part one: chapter eight: the noble assembly
Alex,
You do know I hold a great sentiment to you and, despite your consistent insistence on denying it, I do care about your wellbeing. And as the news about your engagement travelled here as well (and I take offence to the fact that I was not informed about it personally, considering our history) I took seriously your request about issuing the warning to the friend of your fiancé. It did cause a bit of trouble as doing so without being discovered was problematic, I managed to do a splendid job. I am quite certain the man hasn't figured out where the warning came from and I do want to keep it that way, mind you. There are some people here already suspicious about my acquaintances. If they discovered me taking interest in someone not even close to entering the Court, some questions can be raised.
So for Goodness sake, do something about that man, as he definitely did not take the phrase "for some time" too seriously and is already asking around. I can extend a warning to him once again, but it is beyond my reach to stop the people from observing him and having someone looking into him and his past. I am quite certain they already discovered his connection to Vongola and, by extension, to you at this point.
There is seriously a better way to look into the matter. We have been trying to find out more about it as well, but we do stay covered about it – considering the people the issues concerns, it is pure stupidity and idiotism to make oneself known around for actually asking about it.
I am taking the matter in my hands again, mostly to have you owe me a favour in the foreseeable future, but also from the sheer worry of you. If he reaches a certain circle, even your father's name may not be able to protect you from the repercussions of the actions.
There has been a lot going on lately. I can't really disclose too many details in the letter, even with the secure delivery - I trust all of my people, but it is still better safe than sorry. And we are going to discuss your engagement, sooner than later. It has been far too long for you to not come to the Capitol – it is the longest you have been away ever since your first holiday at Mia's. We all miss you here. I am becoming worried that once you are married, I will no longer have a possibility of seeing you here and you know just how hard it is for me to move from the Capitol with no prominent reason. I really don't want to see that happen.
Write me back – I got your new address from the soldier delivering the previous letter and I am still fuming over the fact you did not inform me about it yourself. Has the man taken over your mind completely? It's not like you. I want to know everything about him. And keep in mind I will find it myself if you refuse to tell me more.
Yours,
A.
TOWN GRAVEYARD, JANUARY 1600
The days following the discovery of Violet Valonte were dark and gloomy, the event impacting all the inhabitants living in the Town and its surrounding areas, whether they personally knew the family or not. The vehement torture inflicted upon the innocent girl shook everyone to the core, occupying the minds and conversations of all. The usual light and positive atmosphere following the New Year Eve celebrations was gone and even Filipa Allegri wasn't able to muster enough joyous mood to perform the duties of the Lady of the House during the Banquet to the best of her abilities, as she had usually done - especially considering the significantly small amount of guests, as most Houses decided against the grand ball in the light of the tragedy, not in the mood to do so. Vongola House, to Alexandra's silent approval, had opted to stay at home as well, instead celebrating the event in their own company.
The thorough investigation was launched, by both the officials of the Town and the family who reached out to all known associates who could support them and had any means necessary to help. The Carlevaro House was included, prompt to the request sent by the Lord of the Valonte House, their skills more than desired in the situation. The hesitance in doing so during the absence of Francesco had been noted by the Council, though no one in the Carlevaro Residence picked it up, not wanting to openly criticise and doubt Gabriel's ability in the area he was meant to inherit. While the authorities would never admit it openly, they were more than relieved to have the support - one which included the source of money that was often necessary - even if it was a House of Mafia. No one spoke about the suspicions and dislike the detectives had for the Organisation, the shady and questionable actions of its members often causing the outrage, not wanting to cause any dispute or pay disrespect to still the Noble Houses of their town. It was one thing to silently admit the existence of Mafia and fuming about the way it turned out to be, and the other to openly throw accusations while not having any actual proof - because out of all their abilities and influences, the Mafia was good at hiding their tracks well enough when they wanted.
In other times, they solved the matter with money and violence.
Alexandra shivered in the cold wind that blew through the cemetery, though she wasn't certain whether it was caused by the freezing air or by the sound of broken cries of the grieving mother that could be heard even despite the loud voice of the Parish performing the funeral. The woman looked like a shadow of herself, her face sunken and eyes shadowed and shining with the pain she had been suffering ever since the passing of her daughter had been discovered. While her husband had been active in the days following it, present either at the station or at the Carlevaro House to help in any way with the progress of the investigation, it was done mostly to occupy himself with anything that could give him the strength to enter a new day with any energy and motivation - and to be able to support his wife, who was in desperate need of that in her grieve and suffering.
The pain of a mother losing a child was incomparable.
She winced at the sound of ground hitting the wooden lid of the coffin, the finality of it resounding through her body and soul, engraving itself in her memory. The family had omitted the tradition of saying the last farewell by the open coffin, considering the state Violet had been found in - the mother wanted everyone to remember her daughter just like she had been in her daily life, instead of the broken body they had unwillingly witnessed in the full display on the street, the sick mind of the person behind it robbing the family of the possibility to have a more cheerful last memory of their lost loved one.
And while the memories of the happy events would most definitely bring the momentary joy to them, they would always be shadowed by the unforgettable sight, staining it and taking away the full consolation they were meant to bring to the grieving members of the House.
"I can't even imagine what they are going through." Elena said suddenly when the ceremony came to a close, making the brunette shake herself out of her thoughts. "And how they are to collect themself."
"I doubt they will ever be able to do so. Not fully." Claire replied, her blue eyes watching the broken woman with sympathy and tears.
The movement of the crowd broke the conversation for a short time before any more words could be ecxchanged. Everyone started already leaving the graveyard, giving the family the privacy they needed, before they would meet again with them at the funeral reception, something not many wanted to do but still decided to join due to the social expectations.
"I hope the bastard that did it will be caught soon." Alexandra interjected, turning her eyes away from the mourning family. "It won't be much, but maybe it will bring them some consolation."
"I heard Gabriel is doing everything he can to support the authorities." Claire interjected, turning towards Elsbeth questioningly.
"Yes, they are also running the investigation on their own, but there is not much to start with in the first place." the woman answered with a nod of her head.
The man in the question was absent from the ceremony, though it was an easily excusable occurrence - he was, after all, spending most of his time lately trying to find any clue that could lead them to catching the killer. Elsbeth and Beatrice arrived together instead, joining the Vongola and Cavallone gathering at the back of the graveyard, leaving the front to the closest family and friends of Violet and her parents.
"They don't have anything yet?" Elena inquired, turning towards Elsbeth as well.
"As far as I am aware, no. That doesn't mean they are not trying hard enough."
There was a stiff note in the woman's voice and Alexandra looked at her closely, noticing for the first time the worried wrinkles in the corners of Elsbeth's eyes and the way she had kept pressing her lips in a thin line. It was obvious she was stressed and worried – aside from the gravity of the crime itself, it was also the first time Gabriel was running an investigation on his own, instead of his usual activity of supporting Francesco.
"No one said they aren't. It's a complicated case, it would be foolish to assume it was going to be easy." she said to calm her sister. "If someone was daring enough to drop the body in a public place they probably made sure to leave no evidence behind."
She caught her sister's eyes and held it for a moment, trying to read anything out of it, but - as always - Elsbeth's cold teal eyes held no answers and betrayed none of her emotions, despite the movement of her facial expression.
"With no trace, the only hope is to find a witness that saw anything." Claire admitted.
"There aren't. Both authorities and our men questioned everyone around, but no one saw or heard anything unusual." Elsbeth confirmed their worries, pulling her scarf closer around herself. "There were few people that reported, but it turned out they only wanted to get some payment for their testimony. In the end, they were only false leads that took a lot of time and resources."
"Is it really that easy to drop a body unseen? Someone should have seen a man carrying something of a considerable size." Alexandra said with furrowed brows.
"It was dark. You haven't seen her before you literally stumbled upon her."
Alexandra winced at the memory and her sister's harsh reminder of her participation in the discovery of the body.
"Yes, but I don't usually walk looking down at my feet all the time."
"Apparently, you should."
She threw Elsbeth an irritated look, though refrained herself from taking the conversation in the direction of a spat. Her sister was obviously in a bad mood.
"With Carlevaro House involved I am certain this is going to be solved soon." Elena interjected, pulling her coat closer to herself.
"Of course. I doubt there is an unsolved case in the House records." Claire confirmed.
She watched the older Carlevaro House daughter from the corner of her eyes before exchanging looks with Alexandra, the behaviour and look of Elsbeth making them both worried and suspicious of the reason behind it.
Though the brunette barely stopped herself from correcting the sentence - there were obviously cases that the Lords of Carlevaro House hadn't been able to solve through the years of their work for the Royal Family. Ones that her father liked to occasionally return to, pulling out the old files and looking through them in contempt, trying to find anything that could give him some undiscovered clue, despite the years that had passed since the crime had been committed. Francesco usually closed himself in his office, occasionally allowing Alexandra to sit with him, reading her own book quietly in the corner by the fireplace, where she could hear his muttering while he tried to solve the mystery.
She wasn't certain whether he really hoped to discover something new or simply looked for a task to occupy himself during the breaks he was allowed occasionally from his missions.
"We should be going to the Volonte Residence." Beatrice's voice interjected the conversation and the small group looked in the direction of the woman. "The wake will be starting soon."
"I feel like we will be intruding there." Alexandra said under her breath, mostly to herself.
"The family needs a lot of support now and we should show our respect by joining them." Beatrice threw her daughter a reproachful look.
Alexandra bit her tongue to not say anything.
She hated attending wakes. It was a family matter where the closest members of it should be allowed to mourn and grieve in their own way, instead of keeping it all in and letting it out only after the gathered guests left. Especially when most of them weren't even that close with Violet - or barely even knew her in the first place - to offer any memories or stories that could temporarily soothe the pain and suffering of the parents, instead filling their minds with more pleasant vision of their daughter.
"Are you ready to go, ladies?" Lorenzo's voice turned their attention towards the group of men behind them.
"Yes, I do want to get out of this cold." Claire confirmed, shivering when a gust of wind passed over them.
Her husband looked at her worryingly, his brows furrowing in concern.
"You should have stayed home. No one would hold it against you." he said, putting his arm around her shoulders to provide at least some form of additional warmth.
"I wanted to pay my respect. She deserved it." Claire answered, looking up at him.
A short staring ensued, before the man sighed in defeat, dropping his head.
When an unpleasant worry arose in her, Alexandra looked around in alert, the feeling of being watched causing a shiver to run down her spine. Her eyes searched through the thinning crowd and it took a few seconds to locate the eyes watching her, intent and careful.
The man didn't even bother to look away, answering her look with his own, his green eyes shining with interest and curiosity that made her strongly uncomfortable. He stood next to the Parish, seemingly in the conversation with him even though his attention was elsewhere. Alexandra had not yet had the courtesy of meeting the man, she was certain of that. He was most definitely not a local, though the way he held himself and dressed indicated that he was of a high class.
"Is everything alright?"
She almost jumped in surprise at the presence by her side, breaking the staring. Looking up, she blinked at Giotto in confusion while he watched her questioningly.
"Of course. I just… never mind." she answered, shaking her head with furrowed brows.
"You got absent for a moment." he continued asking, looking in the direction she had been staring at before.
The man was still watching her, though feeling the look of Giotto at himself, he turned his eyes at the blond, smiling pleasantly.
"It's nothing. Are we going?" Alexandra asked, diverting his attention back to her.
"Yes, it will take some time to reach the destination with so many carriages going there, so we should be leaving now." he answered, offering her his arm.
The pretence had to go on, despite the circumstances and it was only expected of a gentleman to escort his fiancée to the carriage.
"Are you helping Gabriel with the investigation?" she asked while they were on their way.
She still felt the uncomfortable creeping over her at the look she had been receiving and she didn't even have to turn around to know that the man was still watching her.
"No, he hasn't requested our help and neither did Volonte House. It would be an intrusion if we joined them suddenly." he replied immediately, glancing down at her. "Why are you asking?"
"I noticed Alaude is not present at meals ever since the discovery of the body and the official launch of the investigation."
Giotto was surprised for a moment, though covered it well. The way she had picked the habits of the Vongola House was both baffling and a bit alarming, as Alexandra had already presented a way of settling into their daily routine, recognizing small customs represented by the Guardians and Elena, such as the fact that Knuckle took a moment to pray silently before every meal and shouldn't be addressed at the time or that every conversation between Lampow and G had to be monitored and interrupted whenever one of them started to show any signs of raising temper.
"He is not a social person. Once it gets too much, he takes a break from joining us." he said eventually.
It wasn't a lie, not really. Alaude really tended to remove himself from their gatherings whenever he wanted to be on his own.
But Giotto didn't really want to admit that he had requested his Cloud Guardian to have some look into the matter, reaching out to his sources to check the development of the investigation and the handling of the case by the authorities - it would really be considered an intrusion on their part. He just didn't trust the abilities of the men running the investigation at the Station. Not with his own experience with them.
The less she knew about their activities, the better.
SLUMS, JANUARY 1600
"So you have finally decided."
The man looked at a woman sitting in front of him.
She was a pleasant change in companion from his previous one. While he recognized the ability of their younger member of the group, he really was getting sick of his constant talking and complaining, often in a voice too loud and irritating for his comfort and peace of mind.
"I am getting interested. The fiancée somehow managed to take down the group I tricked into taking the job." he confirmed, turning the glass of wine in his hand.
It was hard to get such a drink in such a place, but the money he had paid for getting it delivered was a good spend. He wouldn't survive anymore on cheap beer and the questionable liquids the owner served his guests.
"I thought they are just a bunch of guys that bought their status." the woman said, playing with her knife and not even bothering to hide the weapon from the view of others.
In there, it was safer to present the way of protection before someone got the idea of proving their strength.
"I asked around. It seems he has some reputation around. Protecting the weak or something. He may not look like it, but apparently he is quite a skilled fighter." the man said, falling silent for a moment. "And a strong one. Questionably strong one, as he has been managing to take down enemies he shouldn't be able to. It wasn't that easy to find mercenaries with Flame users, after all."
The woman hummed in wonder, leaning on her hand in interest.
"So we can have some fun on the way." she said with an unpleasant smile.
She looked fragile and delicate on the outside, though he knew perfectly well she loved the challenge and the pain she could inflict on her enemies. It was terrifying, watching her performing her sick fantasies on her targets, making sure they lived long enough for her to satisfy it.
"We do need the girl alive, you know. You can do whatever you want with Vongola, but make sure you don't damage her too much." he said eventually, shrugging his shoulders.
"I can take my energy on some less valuable targets." she replied. "I mean, have you seen her fiance? I can imagine so many things to do with him."
The glim in her eyes made him uncertain who caused a bigger enthusiasm in his companion - Carlevaro girl or Vongola.
But the future looked interesting and busy. Something he had not been able to say about the last weeks they had spent in the obscure Slums of the damned Town they were stuck in.
VONGOLA RESIDENCE, FEBRUARY 1600
Alexandra looked at herself in the mirror, assessing her looks. Lizzie, as she tended to do ever since they arrived at the Vongola Residence, outdid herself and made sure she looked her best, presenting her position in the society and the looks the brunette didn't try to enhance in any way in her daily routine. It was hard to decide what really drove the actions of the maid, though Alexandra didn't stop her anymore, seeing as it caused a lot of joy to the young girl.
"You look really beautiful." Elena's voice sounded in the room and she turned to the blonde, smiling in gratitude.
It became their ritual, of sort, as Elena loved to join her whenever Alexandra was going anywhere on the official outing with Giotto – which, as the brunette had noticed with a worry, had been becoming far too common occurrence than she was comfortable with, as the image of the two of them together was getting more and more settled in the minds of other Noble Houses living in the area. The original plan had included the limitation of their outings, but it was impossible for Giotto to refuse the invitations when the others started including Alexandra as well. And constantly apologising for her absence would actually cause a lot of questions.
But she greatly enjoyed the company of Elena during the preparation, the discussions the blonde had in habit of entering with Lizzie when it came to adding some accessories to the dress or jewellery were much endearing and calming, making any nervousness Alexandra felt easily go away. Eventually, she had decided to just let them do what they wanted, seeing as their tastes fitted hers as well.
"Thank you. Aren't you going?" she asked curiously in turn, furrowing her brows. "I was under the impression that you and Demon are going to join as well."
Though, when she thought about it, neither the Spade House nor Baudelaire were from the local area.
"I'm not overly fond of the judging looks I still tend to receive. Which is why Giotto is usually going on his own. G joined him once, but it earned them a few suspicious glances." the woman replied with a smirk.
Alexandra missed the innuendo completely as she looked at Elena questioningly, though she only shook her head in an answer, a humorous glint in the blue eyes.
"They are still talking about your position in the Vongola House? I thought someone mentioned it lessened with the passing time." the brunette said instead, sitting down on the chair by her vanity table.
"It decreased, but didn't disappear completely." Elena clarified, shrugging her shoulders. "I can't say it doesn't hurt occasionally, but I still find myself better here than in the Capitol. It's not boring even without the tea parties and never-ending banquets, so I'm fine."
Alexandra hummed in wonder, watching her friend with interest and curiosity.
"You should be attending them. The events." She said finally, a small smile playing on her lips.
Elena looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Why do you think so?"
"It would take them down a peg or two. The ones that judge you. You have nothing to be ashamed of, ergo you shouldn't be the one holding back and keeping on the side." The brunette continued, resting her elbow on her knee and leaning on her hand. "They are all quick to mark, but changing the House and improving your happiness isn't something that you should be condemned for."
Elena wasn't as affected by the subject as Alexandra expected her to be, considering the hard time she had obviously been given due to her lone stay in the Vongola Residence with the male members of the House. Even if her engagement to Demon obviously had made the situation better to some extent, it didn't change the fact that it had happened only after some time she had moved to the house.
"Maybe you are right, but I'm still not up for that challenge. I don't really like the memory of being excluded from the ladies company, whenever they are gathered for some gossip while their partners discuss business." Elena explained.
She was already used to the eyes following her whenever she made an appearance amongst the other members of the House, even when it was in their own Residence or in friendly territory such as Cavallone or Carlevaro grounds. The rumours had quietened down, either because of her father's high position in the Capitol or because it simply became a boring matter eventually, substituted by far more fresh and interesting news. But it was still occasionally brought up, mostly when the society was bored and the circle of nobility required some subject to talk about and occupy themselves during lunches and tea parties, awaking for a short period of time an interest in her, once again making the eyes follow curiously the only female of Vongola House.
There was a simple solution, but Elena wasn't yet ready for that.
It would be an easy way out, to take the next step and make her and Demon relationship official, but it would make them break the promise they both had made to each other. To repent for the sins of their families or to ensure they would never break their own morals, going through the difficulties of reaching their goals, none of them was certain, however both of them knew it was something they had to do to move on with their lives. But Elena knew she was able to deal with it, having the support of her friends, especially after she had learned how to ignore the stares and whispers.
"Perhaps it will change once there is another lady here to accompany you." Alexandra pointed out.
"Maybe. A female company is always welcomed for support." Elena admitted with a nod of her head.
"Until then, I can keep you the company when you decide to make an appearance." The brunette promised, her eyes shining with the sincerity of her words.
Elena smiled at her wildely with both amusement and gratitude.
"So you do not mind showing in the presence of a woman of questionable morals?" she asked with humour.
"I don't see one here, but I will tell you when I find her." Alexandra replied in the same tone, standing up.
"I will keep that in mind. But I will most definitely make an appearance at your wedding. Eventually." Elena said before adding as an afterthought. "Even if you don't invite me."
The brunette snorted, hearing the obvious laughter in Elena's voice. The woman knew perfectly well the dislike of Alexandra towards the subject and the institution of marriage in general. She still wasn't sure where it came from, but she hoped that, eventually, her opinion would be changed.
"Have you been to the Noble Assembly before?" Elena asked suddenly, switching the subject.
"No. And I doubt I would be invited if it wasn't for my current position as Giotto's fiancée." She admitted, raising a hand to push away a few locks of her hair. "It is usually attended by the Lords of the Houses and their wives. Or the next in line to take over in titles. In short, the ones that matter."
The Noble Assembly was an annual meeting held by the Parish of their area and the event was believed as one of the most remarkable day of the year – something Filipa Allegri had a hard time to get over, though never said anything against the opinion - mostly due to the involvement of the Church in the organisation of it and the fact that only of the highest standing amongst the nobility could count on being invited over. There was not much of importance discussed on it, aside from the finances and funds that the nobility would provide to the local church – politics were barely mentioned loudly.
"But that's quite exciting, to get a glimpse of what it looks like." She admitted after a moment.
"I don't doubt it. You will need to tell me everything that happens there. Giotto doesn't really have much to share after the event." Elena requested.
"Neither my parents. Whenever I asked how it was, they always answered with either an 'uneventful' or 'nothing worth mentioning'." Alexandra admitted with a shrug of her shoulders. "The same with Elsbeth, once she started attending it after marrying Gabriel. And that makes it even more interesting to see myself."
She didn't really doubt the words, not fully, as nothing out of common was to be expected to happen during the dinner organised by the Parish – taking in mind the presence of the Church representatives, no one really dared to cross certain lines, which resulted in the lack of any exciting events. The arguments were put aside for the time being, the enemies becoming civil with each other for at least night.
A miracle in making, some could believe.
"Giotto is as relieved to have company today as you are curious to see what exactly it is." Elena said with a short laughter. "He isn't as gloomy as he usually is during the day of it."
Alexandra glanced at her friend in a mirror, keeping to herself a fact that she had had the total opposite opinion about the man's feeling of her presence for the event.
Giotto hadn't looked very pleased with the event when he had passed the invitation over to her, explaining that the Parish must have thought of adding her as well due to their current relationship. She had been quite certain back then he would much more prefer to stay at home instead of making another joint appearance, though he had never spoken it aloud, instead pointing out that they would need quite a good excuse if they were to skip the event altogether.
Probably only Claire Cavallone and Volonte Family were excused from the attendance this year, for two completely different reasons.
"If he thinks my presence will stop Filipa from seducing him for Joanne, he is greatly mistaken." She replied with a smile, glancing at the watch.
"The sentence Is wrong on so many levels."
Alexandra let out a small laughter seeing the way the blonde paled slightly, though the conversation was cut short when a knock to the door sounded in the room and Matteo made an entrance, his face as stoic as ever.
"The carriage is ready, Miss Carlevaro. Should I give instructions for them to wait?"
"No, I'm ready, thank you." She replied, smiling at a man.
Elena stood up from the bed, catching the attention of the brunette as she approached her to give her a quick hug.
It still took Alexandra by surprise whenever she did it, though she learned that Elena, despite her original suspicion, was a rather open and physical person, expressing her care and friendship through gestures and touches.
"Have a good time. And remember anything worth mentioning." The blonde requested, letting her go.
If Alexandra knew just how much was going to happen during the one evening, she would most probably bring a notebook with herself.
PARISH HOUSE, February 1600
"Is your sister not joining?"
Alexandra looked at Giotto in confusion, before shrugging her shoulders.
"I didn't know I was going as well the last time I saw her, so I didn't really ask her about it." She admitted.
She was still a bit overwhelmed – it was the first time she had even been in the dining hall of the Parish House and the amount of luxury almost made her knees buckle. And she was used to wealth and comfort. But the inside of the room has overshadowed everything she had seen previously. Perhaps only the Royal Palace could compete with the Parish Dining Hall. Everything was gold – the goblets for drinking and cutlery included. The tableware and the variety of snacks and meals could bring any of the Noble House to shame. The Parish definitely held no costs back from serving the most prominent Houses in the area, as the mere amount of food would feed a few families of lower class through the entire winter and perhaps some spring.
Though it wasn't the decor of the interior that kept her on edge through the evening.
The dinner was ongoing, many conversations ran simultaneously with each other around the table and it was a bit hard to hear only one without fully and openly paying attention to it. She sat next to Giotto, as it was to be expected, though it was the person on her other side that made Alexandra nervous.
Lacertosa Senior had been as surprised as her, apparently, when he stopped short upon noticing who he was to be sitting next to during the evening. For a split second, she had humoured the idea the man hadn't recognized her, as they hadn't had that many encounters in the first place, though the scornful glint in his eyes when the man had looked her up and down with a smirk told her it was a false hope. She hadn't been at least surprised when Samuel Lacertosa made an appearance as well, following behind his father and step-mother, the dark eyes narrowing in confusion at her presence and the sitting arrangements, but before he could comment at it, the older man almost forcefully sat his wife on a chair, before occupying his own.
The Senior of the Lacertosa House had refrained from conversing with her, thankfully, choosing to talk loudly with others around while ignoring the presence of his young wife, but Alexandra could feel his look on her from time to time.
"Perhaps she didn't want to come without her spouse. And the investigation is still ongoing, so Gabriel is probably too busy with it." she continued,
"That makes you the only Carlevaro representative this year." Giotto noticed with humour.
"I doubt anyone sees me like that, not when I am accompanying my fiancé." She replied doubtfully, before adding as an afterthought. "Unless you take Filipa into consideration. For her, I am a mere guest of Vongola Residence."
She didn't feel guilty about the comment, not when the woman herself had made many open attempts so far in ending the engagement before it was due its time.
Giotto in turn barely held his amusement back. Filipa's actions must have had much more impact on Alexandra than she was willing to admit, if she even dropped her insistence on constantly reminding both him and her that their relationship was only a temporary solution.
"I doubt you will be faced with her pestering today. There is quite a distance between us and switching places is not the most preferable action during the event." Giotto explained quietly, glancing in the direction of the Allegri family.
Thankfully, Filipa was occupied with the conversation with her sitting companions and didn't notice the gesture.
"Why?" Alexandra inquired curiously.
Glancing around, Giotto leaned on the side of his chair to ensure that she could hear him despite the lowered voice. He wouldn't usually discuss the host during the banquet - he generally was not a fan of gossiping and talking behind someone's back - but he was turning quite bored already and the man had never failed to irritate him with his hypocriticism. And Alexandra was strangely quiet through the evening, mostly observing what was going on around, which he suspected was the result of the man sitting by her other side.
Lacertosa House was becoming too frequent a companion to their outing for him to be comfortable about it, considering the history of theirs and Alexandra.
"There are specific arrangements of the sitting that would bring the most to the host. The biggest donors would be always seated by the Parish, especially if they share the same political views. It's the easiest way to direct the conversation with them in the direction he wants in the hope of gaining more wealth to the cause he is currently interested in." he said.
He still wasn't certain why Lacertosa Senior had been seated down next to them, instead of the front, as it had been done every consecutive year so far. While he himself had made a few donations to the Church himself, Giotto wouldn't try to lie and say it was something of great value. Out of all gathered people, he probably knew the best that none of the gold given to the Parish had ever been directed towards the local orphanage or the families most in need.
"The local politics or the Capitol ones?"
The question took him by surprise for a moment, as he looked at the brunette more closely.
"Is there a difference?" he asked in turn.
Before broaching the subject he hadn't expected Alexandra would be knowledgeable in, Giotto preferred to test how familiar she actually was with the political situation.
"Local ones would be quite acceptable, as it would in a way involve him as well. Capitol ones would be far more worrying. It always is connected in one way or another to the matter of the throne succession. Especially in the light of the ongoing scandal. If the Church declared its support to one Prince or another, it would be a reason to change the line of inheritance." She said, hesitating for a second and glancing back at him thoughtfully and finishing vaguely. "There are many Houses that don't want it to happen and act against it."
"I didn't know you were interested in politics." Giotto admitted.
"I don't dwell on the subject habitually, but some things can be heard." She answered with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Local ones. As you said, I doubt the Parish would risk stating his loyalty openly." He replied eventually to her previous questions, glancing in the direction of the man.
He doubted it was due to the pure intent of staying on the neutral ground. More like the Parish had watched his actions carefully to ensure that the funds were coming from both sides of the political fronts.
"There is not much to choose for him anyway. The situation is quite unusual, but the Church can't admit they support the son born out of marriage when there is a legal heir to the throne as well." She took him by surprise with her words once again. "So even if it's not said for public records, everyone knows whom they will support if the claims were made."
She made sure her voice was not loud enough for others to hear what they were discussing – though Giotto doubted anyone paid much attention to them at that point. While Alexandra's presence had caught a lot of stares at the beginning, the guests had eventually immersed themselves into their own conversations once the dinner had started.
And she had made sure that her chair was closer to his, moving it inconspicuously and separating herself as much as she could from Lacertosa Senior on her other side, as he had noticed with a slight dose of humour at the beginning of the dinner.
"The illegitimate son runs quite a rich campaign to gather enough favour from the nobility to reach the Court. Even the King is giving his open support to the actions, despite the outrage it evokes. I doubt the Church will oppose much if they receive a request from the ruler to give their blessing to him." Giotto commented.
He hated the term 'bastard' and opted to avoid using it as much as possible.
"More like his mother runs the campaign. But they do have more similar political and moral views than the appointed heir." Alexandra pointed out. "The King is aware that there would be a revolution once the ruling is passed to his son. It doesn't seem like he is keen to let it happen and the open admiration towards the illegitimate child is proof of that."
Everyone that spent some time in the Capitol was aware just how unstable the political scene was at that point.
With the emergence of the illegitimate son born out of one of the many affairs of their current ruler, the life of nobility erupted in outrage and shock. Not with the simple fact of the existence of the young boy was any surprise, as it wasn't much of a secrecy that there were a few bastards of the King living around the Capitol and other areas, but the fact that he and his mother had entered the noble society with the blessing and the title from the ruler himself. None of the other bastards were given such a privilege.
Even though everyone knew that the boy was the King's son, the man himself had to yet acknowledge the paternity officially, the action that would result in making the boy a second in line heir to the throne. Everyone waited for that to happen, eventually, as the actions currently undertaken by the ruler seemed to be preparing all around for that to happen. The solution would calm the worries of the ones involved in many shady or illegal businesses running around with the silent and covert blessing of the Royal Family – trafficking and illegal dealerships had enlarged the pockets of many noble houses, as well as the national treasury itself, even if no one admitted it. So the Royal Guards often turned a blind eye on some of the reports or blatantly covered the evidence that could lead straight to the King. Removing the trails and possible witnesses became the most enhanced of their abilities and it would not be an overestimation to consider them assassins at one point of another instead of the guardians of peace and order.
It worried the ones that awaited the change of the ruler in hopes to improve the morals and safety of the nation. The notion was shared also by the Mafia, the ones that still believed in the original purpose of the Organisation. The Prince was known for his open opposition towards his father's actions, to the anger and dissatisfaction of the man himself and the joy and support of the part of the society that did not succumb to the darkness.
"Thankfully, the Court and Founding Houses keep the man from making such a decision." She continued thoughtfully.
"Unless the support for the titled prince loses its current dominance."
"Let's hope it won't happen."
Giotto fully shared that notion, though the latest news he had been receiving from Cozatto were causing quite a worrisome clenching of his stomach whenever he read the letter delivered to him.
"I take it you watch the situation whenever you are in the Capitol. At your aunt, right?" he asked suddenly, directing the subject to a slightly different route.
It was public knowledge that the boy was climbing on the social ladder. It was less known though that it was his mother that was the brain of the operation, as the woman kept herself in the shadow to not ruffle the Queen's temper too much with her presence – the rumour said that the woman continued her affair with the King, making his wife jealous and angry, as well as worried for the future and safety for her own son.
He was curious how exactly Alexandra obtained that knowledge.
She looked at him surprised for a second, before a slightly guarded look crossed her eyes.
"Yes. She often hosts the ladies of the court in her Residence. They tend to speak a lot of what they hear from their husbands." She replied easily.
While there was nothing that indicated she was lying in her looks, he still had a feeling there was more to this than she let out.
"To know such things their husband must be quite close to the Royal Family." He continued, hoping that he wasn't too imploring.
Alexandra watched him for a moment, her head titling curiously before a small smile made its way in the corner of her lips.
"Have you heard about the Bianco di Cervo House?" she asked in turn and he nodded his head.
"Everyone heard of them. Duke Bianco di Cervo is the captain of personal guards of the King." He said, looking at her doubtfully.
"Mia is married to him. My aunt, I mean. So the ladies she usually hosts for her parties are the ones either from the Court or the guards families." She explained. "Many of the political subjects are brought up during the events by the ones most interested in it. As my aunt is one of them, she has never cut it short in any way, instead encouraging it."
She quite enjoyed the shock that passed through his eyes, even though he tried to control his facial expression.
"And they discussed it in front of you?" he asked one of the many questions running in his head.
"They were hesitant at first, but eventually got used to my presence there. I am the niece of Mia and a member of the Founding Family, so it lessened their original worry."
Though it mostly had happened only after she had crossed the age of majority, which seemed to make a lot of a difference for them. Or maybe the fact that Mia had let her into the secret project she ran with a few of them. Whatever it was, the women became much more open with their talks in front of her, giving Alexandra a lot of information she wouldn't be able to obtain in any other way.
The sound of a fork clinking against a glass interrupted the conversation and they both turned towards the Parish as the man stood up from his chair, clearing his throat. The conversations around the table were cut short as all guests paid attention to what he was about to say.
"Thank you all for such an attendance at my humble banquet. It is always bringing joy to my heart to see so many prominent figures in my house." He started, looking around with a wide smile. "First of all, I would like to thank everyone that provided in any way to the needs of the Church. Your generosity will most certainly serve well for the local community, as it helps us to spread God's teachings to the ones most reluctant to hear it."
Alexandra furrowed her brows, hearing the words – the only people living in their Town not attending the Church were probably ones from the Slums and she strongly doubted any of the priests had ever set foot there to convert any of the criminals.
"While I have never been disappointed with your generous hearts, this year I must ask you to be even more understanding of the needs we are facing. Unfortunately, the amount of poor children sent to our orphanage is steadily growing and the nuns running it are in dire need of all the financial and material support you can provide. Just last week, we found another one abandoned in the footsteps, cold and freezing, though the merciful God did not bring any sickness upon him." The man continued.
The orphanage was well known for being a place of hosting many of the bastards born out of the local – and not only, as some had travelled a long distance to be placed there – nobility. While the names were never shared with the children, it was easy to recognize some of the familiar characteristics in their looks, even if the fathers had strongly denied paternity.
"Isn't the man sitting by his right the one that watched you during the funeral?"
Alexandra jolted at the sudden question, not expecting any words from the man by her side, at least not until the speech was over. She looked in the direction mentioned by Giotto, leaning barely noticeable to have a better view.
The man wasn't looking at her, his concentration solely placed on the Parish as he listened intently to every word the man spoke to the gathered. But she recognized him anyway – there was something about the man that gave her chills even when there was no contact whatsoever. She wasn't certain where it came from, the ominous feeling she got from the stranger, as they had never even exchanged any word before, she was certain of it.
And yet, there was something distinctly familiar in the man, something she wasn't able to name yet.
"Is it a normal occurence to have someone outside the local community attend the meeting?" she asked back, turning her eyes away.
She didn't want the man to catch her staring at him.
"I have never seen any stranger here before." Giotto replied honestly.
Unconsciously looking back towards the man once again, her eyes landed on Samuel Lacertosa, the man leaning over as well to take a glimpse of the stranger. Alexandra wandered for a brief moment whether he heard their conversation, though quickly got rid of the ridiculous thought - there were two people sitting between him and her and Giotto was speaking in a voice low enough to reach only her ears.
As if feeling someone staring, Samuel turned back, catching her eyes, his expression setting her warning bells even louder. It was a fleeting look of worry and concerns that crossed his usually relaxed and cynical expression, something she had never really seen before, not even during his trial. He had covered it fast, though the look he gave lacked the usual mockery and laughter.
The presence of the stranger bothered Samuel as well and she was growing more curious as to why. But the next words of the Parish brought an explanation, one she did not expect at all.
"I am not sure just how many of you are familiar with the name of my personal guest whom I have the pleasure of hosting in my own humble house. Lord Camillo Adler gave me such an honour with his presence that I still find it hard to believe. He travelled here all the way from the Capitol and is going to stay for some time, to support our local Church with the pressing matters that are piling up."
Alexandra felt her blood turn cold as she fought with herself to keep her expression relaxed.
She might not have met the man face to face, but she most certainly heard of him - and none of the stories she heard brought any sense of comfort.