I woke up hearing the sound of Lucrezia's loud and expensive shoes stepping on the marble floors. They echoed through the massive hallways and into my bedroom. I looked around and the sun that beamed through the window made me guess that it was probably mid afternoon. I slowly got out of the bed and dressed myself, the sound of Lucrezia's shoes growing louder and louder. Only seconds after I was dressed and ready, she knocked on my door and let herself in. She smelt of strong perfume and she wore her favorite red dress that could have easily been mistaken as a courtesan's attire if it were not for the high quality fabrics and lace, and the person who wore them.

"Ah, the Lady of the Castel Sant'Angelo has woken up, ready to grace us with her presence," she said as she leaned against the marble wall.

"Good afternoon, Lucrezia. How are you?" I asked, ignoring her harsh comment.

"I suppose I am as miserable as a beggar, but what does it matter? Everyone here only cares to know how you are doing."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Lucrezia. If you wish to speak about your feelings, I will gladly be your confidant."

"I'd rather go to hell," she snapped.

I approached her and said, "I apologize, I only wished to be kind to you."

"Save your charity for Cesare. He is the only one who finds your kindness amusing. Neither my father or I have any care for your hospitality."

"But Lucrezia, you must admit that you do treat me harshly? The Pope is much more polite in his manner."

"I treat you harshly for good reasons! And I shall continue to treat you harshly because you have ruined my life and stole the only person I have in this cursed castle!"

She turned from me and left the room. I stood there and after a moment I decided to follow her.

"Lucrezia! Wait! Please- I didn't finish my sentence because I fell.

You might find it hard to believe, but I fell down a small flight of stairs that I forgot were there. I lied on the cold floor and wondered if I had broken my body until I saw a familiar face look down at me.

"Are you alright, Madonna?"

"I don't know..." I replied.

He laughed quietly and said, "My name is Leonardo. I think you have heard of me..."

"Yes, I have! Oh it is wonderful to know that you are Leonardo. I thought I'd be looking for you every where."

"Well, Louise, would you mind if I examined to see if you have broken anything?"

"Oh of course not, I don't feel any pain, though."

"Perhaps it has gone numb," he said as he gently helped me up and placed me to sit at the end of the stairs.

"Da Vinci!" yelled another familiar voice.

This voice was the most familiar of them all, the most ordinary, and the most vicious.

"Yes? How can I be of service?" asked Leonardo, jumping up straight at the sound of his voice.

"I'll cut your throat if you leave my weapons unattended one more time," he said, standing right beside us now.

"And what was the sound I heard just a few minutes ago?"

Leonardo's face turned red with fear and embarrassment, so I spoke on his behalf.

"I fell, Cesare. Leonardo just came out for a moment to see if I was alright."

"You fell? Where? You are going to kill yourself with all these mishaps."

"I fell down the stairs chasing after Lucrezia."

Cesare looked at Leonardo, who was still standing there red-faced.

"Get back to your studies, imbecile," he yelled.

"Yes, Cesare," he said and left.

Cesare looked back at me and held my chin with his hand, turning my head from left to right and examining it.

"Your skin has grown so fair. Perhaps being taken prisoner would do Lucrezia good as well..."

There was a suspicious air in his tone that shook my nerves.

"I suppose I shouldn't ask you about it. The doctor said the memories would make you insane; and what would I do with you if you were to grow mad?"

He let go of my chin and cupped my head with his hands and stared at me with his heartless black eyes.

"I think I trust you too much, Louise. I can't help it, though. Wasn't I right when I said you'd be gone within the two weeks that I left Roma? I came back and my heart sank; you were gone. I was foolish to be so happy and expect to see your loving face when I returned. Something changed in those two weeks. I can see it in your eyes. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure it will reveal itself in time. Patience is a virtue, my love."

He dropped his hands and coughed. "Father has arranged a picnic for his family and friends, and we will be staying for three days. Everyone already left, Lucrezia and I stayed behind to wait for you. Pack your bags, we leave in an hour."

"Okay," I said quietly.

He kissed my hand and walked away, in the direction that Lucrezia had gone. My mind unwillingly thought that he might be going to kiss her hand as well, and in disgust, I shook the thoughts out of my head.

I sighed at the thought of being in a carriage with Lucrezia and Cesare at the same time. She would be quiet and dread every moment just as I will, and Cesare will be affectionate towards me to bother Lucrezia, which will make her even more silent and will make me the center of attention. The dreading thought went away as I glanced on my desk and found a letter, with the seal that looked like a curved A in red. I opened it and smiled like a school girl as I read the contents. I hope you are feeling better, Louise. I apologize for hurting your head but I did what had to be done. Enjoy the picnic with Cesare, I will see you there. Yours Truly, Ezio Auditore