Part 10: Paranoia
Cesare woke by the faintest change of light in Lucrezia's chamber. It was only a few moments later, that he thought he better return to Charlotte before she'd wonder where he had been all night. Of course he had an alibi; he told her he was going to spend a good time with some companions, but really he rarely did that and it would be easy to guess the lie if he did not return to her soon. Lucrezia was still asleep by his side, with her blonde and curly hair like a glory behind her head on the pillow. She was his angel and he would treasure her forever. But now, he had to return to his wife. Cesare slipped out of her bed, dressed in silence and walked through the still quiet Vatican towards his chambers, which he shared with wife and child at the moment.
Charlotte was still asleep too, and Cesare settled down in a chair near the window, thoughtful. He had just recalled that Lucrezia never told him why she would not look at him yesterday. She said he would not be pleased, and soon after, she had mentioned that she wanted him by her side. Cesare had reminded her that he was there and had even shared that he'd be there more often very soon. But Lucrezia had not spilled a thing. She had distracted him with sweet kisses and words of God and love… which, to Cesare and to Lucrezia especially, was the same thing. Cesare lost his fate a good while ago, but apparently, Lucrezia still had hers; yet only when he was with her. And still she would not tell him why she would not look at him before. He sighed and heard Charlotte stir in her bed. She opened her eyes and gave Cesare a tired smile.
"Already awake, husband?" She asked, "Why not join me?" She lifted the covers and Cesare nodded quietly, shrugged his coat off, kicked off the boots and slipped into bed with her. He didn't really feel in the mood to slip more clothes off right now, since he just came from Lucrezia's bed. He looked at his wife… Charlotte was so different than Lucrezia. She was not Lucrezia, after all. Charlotte ran a finger over his cheek, "What worries you? Something you will share with me?" She arched a brow with a spark in her eye. But Cesare was not ready to be cheerful right now.
"It is not for you to worry about." Cesare hadn't even realized he looked thoughtful, but he must have, with her comment. The rumors were out in Rome, but he hoped Charlotte had not heard any of them, "You should worry about nothing but how to enjoy this day. I could take you to the countryside. I'm certain Louise would also enjoy the fresh air." He suggested and Charlotte nodded with a smile. Cesare was glad that he diverted her and he would continue to do so, to keep her mind off whatever was on his.
Meanwhile, Lucrezia had noticed that Cesare had left her bed; and he had left her chamber and her side. He was no longer here. First she sighed; displeased with the fact, but then she remembered his words from last night about Charlotte leaving. And she remembered all too well the conversation she had with Micheletto! She feared Charlotte might be dead by now and Cesare would most certainly not be pleased with it. He loved Lucrezia, but he also knew how important the alliance with France was. If it wasn't for that alliance, the Sforza bitch would never have been caught. And now it would all be ruined and all for nothing! Lucrezia rang for a maid to help her get dressed and soon she was walking through the Vatican, on her way towards Cesare's chambers.
She was told that neither he nor Charlotte was there. Even Louise was gone. And they said they could not tell her where Cesare and Charlotte were. She definitely thought the servants gave her odd looks and hurried away. Perhaps they wouldn't tell her because Charlotte was now dead and Cesare would not see her, because he was investigating how she died or he was angry with Lucrezia, because he suspected she was behind it? And it was his own former henchman who had taken care of it. How could she contact Micheletto and tell him it was all wrong and she regretted it? She didn't even know where he lived or how he watched her family… all she knew was he said he did it. Besides, would it even change anything to contact if, if Charlotte was already gone for good?
Lucrezia retreated to her chambers and spent most of the day on her own, worried and wondering why no news had reached her yet. She received a note from her mother, telling her that they would all meet and dine together tonight and that caused even more worry. Were they to discuss what to do next, now that the bond with France was broken? Lucrezia didn't want to find out. Perhaps she should return to her deceased husband's castle and hide there. She called a maid to get some help packing to leave.