Page 31 of Eternal Craving

“Steady.” Miguel sat on the edge of the bed, frowning.

I welcomed the familiarity of my four-poster bed, enshrined within the long, sweeping net that kept the mosquitoes at bay in summer and shrouded me against the maid’s inquisitive looks on mornings when I craved privacy.

“How long have I been asleep?” I asked.

He offered me the cup. “Try to settle down.”

“How long?”

“A day.”

“How long was I away?”

“A week.”

Panic twisted my stomach into knots. “Valiente?”

“We found him in the stable.”

“Is he…?”

“Your horse is fine.” He stared at my face, his expression saying he didn’t think the same of me. “Valiente needs reshoeing.”

“Miguel, what happened to me?”

“I was going to ask you that.”

“What time is it?” I gulped the rest of the water.

“Seven.”

“Morning or evening?”

“Evening.”

“Everything seems so foggy.”

“We’ve checked you over. You have no injuries.” He pulled open the curtains.

“Close them.” I motioned to the long, white drapes.

“We found you collapsed by the front door.” I heard the anxiety in his voice.

I examined my left ear, but it felt normal. “Please, close the curtains.”

Miguel lifted the window latch and opened it. “And you need fresh air.”

I flopped back down onto the pillow.

“You’re home now.” He rested beside me. “Where did you go?”

“To see Alicia.”

His puzzled gaze met mine. “How did you find her?”

“Doesn’t matter. She doesn’t want to see me.”

“She’ll come round.”