Page 64 of The Familiar

“Your friend Pérez would have liked Quiroga here to wave his hand over you and assure our king that all is as it should be. But you will have to face our scrutiny instead. True children of God have nothing to fear from our judgment. But be warned: magic may mimic God’s power, and the devil may use all his wiles to convince the weak-minded of prophecies and miracles. Our eyes are not so clouded.”

His dark gaze traveled over them one by one, and Luzia felt as if he could see every forbidden word she’d spoken scrawled across her forehead. She felt something brush against her fingers. Teoda stood beside her, and though she didn’t turn, Luzia was certain it had been her hand that she’d felt.

“We will know whose power is at work this night,” Fray Diego continued, “be its source divine or demonic, and we offer you this opportunity now: If you have made a bargain with evil forces, if you have trafficked in witchcraft or heresies, say so. Fall on your knees before almighty and eternal God and beg for His mercy. Confess and be forgiven.”

Silence surrounded them like a shroud. The sounds of the guests laughing and drinking seemed far too distant.

These were the men who had damned Lucrecia de León and cursed Piedrola. They had the ear of the king and maybe God Himself. What did they see? What might they already know?

Fear nothing. That was what Santángel had whispered to bring her back from the brink of death. Fear nothing, and you will become greater than them all.

They are men and nothing more, she reminded herself, and held her tongue.

A minute passed, another. Would they wait here until someone faltered? Until proof of God’s permission appeared or someone sprouted horns?

At last, Fray Diego slumped back in his chair. “Very well. Then do as you will, and may God show you the mercy we will not.”

Pérez bowed, smiling, as if the friar had encouraged them all to enjoy a fine meal. “I thank you and our king for this generosity.”

Then they were being waved away, herded into the guests milling about their seats, enjoying their wine and lemonade.

“There,” said Santángel, appearing at her elbow and steering her toward Don Víctor, “the worst is over.”

“Until they round us all up for trial. You abandoned me.”

“I did as I was bid.”

“Because Don Víctor didn’t want you seen with me. Not before the vicar and the royal confessor.” She had been right. Víctor de Paredes had never intended to place her beneath his roof. Don Marius and Valentina would be his protection if Luzia failed or if she attracted the Inquisition’s attention. “It’s why he left me at Casa Ordoño. In case this all goes wrong.”

“Yes.”

Yes. That was all. She wanted to kick him.

“Did you expect fairness from Víctor de Paredes?” he asked.

“I would sooner expect poetry from a bear.”

“Then stop sulking and focus your mind on the trial ahead.”

Don Víctor was waiting near the front of the crowd. He rose as they approached and offered his hand to the woman beside him so that she might rise too.

“Come,” he said, “my wife longs to meet the famous milagrera. Doña María, this is Luzia Cotado, La Hermanita.”

Luzia was surprised by how lovely Don Víctor’s wife was. She couldn’t have looked more different from Hualit, her skin like a dish of fresh milk, her thick hair the bright gold of newly minted coins. Her gown was blue silk, wrought with a pattern of tiny golden ibises. She looked like a ship about to set sail. She looked like prosperity.

Somehow Luzia had thought his wife would be plain or shy, that he had sought out Hualit for her beauty and polish. But maybe men like Don Víctor didn’t need to contemplate what they needed, only what they desired.

Luzia curtsied deeply and Doña María smiled, taking her hand. “What a pleasure to meet such a woman.”

For a moment Luzia thought she was being mocked, but Doña María’s eyes were warm.

“I am only a humble scullion, señora,” Luzia said.

Doña María gripped her hand more tightly. “You are an instrument of God, chosen by Him to help our king and country. I have asked our priest to say masses for your safety and success in this mission.”

“Thank you, señora.”

“Do not thank me.” Doña María pressed a kiss to Luzia’s knuckles. Her eyes were too bright. “I gladly serve you as you serve God.”