Page 29 of The Rogue’s Embrace

Se?or Perez did not fail him. Within minutes the cell door opened, and the family servant appeared. Lisandro was not surprised when the man immediately dismissed the two guards who had accompanied him.

"I shall get all that I need out of Don de Aguirre. By the time I am finished with him he will be begging to offer up anything I ask," he said.

The two men nodded and headed back up the stone stairs, the door slamming shut behind them.

"Who are you?"

asked Lisandro.

Se?or Perez straightened his back and puffed out his chest. Here we go—the display of self-importance. The establishing of just who is in charge.

This wasn't Lisandro's first time in a prison cell—nor was it his first time being interrogated. Sir Stephen Moore had spent many hours during the war teaching Lisandro how to deal with being questioned.

"I am Se?or Perez. I have loyally served the Elizondo family for thirty years. That is all you need to know, Don de Aguirre,"

he replied.

This was the perfect opening for Lisandro. If his suspicions were correct, the lure of money and power over the Elizondo family would be too great for Perez to resist.

"Pity. Because if I can get the ransom out of Don de Elizondo, I will be in a position to buy myself some new friends. Friends who could help support the king. And we all know that King Ferdinand likes to reward loyalty."

Perez opened his eyes wide. A look of uncertainty appeared on his face, which greatly pleased Lisandro. It was clear that whatever he had been expecting to hear from his prisoner, it most certainly was not an offer to betray his employer.

Lisandro waited patiently. He knew how the mind of a calculating, self-serving traitor worked. He had met enough of those sorts of men during the war.

"Are you trying to tell me that the Duke of Villabona is not loyal to the crown?"

said Perez finally.

A half-shrug was Lisandro's response. He was treading carefully, drawing the man in. "I think we both know that Don de Elizondo has fallen from His Majesty's favor. King Ferdinand is not one for directly punishing people; he prefers more subtle ways. At the same time, he is quietly elevating others to positions of power and influence. And there is always room for men prepared to do the unpleasant work required by the crown."

I don't think I can be more obvious, so for heaven's sake, take the bait.

Se?or Perez paced the floor. When he returned to Lisandro, he was slowly raking his fingers through his salt and pepper beard. "What are you offering?"

In his mind, Lisandro could see the edges of the trap. He was sure if he just stretched out his hand, he would be able to touch them.

"Money enough to buy yourself a villa in Madrid and some nice clothes to wear at the royal court. But more importantly, I can arrange a role for you with people close to His Majesty. You would be a man of power and influence. Help me out of here and I can give it all to you."

Lisandro scowled and pointed a lazy finger in Se?or Perez's direction. "Or have I read you wrong, and you are content to be merely the servant of a nobleman for the rest of your days?"

A sly grin appeared on Perez's lips. From his coat pocket, he withdrew a knife. He held it in front of Lisandro. "It's a tempting offer, but what I really want is for you to tell me where Maria de Elizondo is being held. I know you wouldn't be so foolish as to leave her at your home. Once I have her and the second ransom, I can leave you to rot here."

Lisandro chuckled. "You are exactly the sort of man the king needs in order to control his enemies—cold and ruthless. Maria is at the convent of Saint Casilda in Irura. You should hurry if you plan to snatch her away. Oh, and if you can get the money out of Antonio de Elizondo, you are welcome to it. Ferdinand will reward me with much more than just money once I bring his enemies down."

Perez hesitated for a moment. "What do mean?"

Lisandro gave him a slow smile as victory beckoned. "You didn't seriously think you were the only one making moves against Don de Elizondo, did you? He won't dare lay a hand on me once I tell him that I report directly to the king. In fact, he will beg to release me."

He casually moved his hand to his back and scratched it. Perez's gaze followed but did not linger. He didn't see Lisandro dropping the handle of his knife into his hand. If his jailer intended to stab him, he was ready.

"How well you come out of this is entirely up to you,"

replied Lisandro.

"Guards. Open this door!"

cried Perez.

Se?or Perez moved quickly outside, and the clang of the bolt being thrown back into place soon echoed in the cell.

The first phase of Lisandro's plan was now complete. Diego and his men would now have to play their part.

He placed his hands together and with head bowed, began to pray to the Virgin Mary. "Ave María llena eres de gracia."

Please keep Maria safe.