Bloody Love

Maria lifted her face, shielding her eyes from the midday sun with one hand. She gazed up at the tree, knowing that the person she sought was likely hiding on the highest branch, evading the work his family had assigned him.

“Jose!” Maria called out, stretching her hand towards the linden tree as she futilely shook its trunk. The tree didn’t budge, and neither did the branches. “Jose, come down!” she shouted again.

There was a rustling sound from above, but no further movement. The air was still, with only the occasional whisper of the wind.

“Jose, it’s me! Come down!” Maria shouted, lifting her long skirt to her calves and kicking the tree with enthusiasm.

“That’s not very ladylike!” came a teasing voice from the tree.

“You’re not exactly behaving like a gentleman either,” Maria retorted, straining to spot the man she was talking to, though her view was blocked by the leaves. “I ran into your uncle earlier! He’s looking for you!”

There was another rustle from above, and then something fell beside Maria, causing her to step aside. She wasn’t surprised. The “something” that fell—a young man about her age—often dropped down beside her in this manner. They were only a year apart in age. Jose, who had just turned 23 in August, was a year older.

“You mean Uncle Marco?” Jose asked, standing up and running his fingers through his wavy black hair. In his other hand, he held a thick book. “You didn’t tell him I was here, did you?”

Maria plucked a leaf from his shoulder. “I think he already knows.”

“Well, let him come find me himself then.” Jose flopped down onto the short green grass beneath them and dropped the book beside him. Maria followed suit, lying down next to him. This spot had been their favorite since childhood, cool and close to the lake. Just seven meters away, the clear blue water stretched out before them.

“I heard they’ve lined up quite a few girls for you.” Maria closed her eyes and nudged Jose’s arm, hoping he’d move to provide some shade.

“Yeah, girls who don’t even know how to dance.”

“No problem. You can teach them yourself. Isn’t it every man’s dream to train his future bride?”

Jose laughed. “I’m too lazy to even train myself.”

Maria smiled. “That’s true,” she said, nudging him harder as he refused to move. “Switch places!”

“You should be wearing a coat and more practical clothing, not a dress like that,” Jose grumbled, but he finally got up and switched places with her. “Where’s Susan? You came with her, right?”

“This dress doesn’t get dirty easily,” Maria defended, smoothing the fabric. “Susan? She’s at home. Why? Want to hang out with her?”

Susan was Maria’s maid and usually accompanied her everywhere. Jose gave Maria a mixed look. “If your father knew his daughter was meeting a man alone—”

“He’d scold me,” Maria interrupted, “but you’re Jose.”

“Am I not a man?” Jose asked with a touch of mock offense.

Maria laughed. She would never lie down beside just anyone. However, her family and Jose’s had been friends for a long time. Their relationship was more like siblings than ordinary friends. No one would say anything even if they were alone together.

“I usually go out without Susan, and you’ve never complained,” Maria added, smiling at Jose’s expression. “You’re just trying to change the subject. So, what do your girls look like? Pretty? I bet Uncle Marco picked out some beauties.”

“They’re not my girls,” Jose corrected with a grin. “Just average. They all have red hair. If I see any more redheads, I’ll go colorblind.”

“Nonsense!” Maria laughed. “But red hair suits you. That’s the rule—red hair should marry black hair.”

“What a silly tradition. Marrying based on hair color?” Jose glanced at the honey-brown-haired girl beside him. “And what about you? I heard your family received a lot of proposals this month.”

“Yeah, three so far. But, oh right, I didn’t come here to talk about that!” Maria sat up, her eyes sparkling. “I got an invitation to Sir William’s house!”

“You should probably discuss that with your female friends. Balls and parties aren’t exactly my thing.”

“That would give away that I like Sir William, wouldn’t it?”

“Isn’t that the point?”

Maria chuckled. "No way. The competition is too fierce.” She shrugged. “Besides, everyone’s focused on The Missing P. Grim news is everywhere. If I talk about Sir William, people might think I have no empathy.”

"Which you are. The heartles Princess of Bjork."

Maria pinched Jose’s arm, making him react with exaggerated pain.

Bjork, the city where they lived, was nestled between a dormant volcano and the sea. It was one of the autonomous regions in the Kingdom of Albion, with a Lieutenant Governor serving as the administrative head.

Since the last governor fell ill and passed away, Jose’s family had been managing the city from behind the scenes. The governorship remained vacant as the House of Lords and the House of Commons continued to debate Bjork’s status due to its importance as a port city.

Despite the chaos, Bjork had long been gripped by terror. Girls began disappearing without a trace—first two, then three. Eventually, even adults, regardless of gender, started to vanish. Investigations were conducted, but no leads emerged. The public speculated about human trafficking. As anxiety grew, a curfew was imposed, and police patrols were doubled after 5 p.m. This decision sparked some debate, but fear for their loved ones’ safety silenced most dissent.

“Where do you think they went? Were they really kidnapped to be sold?” Maria shivered, leaning back against the tree. She suddenly felt cold, as if someone were watching them with hatred, though no one else was in sight. “I once read about women being enslaved. They were tortured and rap—”

“Maria.” Jose rolled over, propping himself up on his elbows. His gaze softened. “Nothing will happen to you. I promise.”

“How sweet, Jose.” Maria smiled, her expression relaxing. “Wait, this isn’t what I wanted to talk about! You always change the subject! Sir William invited me to his party.”

“Which William are you talking about? The only William I know is old Billy the gravekeeper.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! How could you not know Sir William? The new guy who bought the old governor’s mansion!”

“Huh? That place was sold?”

Maria looked at her friend in surprise. “You didn’t know? Uncle Marco was right—you should be dragged into social gatherings.”

Jose laughed. “Who can catch me? I’d like to see someone chase down the master of escape.”

“That’s not something to be proud of, Jose.”

“I’m proud of my speed.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’ve shown off enough,” Maria said with a smile. “Now listen to me. Where were we? The mansion? Yes, I’ve been invited there tonight at seven. You don’t know about this, so you weren’t invited?” She looked disappointed.

Jose could see where the conversation was heading. “You want me to be your footman?”

“Escort!” Maria corrected. “You’re not tall enough to be a footman!”

“This not-so-tall guy is highly sought after by many women, you know.”

“Women after your wealth?” Maria teased but quickly regretted it.

The Argent family was one of the oldest and a cornerstone of the kingdom. Even though Jose was only the fourth son, many families were eager to propose matches, primarily seeking connections with Marquis Argent, Jose’s uncle.

Few people saw Jose for who he truly was, as he rarely appeared at social events. Instead of going to the capital to socialize, Jose preferred to laze around in Bjork. He never attended the Elite Gatherings, where the upper class networked and showcased their talents.

Jose quickly looked up, his eyes locking with Maria’s blue ones, startling her for a moment.

“Did you bring the invitation?”

“What invitation?”

“The invitation from Sir William. That’s what we were talking about, right?” Jose asked, puzzled.

“Oh? I—I did...” Maria pulled her purse onto her lap, reaching into one of its compartments secured with a pretty keychain. She carefully took out a thick piece of paper adorned with lace and gold lettering and handed it to her friend.

“Ah, I recognize this fancy invitation,” Jose said, nodding. “Sir William. No wonder the name felt familiar. After thinking about it, I remember—I got this invitation too.” He handed the paper back to Maria. “I can accompany you.”

“You were quiet because you were thinking?”

“Remembering,” Jose corrected.

“Were you listening to what I said earlier?”

“About what?” Jose tilted his head.

“Oh, never mind, it’s nothing.” Maria glanced over her shoulder but saw only green grass and a long path. No one else was in sight.

“What is it?” Jose pressed, curious. “You keep looking back.”

Maria had felt it again—the sensation of being watched with intense hostility. But she shook her head, feeling foolish. “It’s nothing.”

***