Page 45 of Secrets of the Six

"I don't see how she has the gall to host a ball at all." Severo scoffs, procuring a small black comb from his breast pocket and stroking his mustache. I've come to recognize it for what it is, a nervous tick, and it brings me immense joy when I catch him in the act. "I don't agree with the Soberano's passive stance when it comes to House Otero. She betrayed Orlencia when she allowed those filthy Venturans entry to our city."

I stifle the need to defend Otero, knowing it would only cast suspicion on me. "You are quite right, Don Severo, but who are we to question the Soberano's ways? Is his wisdom not what we all strive to achieve?"

"Meaning?"

I clamp my hand down on his shoulder and squeeze, imagining it was his neck. "If the Soberano has not stripped her of her title, home, and standing in society, then there must be a reason. I dare not question his decisions. Do you?"

Severo's jaw clenches and from that small tick, I know I'm under his skin. He would never speak against the Soberano publicly. To do so would be blasphemous and we are well aware of how the Soberano handles those he believes would be a threat to his reign.

He shrugs my unwelcome hand from his person. "You are right, Don Rafael." I revel in the thought of how painful it was for Severo to utter those words. "The Soberano's council must have a strong presence at every social event, especially the inaugural ball of the season."

"Splendid!" I offer my best charismatic grin. "I shall see you there. Will your son be joining you?"

He grinds his teeth at the mention of his son. My obsession with Severo has extended since my youth. I know everything there is to know about him and his disappointing family. His wife, who died shortly after the Soberano staged his coup, wasn't known for having one original thought in her entire body. When out in public, Severo kept her on a short leash, fearing what idiocies would seep from her over-rouged lips. There were rumors Severo either killed her himself or ordered her assassination fearing she would embarrass him and the Soberano. None of the gossip could be confirmed, but since her untimely death, Severo has remained a widower.

Despite his dead wife being a thorn in his side, it's Rogelio, his only son, who seems to be the touchy subject. Destined to succeed his father's position, title, and fortune, Rogelio has done everything Severo has bid him do. He attended university and was schooled by experts in economics, politics, and agriculture. Although whispers have circulated amongst the aristocracy that Rogelio Murrieta has no interest in claiming his father's seat at the Soberano's table. Instead, the young Murrieta has a passion for art. Painting, sculpting, crafting – if it involves creative hands, Rogelio is waist deep in it.

As much as Severo despises his son, he's all he has to carry on the family name and is determined to find him a bride this season. I would love to claim my incredible sleuthing for unearthing this juicy tidbit of gossip, but I can't. Everyone knows Rogelio Murrieta is being forced to take a bride before this festive season is through. A death sentence for Rogelio who prefers his own company, but an opportunity for us – for Ines – to entrap him and use him to our advantage.

For as much as I've made it my business to learn everything about Severo and his preverbal skeletons, there's still much I do not know. There are files only he and the Soberano have ever laid eyes on and Severo makes it a point to keep those records locked away in his personal office at his house. When the Soberano defeated King Armando, he offered House Murrieta a mansion in the Garden District for Severo's unwavering commitment and service.

Despite my expertise in blending in with the night and sneaking in and out like a phantom, I would never make it past Severo's three mastiffs who are known for their vicious dispositions. A problem for another day.

Severo tucks his shoulders back attempting to distract me from his left eye twitching. "Yes, Rogelio will be joining me. He is in search of a bride."

"I wish him luck," I grin. "I hear there are many beautiful ladies in want of a husband this season. The young Murrieta will surely have his pick of the litter."

Severo forces a half-hearted smile. "You have such a vivid way with words." He makes to move, and I stand aside. "If you will excuse me, Don Rafael. I have a lot of work to do. I will see you tonight."

I watch him walk down the long corridor, the afternoon sunlight streaming in from the windows overlooking the rest of the city and can't help but beam in delight. I'm under his skin and this is just the first stage of the fall of House Murrieta. When I'm through, there will be no trace his line ever existed. Let's hope Ines can win Rogelio over, otherwise I'll have to enact a secondary plan and no one wants that.

Chapter 16

Ines

Lupe combs through my hair roughly, the bristles jerking my head backward. The gusto with which she works feels as if I owe her money and she's going to torture me before I succumb and give into her demands. She's noticeably on edge and I'm not entirely sure if it's because the first ball of the season is less than an hour from now or if she doesn't believe I'm ready.

"Once more," she says, not meeting my stare in the reflection of the mirror. "Who is Don Alejandro?"

"Lupe, we've gone over the Dons and their families all afternoon," I grumble, hissing when she starts tugging my hair into a low bun. "I know everything I need to know. I'm ready."

"Who is Don Alejandro?" she asks again, irritation ripe in her tone.

I notice how tightly her lips are pressed together and how her brows pinch and realize she's worried. "I'm not sure who is more nervous about tonight, you or me," I tease.

Finally, she flicks her gaze upward and meets my line of sight in the glass. "I don't think you worry enough, Mocosa. One slip up and we will all be found out."

"So, you're concerned I'll mess this up and you will be hanging from the gallows by morning?" Insult spurs my rage to stir in my feet and slowly creep up my legs.

She sets the brush down and shakes her head. "No, I'm worried you will be hanging from the gallows in the morning. The Dons are not to be trifled with. It's a dangerous mission you've been hired – "

"Then let me do my job without the added burden of your fear," I interrupt, viciousness spewing from my lips.

For a moment neither of us moves; we just stare at one another in the mirror. I suddenly wish I could swallow those words. I've gone most of my life without someone caring what happens to me and the one person to express worry is met with fury.

"Lupe – " I start to apologize but she clears her throat cutting me off.

She swipes two red carnations plucked from Otero's gardens from the vase on the vanity and strategically pins them into my bun, the finishing touch to my scarlet head-to-toe ensemble. The off-the-shoulder dress Yasmin Romero designed hugs my torso, giving my waist the illusion of being tinier than it actually is, and the billowing skirt has black lace trim on each of the three-layered tiers. The only comfortable thing about this outfit are the flats I'm wearing.