ISADORA
"You shouldn't have done that," I said with concern. But Alejandro just stared at me. "What if you hurt her?"
"Who, the woman who almost got you killed?"
He was referring to Imelda.
I rubbed my face in frustration. "But you didn't have to push her like that. Her temple is bleeding, and they're planning to punish Imelda."
He continued reading his book. "Isn't that how it goes? Kill the woman who seduces a married man."
I fell silent.
He stopped reading and looked up at me. "Isadora, she wanted to give herself to me."
I knew...
"She said she gets aroused just by looking at me. Do you want me to grant her wish?"
I looked down at the floor. "I can't stop you if that's what you want to do." Besides, Imelda was beautiful and alluring. Her body was curvy, and her face was gentle.
"I don't want anyone but you, Isadora."
"I know... but that's not what I meant..." I sat next to him and stared at the wall. "Her left arm was broken because of your push. She's writhing in pain, and now she's... she's..."
"She will burn," Alejandro said, placing his book written in a language I couldn't understand on the table. "Tell me what you want, and I'll follow."
"Does she really have to die?" I asked quietly.
I knew what Imelda had done. That morning, I was asleep, exhausted from the past few days. Alejandro had gone to the river to wash my clothes because he wanted to do it himself.
Imelda was there, and they were alone, quietly washing. Imelda tried to seduce Alejandro. When she reached for the buttons of his pants, he pushed her away, breaking her arm.
I knew his strength. So...
"What punishment would you give her instead of death, my love?"
I closed my eyes. "Wound her feet and make her walk on salt."
"What?"
I opened my eyes and looked at him. "Why are you surprised?"
He smiled. "You answered quickly. How long have you been thinking about that punishment?"
"It's better than death, isn't it?"
"Or did you not like the idea of me sleeping with someone else?"
"Would you like me to sleep with Andres?" I asked seriously. "We both know that he would agree with just one word from me."
His brows furrowed. "Wound her feet and make her walk on salt." He stood up, shaking his head and muttering, "Per amor di Dio."
He left, looking irritated. He was probably going to talk to Andres' father.
Why was he more shocked by what I said than by burning Imelda to death?
I shook my head.
My belly was growing. I've noticed my temper flaring quickly these past days. I tire easily and am always sleepy, leaving Alejandro awake alone. I would fall asleep next to him and wake up with him still by my side.
We also... haven't been intimate as much.
What if he seeks that elsewhere?
But could I stop him if he did? I'm not his mother to control his decisions. If that's what he does, I'll let him. As long as his feet are also wounded, and he walks on salt.
My mind wandered.
Since I invited you into my room, I knew my purpose was to kneel and serve you.
I don't know how long that's been etched in my mind.
That man speaks meaninglessly... I want to ask, but something holds me back. I don't know why I'm worried. I'm worried he might not answer, or he might, and tell me what he means.
Is what he said a metaphor?
I don't know.
And I don't plan to find out.
It was evening when Alejandro returned. It seemed the people did not go through with their plans for Imelda.
Our eyes met, my beloved husband and I. Since he said those words, a part of me wanted to... possess him. Claim him. I didn't want anyone else to see him. I wanted to lock him away so no one could see him.
He gave me a small smile. "Wound her feet and make her walk on salt..." He approached me and sat beside me on the bed. "You're frightening when you make threats, my love."
I didn't respond. I hugged him tightly and closed my eyes. "He's moving."
We both fell silent. But it wasn't long before Alejandro moved and gently touched my swollen belly. I watched his gentle face as he gazed at my womb.
He looked at me and smiled. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips. "Our child is a boy, Isadora."
I nodded. I didn't know how he knew that, but I didn't care about our child's gender.
He rested his forehead against mine. "Are you hungry?"
"You... are you hungry?" I asked, pulling away slightly.
We stared at each other. The dancing flames in the darkness were the only light. The orange glow hit Alejandro's face. His gaze was one only I understood.
He smirked. "The church is in chaos, my love."
The secrets only we knew...
I whispered, "I don't know if I should be worried."
I touched my swollen belly.
I'm always hungry... every night, I'm hungry. A hunger that cannot be sated by my husband's blood alone. This hunger requires a sacrifice—a living, strong person.
"Are you hungry again?" he asked, ignoring my words.
"I'm always hungry, Alejandro."
"If you're hungry, you need to eat." He sat up. I quickly sat up too and held his arm.
"Please, don't. Many women have gone missing these past months, and they're trying to figure out what's happening."
He frowned. "Do you think I care?"
"But..." I tightened my grip on his arm.
"Would I let my wife and child starve?" he asked firmly.
"They will kill you."
"And I will kill them too."
We stared at each other. Before I knew it, he was gone and returned hours later. I quietly drank the blood from the bottle, feeling my child rejoice inside me.
Despite my worries, I felt happy.
I felt my strength returning whenever I ate.
"Is that enough, Isadora?"
I nodded and wiped my lips. I didn't speak, but I placed the empty bottle on the floor, making sure not to waste a drop.
"Isadora."
I lay down and turned away from him.
Does it really have to...
"My love, are you upset with me?"
I shook my head.
He didn't respond. I just felt him lie behind me and gently hug me. "I won't let you starve, Isadora, you know that."
"But I'm afraid for you." I bit my lower lip briefly. "In two months, the sun will rise for six months."
"We'll deal with that later, my love. What matters is now."
I couldn't respond.
Victoria. If only you hadn't disappeared...
...everything would still be normal.
"I want to see my sister's remains."
This was the first time I requested this.
"As you wish."
"Why did she take her own life?" I asked, tears welling in my eyes.
"I told her to return to her family and forget everything," Alejandro said from behind me. "But she said no one would accept her because she was a traitor."
I quickly turned to Alejandro. "Why didn't you tell me that when I asked?"
He just stared at me.
But I didn't try to be angry.
Because my anger wouldn't bring Victoria back.
"Did you sleep with Victoria?"
He shook his head. "No, Isadora. I haven't slept with any of my followers. They do what they want. The only reason they follow me is that they get to travel to places they otherwise couldn't."
"Are you telling the truth?"
He gave a small smile. "I've never lied to you."
I sighed and fell silent. I closed my eyes, and all I could hear was the light rain outside and Alejandro's breathing. Eventually, I nestled into his chest. "I'm scared, Alejandro."
"I know, my love, I know."
****