Wicked Whispers by Tina Donahue Page B

them she stays here but is too ill to leave her bed. After a time, if questions arise again, say she remains at the convent.”
    Isabella regarded Sancha. “How long are you planning to stay with him?”
    “For as long as she wants,” Enrique said. “Forever, if things come to that. She always has my protection.”
    Isabella exchanged a glance with her. Sancha chose not to comment.
    After pulling apart the knots in the blanket, he gestured to the clothing inside. “Everything you require should be there for today’s journey. No need to take anything other than what you brought here, including your books. Once at my estate, tell me what you want and the item is yours.”
    Including freedom to do as she willed without consulting him first?
    “Give us a moment.” Isabella ushered him to the door.
    He didn’t open it. “I want a promise neither of you will take off, forcing Fernando and me to chase after you.”
    Isabella smiled dreamily. Sancha expected her sister to regale Enrique with those times she and Fernando had played the game.
    At last, Isabella nodded. “Of course.”
    “Yours too.”
    Sancha inclined her head in agreement. “You have my word.”
    “Wait till you see my castle. The grounds, the rooms. Everything will enchant you.”
    She didn’t doubt his claim. She’d sat happily with him in a hovel that offered the barest necessities. When splendor surrounded them at his estate, those moments would certainly seem enchanting. Clearly, her resolve had to be strong.
    “We can pack your books after everyone leaves. I promise to take care and will tell my servants to follow your directives in regards to them.”
    His kindness was too much, threatening to weaken her determination. Although she had to fight her feelings, she couldn’t deny him a smile or her gratitude. “Gracias, Enrique.”
    He gave her a pleased grin and left.
    She took Isabella’s hands. “If anyone in the village requires me, tell Juanita to send word. I trust her completely.”
    “Of course. Will you send word to Rupert?” He’d been the trusted manservant to their late father.
    “I will. If those in the villages surrounding my estate need me, Rupert knows what to do.”
    “Will you now help those near Enrique’s castle?”
    “Nothing will stop me. I made him well aware of my intent and calling. Should he fail me in any way, I shall take my leave.”
    “Take care not to fail him.”
    She shook her head. “How?”
    “He loves you greatly and would die if you came to harm. Do be careful of the world lying beyond a castle’s walls. When I traveled with Fernando, I saw things that would have horrified you.”
    “What goes on within these walls is oftentimes as bad. Nobles can turn as ruthless as the poorest man. Sometimes more so, as they have much to lose.”
    “Perhaps you and I can make the world a safer place. Me with Fernando’s sword, you with your healing.”
    Laughing, Sancha embraced her sister. “I will miss you during these next days.”
    “Prepare for a much longer time. Your future.”
     
     

Chapter 5
     
    Enrique’s castle sprawled over the highest hill in the area, the white stone tower seeming to touch the sky. Because of the impregnable location, there wasn’t a need to keep the windows narrow, scarcely letting in air or light.
    Arched openings three times the height of Spain’s tallest men graced the upper floors, offering an astounding view of the valley. As far as the eye could see rows of vineyards, olive groves, rich pastures, and grazing cattle competed for attention.
    To him, the lake was his property’s most magnificent feature, its water a startling blue beneath a flawless sky. The pond closer to his castle was far smaller but more accessible and as inviting.
    Sancha noticed none of the splendor today or on any other. As always, she had her head bent to a volume, reading intently.
    Late afternoon light poured into the room, setting fire to her hair. Her silk gown shimmered each time she