Manuel glares at me as Nina and the others return. When they see that we’re still in the water, they quickly turn around. “It’s growing late,” Nina calls out. “Unless you two would prefer to remain—”
“No,” Manuel says. “I’m coming out.” He shoots me a pointed look and I turn around.
The words said between us drift into the night, incomplete.
I’m given an ankle-length tunic to wear. The cotton fabric is light and soft against my skin, the shade a fierce yellow. Gold geometric patterns are stitched across the upper half, the sleeves lined with matching fringe. Manuel is given a tunic of his own, but his ends at the knee. Our sandals have a wide leather strip near the toes. The shoes don’t fit, but it’s better than stuffing my sandy feet into my boots.
I quickly braid my wet hair and then twist it into a bun at the top of my head, tucking the end between the thick coils. When I’m done, Nina guides us back to the smattering of buildings I saw by the bottom of the hill. She points to the larger of the four.
“Condesa, you’ll be staying here.”
“Gracias,” I say.
She turns to Manuel. “If you’d like, you can sleep with the other guards.”
He glances at the building. “As her guard, I’d prefer to remain close to my sovereign. I can station myself outside her door.”
I roll my eyes. “You’ll have to sleep sometime.”
“We have men who patrol throughout the night,” she explains. “I assure you, she’ll be perfectly safe.”
Manuel appears torn but tucks his chin. “I’ll remain on watch tonight.”
“Certainly,” she murmurs. “I’ll have someone prepare you a bedroll.”
Before I can say anything, Manuel thanks her. I shoot him an exasperated look.
“I’ll be fine if you want to keep quarters with the other guards.”
He scowls at me. “I’ll be with you.”
I throw my hands in the air, but that only makes him more unyielding. The strong lines of his face tighten between his brows and at the corners of his eyes. Exhaustion hits me squarely in the face. “I’m too tired to argue with you.”
“Yo también.”
Nina watches us both with an amused expression. “I’ll return for you in the morning. We hope you sleep well.”
“Gracias.” I push open the door and step inside, but Manuel remains outside. Half a dozen flickering eucalyptus-scented candles line four window ledges. A basket filled with mango and achachairú sits on a wooden table. I peel the skin off the latter and suck on the tangy fruit, enjoying the sweet lemon flavor. There’s a plate of boiled turtle eggs and dried beef, and a bowl of sliced marraquetas to snack on as well. Off to the side sits a narrow pallet made of bamboo with a large animal fur draped across it. No sheets or pillow, but it’s so hot, I don’t think I’ll need either one.
The cot looks more comfortable than a cramped hammock.
Potted plants give the room a cozy, homey feel. A small fireplace completes the setting. I notice a large clay pot with matching cups sitting next to the food basket. I lift the lid to find cool fresh water and a ladle. I pour myself a cup and drink it down. Then I have another, but slower, savoring the feel of the cold liquid sliding down my throat.
The door opens, and Manuel steps inside. “They’re asking if you’d like anything hot to eat.”
“No, I’m too tired,” I say. “¿Quieres agua?”
He nods, and I hand him my cup, still nearly full. He sips from it, studying me over the rim.
“Is it possible for us to be just friends?”
Manuel hesitates. “I don’t know.”
“I still don’t want to fight.” I sigh. “You’re being stubborn.”
“I’mbeing stubborn?” he asks, incredulous. “We’ve been acting inappropriately. I’m your guard, and I ought to have never shared my feelings with you. Never should have kissed you—”
My jaw drops. “That kiss—which wasn’t really a kiss, by the way—”
