mouth. Don Eduardo kicked him in the stomach. This doubled his pain. You are not allowed to speak in my presence. But Tomás managed to continue. Sir, if you have to punish someone, punish me. Isabelle hasn’t done anything wrong. She simply followed his
Heart. Her heart. Don Eduardo laughed bitterly. Her heart has led her to ruin. And you, beast, have contaminated the pure blood of my family. We are not beasts, Isabella cried, finding strength in Tomás’s defense. He is nobler than
Any man I know, kinder, smarter, more compassionate. Don Eduardo turned to the soldiers. Take this animal to the stable. I want him beaten until he’s nothing but raw meat.
Then we’ll brand him with a hot iron so everyone knows he’s a slave who dared to touch a white woman. Isabelle threw herself at her father, trying to grab his arm. Please, Father, if you have to punish someone, punish me. Oh, don’t worry, my dear child, said Don
