Madre, where are we going?'' Giuliano asked, holding Viola's hand as they left their house.
The barmaid had put together their belongings and sewn all the money in a hidden pocket of her underskirt. It was a little too predictable, but she had no experience in improvised getaways, and she was still hoping there wouldn't be problems with bandits during their journey.
It was a vain hope because she had no illusions about the roads out of Firenze, so she hoped Ezio's presence would at least protect them. The thief had to lead them through alleys since many guards were patrolling that night, and she could see Giuliano's excitement at that change of pace in his habits. The babe had promised to be silent, but Viola knew he wanted to question her more since she said they were visiting his grandma. It was hard to explain it as plainly as she could, and at least he had understood there were people eager to meet him, but she had forgone to mention his biological mother.
As guilty as she felt for her lie, it was best to introduce Giuliano slowly to the still-living relatives and talk about his parents later.
''You have a crossroad ahead before the stables out of the gate. We will be the decoy, so run as fast as you can. Ezio is waiting for you with the horses''
Viola felt the heart jump in her throat when she saw three guards stationed in front of the gate. Her legs trembled as she picked up Giuliano, and she wondered if they could make it.
The anxiety was so great that she almost fell on the ground when the thief pushed her out of the alley and ran to engage the guards in a fight. From nowhere, two raggedy men sprinted to help, leaving the gate unguarded, and Viola prayed not to stumble and fall.
Outside she could see the white and red costume of the assassin, who had already dealt with sentinels, probably alarmed by his presence. Viola tried to avoid their sight and hid Giuliano's face in her neck as she crossed the gate before falling in Ezio's arms.
He gave her no time to catch her breath and hoisted the barmaid on the saddle before jumping on his horse and shouting at her to keep up.
The mare neighed as Viola spurred her into a canter.
Giuliano smiled happily at the new experience, but the adults had no time to coo at his antics as the city alarm reverberated in the fields outside Firenze.
''Just a bit longer, and we can rest!'' Viola heard Ezio exclaim, but she wasn't worried for herself.
Giuliano had begun to squirm in discomfort as soon as the mare sped up, and his mother covered his head with the cloak. It would be hard to return to Firenze for her, but he would have at least the choice as an adult to go back if he wanted.
Maybe the guards had not seen Viola's face, but they would soon notice her absence. Her name was ruined by now and tied to Ezio's, so she had no illusion of seeing Firenze again.
It was painful in some ways because she had to leave relatives, friends, and the city she had loved so much, but it was worth it for Giuliano's happiness. The curious boy stared at everything as they flew through the forest in fascination, not caring anymore about questioning the adults in favor of savoring the adventure. For a babe so accustomed to a specific routine, riding on a horse was already an undescribable emotion.
He squealed in excitement as Ezio slowed down and winked at him.
''Monteriggioni is close. In a couple of hours, we can reach the gates. I promised to stop and rest, but it would be safer to go'' Ezio explained.
''Let's go then. I don't want to risk unnecessarily'' she replied honestly and accepted his waterskin, making Giuliano take the first sip.
The assassin watched in relief at the tender care bestowed on the child, grateful Federico's babe had been loved even by a stranger. Many children ended up on the street or worse in his situation, but Viola was a remarkable woman in his eyes.
The same thought ran through his mind unceasingly ever since he met her and thanked God for Giuliano's fate.
...
They reached Monteriggioni's gates at night, and Viola was ready to search for the nearest bed and sleep, but she had no illusion the Auditores would patiently wait for the following morning.
''My mother and sister are waiting for us in the villa'' Ezio said excitedly, handing his horse to the stableboy who greeted them at the entrance.
Ezio took the sleeping boy from her hands, and he adjusted the grip on Giuliano before extending a hand to help Viola dismount.
The girl felt his callous fingers close around her smaller hand with a secure but gentle grip, and even years after that moment, she wondered how someone could doubt his honesty. There was a kindness Viola didn't expect in his eyes despite the horrors that befell his family, but she had no doubt he was capable of fighting back if needed.
Her feet touched the ground, and the barmaid smiled gratefully at Ezio, a bit charmed by his chivalrous ways.
''So, do you think we could spend the night together?'' she said before gasping in embarrassment when he winked at her mischievously.
''I would be honored to share my bed with such a lady'' he commented.
''I meant Giuliano and me! Don't misunderstand, messere!''
''If you say so. But I'll keep the door unlocked if you change the idea'' Ezio shrugged.
''No, no. Please, don't!'' she exclaimed in panic.
The assassin knew she had slipped on her words, but it was too funny to tease Viola if her cheeks reddened like ripe apples.
They bickered softly until the shape of a towering older man appeared in the courtyard. He had a menacing air, and the unfocused eye upset Viola more than his big smile.
''Nipote, you return victorious'' he exclaimed and opened his arms in welcome, but she could feel him staring at her carefully.
Giuliano erupted in a crying fit at the booming voice that woke him up from his nap in Ezio's arms and pleaded for his mother's comfort, almost falling on the ground in his attempt to cuddle into her neck.
Viola cooed softly and let the two men catch up.
It was clear the stranger was wary of her presence in the villa, but Ezio briefed him as shortly as he could, promising to explain everything as soon as his mother and sister were with them.
''Then, it's useless to stand here. Let's go inside'' the man said, leading the pair inside the villa.
''He's my uncle Mario'' Ezio whispered, ''He will watch you a lot, but he means well. To ensure your safety, we have to be transparent with each other''
''I understand'' she replied, swallowing the sarcastic remark she was about to say.
The villa was beautiful and lavish, even if chilly, and Viola wondered how rich they were. She feared they would judge her meager financial resources, and the stern-looking woman in the sitting room made Viola second-guess her choices that night.
Black hair and rich clothes, with a still youthful complexion, the woman greeted Ezio with a kiss on the forehead before staring at her coldly.
The barmaid clutched her son tight at her chest, fighting to keep a solid stance as Giuliano protested for attention on him. The babe hid his face in her neck and cried when another woman attempted to come closer. She looked like the other one, but the independent flare in her eyes was just like Ezio's.
''Don't crowd him, Claudia. He won't react well'' Ezio chided her, ''Mother, this is Viola. And that little man over there is Giuliano''
The assassin knew better than to take the child out of her arms, but his mother didn't reply or move to greet the young woman.
''We are grateful for raising him, but why are you here? He's with his family now'' Claudia said, crossing her arms over her chest with a frown.
''With due respect, I won't leave my son with you, not now nor in the future. We came here because you wanted to meet Giuliano, as it is your right, but I'm his mother. He won't leave my side''
The man laughed as soon as she stopped her tirade, impressed at her fierceness, and Viola felt as if the temperature raised with her embarrassment.
''I promised. We won't take Giuliano away'' Ezio smiled at her, uncaring of his mother's conflicted frown.
Claudia sent Viola a tight smile, she didn't appreciate her brother's words either, but it wasn't time to argue with him.
They had just arrived at Monteriggioni, but Viola felt it was only the beginning of her uneasy stay in the Auditore's villa.