Disclaimers: Fireworks owns the copyrights to the characters from the Queen of Swords. The story plot and other characters are copyright to the author: Maril Swan
Rating: PG13
Feedback: yes, please

Author's Note: This is the sequel to "The Courting of Tessa". There are also references in this story to "The King of Swords" which is located on my website.

The Blood Stone

by Maril Swan

Part Three of four

Chapter Five: The Trap

She watched until he was out of sight, drew in a heavy sigh then returned to the villa. Marta was waiting just inside.

"Well," Marta asked. "Is this not better than wearing a mask and sneaking into town to see him? Or do you prefer the excitement and danger more?"

Tessa gave her an impatient look and brushed by. "You were scarcely civil to him all night. What was the matter with you?"

"I should be kind to someone who hurt you? Sorry, but I cannot do that."

"I got what I deserved. It hurt for a while, but I'm over it. So, don't worry that I'm heartbroken, because I'm not. Like Doctor Helm, I'm just confused. I don't know what to do." Tessa faced her friend and placed her hand on Marta's shoulder. "Now, help me get dressed. I have to go out. I only hope I'm not too late."

Tessa picked up a lighted candle and hurried down to the secret room in the cellar with Marta right behind. Marta grabbed her arm as she was about to pull on the wine bottle that released the hidden door lock.

"What do you mean, you are going out? Where are you going?" Marta said sharply.

"I have an appointment to keep." Quickly she explained the arrangement she had made with Montoya then she pulled open the secret door and went into the hidden room. She watched her friend's face darken with anger and knew she was in for an argument. But she didn't have time. She set the candle into a holder on a table and began to take off her gown, replacing it with the Queen's costume.

"This is madness, Tessa," Marta said reasonably. "You have hardly had any rest for days. And you did not eat any dinner."

Tessa stopped buttoning her blouse and frowned slightly. "How do you know that?"

"Rosa told me." Marta picked up the corset and fitted it around Tessa's waist, then began to pull the laces tight.

"Have I no secrets from you?" Tessa laughed. "Where is the ring? I need it tonight."

"It stays hidden until we can get rid of it." The corset tied, Marta came around to face Tessa. "I don't know what kind of force that stone has, but it is not to be taken lightly. Leave it where it is."

Tessa picked up her mask and pulled it across her eyes. The world seemed strangely different suddenly, darker and more dangerous, more exciting. Her heart began to pulse with a quicker rhythm. An exhilaration filled her, a sensual fervour thrummed through her body. She lived for this! She could never admit it to Marta, but this seemed to be her true self, this dark phantom who lived for the thrill of risk and danger.

She buckled on her scabbard, enjoying its weight against her thigh. Impulsively, she pulled the sword out, fascinated by how the candlelight flashed on the blade. The hilt fitted her hand so well, its balance so perfect. She sheathed it again, and drew on her gloves.

Holding out her gloved hand, she repeated, "Get me the ring, Marta. Please, I'm in a hurry." Seeing Marta shake her head adamantly, a sudden fury rocked her. Tessa shouted, "I said get it! Now!"

Marta recoiled as if slapped, then turned to a small trunk by the wall. Lifting the lid, she pulled the Blood Stone out by the cord still strung through it. "Take it then. Do not say you were not warned."

Tessa snatched the cord away and hung it about her neck. She lifted the ring and dropped it into her cleavage. "Don't wait up for me. I don't know how long this will take." With that, she wrenched open the door into the tunnel, lighting another candle to take with her. Guilt nagged at her as she recalled the hurt look on Marta's face. 'But she must understand that I have to do this. It's my destiny.' She grinned into the darkness ahead as she moved steadily toward the door at the far end, her steps faintly lit by the wavering candle. Though the tunnel was damp and chilly, she felt a warmth radiating from the stone between her breasts, suffusing her with its heat. Her blood seemed to pound through her veins, roaring in her ears. She had the urge to laugh with pure joy.

'I should have kissed the doctor,' she thought with a chuckle. 'That would certainly have warmed his cold English heart.' Her spirit dimmed slightly when she remembered he had told her not to come to see him again. 'As the Queen,' she reminded herself. 'But as Tessa...' She laughed aloud, the sound strange to her ears. It did not sound like her. She shivered then thrust the anxiety aside. No time to think about that.

At the end of the tunnel, she carefully pushed open the door into the stable. A low grunt from Chico greeted her. She quickly saddled him then mounted. Soon they were cantering down the moonlit trail away from the villa and toward the Aguilera hacienda.

Everything depended on timing. She checked the moon's position and realised it was getting late. She must have missed him. From what Tessa had heard, Mona was heartbroken over the loss of the ring. Undoubtedly, Orvieta would be with her tonight and should be returning this way from his visit. The trail she was following led from the Alvarado property to the Aguilera hacienda then joined the main road to Santa Helena.

'Damn,' she thought. 'Now I'll have to go into town to get him. That will stir up a hornet's nest.' She didn't relish the idea of having to fend off the sentries and other guards on night duty. Her eyes burned with fatigue. She knew she should just go back to her villa and try again the next night, but something urged her on.

Just then, Chico pranced nervously as if he sensed danger. Tessa got off immediately and hid him behind a cleft in the rock face of the narrow canyon she was in. Carefully, keeping close to the rock wall, she moved down the trail. The measured click of a horse's hoofs echoed down the canyon coming toward her.

So far she couldn't see anyone but the thought that her quarry was near sent her pulse racing. She took several deep breaths to calm herself. Uncoiling the whip, she let it hang by her side, gripping the handle tightly. Then she saw him. She pulled back into the shadow of the rocks and waited, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

He rounded a bend in the trail and she saw him glancing around at the high canyon walls. The bright moonlight cast the rocks into high relief, making strange patterns of the shadows. A gun lay across his knees, clutched in one of his hands, the other held the reins tightly. He was obviously nervous. 'And so he should be,' Tessa thought gleefully in anticipation.

As he drew even with her covert, her whip snaked out and wrapped around his shoulders. His horse reared in terror and Tomas fell backwards onto the ground. His gun clattered away from his hand, and as he struggled to reach for it, Tessa stepped forward and kicked the pistol away.

Keeping the whip tightly on him, she ordered tersely, "Get up." She gave the whip a tug to help him to his feet. "We have a party to go to. Colonel Montoya has a nice reception waiting for you, Tomas."

As he staggered to his feet, Tomas suddenly threw all his weight against her. She fell and dropped the whip handle. The leather uncoiled and he freed himself, then reached for his sword. Tessa sprang to her feet and unsheathed her own sword.

"I didn't think it would be this easy," she said wryly. For several seconds, she held her sword watching him closely as he circled this way and that as if looking for an opening. Suddenly, he lunged and his rapier clashed with hers, the ringing of their steel echoing off the dark cliffs.

The force of his blows on her sword vibrated through her whole arm, wearing her down. He pulled back suddenly and began to circle again, a malicious grin on his face. He was panting but seemed to have plenty of strength left. "You were a student of Señor Torres. I know his moves when I see them." He laughed harshly, the moon glinting on his teeth, baring them like a snarl. "I have beaten all of his students at the fencing contests." He paused and his eyes narrowed as he looked at her searchingly. "All but one," he said almost to himself.

"Diego!" he said suddenly with a loud laugh as he thrust without warning. Tessa dodged quickly, the sword barely grazing her arm. He kept up a steady volley of thrusts and lunges, forcing her onto the defensive. His laughter goaded her into a fury but she knew she did not have much strength left. Her arm stung where he had cut her, and her lungs burned with the labour of keeping him at bay.

'I should not have tried this tonight when my strength was so low. No food and no sleep.' Tessa began to plan an escape. She could not take him tonight. Montoya would have to wait.

He backed her with a quick lunge and she fell over a rock, rolling away at the last second as he thrust where her throat had been. She picked up a large stone and hurled it at him. It struck him on the chest, unbalancing him just enough for her to get under his defence. Her sword pressed against his throat and she panted, "Drop your sword." He let the weapon go and it clanged onto the rocky ground.

"Now we will keep that appointment," she said breathlessly.

"I don't think so, mi reina," he said between gasps for breath. "I know who you are, ...and how much the reward is for your capture, ...dead or alive. A word in Montoya's ear ...and the reward is mine." He chuckled then coughed, winded by the contest. "Diego. My old rival from the Torres Fencing Salle. Who would have ever imagined Diego was a girl ...named Maria Theresa Alvarado." He grinned as she inhaled sharply. "What a small world it is. And what bad luck for you. Now let us see what kind of good luck you will bring to me."

Tessa kept the sword point at his throat though her arm shook with the effort to hold the weapon steady. Her worst fear had been realised. 'He remembered me! There's only one way out of this. I'll have to kill him.' A savage joy roared through her as she pressed the sword closer to his throat. She shivered with the desire to finish him, as if something held her in its thrall. A terrible sick fear washed over her, a fear that she would do it. Her sword trembled in her grasp as she struggled against the opposing forces in her mind.

Tomas gingerly pushed the blade away and stepped back. "You won't kill me. I know that much about you. You would never kill an unarmed opponent. Too honourable," he scoffed. He gave her a calculating look. "You are a wealthy woman, it seems. Perhaps you could buy my silence for a paltry sum of money. Let us say two thousand reales."

"I still have the sword, Tomas, and don't think I won't use it," she said hoarsely. "I won't pay you anything. Pick up the sword and we will finish this." She prodded him with the blade making him stumble back. A blackness seemed to cover her mind and all she could see was this hateful creature laughing at her. Another quick stab brought a yelp of pain and a look of fear into his eyes. "Pick up your sword!" she said again more forcefully. "You haven't beaten me, not yet, not ever."

He continued to back up, keeping that deadly blade away from his neck. Suddenly, he dove for his gun which was only a few feet away. He grasped it and aimed it at her before she could react. Getting to his feet, he smirked as she lowered her sword.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to kill you ...unless you force me to. Montoya said you have the ring. I want it." He held out his hand, gesturing impatiently when she hesitated. "Give me the ring! Face it, Maria Theresa. You have no cards left to play. I hold them all in my hand."

Tessa drew the ring out by its cord and dropped it onto the ground at his feet. He motioned with the gun for her to back away. She obeyed and he bent quickly to retrieve the ring. He stuffed in a pocket of his dark jacket. She felt released suddenly. It almost made her stagger with relief. 'Can it be there is something to what Marta said about the ring? Impossible. It's just a legend.' But her mind was clear and her pulse slowing to normal. And for the first time that night, she felt fear ...fear that Tomas would double-cross her and tell Montoya anyway. There was no way she could stop him.

"If you want to keep up your masquerade as the Queen of Swords, this is what you will do. Tomorrow night around this same time, bring the two thousand reales in a saddlebag to this place. If you fail to appear, I will ride straight into Santa Helena to whisper your secret into Montoya's ear."

He moved toward his horse, keeping the gun pointed at her. "Just think, Maria Theresa. We will soon be neighbours when I marry Mona Aguilera. I hope we will become good friends." His sudden laugh echoed down the canyon walls. He mounted his horse and cantered away in the direction of the pueblo.

Tessa stood for a long time, drained of all energy. 'I fell into a trap of my own making,' she thought desolately. 'Could anything else go wrong for me?' In frustration, she kicked at a stone then yelped in pain. Stooping, she picked the stone up and hurled it against the canyon wall. She panted in fury, tears of self-pity pricked behind her eyes. "I won't," she said aloud clenching her fists tightly. "I won't give in to this."

She whistled for Chico and he trotted up. It took all her remaining strength to climb onto her horse. She nudged him forward and walked him out of the canyon, too tired to think.

She entered the secret room, finding it was in darkness, illumined only by the candle in her hand. She had expected that Marta would be waiting for her as she always had. Guiltily, she remembered that Marta had warned her against taking the ring, and her own churlishness when Marta had refused to give it to her. 'Everything seems to be going wrong lately,' she thought gloomily as she rid herself of the Queen's costume and put on a robe. 'Is it possible that there is some truth to the legend about the Blood Stone?"

Wearily, she climbed the stairs to the main floor and was about to enter the corridor leading to her room when she saw a dim light in the salon. With all her senses alert, she crept into the room. A candle was guttering on the table near the sofa on which Marta lay asleep. Her shawl covered her arms and she was huddled tightly on a space that was too short for her.

Tessa smiled softly, warmed by the thought that Marta had tried to wait up for her after all. 'I should wake her. She looks very uncomfortable.' She moved to the sofa and shook the sleeping woman gently. "Marta. I'm back."

The woman started and reached under her pillow. Tessa laughed at her reaction, knowing there was a dagger hidden beneath it. Her friend was seldom without her weapon somewhere close to hand.

Marta sat up and rubbed her eyes. "How did it go? You no longer have the ring. That is good."

"How do you know I don't have the ring?" Tessa sat on the sofa beside her.

"I could sense when it was nearby. There is a malevolence about it that makes me shiver. I no longer feel it. Who has the ring now?" Marta stood up and stretched, rubbing her neck.

Tessa looked away, chagrined at having to admit her defeat. "Tomas took it from me." She compressed her lips, worried how Marta would take the rest. "He knows who I am. He remembered me as Diego from the fencing salle. Now he has threatened to tell Montoya unless I pay him a large sum of money." She dropped back against the sofa, heartsick at the thought of Tomas having her at his mercy.

"How much?" Marta asked sharply. "How much blackmail is he asking?"

"Two thousand reales," Tessa murmured, then sighed heavily. She felt Marta sit down near her and leaned close as the Gypsy woman put her arms around her.

"Ah, querida, how did you get into this mess?" Marta said gently. "Why did you take that ring from Mona?"

Tessa laughed harshly. "I was trying to save her from a scandal. The ring was stolen from a noblewoman in Spain. It disappeared for a few years, and has now turned up here, brought by Tomas Orvieta. I have to assume he stole it. He was always so arrogant. It must have just killed him not to be able to sell the ring in Europe so someone would know how clever he had been. I guess he thought no one in such a small place as Santa Helena would have heard of the Blood Stone. Unfortunately, Montoya did. He is now determined to retrieve the jewel to regain some favour with the King. It would be quite a feather in his cap to be the one to solve the mystery of the Blood Stone's disappearance. He doesn't care who else gets dragged into it as long as he gets his reward." Tessa paused for a moment, shaking her head ruefully. "Instead of saving Mona, now I have to save myself somehow."

"Mona is no friend of yours. Why do you care what happens to her?"

"It isn't Mona I care about. It's her mother, Señora Aguilera. When I was a child, her brother Ramon and I were best friends. Mona was always jealous of our closeness. She hated me also for any kindness that was shown to me by her parents. She seemed to feel that anything that was given to me, took something from her. When my mother died, Señora Aguilera took care of me while Papa went to Monterrey to make arrangements for us to go to Spain. She was like a second mother to me for a while. I will never forget her kindness."

Tessa sat for a long moment staring into space, then she continued, "Now you see why I had to try to keep Mona out of this. With her husband being killed, then Ramon having to flee to Monterrey, Señora Aguilera has had more than her share of sorrows. I had hoped to spare her more trouble. So far all I've done is make things worse."

Sighing heavily, Tessa said, "Tomas has the ring back. He will return it to Mona, and look like a hero in her eyes. And now he is blackmailing me for a small fortune. It's just about all the money I have."

"You know that is only the beginning. A blackmailer is never satisfied. There is only one way to deal with him." Marta's eyes hardened as they met Tessa's. "If you cannot do it, then I will."

Tessa shook her head. "I couldn't kill him tonight. I wanted to. Something was urging me to do it. My sword was at his throat and I wanted to push it in and see him die." She shuddered at the memory of the terrible passion that had been driving her. She took a deep breath. "But I couldn't do it, and nor can you." She patted Marta's arm. "I don't want you to do anything. I created this problem and I will solve it." She yawned and tried to smile. "But not tonight. I am so tired I can hardly move."

Cool water sloshed over the edges as Helm carried the wooden bucket back to his office. He shouldered the door open and entered only to find Colonel Montoya lounging on a chair near his worktable. Helm set the bucket on the floor and closed his door.

"Buenos dias, Colonel," Helm said with false heartiness. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit?"

Montoya regarded him with an amused twinkle in his pale eyes. "You should hire one of the peasants to do that for you, Doctor. Your strength is too precious to waste on such menial tasks. Allow me to arrange it for you."

"Don't bother. I prefer to do some things myself. What can I do for you?" The doctor picked up the bucket and poured some of the water into a wash basin, then put it down again. He busied himself getting ready for the throng of patients that would soon be crowding into his office.

"I came to see you last night and you were not here. Where were you?" Montoya asked with a slight smile.

"Obviously, I was out. What did you want to see me about?" Helm's temper was beginning to fray. Having the colonel in his office always made him nervous; one never knew what the schemer was up to. The doctor laid out some fresh linens near his wash basin, then rubbed his shaving brush into a cake of soap, preparing to shave.

"I was suffering from ennui, and was looking forward to some interesting and stimulating conversation." Montoya continued to watch as Helm lathered his chin then picked up his straight razor and began to carefully stroke off the lather from his cheeks.

"Then you certainly came to the wrong place," the doctor replied with a laugh, then a muttered curse as he nicked himself. In the mirror, he caught the amused look on Montoya's face.

"Have you ever heard of a gem called the Blood Stone, Doctor Helm?" Montoya narrowed his eyes and his gaze became more intense.

"No. I have no interest in jewellery, Colonel." He washed the rest of the lather from his face and then went to his cabinet to find a bit of plaster for the cut which was bleeding slightly, but stinging mightily from the soap.

"Perhaps you will be when I tell you about it." The colonel got up and began to pace the office. "The Blood Stone is a very old gem, a huge and priceless ruby. Legend has it that there is a curse upon it which brings bad luck to anyone who has it in their possession. I looked it up in my encyclopaedia yesterday and found further that the curse makes the possessor do irrational things that bring ill fortune or death."

"A very intriguing story. Why should I be interested?"

"The Queen of Swords has it in her possession," Montoya said flatly. His lips quirked into a self-satisfied smile.

The doctor put away his shaving gear, hoping his surprise had not been apparent to Montoya's too perceptive eyes. His mind was working rapidly, reviewing the events of the last few days. Aloud he said, "Superstitious nonsense. Who would believe that a stone could have any such power?" He turned to face the colonel. "How did she get this gemstone?"

"It is set in a ring that a young man gave to his fiancée. The Queen sneaked into the woman's bedroom and stole it from her finger." Montoya shook his head. "That is the kind of villainy I have been trying to eradicate from this peaceful pueblo. And several times you have stood between us to save her. Maybe the next time, you will think twice before preventing justice from taking its lawful course." Montoya moved in front of Helm and stared intently into his eyes. "You put her on a pedestal as some sort of Amazon goddess. But, as you can see, she is just a petty thief after all."

"Stealing a priceless ruby is hardly petty, Colonel," Helm jibed.

Montoya's eyes darkened and he scowled. Then his countenance cleared and he suddenly chuckled. "By the bye, did you enjoy your dinner with Señorita Alvarado last night?"

Helm's mouth opened in surprise. A sudden outrage made his pulse race. 'How dare he spy on me?' the doctor thought furiously. Keeping his voice carefully level, he said, "Colonel, perhaps I have not made myself clear before, so I will do so now. What I do is my business only. Stay out of it!" The last statement was nearly a shout and it seemed to have an effect on the colonel. His face flushed and his eyes narrowed menacingly.

"What you do is my business, Doctor. Especially when you consort with my enemy. For all I knew, you were going to an assignation with the Queen." A sly smile spread over the colonel's face. "However, I must congratulate you on your change of taste. Señorita Alvarado is a much safer choice, and it doesn't hurt that she is also rich and beautiful."

With a last look at Helm's angry face, Montoya pulled open the door and went out. The doctor strode rapidly around the small space of his office, trying to get a grip on his temper. He wanted to smash something. Mostly, he wanted to wipe the supercilious smirk off Montoya's face.

As he calmed down, Helm began to wonder how the colonel knew his whereabouts last night. 'Does he always know where I am?' he thought worriedly. So far, he had never made an arrangement to meet with the Queen and now he was thankful he had not taken that risk. She might have fallen into a trap in which he was the bait. His heart wrenched at the thought of her in Montoya's hands.

And what was this nonsense about a stolen ring? Why would she steal a valuable piece of jewellery? Was she in need of money? Helm brushed his hand through his hair, trying to imagine the Queen doing something so underhanded and dishonourable. 'There must be a reason behind it. But what?'

He sat down by his table, rationally trying to work it out. If this Blood Stone was so valuable, what was it doing in a tiny place like Santa Helena? Who brought it here and to whom was it given? He stood up, resolved to know more before the day was out. He would ask Tessa. If a woman received a precious piece of jewellery as a gift, another woman would be bound to know about it.

Chapter Six: The Unbound

A bright ray of sunlight lanced across the sleeper's eyes as Marta threw open the heavy drapes. The room filled with warm light. Tessa groaned and dove under the covers.

"Come on, sleepyhead," Marta called gaily. "It is nearly ten o'clock. Are you going to sleep all day?"

"Yes," came a muffled reply. Then her head appeared again. "Did you say ten? Why did you let me sleep so long? I have so much to do today." Tessa threw off the covers and stood up, reaching for her robe which lay across the counterpane at the end of the bed.

Filling her wash basin from an ornate porcelain jug, Tessa washed hastily, then dried herself on a linen towel. "I'm supposed to meet Vera for lunch." She sighed heavily. "I'm fond of Vera but I don't think I've ever felt less like dealing with her idle chatter than I do right now."

"Tell her you cannot come today," Marta said as she began to make the bed.

Tessa opened her wardrobe to search for something to wear. "It's already too late. She is probably in town by now."

"Visiting with a certain capitan, no doubt," Marta said with a conspiratorial wink. "Do you think these Wednesday lunches might be a cover for her trysts with Grisham?"

"Are you saying she is using me as an alibi?" Tessa laughed. "Of course she is. But I also think she enjoys my company. She is lonely. Most of the other doñas shun her. Her family is not illustrious enough for them, and even Don Gaspar's position cannot make up for it."

"Perhaps they know about her relationship with the capitan and do not approve." Marta took the robe that Tessa dropped onto a chair and laid it back on the bed. As she turned to help Tessa with her corset, she gasped. "What happened to your arm?" She rushed to Tessa's side, and looked closely at the thin red gash on her upper arm. "Madre de dios, a sword cut! Did Orvieta wound you? Culebra! He has cursed himself for this."

"It's only a scratch, Marta. Hardly hurts at all. But I need to put on a blouse that covers it up. Help me find something. I don't have much time." Tessa smiled deprecatingly at the outrage on Marta's face. She pressed her friend's hand.

Slightly mollified, Marta said, "First, I will put something on it to take the soreness out, then bandage it." Over her shoulder, Marta added, "After that, I will get your breakfast ready."

"I don't have time for breakfast. I will have a nice big lunch." Tessa gave her friend a wide grin. " I promise."

"Señorita Alvarado, could I speak with you a moment?" The warmth in the timbre of his voice made her catch her breath. Taking his hand, she stepped down from her wagon, trying to keep her features from betraying the keen pleasure that washed over her. It was as if a light was suddenly glowing inside her, a light which spilled out into the radiant smile she gave him.

"Dr. Helm. What a pleasant surprise." She allowed him to kiss her hand, thrilling to the extra squeeze he gave before relinquishing it.

He took her arm and she allowed herself to be led to his office. He opened the door for her, then closed it. Before she could protest this indiscretion, he pulled her into a fervent embrace, pressing her against the door, nearly crushing her with his impassioned strength. She tried to resist the insistent pressure of his lips against hers, but her body's needs overcame her caution. Something between a moan and a sigh escaped her as she pulled him closer, melding her body to his.

With the last of her willpower she gently pushed him away. She shivered with the passion that he had unleashed, trying to catch her breath.

"I'm sorry," he said, brushing his hand through his hair. "I shouldn't have done that."

She smiled into his ardent eyes. "Do not keep apologising for what we both want, Robert. But this is not the time or the place."

His face became more serious and he stepped a short distance away. He took a few deep breaths, then said, "Montoya knew about my having dinner with you last night." He seemed to be watching her as the implication sank in.

She frowned slightly. "He is having you followed? Why?"

"Or just as likely, there is an informant among your workers," he said gravely.

She turned quickly to hide the distress that must be showing on her face. 'Surely not,' she thought in shock. 'Not one of my workers spying on me.' But she realised that the workers were poor, and the lure of gold was hard to resist, especially if Montoya exerted some other, more nefarious pressure. 'Who is it?' she wondered. Her heart felt leaden as she pondered which of her workers might be betraying her. What was he reporting to Montoya? What had he seen? She shook off the unease. 'If Montoya knew anything, I would be dead now. He may only be suspicious.' Facing Helm she said insouciantly, "Why should the colonel be interested in me?"

"He probably suspects you of being the Queen of Swords." Helm's eyes bored into hers, their golden lights seeming to sparkle as his gaze intensified.

Tessa laughed lightly. "How exciting ...and how flattering. And you think I'm dull," she added flippantly, tapping his arm with her folded fan. "Thank you for the warning. Now, I must go. I have to meet Vera for lunch."

His eyes softened, and a sad expression gradually spread over his face. "Have you nothing to tell me?" he asked quietly. So many clues pointed to Tessa being the Queen he could no longer avoid the truth. If only she would confide in him.

Her mouth opened, then closed as a sudden tap on the doctor's door startled them both. "Buenos dias, Doctor Helm," Tessa said as she opened the door and stepped quickly past the young woman waiting on the doorstep.

Helm gestured for his patient to come in then went to his window to watch Tessa as she walked swiftly toward the alley that led to the main street. As she was about to enter the alley, a man stepped out in front of her. He was tall with an athletic build, but his most arresting feature was his red hair and beard. Helm knew of him. Tomas Orvieta, a newcomer in their pueblo, betrothed to Mona Aguilera, or so the gossip went.

Suddenly, the pieces began to fall into place. He gripped the windowsill for support as the shock of his discovery washed over him. 'Of course! Orvieta must have given the Blood Stone to Mona Aguilera. But why did the Queen steal it from her? Was it because Tessa was a friend of the Aguileras and was trying to protect them?' While he watched, he saw Orvieta and Tessa speaking animatedly. She tried to get past but Orvieta barred her way and grabbed her arm. He saw her hand come up to strike but he seemed to be expecting it and blocked the blow.

Helm reached for the door to go to her rescue, but the young woman waiting for him called out, "Dr. Helm, I am ready for my examination." Gritting his teeth in frustration, he turned and said, "I will be right with you, Señora Padillo." When he looked back out the window, the two were gone. 'What the hell is going on?' he thought savagely. 'Who does that Orvieta think he is manhandling her that way?' It took all his resolve to turn away from the window and not go after the scoundrel. 'She is more than capable of taking care of herself,' he thought trying to calm himself, though his fists were clenched and his breathing was ragged.

Tessa shook off Orvieta's hand and said in a harsh undertone, "I said I would meet you tonight. Do not make a scene here in town. This is not Madrid. Everyone here sees everything and talks about it." She tried to get past. Her heart was racing in fury at his impertinence. He blocked her path.

"I want to change the arrangement. Meet me just after nine at the same place as last night. I don't want to waste the whole night on this business." He grabbed her arm and she uttered a quick cry of pain. He grinned at her. "What is wrong with your arm? A wound, perhaps?" He laughed as her hand came up to strike. He easily countered it, grabbing her wrist. "You are no better with your fists than you are with your sword. How have you managed to escape Montoya all this time?" He let her go and stepped back, gesturing with a gallant bow toward the alley. "Please do not let me keep you from your important business, Señorita Alvarado."

She heard him chuckling as he wandered down the alley. Having no choice but to follow, she entered the alley and walked out into the main street. Ahead was the cantina where she could see Vera peering about. She quickened her steps and entered the cantina. A look of relief, then pleasure crossed Vera's face as Tessa sat down at the table.

"I thought you might have forgotten about our lunch, Tessa." Vera turned her cheek to receive Tessa's kiss of greeting. Her blue eyes took on a troubled look as she regarded her companion closely. "You do not look well, Tessa. You are flushed and have dark circles under your eyes." Suddenly Vera laughed. "Of course. I know your ailment. You are in love." She leaned closer and said in an undertone, "Who is it?"

"No one, Vera. It's just your romantic imagination." Tessa forced a smile on her lips as her temper cooled from her meeting with Orvieta. "I find the heat in this part of the world very hard on my constitution. Maybe soon I will be used to it, as you are."

But Vera was not to be deterred once she had the bit in her teeth. She rushed on with, "Dr. Helm. Of course it is Dr. Helm." She gave a quick delighted chuckle. "He is very handsome, no? And those eyes." She gave an exaggerated sigh and fanned herself with mock drama. "They say the English are cold, but I think the doctor is capable of much passion." Vera raised her eyebrows inquiringly and took Tessa's hand. "You can tell me, Tessa. I can keep a secret. Are you in love with Doctor Helm?"

A shadow fell across their table and they looked up to see Mona Aguilera standing there. "May I join you?" she asked. Without waiting for a reply she sat down next to Tessa. She placed her hands on the table. On her left hand, a ruby ring glowed warmly on her finger. She gave a simpering smile at Tessa.

"Did you hear about the excitement, Tessa? Of course, you would not have. You have not been in town for nearly a week." Mona glanced down at the ring, and touched it reverently. "My ring was stolen, right off my hand. And you will never guess who stole it. The Queen of Swords. There, in my very bedroom. Such a villain." She smirked at Tessa, ignoring Vera. "With all the men at his command, Colonel Montoya could not recover it. But my Tomas challenged the Queen and got it back for me." She sighed and held the ring to her breast. "So brave and handsome, such a caballero."

Beneath the table, Tessa clenched her hands tightly, striving for self-control. "You are to be congratulated, Mona, on your choice of husband. He is perfect for you."

Mona leaned close to Tessa's ear and said loudly enough for Vera to hear. "You should be careful of your choice of friends, Tessa. You could be painted with the same brush, if you know what I mean."

Tessa whispered in Mona's ear. "I am very choosy about my friends. Good day, Mona."

Mona stood up indignantly, and sent a haughty look down at the two women. "I have better things to do with my time than sitting in the cantina. I have a wedding to plan. If ever you get married, Tessa, please feel free to call upon my expertise in this matter." With that, she left the cantina and strode across the square to where Orvieta was just exiting from the Rose Courtyard.

Tessa drew in a quick breath, seeing him so close to Montoya's office. 'Has he betrayed me?' she wondered with a leaden feeling in her stomach. For several seconds, she watched and waited to see if any soldiers would be coming for her. Vera touched her arm, making her start.

"Tessa, you are so jumpy. What is wrong with you?" Vera's eyes looked troubled, hurt. "Maybe Mona is right. You should not be seen with me. Your reputation might suffer."

"Mona is a mean-spirited and spiteful woman. Ignore her. I choose my own friends and I don't care what anyone else thinks, Vera." She took the other woman's hand and pressed it warmly.

Vera gave her a tremulous smile in which there was a hint of tears. "I am very lucky to have such a loyal friend." She seemed to shake off her melancholy and added heartily, "Now let us order some lunch. I am famished."

Concluded in Part Four