Once ready, Francisco kissed Catalina on the forehead. "Be careful," he said. "All of London is a dangerous place, so always stay close to the servants. And remember what the officer said yesterday—don't leave the port area. I don't know how this city is laid out, but it's better to be cautious."
Catalina nodded. "Don't worry, I'll be careful. You should too—we still don't know exactly how the Crown sees us. It's best to stay cautious around the Spanish ambassador, in case he takes things personally."
Francisco agreed with a nod. He put on a thick coat, bracing for the cold London air, and stepped out of the cabin. Most of Ramiro's crew still didn't know Catalina was a woman; only Francisco's personal servants knew, as they had known her since childhood.
Outside the ship, Francisco paused to take in the city. The streets were uneven, crowded, and noisy. He took a deep breath—
