“Why does she take men, though? The lady of the mountain?” I asked Lucas. I wanted to know more about her.
Lucas shrugged again. “Some say she falls in love with them and steals them back to her house to be wed. Others say it’s because she’s a spurned lover jealous of other people’s happiness.”
A pang of sympathy resonated in my aching muscles. I lifted my chin. “Maybe she makes men disappear after they’ve done something to anger her,” I said.
Lucas’s gaze pierced mine. I wished he would look at me longer, but when he turned away, I felt like I could breathe again.
“Yes,” he said. “I could imagine so.”
In the midafternoon,we arrived at the front gates of the grounds. A stout encanto wearing a butler’s sash stood at attention, flanked on both sides by rows of housekeepers and servants, dutifully waiting for our arrival. The man, a light-skinned encanto with a thin mouth, a thinner mustache, and a bald head, bowed when we approached. His precise movements and the small round spectacles that perched on the end of his nose gave him the appearance of a bird of prey.
“My queen, Mahalina Jazreel,” he said. “I am Edgardo Ignacia, your butler. Welcome to the great house.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner to meet you.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. It’s my pleasure to keep your home well looked after. And we welcome any and all guests of Her Royal Highness,” he said, addressing the rest of the party.
Qian had dismounted from his horse, which was already being led away by an attendant. He smiled and took in the house with bright eyes.
“I could get used to this view,” he said, turning to face me.
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, but he was right. The manor was breathtaking. It was reminiscent of a tree house, but that description would be doing it a disservice. It was easily the size of my old school in San Diego. The palm trees had grown in such a way that they wove together like a basket forming the main structure, merging with natural stone in the cliffs and allowing for fresh flowers and vines to crawl up to the grass roof that loomed talllike the mountains around us. Large glass windows and balconies stretched around three stories, no doubt meant to capture the beauty of the outdoors, where hammocks were already strung up and shaded with parasols.
“Wow,” I said to Edgardo. “This is perfect. You’ve kept my family’s manor in fantastic condition.”
“You have not seen everything yet, Your Majesty,” Edgardo said, tipping his head in acknowledgment and stepping aside to let me walk into the house.
He was right. I’d spoken too soon. The main foyer had high ceilings and a mahogany floor, and I felt like I’d walked into a dream. Real palm trees grew out of small indoor gardens like pillars all around us, and colorful birds swooped from one branch to another, calling out to one another. Natural archways lined the entrance, leading to the wings of the house. The air smelled like rain, vines crawled up and down the limestone walls, and a burbling fountain stood in the middle of the hall. The structure of the fountain itself was seemingly made out of mist, too. The statue in its center depicted a strikingly beautiful woman with flowing hair and a heart-shaped face, her palms up and her eyes raised toward the ceiling as if she were catching the water that fell around her.
“The lady of the mountain,” Edgardo said. “She watches over us here.”
“She’s real?” I asked.
“She is the mountain,” he said. “And the mountain is as real as you and me. We believe all things in the material universe have a spirit. The old ways are strong here.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lucas give Qian a sidelongglance, but Qian simply put his hand on his sword and did a slow circle around the entrance hall.
“My staff and I have fully prepared for your every want and need,” Edgardo continued. “There are one hundred twenty-five acres of jungle and lakes for every outdoor activity you can possibly imagine. The residence has sixty rooms, including a library, a morning room, a billiards room, a breakfast room, a dining room, a fully stocked wine cellar, sporting pitches, and an indoor hot spring. You will be without want here.”
My jaw hung loose for a long moment as I took everything in. All this was mine?
Nix nudged me in the side, noticing that I’d gotten caught up in the luxury of it all, and I closed my mouth. Right. I had to act like this wasn’t a novelty. I could barely think about where to start.
“It’s magnificent,” I said. Edgardo smiled, knowing it was true.
Amador was busy directing staff to carry her luggage. “Where is my room?” she asked impatiently.
“Allow my staff to show you,” Edgardo said. A couple handmaids appeared and whisked Amador and her wardrobe away. Lucas followed obediently.
“Forgive my short notice,” I said. “I didn’t expect to have such an entourage. But Prince Qian and his men are my guests. Please see to it that they’re comfortable. He’s mentioned he went hunting with his father as a pastime. Is that something that can be arranged?”
“Hunting? I’ve never had such a request, but…I don’t see why we can’t make an exception.”
“An exception?”
“Your Highness, forgive me. We are cautious with the wildlife here. Every living thing on Mount Makiling is under the lady’s protection, and we don’t want to upset her.”
“Of course, you’re right.” I’d have to find some other way to occupy Qian’s time, get him to relax and be more friendly.
