The Miracle of Monteriggioni

Uno

Cristina Vespucci brushed through her dark hair. The year was 1483, and she was eagerly awaiting the return of her husband, Manfredo Soderini. She had been married, notice not happily, to the ex-gambler for four years now. Four years of un-passionate, lifeless marriage to a man who she didn't love.

It had all started when she met Ezio Auditore. Although she almost made the worst mistake of her life by not giving him the second chance, their loving relationship blosoomed. She could still hear him whispering 'Mio Amore' in her ear as they made love. That sent chills down her spine as she thought of it.

But, as fast as their romance flourished, was as fast as it died. After the Auditore family was framed for tyranny, Ezio had to leave Florence with his sister and mother. He had asked her to go with him, and Dio, she had wanted to. But, she couldn't leave her family. That was her mistake. And he was gone.

Cristina heard a commotion downstairs, and she glanced at the door. It sounded like Manfredo was home. His explanations as to why he always out late were starting to grow even poorer by the day. The door was thrown open and the smell of strong alcohol filled the room.

"Bastardo,"Manfredo murmured as he kicked his boots off. Cristina stood and looked at him, as their eyes met, Manfredo grinned, "mio amore, come here." She could have sworn his stench grew as she got closer. She hated when he was drunk. But tonight was the worse it had ever been.

Manfredo pulled her close, pushing her dress sleeves down. Her hands went to stop him, and he slapped them away, "shh mio amore, relax." He told her. Cristina shook her head, "No, Manfredo, I'm tired."

The rest of the night continued with her desperately trying to get her husband off of her. He yelled and even hit her a few times. As she laid there, craddled in the blankets – she decided it was time for her to put an end to this.

The next day, while Manfredo went to 'work', Cristina had her horse readied for a little trip to Monteriggioni. Cristina chose to wear her favorite gold with burgandy dress today, accompanied with a hood to hide her face. She was gathering some foods for her horse as she heard some men talking, "The bastardo Manfredo owes the Templars money. But he keeps going back to gambling. Idiota. He'll get himself killed."

Cristina kept her head down, lucky enough for her she had the hooded dress on to hide some brusies Manfredo had given her the night before. As the two men left she paid for some carrots and apples before getting back into her carriage.

"Signore, please get me to Menteriggioni più velocemente possibile." She exclaimed to the driver. It wasn't to far, and she really needed to talk to Ezio's uncle, Mario Auditore. Cristina knew he was the one who trained Ezio into the man he was four years ago. She knew he could help her, and maybe explain what her husband was getting them into.