Chp 11

"We can have the wedding now and the celebration feast later", Rodrigo suggested. "Should at least prepare?", asked Juan. "Perhaps, but we can just simply declare you husband and wife. Cesare can perform the ceremony and we will do another publically", said Rodrigo. "I'm already wearing my cardinal clothes and we all can just do it here", said Cesare.

"Can I have Eustace to give me away?", asked Mary. "I would be honoured to, Lady Mary. Vannozza was already crying. Cesare led the ceremony and Juan used the promise ring that he gave Mary. Juan and Mary recited their vows and Cesare said, "I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Brother, you may kiss your bride". Juan gave her a long passionate kiss. Everyone congratulated them. "Your mother would be very proud of you, Lady Mary", said Eustace as he kissed Mary's forehead. "Thank you, Eustace", said Mary with a smile.

"Now, let the couple be on their way. Cesare, Antonio and Alberto, do you mind staying? I have business to discuss here. The rest, you may be dismissed", said Rodrigo. Juan swept Mary off her feet and made a mad dash to his room while the others laugh at how impatient he is.

(Juan's room)

Juan placed Mary on his bed and she was still in her dress. "We should start by getting off these dreadful clothes", said Juan. "Careful, my lord, you are still recovering", said Mary as she placed her hands on his shoulders. "I will and I shall be careful with you as well", said Juan as he untied the strings that held her dress while Mary was struggling to undo the strings of his coat.

Once all the clothes have been discarded, Juan hovered on top of Mary, to marvel the beauty that he had. He kissed her gently and said, "All mine. I love you, Mary". "I love you too. Make love to me", said Mary and they spent their wedding night in each other's arm.

(The next day)

Juan woke up with Mary's head on his chest. He ran his hand through her curls and she stirred a little. Mary woke up and turned her gaze to Juan. "Good morning, wife", said Juan. "Good morning, husband", she said. He kissed her nose and said, "We are expected at the table, but I'm sure they can go on without us". Mary giggled as Juan kissed her lips.

At the table, Mary and Juan were missing but that was understandable, but Lucrezia and Captain De Luca were missing as well. "Antonio, I never seen your son miss any course of meal", said Rodrigo. "True, although he did said something about early morning training", said Lord De Luca. "But where's Lucrezia?", asked Rodrigo, but Vannozza just shrugged.

Back at Juan's room, Juan was tying up his trousers while Mary was still lying on the bed, only covered by the duvet. "Do you really need to go?", Mary asked. "Alberto is one of my oldest friends, but I still don't trust him with my army. We'll have lunch and go for a horse ride later, alright?", said Juan as he kissed her. Mary pouted and said, "But you're still recovering and what should I do when you're gone?". "No need to worry of me. Think of me while I'm gone, my love", he said.

He put on his under shirt and coat on before fastening his sword. Mary blew him a kiss and Juan gave her a wink before leaving. Mary was putting on her robes when Vannozza came in. "How are faring, my daughter?", Vannozza asked. "Extremely well", Mary answered. Vannozza smiled as she was pleased with that answer. "Come, let us pick your dress for the day", said Vannozza.

(Later)

Juan came back with Captain De Luca carrying him. The captain put Juan on his bed and said, "Either you stay in bed or I will have to tie you to the bed". Juan chuckled and said, "You sound like an old hen". "Good day, my lord", said Captain De Luca as he bowed before leaving. Mary shook her head as she saw her husband's condition.

"Well, you should've stay in bed", said Mary. "What will I do then?", said Juan. Mary gave him a playful look and shrugged. Juan laughed at her and kissed her.

(Somewhere else)

Lucrezia intercepted Captain De Luca at the stable. "Alberto, I can't do this. I can't keep up with this pretence anymore! Why can't we be married like Juan and Mary?", said Lucrezia. "This is political marriage and I hate it as much as you do, but there's nothing we can do", said Captain De Luca, sadly.

"But I don't want this! I want you!", said Lucrezia. "Hush, do you want the whole Rome to hear? Cesare and Juan will kill me", said Captain De Luca. "I love you", said Lucrezia. Captain De Luca kissed her and said, "I love you too, Lucrezia, but we're not the only ones in this matter. Have you seen the look on Cesare's face whenever Bella is around? They suffer more than us".

"But it is a sacrifice we made", said Lady Isabella, startling her cousin and Lucrezia. Next to her was Cesare. "Cesare, hear me out", pleaded Captain De Luca. "I understand, Alberto. We all are stuck in this situation", said Cesare. "Except Juan and Mary", Lucrezia mumbled quietly. "Do you really think Juan and Mary are safe as they are? If King Henry fails to produce any heir, the next person likely on the throne would probably be Mary herself. Do you think she would want that?", said Lady Isabella.

"Cousin, please tell me is there a way out?", said Captain De Luca. "We'll see how this will play out. Don't tell me Lucrezia is saving her maidenhood for an old man when she already gave it to you", said Lady Isabella. Captain De Luca blushed and smiled coyly. "But what about you two?", said Lucrezia. "We play this game and see how it will go", said Cesare. After a moment of silent, Captain De Luca asked, "You're still a virgin right?". Lady Isabella groaned in annoyance and left, followed by Cesare, who was trying to hide his snickering due to Captain De Luca's remark and Lucrezia laughed whole heartedly.