The Secret Borgia – Chapter 3 – Living on the Streets
Gabrielle lived two months on the streets well enough.
It was warm out and her body was swelling with her coming child. The church gave her food and she as able to rent a small room in the middle of town. Though it was a grade above the slums, it was home and she was comfortable. That said she wondered how she would fair when the weather turned with the drafty walls, thin blankets, and thin door.
The child coming was another matter entirely. The nuns had insisted a doctor examine her. She had become accustomed to the flea bites and lice that common and rich people alike had to deal with. They were worse in the part of town she was in, but thankfully her house was mouse and rat free.
She was walking home from the market when she noticed some thugs walking toward her. She moved down a different street and moved at her normal pace. She had no idea they were still trailing her until her basket was grabbed and her free arm twisted behind her almost painfully.
She gasped and whimpered. The thug looked at her. "Well, well, someone has been here all ready. Shame. Oh well. Won't be my bastard in there then." He said tossing her into an alley. She stumbled and fell hard to her hands and knees.
She looked up and the man hit her face stunning her. His buddies grabbed her arms and another grabbed her ankle. The thug leaned over her and touched her as she struggled. "It won't hurt if you just be still." He said.
He kissed her savagely and she tried to throw him off in a sudden panic. She could not have this happen again and this time with people she did not know. She already hated herself enough. She sobbed and the man slapped her.
"Shut it, bitch!" He growled moving her skirts up.
Suddenly he pitched to the side as a stain spread over his chest. She blinked stunned as the men holding her dropped her and tried to run, but the screamed as a sword cut into them, killing them. A face appeared over her.
It was a narrow face with quick eyes. The man was in yellow, orange, and brown clothing. His cowl was drawn over his head. He watched her a moment. "Are you well?" He asked softly. "Are you hurt?"
"I…" He looked her over and noted her condition. This was hardly the place for a woman who was pregnant and nearly raped.
He gently lifted her in his arms and nodded to the men with him as the made their way back to the La Volpe Addormentata or Sleeping Fox tavern and Inn. He laid her in a room that he saved for his friends and allies. She had lost consciousness along the way and he sent a thief to find a doctor.
Niccoló Machiavelli entered the room as La Volpe tender pressed a cloth to the girl's lip and head. "What happened to this poor child?" He asked.
"She was on the streets and some of the off duty guards wanted to sport with her." Volpe said shaking his head. He more grime he wiped from her face, the more he realized she was a lot younger than he thought. She had a couple of months of grim on her face. Once washed away she was actually beautiful despite the bruising that was spreading.
"Did they...?" Niccoló asked.
"No. I got to her in time." The thief leader sighed and looked down at her under the sheet. "But she does carry a child."
"So young to know such horrors of the world."
Niccoló lifted her small hand in his. "Her hands are dirty, but there are no marks of labor. She was not born to the streets."
"Courtesan?"
"No. She wears no make-up." He looked at the bruising on her body that was nearly faded along with the new. "She has suffered much in her life."
Volpe nodded. "Can you stay with her?"
"Of course friend."
The doctor came and Niccoló was seated at the girl's bedside. The doctor looked her over and bound her hurts. He looked up at the man near her. "Where did you find her?"
"She was found being attacked."
"She had suffered much in her life. The child will be coming within the month." He said.
Niccoló nodded and paid the doctor for his trouble.
ZzZ
The girl woke and whimpered.
Niccoló gently lifted a cup to her lips and lifted her head with his hand. "Drink, child." He said gently. "You have been unconscious for three days now. I was starting to worry for you."
"Who…where?"
"In time my dear." He said. "What is your name?"
"Melodie..." She said softly. It was her middle name. She could not say her real name lest this man know her and turn her over to her brute of a husband again.
He nodded. "You are safe here." He looked about. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes, sir." She said softly.
"My name is Niccoló child."
She nodded. "A pleasure." She said.
"Likewise, my dear."
Food was brought for her. Thick broth soup with meat and vegetables. Hearty and rustic. She tried to sit up eagerly, but Niccoló held up his hand and gently put a pillow behind her head lifting it. He then sat down beside her and lifted the spoon.
She took the mouthful and sighed in pleasure.
Niccoló continued to feed her. She was drowsy again and he gently eased her back to sleep again. He touched her younger face gently. So young.
ZzZ
The girl recovered well.
La Volpe, her host had been there often and he kept her safe. He told her to stay above the main floor. He would appear from nowhere when she stood on the balcony looking out over Rome. He really was a Fox.
The man knew much also, but he had no idea who she was and it seemed to bother him. Even so, he made sure she was well looked after.
She was walking in the upstairs part of the inn when she looked down at the people below. Her belly led her everywhere she went now. Several Courtesans were dancing on the wooden tables, the smell of pipe smoke, opium, and beer filled her nostrils.
She walked to the stairs, but the cloaked Volpe came to her. "Hello, my dear. Are you well?"
"Yes, thank you." She smiled. She caressed the swell of her belly and he noticed her turn away awkwardly.
"Are you in labor?"
"No, not yet, but it will be soon." She said. "I feel…off." She said.
He nodded and waved one of his thieves over. The thief dipped his head toward Volpe and at a few whispered words, looked at Melodie, and nodded. He turned and left. Volpe had a courtesan he believed was also with child and since the girl was acting different, he decided to have the doctor come. He could see to the other ladies as well while here.
ZzZ
The doctor arrived and confirmed the courtesan, Libby, was carrying a child. She was put on "light-duty" by Volpe, putting her as a waitress and barmaid. It would keep her safe and Volpe himself and the other thieves would make sure she went unmolested.
By the time he came to see Melodie, she was in labor. She was holding her stomach and gasping.
The doctor came to her. Midwives were hard to find in the areas of less repute in Rome and the doctor was one La Volpe trusted.
It took some hours, but a beautiful little girl with dark hair was born. Melodie forgot her hatred for her former spouse almost instantly when the doctor placed the baby on her breast. She was so perfect. After mother and child were washed and the linens changed, La Volpe and Niccoló, who had returned, entered the room.
La Volpe offered his congratulations and looked down at the tiny baby who was still tired enough not to wail or need to eat. He smiled. "May I hold her?"
"Of course." The girl said. She handed him the baby which he took and held gently in his hands rocking slightly to keep her drowsy.
Niccoló stepped forward. "You never stuck me as the family man type, Volpe."
"No, but there are plenty of children whom I foster to become my thieves." Volpe said.
Niccoló shook his head. "How are you Melodie?"
"Well. Thank you. Tired."
"Rest, child." Volpe told her.
"What do you call her?" Niccoló asked looking at the baby.
"I have not thought of a name."
Niccoló nodded. "Nelli." He said with a smile.
"Nelli?" Volpe asked.
Melodie yawned. "I like it."
Niccoló chuckled and looked at the dark haired newborn. "Nelli it is, little one."
