The Grand Veranda

[brigida]

Tristeza smiled privately into his chest, as they embraced. "How do you know?" she asked light-hartedly.

[The Smith]

Sergyo chuckled, "I have amazing instincts. I was right before, with Bettina and Alexos. I will be right with this one. Shall we name her Lisette?"

[brigida]

Tristeza smiled; "I don't know. I will think on it." she reached her hands around him, apparently unwiling to let him go.

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord took her hands in his and smiled. "We will have to keep this a secret for now, I think. But I will sign papers claiming her as mine if you wish."

[brigida]

Tristeza faltered slightly; she paused. "I would like you to keep her as your own...but I do not think it wise for anyone to know that I am her mother."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord let go of her hand and stared into her face. "What exactly do you want them to think then?"

[brigida]

"Let them think whatever they want," she said softly, "But for anyone to know that this child is mine would put it in incredible peril." she paused, "It would also propell my husband further to isolate me from my son."

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord turned and stared out at the sea, "Fine I will say I got that maid you are so fond of pregnant." His hands clenched the railing, "Is that all?"

[brigida]

Tristeza gazed at him, a sad look upon her face, "Are you cross?" she asked smally.

[The Smith]

"Yes. At the fucking world." Sergyo replied, "I have the power to get your child back. Do you wish me to force Horas to give him up?"

[brigida]

Tristeza grimaced; "You have made an alliance with him," she said.

[The Smith]

"There are many things not covered by our alliance." The Sea Lord replied, "Also his word is shit."

[brigida]

"Has he broken his word to you?" she asked with concern.

[The Smith]

The Sea Lord shook his head. "No... but he has broken it before. To others."

[brigida]

"To whom?" she asked.