Isa? No matter. Grimacing, he pointed resolutely to the closed door. "We must do this for Portugal."
"Damn it, Henrique. When I spoke of sacrifice, I meant it poetically. After this, I will shun all my scientific friends. What a literal, life-threatening lot."
"I am your only scientific friend, and no, the disciples of Venus do not count as scientific people."
"You will owe me forever." Dio exhaled resignedly and knocked.
Lady Montijo answered after the fourth knock. Her little beady eyes lit up. "My Adonis at last."
"My… My, er… Aphrodite, the stars are shining brightly, and I was wondering if you would like to see them from the balcony, er… The full moon compels us…."
She waved her hand and scoffed. "Save the poetry for the chicks. I have better stars to show you in my bedroom." After interlacing her arm with his, she pulled him away from Isabel's door and into the unlit corridor.
Dio glanced at Henrique, his expression murderous. Henrique replied with a soundless chuckle and a mouthed thank you.
When the couple left, Henrique emerged from the drapery's shadows and proceeded to Isabel's room.
Isabel's dulcet voice came from inside. "Lady Montijo? Auntie?"
The little endearment set his nerves on edge. Whatever her part in this, Isabel was not a hostage.
Henrique entered. A flickering gas lamp illuminated her pristine bedgown, and an embroidery frame dangled from her hand.
Her eyes danced to his feet and back as if distrusting her senses. Then her pupils widened, shock bleaching her face. "Why are you here?"
All his logical replies failed him, and as footsteps sounded behind them, he did the unthinkable. Doused the Princess of Portugal with ether.
When he stepped out of the room, a limp Isabel in his arms, steel poked his ribs.
Henrique halted, cold sweat dripping down his temples.
"Are you toppling the monarchy, Citizen Henrique?"
Henrique exhaled, closing his eyes. It was only Sophie, thank God.
He hesitated, searching his mind for what to say to a Republican maid while spiriting away her mistress. He settled for the truth. "I'm trying to save it. Isabel is at risk."
She removed the knife and sheathed it somewhere in her apron. "I'm coming with you.”
"Did you become a monarchist then?
"No." Reverently, Sophie touched Isabel's cheek. "But she will always be my queen."
She had become his queen as well. So, who was he to judge? "Fair enough."
When Sophie stepped away from him, he noticed she had packed a suitcase and thanked her foresight. Together, they traversed the palace's dimly lit rooms. Sophie's nervous steps seemed too loud. Heart speeding, muscles straining, Henrique plodded on. For once, he was grateful for the resilience gained in the army.
When they arrived at Canastra's art gallery, he halted. The bastard's bedchamber was straight ahead. Henrique should barge in and show the treacherous duke where he could shove his plans. Henrique shook his head. He would jeopardize their escape if he stumbled anywhere near Canastra or Alfonso. Their chances were thin, even without him allowing his temper to interfere. Thwarting Canastra would have to be enough vengeance for now.
Sophie opened a glass panel leading to the garden. Dawn had colored the sky, the sea sparkling beyond the bluff. When he spotted the coach and four grey horses awaiting in the secret spot by Eros' statue, he almost dropped Isabel, so strong was his relief.
