Destiny - Vmin

36. Boto

Pablo walked along the beach in the mid-morning, the meticulously planned details of his trip reflected in his elegance. He was impeccably dressed, holding a small sack of pearls in one hand and several others hidden in his clothing. The fresh breeze on his face brought a revitalizing sensation, and his eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and fascination, capturing every detail around him. His exotic beauty and confident expression did not go unnoticed, drawing the attention of several beachgoers with whom he conversed and gathered information.

It was then that, in the distance, a young woman caught his attention. She was accompanied by some young men, but that was no obstacle for Pablo. With a carefree smile, he approached her, intrigued and enchanted by the natural ease she exuded.

Liliana was helping her brothers prepare for a fishing trip, an activity that served as both a source of income and food. Her sun-kissed skin complemented her curly hair, tousled by the wind, and it took her a moment to notice the young man approaching.

When she finally lifted her gaze, she found herself staring at Pablo, who stood out among the other beachgoers. Something about him seemed familiar, as if she had seen a cousin of a friend or something similar.

— Hello, beautiful lady. Would you be able to give me some information? — Pablo asked in a calm voice.

Before Liliana could respond, her older brother stepped between them, observing Pablo with a cautious expression.

— Unfortunately, she cannot — the brother replied seriously. — It's not proper for engaged young women to talk to strangers. But if you need anything, you can ask me.

Pablo raised his eyebrows, surprised, but maintained his smile. He truly just wanted some information, but the young man's defensive reaction awakened his provocative side.

— Oh, so she's engaged to you? — Pablo asked, his tone slightly teasing. — No need to be so insecure. I only wanted some information about the royal family of these lands.

The other brother laughed, and Liliana rolled her eyes but responded with a smile.

— Actually, we're siblings. And honestly, we only know what everyone knows about the royal family. Nothing more than that — she explained, trying to ease the situation.

Pablo tilted his head, still curious.

— And what does everyone know? I'm new around here — Pablo insisted, a sly glint in his eyes. — And I will pay for the information. — With a theatrical gesture, he pulled a black pearl from the sack and showed it to Liliana.

Liliana hesitated, anxious. The idea of selling information about the royal family to a foreigner, even if it was just gossip, made her uncomfortable. But before she could respond, her youngest brother, always the most impulsive, grabbed the pearl and began talking, clearly enchanted by the opportunity.

— Well, the king has an heir, much loved by the people, you know? He inherited his mother's popularity — the brother said, examining the pearl closely. — But they say that the king wants to remarry his favorite concubine, who is pregnant.

Pablo raised an eyebrow, interested.

— Really? Palace gossip, huh? — he smiled, amused. — Well, if you have more of these stories, I might need more pearls here.

Liliana cast a reproachful glance at her brother, but the boy just shrugged, making it clear he was more than willing to continue the game. Observing the siblings' complicity, Pablo saw an opportunity to take the interaction further.

— How about this: if you can find me a place to stay for three days, with food included, the rest of the payment is yours — Pablo proposed, smiling as he showed the sack of pearls.