The Family Auditore – Chapter 13 – The Burden of Innocence
Isabelle refused to stay idly and so she crawled out of the window where she had been staying. She looked about. She sighed. Only a couple of months ago this had been far easier. With the added weight and her expanded belly, it was hard to press against a wall.
She climbed down the masonry of the corner of the house to the ground level. Drawing her cloak low over her face she looked down at the street as a light rain began to drizzle. She sighed. It was not far to the
The trial was packed full of people.
She moved to the front row, but a man lifted his hand. "This is reserved for the De' Medici family."
"I am Lorenzo De' Medici's cousin, Isabelle." She said.
The prosecutor looked up and nodded. She had met him several times when he had come to speak to Lorenzo. "She speaks true. Isabelle. Congratulations on your marriage. You are as beautiful and bountiful as ever." He smiled.
She dipped her head. "Thank you, Messere Orsini."
She well knew him. He was named Paolo Orsini. His son, Fabio, had been a suitor for Isabelle according to Lorenzo. However, Isabelle had heard over tea with Lorenzo's wife that Fabio had married Jeronima Borgia, a cousin to Isabelle, though neither Paolo nor Lorenzo's wife knew it. Jeronima was a comely girl, but she was weak and did as she was told rather than follow her heart.
Isabelle sat as Uberto Alberti stepped forward. "Bring forward the accused."
Petruccio was the first brought up and led to a bench. Next was Federico and Isabelle's breath caught. He had bruises on his body and dried blood. Giovanni was worse and had a limp as he stepped to the bench.
"Papa." She whispered.
There was a hooded man near the judge and he did not move. Isabelle looked at him, but there was something sinister about him.
The evidence took three hours to deliver. Isabelle listened and grew more and more angry.
"Is there evidence for the defense to the contrary?" The judge asked.
Isabelle took a breath. "I would address the court." She found herself saying.
All eyes turned to her and the man hiding beneath his cowl looked up.
"Who speaks?" The judge asked.
"I do." Isabelle said rising to her feet.
"And you are?"
"Isabelle Auditore, nee De' Medici."
Uberto looked up at her as she walked forward. "Why are you here child?"
She did not answer him.
Paolo Orsini came to her. "What evidence do you have, child?"
"I fail to see how Petruccio is any part of this conspiracy of which you speak." She looked at him. "He has been bedridden nearly all his life." She looked at the young man. "Federico is home much of the time. Giovanni, Papa, is a banker." She shrugged.
"And what is your relationship to the family, my dear?" The judge asked.
"I am the wife of Federico Auditore." She took a breath and steadied herself.
"Did you notice men you did not know coming to and from the house?" Uberto asked stepping forward.
"Yes, sir, but that was also you at first." She said with a smile.
There was a ripple of laughter.
After speaking for more than an hour on behalf of her family and answering questions from both sides the judge saw she was tiring and allowed her to step down.
Uberto walked to the judge and spoke to him. The judge nodded and then rose. "Though there has been compelling evidence from the Lady Auditore, it is the decision of this court that the charges stand."
Isabelle rose to her feet with a cry. "What?!"
The judge lifted a hand. "The penalty for treason is death. However, if the Lady Auditore can find evidence of written proof to her thoughts, the court will gladly entertain such motions."
Isabelle moved forward, but the cloaked man came forward and gripped her hand. He twisted her arm almost painfully behind her. He leaned close to her. "Well met, child. I have not seen you in some time." He said coldly, his voice full of malice.
She gasped and turned to look at the man holding her, the hair on the back of her neck sticking up. She looked under the cowl and felt her blood run cold. "Rodrigo." She gasped.
Her body felt warm all over and then ice cold. Her knees gave out and Rodrigo caught her against him and lifted her in his arms.
The three Auditore were trying to move forward after seeing her in distress. "Isabelle!" Federico cried.
Rodrigo stepped toward them, her limp body in his arms. He smiled at Giovanni. "I told you I was a far better ally than enemy and now you will pay for it."
"Let her go Borgia." Giovanni hissed as a guard held him. "Your quarrel is with me, not her."
"Ah, but you are mistaken." He smiled coldly. "Take them away."
The guards nodded and led the struggling men away.
Rodrigo laid the girl on a stretcher than someone had brought. He narrowed his eyes at Uberto. "See that a doctor looks her over. You and I will need to speak."
"Of course."
Rodrigo moved to exit the room as the girl was carried away.
ZzZ
It was early afternoon when Uberto and Rodrigo Borgia decided to check on the girl.
The doctor had declared her fit and pregnant. Rodrigo had then ordered Uberto tell him everything about the life he knew about the girl.
They then were told by a servant that she was awake and they went to speak to her.
Uberto and Rodrigo stood looking at her as she stood in the middle of the room looking at them. She was not armed, but the look she gave them had more venom than a pit viper would give in a bite.
"You did not tell me you know of her whereabouts, Uberto." Rodrigo said.
"I did not think she was Esperanza. She gave her name as Isabelle. I know I had seen her before, but I could not place it. Forgive that infraction, Master."
Rodrigo snorted. "I will take her back with me to Rome in the morning." He waved a hand. "It is no matter that she is pregnant. I can find some poor fool with money to marry her. After all she is a Borgia, even if the papers she has say De' Medici." He smiled at her. "Soon our name will have more clout anyway."
"Go to hell, Rodrigo." She told him.
"No love from my daughter to me?" He asked frowning.
"I am an Auditore." She said stiffening.
"Yes, but as a widow, you will be free to marry again."
She narrowed her eyes and turned away.
Rodrigo was not used to having anyone, let alone a female dismiss him. "I did not give you leave to…"
"Your threats have no meaning to me anymore, Rodrigo." She said without turning.
"Perhaps a day or two locked in this room without food will moderate that temper of yours."
"You cannot be serious, Master." Uberto gasped. "She is heavy with child. That borders on cruelty."
"I do not believe I asked your opinion." Rodrigo hissed rounding on him.
The girl walked to the bed and sat down, her hand on her belly. "I will not remarry."
She looked down as Rodrigo came to her. "I should have drowned you at birth, you troublesome wretch."
She looked up at him coldly. "Perhaps you should have."
He lifted a hand, but the challenge in her eyes stayed his hand. He then hissed and walked out of the room, Uberto following him. Uberto paused at the door and looked back.
"You should rest." He said. "It has been a trying day."
She watched the door shut and she moved to it and tried it. It was locked. She had heard the key turn. She shook her head and then turned to the small window. It was just large enough that she perhaps could slide through if she desired. For now, she wanted to rest.
ZzZ
She lifted her head as she heard keys in the lock. Uberto walked in. "What do you want Judas?" She asked watching him with contempt.
"Come, child. The master is seeing to his plans in the city and will be gone until sundown." He took her arm gently. "I will take you to say your goodbyes."
She swallowed.
She followed Uberto, between two guards to Piazza della Signoria. She had her head down and then walked up the windy staircase. There was the constant sound of dripping from water and the stones were slick. More than once she had nearly fallen, but a guard had caught her or she caught herself against the cool stones of the wall.
Uberto nodded to the warden to open the door. "You have thirty minutes, my dear. Use them wisely."
She entered with a nod and Uberto locked the door behind her.
She lowered her hood as Federico and Giovanni looked up.
"Isabelle." Giovanni gasped. "Why are you here?" He asked.
"I came to see you." She looked over. Petruccio was sleeping on the low cot. She swallowed. "It is cold here."
"You should not be here, child." Giovanni said softly. "You…the child…" He looked her over as he got to his feet. "Are you well? Have they harmed you?"
"No." She said.
Federico was on his feet and pulled her into an embrace. He held her, a hand in her thick hair, and the other around her back. He held her face to him as he put his cheek to her hair. "I love you." He whispered to her. "I love you so much."
She felt her swollen belly pressing against his body and she swallowed. "I…" She had tears in her eyes.
He pulled her back, looking at her face. "I love you." He whispered. He kissed the tears as they fell and then kissed her deeply. Giovanni's hand came and rested on her shoulder as they pair held each other.
Too soon Uberto returned. Federico was stroking his wife's hair as she sat beside Petruccio. The dank was not good for his weak lungs and already he was making a raspy sound as he breathed. He had woken and seen her and smiled. He went back to sleep, too tired from breathing to stay awake. She hung her head in sadness.
"Papa…I will get you free."
He looked over as Uberto opened the door. "It is time, child." Uberto said softly.
Federico nodded and helped his wife to her feet. Giovanni kissed her cheeks. He cupped her cheek and nodded. "Be safe daughter."
Federico pulled her to him and walked with her to the door. The guards moved, but Uberto lifted a hand. Federico embraced and kissed his wife deeply. He rested his forehead against her own. "I love you Isabelle. Remember you are an Auditore. Fight for what you are." He told her softly.
She nodded.
Giovanni looked to Uberto. "If you ever recall anything of our friendship, make sure no harm comes to her."
Uberto shut and locked the door. "Some roses are worth saving." He said and followed the girl back down the narrow stairs.
ZzZ
Rodrigo came back well after Uberto and Isabelle. Isabelle was sipping tea and looking out the window. Her hand was on her womb.
Rodrigo came into her room and brought a dinner tray. She looked at him unsure. He shook his head. "If I meant to poison you, I would not be marrying you off to a Spaniard." He said.
She nodded and ate her fill.
After an hour she did not feel totally herself, but it was a curious feeling. A warm and pleasant feeling.
The girl heard a knock at the door.
Cupping her ear to the door, she heard Ezio's voice.
She shook her head to try to clear the cobwebs. She had to be so tired. The stress of the day was catching up to her.
She moved to the window and opened it. She then climbed up onto a table and moved. It was a tight squeeze, but she managed to climb out. It was a drop to the street and she landed awkwardly. She was not injured, thankfully and she picked herself up.
Ezio came around the corner and she looked at him a moment before running to him.
"Ezio!" She whimpered and ran to him.
He pulled her into an embrace. "Isabelle. Oh thank God you are alright." He pressed a kiss to her brow before leading her away.
ZzZ
Ezio had finally reached Uberto's house. It has taken him the better part of an hour. He took a breath. He knocked. After knocking three times the door opened to reveal Uberto.
"Ezio Auditore? What are you doing here at this hour?"
Ezio gasped from racing to the man's house after his ordeal at the house. "It... I don't..."
"Wait, child. Take a breath. Collect your thoughts."
Ezio regained his breath and forced himself to calm.
"My father and brothers have been imprisoned. I was told to bring you this."
Ezio handed Uberto the documents he found in his father's chest. The papers were folded together and sealed by Giovanni. "Ahh. I see now. It's a misunderstanding Ezio. I'll clear everything up."
"How?"
A hooded man walked past Uberto inside his home. The mysterious man paused a moment before continuing to a different room. Ezio did not pay him any notice. He did not seem important and he did not even stop to look at Ezio fully.
"The documents you've given me contains evidence of a conspiracy against your family and against the city. I'll present these papers at the hearing in the morning and they'll be released."
"Thank you, signore."
"Of course my child. Do you need a place to stay? You're more than welcome here."
"No grazie. I'll meet you at the piazza."
"Don't worry Ezio. Everything is going to be fine. The trial is tomorrow. This evidence will clear them."
Ezio nodded and took his leave drawing his cowl up. The door shut behind him.
He moved to blend in with the crowds once more and find somewhere to stay. A form dropped to the ground near him. He looked at the form startled, but it straightened and revealed to small frame and a swollen belly.
Isabelle.
"Ezio!" She whimpered and ran to him.
He pulled her into an embrace. "Isabelle. Oh thank God you are alright." He pressed a kiss to her brow before leading her away.
ZzZ
Ezio and Isabelle walked together through the streets. About halfway back to an inn her knew, his sister-in-law was slowing behind him. He turned and saw her leaning against the wall with a hand to her face. He walked to her. "Tesoro?" He asked gently.
"I am…so tired…" she yawned and blinked. She took a step forward and tripped. He caught her. Her arm was hanging loose in his grip and her eyes were not focusing on him.
"You have been drugged." He said in shock. He lifted her up in his arms and held her close. Isabelle was still, but he could feel her breathing against him. He climbed up onto a roof and moved holding her to him.
He reached a tavern and bought a room after setting her near the stairs. Most would think her drunk and leave her be. After being given the key he went up to the room and laid her down on the bed.
He pressed a cool cloth to her brow.
He sighed. He was only seventeen and this was so much to handle. His brothers and father were in prison. His sister-in-law had been drugged and fainted. His mother and sisters were staying with a maid's sister. He sighed and rubbed his face. This was too much for him.
He looked at her dreamy face and kissed her brow. "I swear I will look after you, Isabelle. No matter what I will keep you and the baby safe." He touched her belly and felt the baby moving. Isabelle moved in her sleep and he smiled gently. He watched her move to her side and settle back into the pillow. The poor thing was like himself, overwrought, only she had a babe in her womb.
He crawled onto the bed leaving a blanket between them, but he needed the comfort of her near. He sighed and shook his head. So much so fast. It was too much to handle.
Tomorrow would be another day.