Chp 14

Cesare put Lady Isabella on her bed and he settled himself next to her. "Why are you being so difficult with me? I can walk", said Lady Isabella. "I told you, I don't want what happened in the past to happen again. I love you. You were so broken when we lost our child back then. I don't ever want to see you so broken like that", said Cesare. Lady Isabella smiled and gave him a kiss.

Outside, Juan, Mary, Lucrezia and Captain De Luca were eavesdropping. "So she was with child before", said Captain De Luca. "What happened?", asked Mary. "Her mother wrote to me, asking if I knew whether Bella has a lover or not, but I think she knew that it was Cesare. They were very young at that time, somewhere around 15 I think. When I came home one day, Bella was with child, around five months I think. Then, somehow, I don't know, she fell from a slope. Cesare, Juan and I were riding when we found her", explained Captain De Luca.

"I remembered that day. There was blood everywhere and we saw someone up the hill. Cesare rushed her to medics and he was told that Bella had a miscarriage. That night, I saw Cesare snuck out. Alberto and I followed him and he was beating the man that we saw up the hill. We heard the man confessed that he saw Bella picking out wild flowers and he…, tried to rape her, but Bella fought him and ran. She probably was afraid until she didn't notice the slope. Cesare stabbed the man over and over again to death", said Juan. "Bella was broken after that incident. They didn't see or talk to each other for weeks. Juan was annoyed when Cesare kept staring to emptiness whenever Juan asked him something. So, one day, we locked them in a room and they were arguing at first. Mostly, we can hear Bella crying and Cesare yelled at her, asking her why she was alone. Then, after a while, we peeked in and saw them hugging each other. They were ok after that", said Captain De Luca.

Then, the door opened and Juan, who was leaning by the door, fell backward. "Done eavesdropping?", asked Cesare. Juan gave him an impish grin. Then, Juan swept Mary off her feet and ran off. "Don't you two have something to do?", said Cesare, arms crossed. Lucrezia and Captain De Luca left with Lucrezia giggling. Cesare closed the door and settled back to the bed. Lady Isabella giggled. Cesare put his hand on her stomach and said, "I will keep you and your mother safe. I promise", and kissed Lady Isabella's stomach.

(Somewhere else)

Juan settled Mary and himself on the bed. "I feel bad for them", said Mary. "Father was angry, but I think father would've done the same if that were to happen to mother", said Juan. "Would you do the same if that happens to me?", asked Mary. "Me? I'd burn the man alive", said Juan. Mary rolled her eyes.

Mary laid her head on Juan's chest and snuggled herself. "If I had to go to England and I can't go back, will you come and get me?", she asked. "Even when the king sent you to the end of the world, I will follow and come and rescue you", said Juan and he kissed her temple. Mary tried to stifle a yawn, but failed. "Sleep, sweet dearest Mary. Dream of me", said Juan as he ran his hand through her hair. Mary went to sleep with a smile.

Later, Mary woke up due to a nightmare. She was sweating and still in her dress. Juan was not with her. Mary took off her dress and slipped on her robes. 'Where did Juan go?', she wondered. Then, speaking of the devil, Juan entered the room. "Are you alright?", he asked as he saw Mary was sweating and looking slightly pale. He cupped her face and kissed her. "I had a nightmare. That's all", said Mary, "Where did you go?". Juan gave her a piece of letter and Mary read it. "An invitation to King Henry and Queen Jane's wedding celebration?", Mary was confused. One moment her father had Juan beaten up and now inviting the Borgia to his wedding celebration.

"He needs to see a physician", said Juan. "I'm sure this is the queen's doing", said Mary. "I'm sure I will get myself shot when I step foot at the docks", said Juan, sarcastically. Mary smiled as she rolled her eyes at her husband.

(The next morning)

After breakfast, everyone gathered at the study. "I'm confused, Antonio", said Rodrigo as he went through the letter again. "As Mary had said, this has probably Queen Jane's doing. She wants Mary to reconcile with the king I presumed", said Lord De Luca. "Should we even go?", asked Cesare. "The boys will march up to Forli and renegotiate with the Sforza, while Antonio will take the girls to England for the celebration", said Rodrigo.

Cesare was uneasy with Rodrigo's decision. He took Bella for a walk at the town. "I want you to take Micheletto with you", said Cesare. "Cesare, I can take care of myself", said Lady Isabella. Then, Cesare grabbed her arm and pulled her to an empty alley and pinned her to the wall. "Please, Bella. Don't argue", said Cesare. He kissed her softly and said, "I will not forgive myself if anything happens to you. Take Micheletto with you because I am feeling very uneasy with father's decision". She kissed him back and said, "Only if you promise to come back safe and one piece. I don't one your reckless brother and that idiotic cousin of mine to cause your death". Cesare chuckled and kissed her forehead before heading back to the house.