Disclaimer: All characters from The Queen of Swords are copyrighted by the producers, Fireworks Productions and Paramount. No infringement or revenue is intended. The story plot is original and copyright to the author.

Content rating: ADULT. This story features adult content in the form of sexually explicit interaction between men and women, as well as between men. Readers who are underage, or who do not care to read these kinds of fictional depictions of sex, should not read any further.

Part Two

The next morning Reyes insisted that Katerina join him for breakfast. She was not going to be allowed to retreat to her rooms to hide her shame, not that Montoya saw much of that. He did see the now blackened eye and the stiffness in her movements. The meal was silent, and afterward Katerina returned to her room.

"Might I make a suggestion, sir?" Using such a submissive tone went against Montoya's every instinct with Reyes. "The presence of your daughter in this house is not in our best interest. I suggest that she be removed from any further temptation until you are ready to leave, I have a suitable location in mind. Señorita Alvarado's hacienda, well outside of town, and with the Señorita and her dueña, Katerina will be well chaperoned."

Reyes was very interested in this turn of events. "Will Señorita Alvarado agree? They have only met twice."

"The Señorita is an intelligent and practical woman, but she is a woman and therefore has a soft heart. If I may mention the bruises?" said Montoya.

Reyes was not afraid to be known as a man with a strong hand toward his children, and after a moment's thought nodded his agreement. "An excellent suggestion. You go to see Señorita Alvarado and I will make sure that Katerina is prepared for the change in plans."

"My carriage is at her disposal." Montoya left to inform the coachmen and have his horse saddled. The day was starting off well.

The trip to the Alvarado ranch went far too quickly. A ride, alone, was just what Montoya had needed to refocus his attention on the problem at hand, instead of trying to control his reactions all the time. Reyes had always had that effect on him, inciting him to go with his instincts, his impulses. Around Reyes that led to nothing but trouble — disastrous, career-destroying, violent, ecstatic, bloody trouble. Montoya did not want to let loose that part of himself again.

Señorita Alvarado was there to meet him at the door. "Colonel Montoya, what a pleasant surprise. Won't you come in and have something cool to drink?"

Tessa was playing the perfect hostess. Usually he would enjoy extending this scene, but he was in no mood for polite games today. "I'm afraid I don't have time for an extended visit, Señorita, although a drink would be welcome. Could we sit here a moment? I have a favor to ask." Montoya had indicated the chairs on the shaded patio and Tessa, intrigued, obliged.

"Marta," Tessa called into the house, "could you bring out some of the lemonade you made this morning? Now, Colonel, what could I possibly do for you?"

"It is more for Señorita Reyes. Katerina has angered Governor Reyes, and he is a stern father. It is in her best interest to be out of his sight for a while. Would it be possible for her to stay here for a few days? She knows no one and took a liking to you the times you had a chance to meet."

Tessa was looking suspicious, so Montoya played his trump card. "I hear your servant has some talent in the healing arts. They would be beneficial to Katerina since going to Dr. Helm is out of the question, in this situation. Discretion in this matter is very important, Señorita Alvarado."

He drank from the glass he had been offered while Tessa and Marta looked at each other in silent communication. When Tessa turned back he could see the decision had been made in his favour.

"Of course, Señorita Reyes is welcome for a long as she wishes to stay."

"Thank you," he said with sincere gratitude and rose from the chair. "You have lifted a great weight from my mind." He bowed over her hand and when he raised his eyes he saw surprise and confusion in hers. You didn't expect this did you, Tessa, that Montoya could have a heart. Interests you, does it? Maybe Grisham is not the best man for the job. The smile he gave her was genuine, and the kiss he pressed to her hand more than prescribed. He remounted and turned back to the women. "The señorita will arrive in my carriage some time later this morning."

"We will be ready to welcome her," said Tessa, still bemused.

On the ride back he berated himself. What had possessed him to flirt with Tessa Alvarado! This was the type of situation that he had been trying to avoid. Think, Luis, think. Don't just act, think about the consequences. For a man with his ambition, any attention from this lady would just cause unnecessary problems. He had enough risk with Reyes, but that problem would be leaving, hopefully soon.

As Reyes had promised everything was ready upon Montoya's arrival. Katerina was already in the coach and the colonel was sure that she had been thoroughly threatened, not that it would have been necessary. From his horse he met her gaze calmly, but with her back to her father Katerina gave him a small smile from under her veil. He gave the driver and guards their instructions and sent them on their way. One more difficulty solved. This day was going far too smoothly.

They could see the cloud of dust in the distance and wondered, again, what would arrive at their door. Tessa and Marta had spent the hours since Montoya's call readying the house for their visitor and preparing some poultices. From what he had hinted at they expected at least bruises, if not worse, left on Katerina by her father, so they were not surprised that, despite the heat, she had donned a veil and made a slow descent from the carriage.

They quickly led their guest to the house and dismissed the escort to return to the pueblo. It was in the house that the two women got a look at the black eye. Katerina dismissed their cries of dismay. "It's not that bad, barely even swollen anymore. And in case you're wondering, it is only my back that has any other injuries. The corset is making the pain worse. May I take it off?"

Tessa hesitated for a moment, stunned by the fact that a lady of her position would even make such a suggestion, but Marta quickly went to help. As the dress came off, Katerina smiled at Tessa. "I shocked you didn't I?"

"Not with the suggestion itself, but just the fact that you, a high born lady, would make it. That was a surprise," said Tessa

"You think there are few women at court with the sense to come in out of the rain if being wet and cold became fashionable and was considered proper." Tessa ducked her head; that was exactly what she thought. Katerina laughed, "You would be right," and almost immediately winced.

Marta went to a the small cabinet where she kept her herbs and medicines and brought back a small jar of white powder. Tessa thought it looked familiar. "Is that some of Doctor Helm's medicine? The one that he made for the fever?"

"Yes, he said it was good for relieving pain as well," Marta said

"How did you get it?"

"He gave it to me."

Tessa knew how the next question would sound and so restrained her curiosity as long as possible. She didn't last three minutes. "Why?"

Katerina was now comfortable in dressing robes and reclining on a couch. Marta had been getting some water so that she could take the medicine, but the Gypsy almost spilled it restraining her laughter as she replied, "Because I asked him."

"Marta!" It was the cry of a child being denied a treat.

The laughter came, but Marta also took pity on Tessa, who was being torn between indignation and curiosity. "I had collected some herbs and willow bark and brought some to Doctor Helm. I know he has little time to do such things, and I have seen the state of his garden. When I gave them to him he insisted on paying me, so I said I would accept some of the medicine in exchange. He agreed and told me of its other uses. I picked up the powder when you were in the cantina the other day with Señora Hidalgo and the señorita."

Katerina was enjoying the banter between the two women, thankful that they were comfortable enough around her to behave so naturally. She missed her own family in Avila. When her mother had died five years ago, Katerina had taken the responsibility to oversee the raising of her younger brothers and sister. It was little Margarita in particular, nine years younger than herself, that she had watched over. Katerina missed her almost as much as the woman who was now her dueña, a woman who had been by Katerina's side for as long as she could remember. Like Marta and Tessa, the bond was almost as close as blood, but she did not deny her sister this comfort. It was reassuring to know that Rita was well cared for. Maybe that was why Katerina had felt a strong connection to these women; they were a family. She resolved to enjoy her time here and try not to let plans and tactics and schemes get in the way.

Montoya managed to avoid the governor for the rest of the day. By supper he had still not come up with any way to convince Reyes that the event of the previous night was an anomalous occurrence. It was, at least since arriving in California, but why would Juan Sanchez believe him? He hadn't hesitated the night before. Did he really want out?

That thought brought Montoya up short. Part of him was insisting that he avoid the situation at all cost, while the other was tempting him to give in to the inevitable. It took more strength than he had to turn Juan Sanchez when the man was focused on a goal. Luis knew of only one person who was ever able to do that. He would just accept that Juan had caught him again and be thankful that Katerina was out of the house. Was that why he was so willing to help Katerina leave? No, that was another matter entirely, a matter that also required careful thought.

Luis knew he could do this. He was not the same person he had been 15 years ago, he need not get swept away in Juan's desires again. Bathe in them, bury himself in them, let go of all the controls and just feel. The thoughts of last night replaced the ones from long ago. There was something to hold on to... power. Reverse the situation, let Juan be the one who got lost. He could do this.

Juan Sanchez arrived in the dining room and Luis rose to meet him. The men took their seats at the long table, and the first course had been placed in front of them before Juan opened the conversation. "You have been avoiding me."

Luis put down his spoon and relaxed into the chair, giving the statement his full attention. "I thought it best. There was work to be done, arrangements to be made."

This seemed to satisfy Juan for the moment. "Tell me about the day-to-day running of your little kingdom," he said with a mocking smile. The tone was one Luis was familiar with, he had heard it all his life from the sons of influential noblemen. It said that he might have the money to buy his way into schools and society, but he would never have the blood to truly be a part of it. Juan had never used that tone before, but Luis was no longer an uncertain youth; he saw the disdain for what it was — bravado.

"Of course, Governor, should I start with sunrise?" said Luis.

The meal progressed with this innocuous topic while the undercurrents grew stronger with each course served. By the time the meal had ended, it was obvious to Luis that he would not avoid a confrontation with Juan. He had informed his staff that since Señorita Reyes was not in residence they could retire after dinner, and he suggested to Juan that moving to his study would be a good way to continue the evening. Montoya had a fine bottle of Madeira port and they would be far from possible intrusion. The latter he did not state, but the implication was not lost on Juan.

"An excellent plan. A relaxing evening is just what I need before continuing my journey tomorrow," said Juan, within easy hearing of the servants.

Luis breathed a prayer of thanks. They were still leaving tomorrow. He had not been sure how Juan would react to the possible renewal of their physical relationship. Perhaps Sanchez was no longer as possessive as he once had been, no longer as focused, as undeniable. Why am I disappointed? This is a good thing. This man is dangerous to me, thought Luis. He continued in his role of host until they passed the door to his rooms.

Juan stopped. "Are we going to continue the charade all night?"

Not wanting to attract any attention, Luis moved into the room with the intent of trying to reason with Juan Sanchez. That he really should have known better was his last coherent thought before Juan's mouth took his full attention. The man tasted of sweet wine mixed with the honeyed melon with which they had finished the meal. Juan had always used his superior height and strength to his advantage; this time he had simply trapped Luis against the closed door. He was as possessive and focused and undeniable as he had always been. "Mine!" was growled between kisses, which brought back Juan's comments about Katerina's thieving from the night before. Again it was the thought of her that returned Luis to his senses.

He grabbed two fists full of Juan's thick black hair and pulled the head back, breaking the kiss. "I thought you didn't like the beard," said Luis as he slowly moved them away from the door and toward the bed.

Juan's surprise showed in his eyes, which sent a wave of lust through Luis. He had never taken any initiative in their sexual activities unless goaded by anger. This power was what he had tasted last night and what he was going to revel in now. Being slightly shorter meant that he was at just the right height to take advantage of Juan's exposed throat. He ran his lips and tongue along the pulsing artery, feeling the beat quicken as his did so. As he reached the jaw line, he moved away, but not before placing a hard nip on the bone. Juan groaned, and at the sound all of the fear that had been haunting Luis disappeared. Since the news of the new governor's identity had reached him, he had dreaded the inevitable undermining of his hard won control, but now he knew that in this they were equals; he himself might even have the advantage. That changed everything. All thoughts of avoiding this encounter were pushed aside.

They had reached the bed. Luis let Juan go and stepped back to look at the other man. He took his time admiring the strong, athletic build that had caught his attention years ago; a little heavier but not much changed. Hair still as black as a raven's wing, but there were lines around the dark eyes made more noticeable by the tan Juan had acquired during the summer. Straight nose, strong jaw, no soft lines on this face except for the generous mouth. Even when the full lips were twisted in a sneer, as they were now, they could be considered temptation itself.

Juan was recovering from his surprise. "You like what you see?"

"Very much. You have an excellent tailor, your suit fits you well. Take it off." The last phrase was given as an order. Juan was about to object, to prompt an argument, until he looked into Luis' eyes. He saw that there would not be the remembered explosion of fireworks, all noise and bright light, but in its place a hot, steady flame that could likely burn him alive. He didn't move and Luis seated himself in a straight back chair, stretching his legs out in front of him.

"Do you need some help? Are the buttons too complicated?" Luis was intentionally provoking anger.

Juan picked up on the insult as the goad it was and finally both men were at the same place. The sneer changed to a smirk as he removed his coat and placed it across Luis' lap; the vest followed. Juan sat on the bed to remove his boots, and it was then that he took a moment to admire the sight in front of him. The face was only recently familiar. Gone was the shock of hair constantly falling in clear blue eye; it was pulled back well in control and the eyes were like steel. Even the smile with which he had been so familiar was different, with the thin lips framed by an elegant beard. The rest was the same; although he complained about being trapped behind a desk, Luis had not gained the figure of a bureaucrat. Only average in height, broad shoulders tapered to slim hips in perfect proportion, giving an illusion of greater size. The legs stretched out in front of him would be deceptively strong for he had always been a talented horseman and had not let that skill deteriorate in this country. It was those legs that captured Juan's attention. Putting his boots aside he sank to his knees to remove Luis'.

Luis seemed about to say something, but instead tossed Juan's coat and vest on a table behind him, never taking his eyes off the man on the floor. With both boots removed, Juan let his hand travel up the lean legs, noting that he was right about the strength of the thighs under his hands. Stopping at the edge of Luis' jacket, he undid the buttons and, grabbing the lapels, lifted Luis off the back of the chair to remove his uniform. Juan stayed in close until he heard a soft voice gently reprimand him. "You are not finished."

Juan stood back up to full height and looked down his nose at the man in the chair. Luis had a small smile. He was not going to back down from this new role. He could no longer be intimidated now that he knew Juan wanted this more than he did. However, as the white silk shirt came off, the admission did come. Maybe not much more. That, and the fact that it was taking all of his concentration to keep his hands off the pale golden torso, caused Luis to chuckle at his own weakness.

"Now what?!" Juan was losing patience. It was surprising he had played along this far, so Luis changed tactics.

He got to his feet and stood in front of Juan. "I was thinking you looked rather good," a quick shove dumped Juan on to the bed, "for an old man." This time the grin thrown at Juan was very familiar.

The challenge had been made. "Old man is it? I knew those whiskers were borrowed. Come here and I'll remove them, pup." But what Juan was removing was Luis's clothes. The shirt was pulled over his head, and this time Luis was the one dumped on the bed so that the rest of his clothing could be eliminated in one swift motion. Juan was about to lunge on to the bed when a foot on his abdomen stopped the motion.

"You really don't take orders well, do you?"

"You are an impertinent child," said Juan, trying to brush the impediment away. It only returned lower, the heel just brushing the top of Juan's erection.

"At our age five years makes little difference. I have had as much experience dealing with difficult men as you have, likely more. Now strip." Luis' tone had gone from indulgent to irritated. The last two words were snarled.

Juan blinked, not quite sure how the naked, slightly disheveled man sprawled on the bed managed to be so commanding. Every time it seemed that he was back in familiar territory with Luis, he got side-swiped. It was infuriating and very arousing. That Luis was also finding Juan's confusion arousing was quite evident. This prompted action and Juan shed the rest of his clothing as he crawled on to the bed and up the length of Luis' body. Luis raised himself up onto his elbows and met Juan in an unexpected kiss. Their mouths were the only part that touched, and this time it wasn't a battle, just an appreciation of the sensations produced by the meeting of lips and tongues in slow exploration.

The truce didn't last long though, and Luis took advantage of Juan's less stable position to capture one wrist while shoving the opposite shoulder, flipping Juan on to his back. Luis immediately pinned him there and renewed the kiss, this time putting the full force of a seduction behind the actions. Juan tried to regain control by raking the fingers of his free hand through Luis' hair, finally completely freeing it and getting a good grip on his head to increase the aggression in the kiss. Luis shook him off, pulling back with a warning smile.

"This is my command, I am not going to give it up."

Before Juan could object, Luis renewed his assault. He knew that he could not take the time he would have liked because of Juan's lack of patience, but still he was not about to rush. He started with a hard bite on the jaw to match the one he had given the other side earlier and also traced a similar path down Juan's throat. This time when he reached the base he continued across the collar bone and diagonally down the plain of the pectoral, leaving the occasional set of teeth marks. It was best to keep Juan's attention with a little pain.

He ignored Juan's nipples, just to annoy him, and made steady progress across the base of the rib cage to the point of the hip. He considered drawing blood with this nip, but decided instead to meet the deep brown eyes and lave the bone with his tongue, working his way to the crease where hip met thigh, completely ignoring the rampant cock just inches away.

"I never knew you could be so cruel." Juan was sounding slightly breathless.

Luis chuckled, "Of course you did. And I had an excellent teacher." He had let go of Juan's wrist and the free hand quickly moved to give Juan's nipple a hard pinch. The pain combined with the tone of the comments brought Juan off the bed with a growl, but Luis was not going to tolerate that. He was quickly on his knees with his full weight pushing Juan back to the mattress. He raised himself with hands placed on Juan's shoulders, hair framing his face like a mane and a distinctly predatory look. "Who told you that you could move?" Luis punctuated the rebuke with a hard kiss and a bite to the full bottom lip that did draw blood.

Knowing your adversary is key in winning any battle, and Luis knew Juan well enough to quit teasing. He quickly sat back on his heels, drawing his nails down Juan's torso as he went, and turned his attention to the now weeping erection. He lowered his lips to brush the tip and then caught the head between his teeth with a bite hard enough for Juan to draw deep, very audible, breath. Luis looked up meeting Juan's eyes. "If you put your hands on my head, yours comes off. Do you understand." Juan raised his arms and rested his hands over his head in response. That was interesting. I never would have guessed. Luis was truly enjoying this experience and added, "Don't make a sound."

A means to an end had always been Luis' approach, but this time it wasn't about release but capture. He easily set his own responses aside and focused completely on Juan. He discovered where extra pressure would evoke movement in Juan's hips, which he kept firm control of anyway. He found the spot where a flick of the tongue would make Juan bite his lip to silence the groan trying to escape. He continued to watch breathing and pulse to judge when to slow down and when to release the throbbing organ from his mouth completely. It was only when Juan raised his head and glared at Luis with eyes gone black with hunger that he steadied his pace and deepened the stroke so that Juan came quicker and harder than the past evening on the floor. Juan remained silent, as he had been told, until he felt Luis swallow around his now sensitive cock. At that movement a moan escaped, and Juan's hands hit the bed on each side of his hips with a thump. They didn't move any farther but gripped the sheets as Luis sucked hard during the last spasms of the orgasm.

Like the night before, Luis had not found or even sought his own release, but wielding that kind of power had maintained an arousal that could be easily stoked to the edge. He moved up to lie on his back beside Juan and waited for what he knew would come next.

"Come with me to Monterey?" said Juan turning on to his side to look at Luis.

"This is sounding familiar, Juan. A little too predictable." The words may have been mocking, but a small smile took the sting out.

"I had to ask," said Juan as he thought of another approach. "It is very convenient for you to have friends in places of power. Keeping in close contact with those friends is a wise course." Blue eyes narrowed, suspicious of Juan's train of thought. "For a regional governor such as yourself, the possibility of advancement is limited unless there is a change in policy. It is often not wise to commit the discussion of such policies to paper. Face to face meetings will be necessary."

Juan was suggesting more than regular official visits, supplemented by further illustrations of the talent in the fingers moving across Luis' collarbone. These underlying implications were what drew Luis' interest. "If you are trying to seduce me, you had best be more explicit."

"When I offered you the world, Luis, I meant it. More and more colonies are slipping through Spain's grip. We could be the ones to lead California into self rule. General Gálvez had great confidence in your military skills all those years ago; I am sure they have only improved. We could do it." Juan was wooing him, with words and hands. The hands were doing well, but the words... Luis had heard similar promises before. Juan always had audacious plans. He thought just because they were his that they should succeed; too often they had. Luis knew the work involved to ensure success and was willing to take his time. That didn't mean that Juan's ideas for self rule were not sound, just that it was unlikely he had the patience to achieve the results.

"The main problem, Juan, is that we are woefully under armed. There are only four truly secure installations in the colony. There need to be more. Independence requires strength, strength is shown through arms. Cannon, Juan, that would be a good place to start."

"Not possible," the words were muffled. Juan's mouth had joined a new plan to turn Luis' attention to more immediate concerns, but Juan paused to expand on the refusal. "At least not from Spain. It will take some time to find other sources that will not draw attention. In the mean time I think that expanding this garrison would be a prudent exercise. More men, more horses, more guns, more munitions." Each item on the list had been punctuated by a light nip as Juan slowly worked his way down Luis' body. He had stopped at the navel and looked up. "How does that sound?"

Luis raised himself onto his elbows. "I think you could add a few more things to that list." Juan's lupine grin showed that he had a few more things in mind. Luis decided to end the power play. He drew a sharp breath as Juan's sharp teeth gently scraped down the length of his now demanding cock and made other plans for the rest of the night.

The messenger arrived at the Alvarado ranch early the following morning, saying that Colonel Montoya would be sending his carriage for Señorita Reyes. By the time it arrived the ladies had said their farewells and made promises of continued correspondence. It would be novel not to have to wait months for a reply. Tessa gave Katerina a gentle hug. Although the bruises were healing nicely, the corset was again in use and likely causing discomfort.

Marta came up to the two women and pressed a bottle into Katerina's hand. "You know how much to take if you need it?"

"Yes, Marta. Thank you, I know how valuable the medicine is."

Marta grinned and the little game they had been playing at Tessa's expense renewed. "It is no trouble. I know where to get some more. Maybe this time I will send the señorita with the herbs and we will get double the supply."

This brought a light blush to Tessa's face and a careful chuckle from Katerina. The game of gentle teasing that had been going on throughout the visit continued until the carriage was at the gate. To everyone's surprise Montoya himself got out to help Katerina.

"Colonel, I didn't expect you to take time from your busy schedule to escort me personally. My father must be missing you."

The double meaning of Katerina's remark was not lost on Montoya, but he answered the surface comment only. "Your father had letters to write to Monterey and instructions to forward to your next stop. I would have been of no service to him, so I thought to shorten your journey by providing some company." He settled Katerina in her seat and turned to Tessa. "Thank you for your assistance in this situation, Señorita. You have been a great service to me, I am in your debt. And Señorita Reyes is looking the picture of health." Katerina raised an eyebrow at this, the one not bruised purple. "I think that the good doctor would be dismayed to know that he is not indispensable."

Tessa nodded and said, "I agree, Colonel, this is best kept between ourselves."

"I have always thought of you as a lady of good sense. It is a shame to waste such virtues out here in the middle of the desert." Montoya had taken Tessa's hand in farewell.

"Once I am married, I shall endeavor to tempt her to Monterey, Colonel," said Katerina leaning out the window, "with tales of my wonderful home. I may even find her a husband worth more than this land that she loves so much." All smiled at this, and Montoya bid good-day to Tessa with a light brush of his lips over her hand. Katerina blew her a kiss as the carriage pulled away and sent a wave and a grin to Marta who had remained in the background since the escort had pulled up.

Marta took a good look at a now pensive Tessa and said, "He can be very charming when he wishes to be."

"Montoya? Don't worry, Marta, I know what he is. It is just that I have had opportunities to kill him, and now I'm glad I didn't take any of them. He is not all evil, you know."

Marta looked at the receding cloud of dust. "No, not all bad."

"Just mostly bad."

Marta was developing a sly smile. Katerina had been a bad influence on this little game. "Unlike the doctor," Tessa turned a puzzled expression to Marta at the abrupt change of topic, "who seems to me, just bad enough."

"Marta!" Tessa's shocked exclamation followed Marta's laughter into the house.

Once the carriage was underway, its passengers dropped all pretense.

"So, señorita, was your maneuver successful?"

"I believe so. Tessa has some powerful connections and a soft heart. Colonel, I would be careful of her if I were you. She is observant and could say the wrong thing to the wrong person."

Montoya waved the idea off. He was very careful at covering his tracks and, unlike Katerina's situation, his concerns were not women's matters. Who would believe the word of a young woman over a respected commander without proof?

Katerina continued, "I would suggest marriage, but now she is far too independent for that to be truly effective. She has gained confidence while running the property on her own."

"Yes, that was a mistake. Are you seriously going to try to tempt her to Monterey?"

"Why not? She is enjoyable company. Unlike a return to Spain, the idea of that trip is not out of the question. I may find some diversions for her, to entice her to stay. Would that disappoint you, Luis?"

The use of his Christian name brought the exchange to another level. Montoya replied, "Not if she decided to give up her land as well. I have no other interest in her and have been trying to get her to return to Spain without success." He saw Katerina make a decision.

"So, my father has brought you into an... alliance."

"I think you had better be clearer, Katerina," Montoya said carefully.

Katerina sat up straight and took a deep breath. What she had said a few days ago to Grisham was true — ladies tended to infer more than what was actually said. With this topic, she knew Montoya would not want to have any misunderstandings. Could that mean that he might also be direct? She took the chance. "Are you my father's lover?"

"You are both leaving this afternoon."

Damn the man! "Luis!"

"Do you really want an answer to that question? Does it really matter? What do you truly want to know, Kat?" She could hear that the desperation in his voice was barely contained, but in his eyes it had broken free along with the anger that accompanied such a loss of control.

Kat? She put that aside for later. "I want to know if you are going to betray me!"

Katerina could see Montoya almost physically grab onto his emotions. The cultured facade returned, as did the elegant speech. "Your father classifies people as for or against him, you know this. He has decided that I am an ally, but that does not preclude me from forming other affiliations. Although, with some, discretion will be required." He received an understanding nod in response.

The pair sat quietly, reviewing what had been said and what hadn't.

That was interesting, thought Katerina. In the space of minutes we passed from "Señorita" and "Colonel" to me asking very private questions and him calling me "Kat." Was a connection made in my mirror or in his office? Was it earlier, the moment his lips touched my hand in the square? Oh Kat, you had best get married soon. Kat? What prompted that pet name, or any pet name? Is that how he sees me, as a pet? No, a tame beast would not have sparked that kind of fire in his eyes. Should I let him see how much I want to see that fire again, unbind his hair again, rumple the immaculate uniform again? Those actions were prompted by my own pride and disregard of the task at hand, but I would risk a beating again if not for this fragile, far more important, trust.

Montoya was bemused at his reactions as well. The emotional outburst, where did that come from? I was prepared for the question, but her response to avoidance was so like Juan's impatience. They are not so much alike. Juan would have stoked the anger, mine and his, whereas Katerina focused it. She is letting me see her thoughts wander across her face, but rather than acting on them she is just watching them pass by like a parade. Is this alliance worth risking Juan's ire? Could she really gain the position she is reaching for? Am I acting on impulse, again?

Katerina reached across the width of the coach and touched Montoya's knee to get his attention. "What are you thinking?" she asked with a smile.

"You mean you don't know? I thought you knew how to read people so well that conversation was not necessary." He was teasing her and she played the coquette.

"Humor me," she said engagingly.

Montoya became serious. "I am wondering why I am acting so rashly." And telling the truth so easily.

"Rashly! You are doing nothing but sending me a wedding present, your good wishes. I hardly think that qualifies as acting rashly." So the matter was decided and the rest of the trip back to Santa Helena was spent in polite small talk. Just before they reached the pueblo, Katerina put on her veil.

Barely a word was spoken between father and daughter during the rest of the day and most of the conversation in the Montoya residence was polite and formal. Boxes were packed, letters were written, orders were given, and horses were harnessed to the traveling coach.

Although Katerina never got the opportunity to speak to Montoya alone again, every time she saw him her confidence grew. He was ambitious, vicious and calculating, but also cautious; there would be no careless mistakes. As long as their goals did not clash they would at least stay out of each other's way. They might even lend some aid when it suited their individual purposes. Katerina had no illusions; this was an alliance not a friendship, it was not personal. She was certain that Montoya would turn on her as fast as she would turn on him if threatened.

Governor Reyes was efficient but gracious in his leave taking of Santa Helena. He made time to say farewell to everyone who approached him. He played the politician well.

Montoya was also the picture of deportment. To Katerina he was as charming as when she arrived and gently helped her into the coach. There was no sign of the new agreement between himself and his commander, except maybe for an instant as they shook hands.

The colonel watched the coach disappear in the distance before returning to his office, and only then did Montoya let out a sigh of relief. His sanity and his career had survived, and he might have come out of this encounter ahead for a change. The promise of arms from Reyes and the promise of... what did Katerina promise me? Influence? Information? Financial aid? He laughed aloud at the thought of that. She knew as well as he where power resided. That is what she offered, understanding. It would be silent and distant, but as he acquired power she would understand the tactics he would have to use. If he dared put pen to paper, she would also appreciate the details of the manouevres he would make, but that would never happen.

He moved to pour some of the cognac but stopped before a drop had left the bottle. Maybe her husband will have a riding accident while out hunting. They happen all the time. But not too soon. There are still foundations to be laid if our empires are to succeed. Their empires — that thought brought a sardonic smile to his face. After all, it wouldn't be a proper empire without an Empress.