Returning to Mompox, Carlos was quick and efficient in mobilizing the servants to buy everything needed for a modest wedding.Francisco, meanwhile, spent his days preparing what he wanted to say—the vows, the promises—and debating whether he should warn Catalina in advance. He didn't want to catch her unprepared. In the end, he decided to invite her to dinner two days before the ceremony and ask her properly.
The timing was tricky—the full moon would fall on February 7th, and with that delay, they would probably have little time to enjoy their trip to Cartagena. They wouldn't arrive until late March, and May was said to be the best month for traveling. Four months at sea… just the thought made Francisco's stomach turn slightly. Still, he pushed those worries aside and focused on his decision.
"Call the innkeeper," Francisco told a servant. "I need to ask her something."
The servant nodded and went to fetch her. The air inside the house carried the faint scent of polished wood and drying herbs—a clean, simple fragrance that always reminded Francisco of Mompox.
When the innkeeper entered the room, she raised her eyebrows, surprised to find him waiting."Can I help you with something, young master?"
Francisco nodded. "I need to prepare a dinner—for tonight. I'm going to hunt some game in the forest nearby, but I wanted to ask if you could handle the rest?"
The innkeeper nodded. "We can. The price will vary depending on what ingredients the young master wants with his meat."
Francisco frowned slightly. "Can you make a stew? I'll bring the meat and buy black pepper myself."
"How many people should I prepare for?" she asked.
Francisco counted on his fingers. "My father, Catalina, and me. No one else. Seems our family isn't large enough for a proper feast," he said with a faint chuckle. The thought of a 'romantic' dinner that also included his father amused him, though he quickly brushed it aside. Two missing family members or not—it was still better than an empty table.
The innkeeper smiled. "Alright. You'll want a private room, I assume? Some candles, perhaps?"
"Please," Francisco nodded. "Also, some fruit, and fish if possible. You can buy it—I'll pay for everything. I want a full meal for three."
The innkeeper considered for a moment before saying, "If you'll allow me to give some advice, young master—I'd suggest buying the game instead. There are hunters in town who bring fresh prey every morning. Given your position, it's safer than risking your life."
Francisco smiled gently. "I want to hunt it myself. Not for money, nor for pride. But this dinner is important. If I can't even provide the main ingredient, I'd feel… useless."
The innkeeper shook her head, sighing. "In the end, that is pride. But fine. Go now, then, or we won't have enough time to prepare it."
Francisco nodded, then prepared his musket and informed his father of his intention to hunt the prey himself. Carlos was puzzled by his son's decision, yet deep down he understood — he had once felt the same for Anna.
Francisco called for his servants and ordered them to arm themselves as well. Mounting his horse, he rode out toward the forest beyond Mompox, his men following close behind. The cobblestones echoed beneath the hooves as they passed through the quiet streets, where the faint scent of river water and warm clay ovens still lingered in the air.
Behind him, someone watched with concern. Catalina frowned, murmuring to herself, "Where is he going—and armed, no less? Did something happen?"
She hurried to find Carlos. "Mr. Carlos, I just saw Francisco leave with a weapon. Did something happen?" she asked, worry clear in her eyes.
Carlos chuckled softly. "That boy is lucky to have someone who worries about him," he murmured before replying aloud, "Don't worry. He's gone hunting—for tonight's dinner. He wants the three of us to dine together, just us."
Catalina blinked, puzzled. "May I ask why?"
Carlos shook his head gently. "Sorry, kid. You'll find out tonight. I'd suggest wearing your best dress, though. Seems he's planning something important."
Catalina's eyes widened. Her heart raced as a strange intuition bloomed inside her. It's about us… it has to be."I need to find a dress!" she exclaimed, dashing upstairs.
After a moment's thought, she turned back and approached the innkeeper, who was already smiling knowingly."Could you help me choose a dress?" Catalina asked breathlessly.
"Of course, little miss," the innkeeper replied warmly, her smile widening as they both disappeared upstairs. The wooden floor creaked under their steps, and the faint scent of starch and lavender drifted from the drying linens.
Carlos shook his head at Catalina's sudden excitement and sighed. "They grow so fast," he murmured, half amused, half nostalgic.
He then stepped outside to continue preparing the things needed for the wedding, as well as to purchase a few items the church might require.
Meanwhile, Francisco and his two servants rode hard toward the forest. The air grew heavy and damp, the sound of insects rising in a steady hum. The sun hadn't yet reached its zenith, and heat shimmered above the earth road. The three riders looked fierce and determined, the kind of men who made petty thieves step aside.
"You are not to interfere with my hunt," Francisco said seriously. "Your only task is to protect me. If you see any prey, tell me—but I'll take the shot myself."
The servants nodded, though one of them hesitated. "Young master, why are you so intent on hunting this prey yourself? Even if you bought it, the dinner would still be the same, wouldn't it?"
Francisco took the lead, guiding his horse down the narrow path. "I'm not sure. I just… feel it. That the prey must be hunted by my own hands. Call it superstition if you want, but if I don't do this, I'll feel like I haven't earned what's coming next. Like I didn't put in enough effort."
The servant nodded slowly, half understanding.
Together, the three men disappeared beyond the treeline, where the shadows of the forest swallowed the last glint of sunlight from their rifles.