Chapter 23

Venice, 1302

Lucien crossed his arms and smiled as he observed his newest conquest. He had just purchased three merchant ships. They were a perfect addition to his growing empire. Right now, Venice was the most prosperous city in all of Europe. It had 36,000 sailors operating 3,300 ships, dominating Mediterranean commerce. This was exactly where he needed to be right now in order to become even wealthier.

Not to mention he had managed to track down couple of very interesting artifacts, including an ancient talisman that should protect its owner from nightmares. That had been a perfect gift for Fay. As far as Lucien could tell, it seemed to be working, she was sleeping more peacefully now. At least those nights when she shared his bed. His beautiful Fay.

He had made sure that she was comfortable when she was with him. Venice's leading families vied with each other to build the grandest palaces and of course Lucien's was one of the most luxurious one. He couldn't deny that he loved luxury and living the life of a nobleman, just like he loved spoiling his princess. His sweet broken angel.

Unfortunately, not even all his wealth could undo what had been done to her. Her mind was so very fragile. She was fragile and she needed to be treated gently. He didn't mind, there was nothing he wouldn't have done for her. Only for her. She was the only person he had ever truly loved. He dropped by the marketplace on his way home, wanting to surprise Fay.

She had arrived couple of days ago with a small dog called Angelo. Apparently, the animal had been a gift from Tristan and it seemed that Fay was attached to it. What the hell had Tristan been thinking? Dogs lived only few years and then what? Who knew how upset Fay would be after losing the animal. No, Lucien was going to give her something better.

He had hired the most talented artist in Venice to paint her portrait. Of course, she needed a new gown and some new jewelry. He wanted her to feel like the princess she was. He chose couple of finest fabrics he could find for her gown and headed home. He was excited to tell her about his new ships. Perhaps she would like to see them.

"Where is Lady Fay?" he asked when he spotted one of the maids.

"I believe she is in the garden, my lord," the maid replied quietly.

Lucien raised an eyebrow.

"In the garden? Is she taking a walk?"

The maid kept her eyes on the floor.

"Not exactly, my lord."

Lucien didn't ask more questions, he simply headed to the garden. He heard the howling from far away. Fay was in a tree, howling at the top of her lungs. The small hairball was sitting beside the tree, he was howling as well. Lucien stopped and stared at her. She was muddy and her dress was tattered, but that didn't seem to bother her at all. She jumped down, picked the dog up and kissed his nose.

"Your turn," she hummed and placed the dog on the ground before running away. The dog barked while chasing her.

"Come Angelo!" she cheered and fell on the ground when the dog caught her. She laughed as the animal licked her face. Lucien kept staring at her, he was too mesmerized to move. She was smiling. Laughing. She was happy. He smiled too as he looked at her. It didn't matter how muddy she was, she looked beautiful. Perfect. He waited patiently until she noticed him.

"Lucien!"

He opened his arms as she ran to him and jumped, wrapping her legs around his waist.

"There's my angel," he hummed, spinning her around few times.

She smiled warmly and touched his face with both hands before kissing him. Her mouth tasted like peaches.

"I am happy you are here," she hummed. "I picked peaches for you."

"That was very kind of you," he replied smiling. "Thank you."

She smiled too and kissed him again. It was wonderful to see her so happy.

"It seems that you have also played with the hairba... Angelo."

She nodded.

"This is a beautiful garden." She paused and closed her eyes. "I love to feel the ground under my feet."

As usual, she was barefoot.

"Thank you," she hummed.

"For what darling?"

"For this day in this beautiful place. You are so kind to me."

His heart ached as he saw the love in her eyes. In that moment he only wanted to wrap his arms around her and shelter her from the rest of the world.

"Of course. I will always look after you. My sweet angel."

He frowned as the hairball started barking. Damn Tristan. Fay kissed Lucien once more before he placed her on the ground.

"Come here, Angelo," she hummed, picking the dog up. "We need to take a bath." She paused and looked at Lucien. "Would you like to bathe me?"

"Yes," he replied immediately.

She smiled and licked her lips.

"I can feed you peaches. Or I can be your plate."

She giggled as he scooped both her and dog into his arms and carried them inside.

"Bathe this... him," he said impatiently while giving the dog to a maid.

"Do you like Angelo?" she asked when he carried her to his chamber.

"Sure," he lied.

She looked into his eyes and ran her fingers softly over his cheek.

"I like him."

"I know you do."

"Could you like him too?"

He had several reasons to dislike the hairball. First of all, the dog was a gift from Tristan. Second of all, Fay would be sad when it would die. And third of all, the last thing he needed was someone else he would have to share Fay's affection with. And yet, the damn hairball made her happy. He sighed as he placed her on the floor.

"If he is important to you, then he is important to me too."

She smiled and kissed him.

"My sweet Lucien."

He watched her as she slowly undressed and walked over to the bathtub. The beauty of her naked body never ceased to amaze him. She was perfect. His angel.