Page 71 of Eternal Craving

I shook my head. “We’ll talk later.”

Alicia looked anxious but didn’t press me for any details.

My mind wandered, trying to guess how close to Palos Felipe’s carriage might be.

“You must be hungry,” Miranda said.

The thought of food made me cringe.

Alicia misread my expression. “You’re too tired?”

“He’s been through a lot.” Miranda gave me a sympathetic look.

“How did you get Ricardo out?” Alicia asked.

I shrugged. “I walked into his nursery and took him.”

Both women looked doubtful. “And no one stopped you?” Miranda asked.

I stared down at Ricardo. “I had a plan. It worked.”

“I would think Felipe would have a guard watching Ricardo,” Miranda said.

I shook my head.

“You look so pale.” Alicia studied me curiously.

“Exhausted, that’s all.” I gave her a reassuring smile.

Ricardo began running around the room screaming, waving an imaginary sword.

With my jaw clenched, I signaled to him. “Please don’t do that.”

He lunged his sword into an invisible opponent.

“Stop,” I shouted.

Jacob was startled awake but did not cry.

Ricardo stood stock-still and stared at me. I’d startled Alicia and Miranda, too.

I rubbed my forehead. “I’m sorry. Could you please take him to bed?”

Alicia motioned for Ricardo to come to her.

“I’ll put them both to bed,” she said, taking Jacob from me.

With a smile, she headed out of the room with the children.

I hoped Ricardo wouldn’t mention his leap out of the nursery window, though I’d ensured he’d seen nothing.

Miranda picked up the bottle resting on the table before us and poured two glasses of white wine, offering me one. “Here, you look like you need it.”

I gestured I didn’t.

Miranda settled on the couch close to me. “That woman, Sunaria, warned us before Felipe’s guards came.” She leaned toward me. “She saved our lives.”

I bowed my head. “We owe her our gratitude.”