built by King Pedro the Second of Portugal. Some historians claim he had it built and named it in honor of his brother King Afonso who was paralyzed and died at the age of eleven. Others say he built it out of guilt after deposing Afonso and exiling him to the Azores while Pedro was acting regent.”
“Ooh—that doesn’t sound good.”
Lianor chuckled. “By the time my great-grandfather inherited it, the cost of keeping it up forced the family to turn it into a hotel so it wouldn’t pass from the D’Afonso line. Historians still argue whether it began through one of Pedro’s illicit liaisons with a courtesan. We’ll never know for sure.
“After our parents died at sea, Rafael was the one who made it into the prosperous resort it is today. Because of his genius, our family now owns half a dozen small castles and palaces in various parts of the country which have been converted into tourist resorts we call pousadas.”
To the average onlooker, the D’Afonso family would seem to be living a fairy-tale existence. But like all human beings, they had their own share of private tragedies to deal with.
“Did you ever ask your brother if you could manage one of them?” Mallory couldn’t help asking.
“No. I’ve always wanted to do my own thing.”
“We’re kindred spirits, Lianor.”
“I know. That’s what’s got Rafael worried.”
“Now you’re making me nervous.”
“Please don’t be. I’ll have you know he has made arrangements for you to stay in the best suite. Just last week it was occupied by the President of Mexico and his wife.”
Mallory shook her head. “I don’t want or need special treatment.”
“Maybe not, but you’re going to get it. I know how hard you’ve worked since law school. It’s time for you to be pampered, so sit back and enjoy it.”
A chuckle escaped Mallory’s throat. “When you put it like that…”
“Thank you for not arguing with me. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”
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