TMWolf: Slightly early update to make up for my previous blunder ;) Been hectic lately with lots of... disappointments so things both suck but have some good, so it's been meh. Haven't written in a while, but finally got another chapter going so yay! Luckily I have a vacation coming up so that's nice XP Should still be able to update just fine, though so no worries ;)

Thank-you for your review! They mean a lot, so feel free to leave any comments, questions, critiques, or whatever! :) I love to reply to everything so have at it! xD

Today's title comes from G-Eazy - The Beautiful & Damned. It's a good song, with a perfect title fit for this chapter I think :'D

Now time for father-daughter moment!

07 – The Beautiful & Damned

March 2, 1500

Rome, Italy

"Why didn't you tell me you had Diana? Or that you spoke with my sister and mother?"

Machiavelli paused as they stepped into the main entryway of his palazzo, turning to face the Assassin, whom had pulled his hood down now that he was in safe company. The man regarded him for a moment, perhaps mulling on his words, and then motioned to his fellow Assassin.

"I did not want to worry you—or to distract you from your goal."

Ezio frowned, "My daughter is not a distraction."

"Except, she is," he replied at once, holding up a hand to keep the Auditore from barking at him. "I do not mean that as an offense, Ezio. Only that I know she is precious to you, and because she is so precious that I thought it best to bring her here when your mother and sister came asking for you. She would be safe here, as would your nephew and your maid. I could give them a place to be free and recover while you worked. I did not tell you because I knew you would worry despite their assured safety. Your love for your family is strong, but your will to free the city and save your wife must be stronger. Diana would hinder this goal. Even now I wish you had not learned she was here, but the past cannot be undone, and I only hope you will be able to continue focusing on the task at hand."

Ezio wanted to refute the man's claim, but the more he spoke, the more sense it made. At least when he worried for his wife, it was a common goal. Getting her back meant fighting the Borgia, weakening them if not destroying them in the process, which was good for everyone. But Diana? Worrying over her would make him more cautious and distract him during his ventures. He knew Catherine could handle herself, even if he did worry, but his little girl was just that: little. A child. She didn't know how to fight. She couldn't run or hide like they did. She would be defenseless, and the thought would always linger in the back of his mind if he had known from the beginning.

And now, it had come to pass, and the thoughts would plague him in the quiet moments—even if this was, with certainty, the safest place she could be right now.

"You're right," Ezio sighed at last, and his comrade gave him a smile.

"She will be safe here, Ezio. They all will. No one—not even the Borgia—suspect anything, and my family quite like her. Giovanni is impressing them, and Annetta is proven herself quite resourceful. They both put Diana at ease as well," Niccolo chuckled as he grasped the Assassin's shoulder warmly. "As for your mother and sister… I had hoped to keep them here in secret as well, but they stayed only a few days before they demanded to help you. Your sister is as stubborn as you are—."

Ezio snorted, "I know."

"—And your mother was adamant. They would have helped you even if I argued against it and forbad they leave. Besides, your mother is knowledgeable in our ways. She is a more powerful ally than you may realize, and your sister is strong as well. You should not doubt them."

"I… It's not that I doubt them," he rumbled, no longer looking at Machiavelli, whom raised a brow.

"Then why do seem so upset? They will make invaluable allies with the courtesans, and they are family to you. This ensures their loyalty, no?"

"I don't want the Borgia to turn their eyes on them—not a second time," Ezio ground out.

"Ah," the nobleman hummed, tilting his head thoughtfully. "A reasonable concern… but you forget: Cesare Borgia intends to control all of Italia. If he learned of your escape, your family would never escape his gaze during his conquest. Your family could sail beyond the horizon, and still he would chase them like a mad dog so long as it meant bringing you to heel. Your family is safest here, in the end, fighting against our enemies and using his secrets and his men against him."

Ezio scowled for a moment, and then sighed, "I am beginning to hate your wisdom, Machiavelli."

"Such is the curse of knowledge," he chuckled back. "Are you at ease then?"

"No… but I suppose I will never be until the Borgia are dead. I can only take solace knowing this is for the best," the Assassin rumbled.

"Perhaps it will be easier once you see your daughter," Niccolo chuckled again and gestured for his comrade to follow. Ezio allowed himself one more sigh before tailing the man to a door that he pushed opened to reveal a large room. It was a library with walls lined with shelves full of books. A few tables were spread about along with a couch and armchairs for anyone to use. There was even a second floor with a railing and more books at anyone's disposal. Ornate paintings, tapestries, and other decorations could be found throughout the room, illuminated by the bright sunlight that shone through the ceiling-high windows.

It was there, in the middle of the room, he spotted his darling Diana, whom sat on the lap of her cousin, Giovanni. He looked well considering all the happened, although he wore his arm in a sling and he imagined there were still bandages underneath his rather regal tunic. He had fixed himself up well, and Ezio knew Ottavio would have been proud to see his son looks so noble. His mother, too, would be elated. Diana, however, looked like the prettiest thing he'd ever seen—besides his wife of course. She wore a noble lady's dress fit to her size, colored in a vibrant green with gold and white accents. Her reddish hair had been put up a little plainly, but with lace wraps colors a golden shade. Her hazel eyes were lit with delight, and her smile made her freckled cheeks rise high. She was so much like her mother in how she looked; Ezio's heart could not help but throb.

When she spotted him, she gasped, "Papa!"

Giovanni chuckled as she leapt from his lap and scurried across the room as fast as her flat slippers could take her. Ezio was there to meet her, crouching down so she could throw her arms around his neck, and then he brought her up with him. It was how he would always greet her, and not even the Borgia destroying almost all he knew would stop that. She squealed with delight as he spun her around and then peppered her face with light kisses, his beard tickling her cheeks. She returned them in kind, leaving the last for his brow, and then placed her hands on the side of his head as he held her up in his arms.

"I missed you, Papa! I missed you so much! I was so worried! You left and Grandma and Auntie were scared and Giovanni was hurt and Mama wasn't there!" she went on, frowning, though he could tell she didn't fully understand. For that, he was relieved. He didn't know what he would do if he saw the despair he'd witness the day their home fell. The redheaded child tilted her head, brows scrunching together. "Papa, where's Mama? You went to get her, didn't you?"

By some miracle, he managed to smile—briefly. He turned his head to kiss her palm as she watched him with those wide eyes of hers. They were just like her mother's, and his heart throbbed with agony once more. He closed his own briefly to compose himself before grinning at her.

"Yes, I did, but I have to do some things before I can get to her. But don't worry—she's alright. Your mother is strong. Very strong. She's just biding her time, waiting for me to come get her."

"Oh… well, why can't Mama come back herself?" she inquired, head tilting the other way.

"She… she's on a mission. A very special mission. She can't leave until I come get her."

"Mm… okay," Diana sighed slightly, though it may as well as have been a pout. She did so after a moment, tugging on her father's collar. "I want to say hi to her, though! I miss Mama. She hasn't told me a story since before you came home. I miss her stories."

Ezio kissed her cheek gently, brow pressed to hers, "I know, my little one. I know. Me, too. I miss her, too. But I'll get her back. I promise you I will. I swear it."

"I know, Papa. You always keep your promises. Mama said so," Diana giggled, rubbing her forehead against his. She paused, thinking a moment, and then pulled back some. "What about the bad men who hurt us? Auntie and Grandma said they were very bad and you went to stop them. They came here to stop them, too. Are they really that bad? Is Mama fighting them, too?"

"I… yes… the bad men—the Borgia… they are very bad. But your mother and I… your grandmother and aunt… we're all fighting them. We're going to make sure they never hurt you or anyone again," he spoke softly, freeing one arm to brush a loose lock out the way. He poked her nose gently, earning a giggle. "You don't need to worry about them, Diana. Now, tell me… is Machiavelli treating you well?"

"Mach-ee-a-vel-ee?" the child replied, face scrunching up as she struggled. A laugh came from behind them, and Ezio turned to find Giovanni standing up at last.

"He means the nice man who talks funny. His name is Niccolo Machiavelli, Cousin. He owns this house we're staying at, cousin," the young man chuckled, and Diana gasped, eyes going wide with realization. She grinned impishly and nodded excitedly.

"Oh, yes! Yes, Papa, he is very nice! He speaks very funny and serious, but he is very nice! He let me have this dress and let me come here to read books! He has so many things—it's like back home! Giovanni is staying, too, and they talk a lot, but it's always boring. He tried to tell me about things, too, but they're boring! I don't like his stories. They're not fun like Mama's, or your stories! But I like him!" she grinned, then tilted her head curiously. "Is he your friend, Papa? He speaks nicely of you. Like he knows you. He spoke nice of Mama, too."

"Yes, he is my friend, little one. A very good friend. He is very wise, and you should listen to him more. You will learn a lot. I trust him very much, though, so you can trust him, too. He will take care of you while I am away," Ezio replied, and then quickly put a finger to Diana's lip when she made to protest. "I must go, and you must stay when I do. I'm still working to get your mother back, and what I do is very dangerous. You remember our stories?

She nodded, a little subdued, so he went on, "Then you remember your mother and I would face many dangers. Right now—what we're doing—is another story, and I need you to stay here and stay safe. If I know you are safe, then I can work harder to stop the bad men. Your mother, too, can come home sooner. Do you understand, Diana?"

"…Yes, Papa. I'll stay here with the funny man. I want to be with you and Mama and the others, though," she pouted, burying her head into her father's neck.

"What? I'm not good enough?" Giovanni smirked, good arm on his hip.

Diana peeked out from beneath Ezio's chin, "No, I like you, too! I just miss Mama."

"I know the feeling. I miss my father and brother, too. We should keep each other company then, no? I can't leave for a while with this arm, and with it all busted I could use some help with things. Don't suppose a lovely little lady such as yourself could help me out?"

Diana lifted her head, looking at her cousin thoughtfully. She pushed her lips out, resembling a fish some, and leaned her head against her father's. The Assassin raised a brow at his daughter, whom narrowed her eyes and hummed as if thinking very hard about it.

"I guess I am a lovely little lady who can help you," she replied at last, holding her head up high.

Ezio chuckled, kissing her cheek, "You are a very kind, lovely, little lady, Diana."

"Mama told me kindness can go a long way—and I like Giovanni! He let me play with swords back home! And with Federico we'd mess around with Annetta or Auntie!" she grinned wildly, to which Ezio raised a brow at his nephew.

The young man grinned impishly, "What? She wanted to have fun, and we were bored sometimes. She's more devious than you think."

"Well, I'm just glad you're in good hands. Now I won't need to worry about you. Because you won't get into trouble, will you, Diana?" the elder Auditore hummed, giving his daughter a look. She pouted in response, puffing out her cheeks and narrowing her eyes. She could not keep staring back, though, and looked away after a few seconds.

"Fiiiiiine. I'll be nice to the funny man and Annetta. I'll help Giovanni until he is better, too," she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest. Her father chuckled, but then paused when the redheaded child suddenly grabbed hold of his hood once more. "Papa! You must read me a story! Mach-ee-a-vel-ee has so many! Giovanni is no good at telling stories."

"Hey!"

"So much for being nice to him," Ezio snickered, but headed towards the sofa where he couldn't help noticing the large pile of books along with the many others all spread about. "Alright, little one. I think I can make time for a story or two. Giovanni, care to join us?"

"Well, not much else I can do, although feels weird to be a man having his Uncle read him a story," the young Auditore laughed as he followed them over and sat in a sofa across from where Ezio did the same. Diana shifted to settle in her father's lap, leaning forward to pick up a book and hold it up to him.

"This one! Read this one! It has pretty pictures!" she squealed.

"Alright, alright, settle down then. I'll read it," he chuckled, and wrapped one arm around her waist while the other held the book in front of her. Giovanni grinned all the while, looking more relaxed than he'd seen him at the city. The scars would linger, but he looked better—or as better as one could be after losing his father and brother. Ezio knew the pain all too well, and hoped the young man could be as strong as him. At the very least, he had a strong family to support him, and his cousin was a special kind of light in the dark times. An innocence to remind them of the good in the world.

"Alright, let's see how this one starts… Ah, I see… alright then," Ezio began, clearing his throat as his daughter squirmed excitedly in his lap. "'Once Upon a Time, in a land very far from here…'"

-O-

"I see you are making good use of my library," Machiavelli spoke as he approached the trio, Giovanni lounged lazily in his chair, while Diana stood on the couch so she could show off the artwork in a book she had found. Ezio, of course, made sure to be amazed by every single one, keeping a secure arm around his daughter. This, of course, made her giggle and flip the pages with almost a little too much excitement. The girl beamed at their new arrival, waving the book, and then wrapping her arms around her father's neck.

"Mach-ee-a-vel-ee! I was showing Papa your art books! Your books are so wonderful! And you have so many! I want to read them all!" she shouted, bouncing slightly.

"And you are welcome to do so for as long as you stay here. But, first, I have a guest for you to meet—if you father is alright with it," the man replied, looking to Ezio. The Assassin frowned slightly, though not too much, and stood up from the couch. Diana hopped down, too, but kept her hand wrapped within her father's fingers.

"What did you have in mind?"

"A tutor. Your daughter is seven, no? I started my own education at this age, and it would do her well to have something to keep her entertained beyond books. Any growing young lady should be properly educated, anyways. Of course, I would only do so with your permission, but I believe Catherine had already begun such lessons, if I recall correctly?"

Ezio paused, "Ah… yes, she did. I admit, I was so busy dealing with Rodrigo I did not get the chance to learn much, but Catherine did mention tutors. Leonardo was to teach her art at one point, but he was summoned elsewhere before we could see to it."

"I don't wanna," Diana huffed, shifting behind her father's legs. "I want to read and play with Giovanni."

"Oh, no, no—you don't get to use me as an excuse, little lady. I aim to go back to fighting once I am well, and you need to be properly educated. Mother made sure both Federico and I received an education while we trained with our swords. You're not getting out of it," her cousin spoke up, coming over to give the little redhead a look. She shrunk beneath it, pouting pitifully.

"But…"

"I assure you, it is more fun than you may think, Diana," Machiavelli smiled gently. "Your view of the world will expand, and you find there are more wonders in the world to learn of than you thought, and that they are not all found with story books."

The redhead looked up to Ezio, "Papa…"

"Diana, don't try to give me those fake tears," he chuckled as he crouched down, holding her chin gently. "Machiavelli and Giovanni are right. You need to be educated like your mother and your grandmother were. Even I received an education, although I squandered it some, and now look at me! Your mother outwits me constantly, and my best skillset is in fighting bad men! You need to have a better life than that."

"What if I want to beat up bad men, too?!" she snapped, though not with force. She was already beaten, but it was endearing that she tried. Ezio grinned before kissing her cheek.

"Well, we can see about that when you're older. You are too young for such things. First, we must train your mind. So you will listen to Machiavelli and take your lessons and be a good student, alright? Your Mother would want you to, and think of how proud she'll be to see how much you've learned since she was gone!"

"Mm," Diana mumbled, fingers fumbling her dress. She huffed slightly after a moment, glancing at her father, and then nodded. "Okay. I'll learn things. But I wanna learn to fight soon, too. Giovanni and 'Rico did when they were little."

"We'll talk about that later," the Assassin chuckled, standing back up and looking to his comrade. "Thank-you, Machiavelli. I had not thought of that, but a tutor would be good for her. Thank-you, again, for all you have done."

"Think nothing of it. Now, if it is alright, I would like to introduce Diana to her tutor. I would have you there as well, of course."

Ezio glanced to Giovanni, recalling the young man's words, and then looked back to Machiavelli, "I need to speak with my nephew for a moment."

"Of course. We will wait for you outside. Diana, would you be so kind as to join me?" the man inquired, bowing to the little girl, and holding out his hand. The redhead looked to her father, whom smiled and gestured with his head. She took a moment, uncertainty in her features, but then released his hand to take Niccolo's. "I am honored, my Lady. Come, let us wait outside. You can tell me about what stories you read today."

Ezio watched them go, hating it even if it was only for a little while. He knew he would hate returning to Isola Tibera more, although Diana would be safe. Still, he could not help the way his heart felt.

"Uncle?"

The Assassin turned to face his nephew, confusion in his features, and a hint of concern. He wasn't surprised—he had dropped it upon the young man suddenly. It was only out of concern, but he needed to ask his questions.

"You wish to fight?"

Giovanni paused, blinking briefly, but then nodded, features stalwart, "Yes. I… the battle shook me—deeply, and my arm is still in a good degree of pain, but… I intend to keep fighting. My father and brother would have continued to fight, and Mother already is in her own way. Grandmother, too. I can't simply sit around burdened by the past while those I love fight in my place. I may not be able to do as much as you or the others, but I will fight the Borgia none the less. They have taken too much from me, too."

"Spoken like a true Auditore," Ezio chuckled, reaching over to clasp the young man's shoulder. He laughed when his nephew looked at him with confusion once more. "I would not have kept you from the fight even if I wanted to. I only wished to make sure you would be alright. I… almost lost myself when my brothers and father were killed, but you are already much stronger than I was. I am proud to have you as my nephew, and I am glad Diana has you with her. I… it is selfish of me, but so long as you are here…"

"Don't worry, I'll look after her. Diana has stolen my heart as well, and I meant it when I said I will need a while to recover. My arm was nearly broken, and a part of me fears I will never swing a sword the same, but I can still fight. I will make the Borgia pay in whatever way I can," the young man smirked, clasping Ezio's shoulder right back.

"Good. I am glad to hear it, though your mother may not," the Assassin smirked, eliciting a laugh from his nephew. "When you are strong enough, come to Isola Tibera. We will find where best to use your strength against the Borgia."

"I look forward to it, Uncle. Until then, do not worry for Diana. Machiavelli is a good man, and he will let no harm come to her."

"I know. A part of me did not want to admit it, but she is safest here. Do try to keep her out of trouble? She does have some of me in there," Ezio winced, to which Giovanni laughed.

"I admit—part of that was 'Rico and I's fault. We encouraged it."

"I see," the Assassin snickered, finally releasing his nephew. "I will be back to visit soon. With luck, I will have more allies to our cause."

"Good luck, Uncle, and God speed," he replied, holding out his hand. Ezio grabbed it firmly, their eyes meeting with a solemn oath among men, and then the Assassin left, returning to his daughter's side.

And when he finally left her in the company of Niccolo Machiavelli, his heart was not so heavy.

-O-

March 4, 1500

Castel Sant'Angelo

Rome, Italy

"So, do you actually like working for the Borgia, or are you just afraid they'll behead you?" Catherine asked as she watched Paula clean, wiping down her vanity mirror before moving onto the table. The woman turned abruptly, eyes wide. That was, truthfully, the only answer the redhead needed, but she let the woman stutter on her words as she tried to find the right response.
"I—you—you can't just—you must not say such things, my Lady!" she rasped, shrinking down some as she worked a little harder.

"I'm not exactly one to grovel, and they want me alive, so I'm not too worried about anyone hearing me talk bad about the Borgia," she responded nonchalantly, shrugging even. The woman frowned, not at all pleased by the answer, but Catherine wasn't going to take it back. It was a test of sorts—in an odd way. Perhaps even a cruel way, but she had to see how Paula would react to certain things. Was she fiercely loyal to her enemies, be it out of fear or love or something else? Or was she being forced and wanted to be free as much as her? It was hard to tell right now, but she'd been pressing over the weeks. While nothing concrete, the maid was at least far more willing to talk than before.

"You are lucky then," she murmured before moving on to the dresser where her few clothes were kept.

"If you call being locked in a room for nine months and then praying they don't kill you as soon as your kid is pulled out of the womb then, yes, I'm lucky."

Again, the woman flinched, and Catherine felt a little bad. She was being harsher than she needed to be, but dammit it all—she had to! What choice did she have? She needed to get out of here, and she needed to do so quickly. Her belly would grow bigger with each week, and there was still nothing of her husband. Each day with no news just drove another knife into her gut—and her heart.

"I… I'm sorry. I just… I can't… this job is an honor," Paula spoke, her voice quiet and shaky.

The redhead sighed, "No, it's fine, I get it. Sorry. I don't mean to be so, uh, mean. I know you're just doing what your told, and I know what the Borgia do to those that they decide they don't like."

Paula paused, head turning slightly towards the redhead, and then continued with her work. As usual, they settled into a silence that happened quite often. Sure, the young woman was talking to her now, but it was generally in spurts. It was better than nothing, but it was still aggravating. Before Catherine had simply endured the silence and loneliness with only the Doctor's company, but now she had a taste of normal conversation again, and she was, perhaps, a little addicted. Hell, even her enemies hadn't come to visit, and she wasn't used to this seclusion.

As such, she felt a flood of relief when the young woman began to talk again.

"They destroyed your home… right?" she asked softly, glancing up then back down. "I… we… there is a lot of talk about the attack on Monterigionni. That was your home?"

"I… yeah. It was. Destroyed it and hurt a lot of my friends and family. I don't know how many got away."

The woman's head lowered, "I… I'm sorry. Do you… have any others?"

"No. Not here, anyways," the redhead replied, mind flickering to the dream she'd had—another memory of her life from before. It was a fleeting image, but it had been of her mother. "It was my husband, my daughter, mother- and sister-in-law, her husband and sons, and then… well, he wasn't my father. He was my husband's Uncle, actually, but he was like a father."

"Do you… think you'll see them again?"

"Not… all of them, but… my husband. I'll see him again. That I am certain of," she growled, eyes hardening some. She glanced to Paula, and saw her eyes wide again, though not with fear. Rather, it might have been surprise or at least disbelief. The redhead raised a brow, a wry smile on her face. "What?"

"It's just… how can you think so? That your husband will come? You believe you can leave?"

"I know I can… I just need his help, but he'll come for me. He'll figure out where I am and help me—and our child—get out."

Paula's fingers gripped her cloth tight, "How can your husband do this? Who is he?"

Catherine smirked, "You know I'm the Lady Auditore. Know who the Lord is? Ever heard of Ezio Auditore?"

"I—er… no, I haven't."

"Well," the redhead hummed, but then grinned again. "Give it time, and you will. You'll see."

"O-oh," was the girl's reply before she returned to her work.

It was disheartening to hear even a cleaning maid didn't know her husband's name, but maybe it was too soon. It had been months, though, so surely? Yet, she didn't know. Maybe she didn't go into the main city. Or maybe she did and her husband just wasn't in Roma yet. The notion was terrifying, so she refused to give into it. She didn't know enough about Paula to consider anything anyways. She had to learn more first; to gain the girl's trust. Then she could figure more out. For now, she had to hold onto her hope and to her belief.

"Your husband sounds brave."

Catherine glanced up, meeting Paula's gaze. She could tell the young woman was being sincere, for all the wariness she must have been feeling. The redhead grinned a little.

"Of course. He gets it from me," she winked, and Paula, for perhaps the first time, chuckled back.

"I see. You know, you are… very strange—for a lady. Not a savage, but… odd."

"Oh-ho, getting fresh are we? Good. I like that. And I'm only a 'lady' by marriage. I'm a warrior at heart, so I'll take that as a compliment."

Paula's smile widened, "Very odd."

"You know, I think I'm beginning to like you," Catherine laughed, and the young woman laughed, too.

The silence came back again, but the air was different this time. There was a lightness to it, and once again Catherine felt the touch of hope.

07 – End

TMWolf: Oh, kitty-'Cat. You should know better than to hope with me as your writer ;)

But for now go on ahead, girl. In the meantime... Hope everyone enjoyed Ezio being #1 dad. I always imagined him being this kind of dad, and he adores his kid. She's pretty sweet, and even Machiavelli enjoys her. But I say that based on the fact he EVENTUALLY has four kids, and I think he'd enjoy someone to pass down knowledge to. Maybe. He kinda is for her, anyways, haha.

But, yeah. So not tooooooooo much to discuss this chapter beyond putting Giovanni and Diana where they are and slowly working on Paula and 'Cat. That's a thing that's happening. Let's see where it goes, hmmmmmm...

P.S. Next chapter is fun c: