Heyo, everyone! Firstly, I wanna say I'm sorry for worrying mah peeps, and I certainly didn't intend to go this long without posting. In fact, I'd been planning to post at the beginning of April, but this whole pandemic started and it's just been out of this world. I'm considered essential, so I can't even take advantage of the lockdown, and then I got hit with bronchitis that laid me out flat for two weeks (yes, it was bronchitis, nobody panic), and as of now, I might be looking for a new job because my current one is temporarily closed due to a fire and I'm in limbo trying to get hours at a store that doesn't need the help.

So yeah, I think it's safe to say it's been a rough year for everyone. So here's a somewhat angsty chapter, but don't worry, if only Isabeau could read Salazar's mind (*smirks*). And thank you everyone for sticking with me during this unwitting hiatus. It might be a bit of a while before my next update as well, but rest assured, I haven't abandoned this story. Just a lot of other stuff is sucking up all my desire to write. But thank you again for your lovely reviews of last time, and for everyone that popped in to make sure I'm still alive. ^.^

(To put a face to the name, look up Alfonso Herrera, and that's who I imagine Ramirez looks like. Also, I can't remember if I said, but Lady Delagio would be a dead ringer for Catherine Zeta-Jones)

Salazar seemed…different this morning. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but somehow, there was an intensity vibrating from his body, a concentration in his dark eyes. The iciness was gone, but the aloofness was still there.

I was so confused.

Shifting restlessly, my hands dug into swaths of fabric as I struggled to resist the urge to tear out of the dress chafing against my skin. It certainly didn't help my state of mind any as I gazed at the imperious figure standing across the deck.

I understood that the vulnerability from last night couldn't remain, that he needed to be Capitán Salazar while the Mary was docked. I even knew why he was behaving as if we were barely acquaintances, as if I was a stranger he'd met in passing a few times enough to know their name and face.

But what I didn't understand was that energy.

I tilted my head slightly as I stared, not worried about being caught. Salazar was busy talking with Curraré, Lady Delagio standing regally at his side.

The sight of her painfully reminded me that last night couldn't happen again. He wasn't mine to comfort.

But that raised its own questions, of why he'd been acting like he had. Everything up until the hug, I understood. Everything after, however, made me wonder.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear Reíno approaching until he stood next to me, the officer from before looming behind him.

"Ramirez, this is Señorita Isabeau Revanne. Blue, this is my cousin, Teniente Ramirez."

I jumped, sucking in a sharp breath in surprise before looking up at the man in question.

My first thought was that Reino's cousin was a very attractive man. Not the quiet handsomeness of Lesaro or the blinding intensity of Salazar, but in a more flashy, suave sort of way, a neatly trimmed mustache and beard emphasizing his good looks. My second thought was that he knew it too.

He flashed a wide grin as he took hold of my hand, confusing me for a second, before gently lifting it and giving me an Oscar-worthy smolder from under his lashes. "Such a pleasure to meet you, señorita."

With his Spanish-accented purr doing interesting things to my insides, he placed a light kiss on the back of my hand, beard slightly scratchy against my skin, then slowly let go.

Oh. So that's what the big deal is with the hand-kissing thing.

I blinked, trying to scramble together a few braincells to offer a coherent reply. It took me a second to unravel my tongue, but finally I was able to manage, "And you as well, Lieutenant."

It was certainly a good thing that Salazar had never done that to me except once, and with far more effect than the lieutenant.

Ramirez gave me a shortly polite bow in acknowledgement, his smile never wavering as he studied me with intense curiosity, his expression growing slightly mocking as he took in my less than flattering attire. "That is a…lovely dress, señorita."

I bit my tongue to hold back my initial response, and instead answered demurely, "Thank you, Lieutenant."

A few weeks ago, his interest would have sent me running for the nearest cover, but compared to another certain Spaniard's intensity, Ramirez was barely on the scale. Plus he was already displaying asshole behavior.

Still, there was something that seemed to lurk behind his devil-may-care demeanor. Something that didn't make me uneasy, but it made me feel like there was more to him than just flattery and a cocky grin. Him being a lieutenant in the Royal Navy didn't necessarily mean anything, as Lesaro had told me more than once that some of the higher officers had paid for their commissions instead of earning them, something that had led Salazar to despise many of his fellow captains as much as pirates.

I cocked my head slightly, eyeing him surreptitiously as he turned to murmur something at Reíno. I'd learned more about being able to recognize nuances in body expressions during my time aboard the warship, so I managed to catch the slight jolt of tension that tightened Ramirez's form at whatever Reíno said in response, but it was gone just as quickly.

"Pardon me, señorita, but you ripped out a man's throat with your teeth?"

Ah, so that's what he was asking about. I grinned at the man's openmouthed disbelief, making sure I pulled my lips back to display my sharp canines. "I did indeed."

Another good thing about having spent enough time around the Mary's crew was that I was able to adjust to their vernacular that I wasn't too worried about giving myself away on that front.

Still, I couldn't resist adding, "Was like biting a piece of steak."

My grin twisted darkly and became more of a baring of teeth as my mind flashed back to that nightmarish cell, and what would've happened.

Reíno glanced worriedly at me, but Ramirez merely watched me with a sharper gaze, reminding me that I was supposed to behave.

Suddenly, Reíno's name rang out in an achingly familiar baritone, the bite of command audible. Reíno glanced over at Salazar, then sketched a quick bow at me. "Un momento."

As soon as Reíno left, Ramirez dropped the veneer of polished naval officer and stepped towards me, a chilly look in his eyes as he loomed over me. "What game are you playing at with my cousin, Señorita Revanne?"

Having somewhat expected his change in demeanor, I lifted my chin, forcing myself to meet his gaze. I recognized that he was protecting his family, and I dropped my mask, letting him see everything I could show, and that I meant Reíno no harm. "No game, Lieutenant. Reíno is my friend. He has been since I was first brought aboard the Silent Mary."

Ramirez lowered his head, eyes locked on me as he hissed, "You fill his head with strange thoughts. You tell him fantastical tales that could be dangerous if heard by the wrong ears. You tell him of things that couldn't possibly be, and could get him tried for treason if he dared to repeat them."

I twitched, harshly reminded of this world I had been plunged in. Soon, I would be fully immersed in a society that did not tolerate women with a mind between their ears, and Ramirez was only the beginning.

Did I fight? Or did I fold? Where did I begin to give in? And what would I lose when I did?"

Unbidden, my focus flicked over to where Salazar stood, Lady Delagio still at his side, as he directed Reíno towards Lady BeKatt, who was standing with Curraré next to Lesaro.

So much had happened. So much had changed. I felt like I was standing in sand, waves sweeping the fine grains from underneath my feet and taking my balance with every ebb and flow. But since I'd woken up on la María, almost from the first time I'd met him, Salazar had been a steady, unyielding presence. Yes, intimidating, overwhelming, but he had done so much for me, had given me glimpses of the man underneath the uniform. The sly humor, the soft moments, the passion…

Even now, bruises still lingered under the collar of my shirt, an unfamiliar heat flickering to life under my belly whenever I let myself think about that moment in his arms, of his lips on mine-

I let my eyes fall shut, squeezing my eyelids against the burning sting.

A memory that would last me long into my solitary future. I was under no illusion that any other man would match up to the magnificence of El Matador del Mar, nor make the effort to understand the strange girl that didn't belong.

Pain lanced sharply under my breastbone and I sucked in a quick breath, pressing my fingers to the spot.

Unexpectedly, I heard Ramirez make a quiet noise of comprehension, and was afraid at what he'd seen on my face. For a moment, I'd forgotten the man was even there.

Wiping my face of all expression, I opened my eyes and turned back to the lieutenant…and folded. "I won't be here much longer, and I-"

My voice cracked and I cleared my throat before continuing, "I apologize for any trouble I might have caused. It was not my intention, and I will refrain from causing further trouble."

Ramirez's gaze snapped back to me, the warning look gone. In its place was something quieter and much more powerful in its somberness. "You speak properly, and yet…"

He tilted his head, his eyes flickering over my face. I met his gaze steadily, suspecting he was almost as perceptive as Salazar was.

After a moment, he inhaled deeply through his nose before saying, "I would not have you alienate my cousin, señorita. I imagine that would only backfire on the both of us, at this point."

I couldn't help a soft snort. "You're probably not wrong."

We both fell into silence to watch the other officers as they talked between themselves, the ladies standing next to them content to being ignored until they were addressed.

Would I be able to endure that? To force myself to conform to their standards?

Worries and doubts whirled and snapped at each in my mind, and underneath it all, a sharp pain in my chest threatened to steal the air out of my very lungs with each breath.

This is hell…They should have left me on the pirate ship…it would have been kinder.

Ramirez stepped closer, breaking my concentration. He didn't say anything, simply stood next to me.

I glanced up at his profile, curious as to why I didn't feel ready to crawl out of my skin with him being so close. His arm was practically brushing mine, and while I was uncomfortable, but I didn't feel the itch to regain my personal space like I would have thought.

It was unsettling, as he was a virtual stranger who had all but threatened me to protect his cousin five seconds ago.

Ramirez glanced down to see me studying him and he flashed me a quick grin, his face still holding a trace of that odd solemnity. "Reíno has told me – much, about you, Señorita Revanne."

My ears flexed back. I could only imagine what he'd told him. "Did he now."

Magda suddenly strolled by, glancing at us before his gaze flashed to me with a questioning look. I gave him a smile and shook my head slightly to say I wasn't in need of rescuing.

He nodded back, politely acknowledged Ramirez by his title, then continued on.

Ramirez inclined his head in response, watching the other officer for a second before musing, "He also told me how Capitán Salazar has been…affected, while you are on board."

It took a second for his words to sink in, and I grimaced mentally. "Of course he did…"

He lifted his head to continue observing the captains, adding, "Which surprised me, to see him accept Señora Delagio's company so quickly, if that were the truth."

I clicked at the back of my throat before I told him quietly, "That…would be my doing."

"Ah…I see."

We fell silent, the quiet cry of seagulls and the soft rush of waves a soft, soothing music to my ears, even as I found my eyes drifting back to Salazar's proud form towering over Lady Delagio's elegant figure.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Ramirez bent down to murmur, "What do you say that we…have a little fun at Capitán Salazar's expense?"

If that didn't ring warning bells, I didn't know what would.

Cringing, I looked up to see him grinning mischievously, the somberness now completely gone. The expression was so familiar that I thought it might be a good thing Magda and Ramirez weren't good acquaintances. I backed up a step, watching him warily. "What on earth are you talking about?"

Ramirez's grin only widened as he glanced at something behind me before focusing on me again. "I often find myself becoming bored at times like these, especially if I don't have my cousin to keep me company. What better way to entertain myself than to enjoy some amusement at your capitán's expense?"

I cocked my head, trying to figure out what was up with this man. He was devious, that much I could tell, but I couldn't comprehend what his plan was, and why he was involving me with it when he'd been dead set against me not involving myself with him and his family not a minute ago.

Or why he was trying to poke the sleeping bull. "You mean, make fun of him?"

Ramirez quickly shook his head. "No no no, simply…a little taunting."

Narrowing my eyes, I thought I was beginning to understand. Still, I wanted complete clarification. "What exactly does playing with a man like Capitán Salazar entail?"

He inclined his head in acknowledgement. "That, señorita, is the correct question."

Straightening, he glanced over my head again and his mouth twitched as if he was resisting the urge to smirk again.

Twisting slightly, I could make out that Salazar was in his line of sight, but the older man was speaking with Curraré, not even looking in our direction. In fact, no one was paying attention to us, so who was Ramirez sneering at?

"What do you say?"

Turning back to see Ramirez waiting for my answer, I went to cross my arms over my chest before remembering that that wasn't done and tucked my hands in my pockets instead. "You didn't answer my question. And why are you trying to goad Salazar? Boredom I understand, but surely there's less…dangerous ways to amuse yourself than needling el Matador del Mar."

Something flickered across the man's face, a slight widening of his eyes as if he realized something when I said Salazar's title, trying to emphasize how idiotic this idea was. Then he began to smile.

It was a smile that did not bode well for anyone involved in his future plans.

Where is Reíno when I need him?!

I took another step back, not knowing what I'd gotten myself into. I didn't want anything to do with Salazar just yet, still needing to let my wounds heal, and the expression on Ramirez's face said he was about to make the older man's blood pressure climb sky high, using me in the process.

The lieutenant spread his hands in a gesture of harmlessness that almost made me snort. "There are indeed, but alas, old warhorses become dull and plodding in their advanced age. They need to be kept on their toes, else they become stagnant. What better way to do that then to see how a certain capitán would react to…particular situations?"

If I wasn't wary before, I certainly was now.

Taking another step back, I said, "I'm not sure how much Reíno knows, but I am not in Salazar's good graces right now. Not to mention-" Pain lurched in my chest and I hiccupped to a halt. Images surged in my mind and I instantly squeezed my eyes shut to try and block them out.

The stinging grew stronger until a large hand gently clasped my shoulder, jolting me out of the vicious circle of my thoughts.

Looking up through a teary blur, I saw Ramirez watching me carefully as he dropped his hand, his brow furrowing as his eyes flicked between mine. Sympathy and understanding filled his expression for a long moment.

Finally, he said quietly, "I do not know what happened, but I can recognize the pain of a broken heart."

I wheezed a choking laugh and quickly turned away to face over the railing, hoping to be able to squeeze the tears back. "Want know the best part? It's entirely my fault."

I quickly wrestled my rampant emotions under control. I'd cried enough, and it never helped anything.

"Knowing what kind of man Capitán Salazar is, I highly doubt that."

That drew a watery snort, then I sighed. "At least we've apologized to each other. Wait. Why am I telling you this? I don't even know you!"

My indignant glare was enough to make Ramirez smirk before all remaining stiffness in his posture drained away and he leaned back against the railing. "I can see why Reíno is so protective of you."

Wiping off the moisture clinging to my eyelashes with an irritated swipe of my hand, I muttered, "Because I'm a pathetic watering pot?"

"Because you are different."

I froze, suddenly frightened by the calm certainty in those words. Oh. Shit. "I don't know exactly what Reíno told you but-"

"But there are many you would be right to be wary of," Ramirez cut in. "Curraré is not someone I would tell any of your – stories to, but he trusts Capitán Salazar's judgement all the same. I nonetheless have concerns, but I also know my cousin. He would not spread your stories to those he did not trust, and-"

He suddenly broke off and I turned slightly to see what had caused him to abruptly straighten from the railing, tension rigid in his posture as he snapped back to the commanding naval officer persona.

With a choked gasp, I instinctively took a step backwards as another officer passed by, the familiar sneer of Casillas making my chest squeeze tight as he changed direction to saunter closer.

To my shock, Ramirez stepped forwards, angling himself in front of me as the other officer ground to a halt, glaring up at the lieutenant.

Ramirez coldly stared right back. "Do you have business with the señorita?"

Apparently, even with his concerns about me, he wasn't going to leave me undefended, for which I was both surprised and grateful.

"Not quite." Casillas's sneer stretched wider as his reptilian eyes darted to me. "I would simply offer the teniente the suggestion that the señorita is not worth his…gallantry."

There were several insults in that sentence from what I gathered, but I couldn't make out all the nuances of them.

Ramirez, however, apparently could. His back seemed to become even straighter, a darkness in his face that had been missing when he'd been intimidating me. Flicking a hand, he dismissed Casillas's words with a deceptive casualness. "Does your capitán know of your poisonous tongue? Or shall I tell him - personally?"

Eyes narrowing at the coolly threatening words, Casillas curled his lip in disdain before giving a mocking bow and departing. Ramirez watched him leave with a hard stare, one hand resting loosely, yet meaningfully on the hilt of his rapier.

"Did he ever touch you?"

The sudden iciness in my lungs thawed at his quietly serious tone and finally able to breathe normally, I stared at Casillas's retreating form as I stammered, "N-no. He almost…did - once, I-I think, but Magda…"

Ramirez made a grunting noise in his throat, his posture easing slightly as Casillas disappeared from view. "I will not mention anything…specific, if that is what you wish. But Capitán Salazar would do well to be aware of a serpent in his midst."

I shivered, not wanting to think of what might've happened if Ramirez hadn't been there. I hadn't seen Casillas since the infirmary, but still… "Thank you."

Seeming almost surprised as he glanced back at me over his shoulder, he turned to face me, his posture softening to open congeniality. "It is what any true gentleman would have done."

Something about his words clicked and I blinked up at him in realization. Though wary of me, Ramirez had still moved to shield me from a threat, simply because it was what should be done.

It felt strange, but Ramirez seemed much more similar to Reíno than a mere cousin. If I hadn't known specifically otherwise, I would've sworn they were brothers.

And it reminded me of how grateful I was that almost all of the men I'd met so far in this century were ones that were honorable and trustworthy. I wasn't foolish enough to not recognize how rare that was.

"My misgivings aside, I trust my cousin, Señorita Revanne," Ramirez said, his gaze centered on my face. "And while I do not know you, I know Reíno trusts you. While one might consider him naïve, I do not. And if he trusts you, then I shall endeavor to do so as well."

For what felt like the first time in forever, but logically I knew was only just yesterday, I genuinely smiled, shoving Casillas out of my mind.

Despite the mischief I saw, anything Ramirez had planned towards Salazar wouldn't be malicious, nor would it put me in danger.

"Alright then, Teniente Ramirez." I took a deep breath, then asked, "How exactly do you intend that we tickle el Matador del Mar's temper?"

Ramirez slowly smiled back, a bright, warm smile with just a hint of mischief. "Oh, this will definitely be entertainment like no other…"

To my dismay, he planned on making Salazar jealous.

I balked instantly.

After my explanations of the Spaniard and Lady Delagio fell on deaf ears, I tried to apply logic. Which was met with equal disregard.

"By no means meaning any offense, but you are not completely privy to how a man's mind works, señorita. I am. Now, trust me."

That earned a snort of disbelief, but I gave in. He'd realize his efforts were in vain soon enough. Salazar wouldn't rise to the bait, no matter how hard Ramirez tried.

I told myself that the thought didn't hurt, but I knew that was a lie.

Figuring he wasn't doing any harm with his wasted attempt, I let Ramirez carry on with his plan, even as I knew it wouldn't do any good. But to my surprise, the charmingly brash, yet polite Spaniard did no more than ask me questions about myself that I had to think quickly in order to safely answer.

Luckily, I was able to quickly steer the conversation towards him and Reíno, using the opportunity to learn more about my friend and his family.

He was relaying one particularly hilarious story about a young Reíno being a terror to his sisters when he suddenly paused, his gaze lifting to something over my head.

Curious, I turned to see Salazar staring at the both of us, Lesaro standing next to him.

Seeing that he had our attention, the captain lifted his hand and beckoned with a finger.

I flexed my ears back, suddenly nervous, especially when I saw that Curraré and Lady Delagio were also looking in my direction. What did he want from me?

A sudden movement out of the corner of my eye made me start before I saw it was merely Ramirez extending his arm for me to take. "Shall we see what Capitán Salazar wishes of us?"

I swallowed nervously, but slid my hand around his arm. "Probably nothing good."

"Do not be so certain. Come, señorita."

It felt more than strange to feel nothing between my legs as I walked, but Lesaro had warned me this morning that I would more than likely find myself in a dress shop at some point, so I had taken off my underwear, just in case it would be seen.

Now though, I wrinkled my nose as my thighs rubbed together, uncomfortable with the feeling of nakedness, even though everything was covered.

God, I hate 18th century dresses. I guess I should just be grateful I'm not in a corset.

The shoes Lesaro had somehow produced were equally uncomfortable, pinching my toes and chafing against my skin with every step, which made me wish for a pair of sneakers like nobody's business.

The only upside to this wardrobe nightmare was that the dress had pockets. Very nice ones. I had been pleasantly surprised by that discovery.

It took no time at all before I was standing in front of Salazar, shifting anxiously as I struggled to keep my voice even as I greeted him.

He politely tilted his head in response, his eyes revealing nothing as he met my quick glance before I looked away to see Lady Delagio staring at me.

I flexed my ears back, disliking the woman even more.

"So you are Miss Isabeau Revanne." Lady Delagio looked me up and down, carefully scrutinizing my appearance, and I could tell by the look on her face that she was less than impressed. "We'll need to find something more flattering to your…attributes, my dear."

I resisted the urge to smirk, even as I was grateful she was polite about my body style. I knew that with the bindings on my breasts made it seem like I was very flat-chested. That and with the particular trend of willowy body types for the time period, I was considered extremely unfashionable.

Salazar tensed, as if preparing to jump down my throat if I snapped a less than polite response, but I merely gave her a politely acknowledging nod. "Thank you. I would appreciate that, Lady Delagio."

The smile she gave me in return seemed genuine, and I felt a little bad that I couldn't feel anything but dislike towards this woman. If Salazar hadn't been in the picture, it might was possible I could like her. As it was, it took everything I had to at least act cordial.

Lesaro suddenly stepped forward with a courteous air. "Perhaps Ramirez would be willing to escort the señorita, per your offer?"

If I hadn't been standing next to Salazar, I would have missed the slight twitch in the captain's empty hand. But Lady Delagio didn't seem to notice the sudden tension that thickened the atmosphere, even as I wondered as to what had caused it.

"A superb idea!" With a bright expression, she turned to Ramirez, who straightened imperceptibly at her focus, and said, "Would you be so kind as to escort Miss Revanne to the dressmaker's? Do not feel the need to rush, though. There is much I need to discuss with the woman before she begins."

Ramirez shot a glance at Salazar, who merely inclined his head in assent, his expression dark and unreadable.

Unable to keep quiet any longer, I spoke up. "Lady Delagio?"

The woman looked back at me from where she'd turned back towards Salazar. "Yes, Miss Revanne?"

I was careful to ignore the man standing tall next to both her and I. "Thank you for helping me. I very much appreciate it."

And I did. I didn't have to like it, but her help would make it easier for me to camouflage myself.

Emerald eyes peered into mine unblinkingly, much like a cat gazing at something fascinating, before she finally blinked, leaving me feeling slightly off kilter and faintly unnerved.

"You are quite welcome, Miss Revanne. I look forward to speaking more with you later. I have a feeling that there a great many things one will find fascinating about you." The smile she gave me was similar to the one she'd given Salazar when she'd first come aboard the Silent Mary, all mysterious and knowing.

I shook my head faintly before looking up at the imposing presence next to Lady Delagio, jolting in surprise to see that dark gaze focused solely on me. I shoved aside his strange behavior to ponder later, when I wasn't the center of attention. "Permission to disembark, Capitán?"

A dark gleam flashed in his eyes and was gone. "Permission granted, señorita. Ramirez."

The lieutenant stepped forward to my side instantly. "Capitán."

"Señorita, un momento, por favor." Lesaro tilted his head for me to follow him.

I gave a polite smile towards Ramirez before stepping over to Lesaro, curious as to why he was leading me out of earshot of the others. "Lieutenant?"

Lesaro stopped and turned to face me, a whole range of expressions flowing over his face before settling into one too complex for me to decipher. "Isabeau, do not leave the teniente's side. He will keep you safe. There is a hotel that a few of the officers will be boarding at tonight. If you wish, I can also purchase a room for you as well."

The thought of being on solid land was both exciting and frightening. To my dismay, I found myself dreading it more so than looking forward to it. To be on dry land signaled more than just solid ground.

It was the end of so many things.

"You may return to la María tomorrow night, if you wish."

My eyes snapped to Lesaro's face at his soft words. "You're staying?"

He smiled faintly. "It will take more than one day to repair and resupply, much as el capitán wishes otherwise. Three days at the most, if not more. A larger port would be more efficient, but alas, we must make do."

The relief I felt was staggering. I didn't have to say good-bye just yet.

The thought made me realize something even more upsetting.

I don't want to say good-bye at all.

My eyes began to burn and I blinked furiously, fighting to keep from dissolving in tears right on the spot.

A soft touch brushed against my hand, making me sniffle and lift my head to see Lesaro's sympathetic gaze locked on my face.

"Do not worry about what the future brings, señorita. For now, merely enjoy your time spent off a warship filled with too many men."

I gave a watery laugh, then sniffled again. "Will do, Lieutenant."

He nodded in approval as I inhaled with more steadiness, then pulled something out of one pocket. "A purse with some spending. Ramirez will assist you. Now go. Enjoy."

His gaze flicked over my shoulder before he added, "And prepare yourself."

Confused, I opened my mouth to ask him what he meant, but didn't get the chance as he clasped my arm and led me back over to where the others still stood, Salazar and Ramirez talking rapidly to each other in Spanish.

Salazar's head reared up as we approached, but he still didn't say anything to me.

The loss throbbed painfully in my chest, but I ignored it. He would be leaving soon anyway. It would be best to start distancing myself now.

I ignored the little voice laughing at my own lie even as I accepted Ramirez's arm, feeling like I was Alice stepping into the rabbit hole as I was led away from the man who possessed my heart, yet would never love me in return.

Good-bye, Armando.

Yes, Isabeau, prepare yourself. You think you're saying goodbye? Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that. Keeeeeep telling yourself that, and see what Salazar has to say about that. *grins*

Don't worry, Lesaro won't be the only one exasperated by these two before we're done. Poor Salazar... Did he know what he was getting into?