Haven't done this in awhile so

Disclaimer: I do not own Assassins Creed 2. Only parts of the plot and my OCs. ALSO: I do not own the rights to the Epirus Bow from the move Immortals. (Muahaha, you shall see why soon.)

Chapter 16

"It will certainly take some time…" I said to Antonio after an hour of discussing the Barbarigo family with him and Armando. We each stood in a circle around the small-scaled model of the palazzo. "I'm new to this circle of people. I need more time to integrate myself into their group."

Antonio nodded in agreement. "We understand that but the city is in unrest. I would like to launch an attack on Palazzo Seta as soon as possible but with the limited funds I have right now? Impossibile." He sat in the plump armchair behind his desk and started shuffling through various papers with his forehead creasing in worry.

"Perhaps I can help with that." Armando said. Antonio and I looked over at him expectantly. "Being stationed as Emilio Barbarigo's head guard, I get to see the people he is allied with. I can bring you a list and we can take from his own men, breaking his support."

"Armando, I could kiss you." Antonio said with a huge grin.

"I would rather you not." Armando replied without missing a beat causing Antonio to laugh boisterously.

"It is a fine plan." I said to him with a smile. "Bring Antonio that list and I will see that Emilio's support is broken." I got a good look at Armando. He looked much more tired than he did days ago. I noticed that he no longer had a beard, which I had at first thought was strange but with the news of his position, it made sense. Next was that his long, black, curly hair was cut closer to his head. "I did not know you were stationed there, Armando; I wonder if that is why I got the old head of guard."

Armando gave a slight shrug and shook his head. "I'm not for sure, really. Probably but the boy wanted a change in position. I got the feeling that he did not like the way Emilio operated." I nodded, feeling glad that Dante disapproved of how Templars worked. That would help when I tried to break him free of their grasp. I had not been planning to do that but somehow, I knew that I could not leave him behind when all hell broke loose. That is, of course, unless he is one I am fighting against.

"That should keep us busy until we get our funding up to support taking over the Palazzo Seta." Antonio said. He looked at me. "There has been word that a party is being planned at Grimaldi's home. I think that would be a good place for you to begin."

"Sounds like a plan." I agreed.

He looked out the window behind him. "You had better get going home. You'll need your rest these next days." I nodded and said my farewells to both men. "Come see me in a few days and I'll have that list for you."

I walked out of his office to see Rosa and Ugo still at their game. I walked over to Rosa and held out my hand. She just laughed and said innocently, "I didn't take your money." I just kept staring at her, calling her out on her bullshit. She paid me no mind and continued her turn.

"You know what they do to thieves in my home town?" I spoke, my voice was quiet yet dark and Ugo looked uncomfortable by my tone. Rosa just turned her brown eyes on me; her eyebrows were lifted in a sarcastic, questioning way. I put my hand down on the table in front of her and leaned toward her until we were face to face. "They cut off their fingers."

Rosa snorted. "If you think you can, go ahead and try." By the time the word try left her lips, I had her hand in mine and was bending her pointer finger backwards. There was a loud crack and Rosa began to cuss me intensely. I let go of her hand and she cradled it against her as I reach down and took the coin purse on her side in one quick swipe.

"If this is not all of it then I will be back to collect." I turned and left, not before noticing the Ugos' impressed look. I was out of the door by the time Antonio was coming out to see what all the fuss was about. I might pay for that later, I thought to myself; but it was so, so worth it. A laugh bubbled up through me as I hooked my veil across my face and went to the rooftops.

Venezia did not have many archers but there were still some I had to avoid. As I got closer to my home, I heard a woman's cry for help rise from the streets below. I went towards the sound and saw what the commotion was about. The woman was being held by two men while another came towards her. I was immediately disgusted and leapt to the street below. I landed softly; the men did not hear it.

"Let her go." I growled out at them. The men looked my way with vile smiles across their faces.

"You can be next, tesoro." The man going towards the woman said and nodded his head to me. One of the men gave the other the womans arm he was holding and started walking toward me. I did not shrink away from his approach. I was unwilling to give the bastardothat kind of satisfaction. He swung out at me immediately, intending to knock me out while they finished with her but I would not allow that. I moved to the side quickly and grabbed his arm and shoulder; I pushed his body down slightly and brought my knee into his stomach once, twice and a third time before pushing him to the ground. He scrambled to his feet and his face was blood red with anger. He let out a frustrated roar as he ran towards me. I used the wall behind me to launch myself right over his head, twisting my body as I went. I landed and punched him hard in the back, flicking my wrist to release my hidden blade. He let out a muffled groan before collapsing to the ground.

I removed my blade and turned to the remaining men. They had stopped pillaging the poor woman to watch the altercation between the man and I. I left the blade out as I walked toward them and it was dripping with blood, creating a nice ominous effect. They exchanged a glance and released the woman, who ran away screaming before starting towards me. One man; the one who was behind the leader, turned and started to run away. In one quick motion, I pulled out and flicked a throwing knife at him and he was dead before he hit the ground. I turned my heated gaze on the other man. He looked unsure but did not seem to want to back down. I made the first move; I tried to hit him with my hidden blade but the man caught my arm and held me there. I tried for the other but he caught that one, too. He grinned. "Well, aren't you a hot little piece of ass. I'm going to make you scream tonight." I jerked my left arm away and jumped up, wrapping my legs around his neck before using my weight to flip him onto the ground. I held him with my thighs and poised my blade at his neck.

"Scream for me now." I whispered to him and he started to yell for help and I could see the fear intensify in his eyes. I slit his throat before the first call was fully out. I stood from his body and shook my head at the bloody scene around me. How did I get myself into these situations.

As I climbed the walls and made it to the first balcony, I heard a woman softly say, "Thank you." I looked back down at her. It was the woman that the men had held. I had half expected her to be all the way across Venezia by now; she looked worn but safe and I nodded before continuing my assent to the rooftops.

When I made it back to my home, I was utterly exhausted. I almost didn't make it out of my Assassin robes but forced myself to go to my office and remove them. I collapsed in my bed afterwards and curled up to my soft, feather pillows as I drifted to sleep.

I was walking through a labyrinth of sorts. It was dark and damp, for some reason I knew I was underground. I twisted my way through the path, lifted myself over barriers and jumped over gaps until I came to a large door. I could not see a way to open it; it seemed to require a small key of some sorts. My vision darkened for a moment before lighting up again.

The door was open.

I stepped forward cautiously. This seems like a trap, I thought to myself. My mouth fell open when I realized what was sitting in front of me. There was large statue of a few women in different outfits. I found this to be rather strange but studied the statues nonetheless. They held each others sides and their faces had long worn away but I could tell what they wore. One was dressed as a courteasan, another as a noble but one… One wore Assassin robes. My eyes drifted over them each, wondering what I was supposed to learn from this.

A formidable set of robes, like the ones the woman wore on the statue was hung on a mannequin near the doorway to the large room. They were white and red; simple yet beautiful and ominous. The armor seemed to be made of harder metal than I even knew existed. That's for me, I thought to myself. I wasn't sure how I knew that but they just seemed like it was for me.

Beside the armor - laying on a sort of alter was a long, golden bow. I held my hand over it, suddenly afraid. This was all too easy. I touched it once and it spoke to me. I jerked my hand away, looking at the offending bow. It told me it's name, showed me that it was of no threat to me but I was still so unsure. It called itself the Eprius Bow. The name sounded familiar and I knew I had heard it somewhere in my studies before.

"So, you found the bow in your dreams." A soft voice came from behind me. I turned and Minerva stood watching me from the doorway. "But can you find it in reality?" This was a dream? I wondered as I looked around the room. It all seemed so real. "It is hard for one that does not traverse these planes often to separate this from reality. I have no doubt that you would have figured it out eventually."

"Why do I keep meeting you in these dreams?" I asked out loud, feeling uncomfortable with the fact that she read my mind. "What path are you leading me toward?"

"The one that you are destined for."

"You know my destiny?"

"I know much more than you think." Minerva looked at the Epirus Bow once more. "What you see is a piece of Eden that has been lost to all for many, many years."

I looked back at it, surprised then looked back to the strange woman. "I think it should remain lost, then. So the Templars will not take hold of it."

Minerva shook her head and I frowned at her. "It has chosen you, Aria d'Este. From the moment it told you its name, you will feel a pull inside your very being towards it." She looked over her shoulder and pursed her full lips. "I do not have much time."

"How am I going to find it?" I asked quickly, before she was gone. She just looked at my neck and my hand went to my necklace, feeling a sharp spark when I touched it.

"Your necklace was from one of your ancestors." Minerva looked directly at the woman Assassins statue. "It will show you the way." Her all-knowing eyes met my own. "You're closer than you think."

I jerked forward in my bed in a deep sweat. Dante stood at my side, looking at me strangely. "Are you all right, Maria?" He sounded worried and his blue eyes reflected his tone. "I've been trying to wake you for ages. You were thrashing about in your sleep." I took deep, steady breaths to calm myself but I couldn't get her words out of my mind. She was right, I felt a longing in my mind and body; it was tugging at my soul to find that bow but I had no idea where to start.

"I'm fine… Just had a strange dream." I answered shakily, trying to gather my scattered thoughts. "What time is it?"

"It is almost noon." Dante replied. "Luca has already left for the day." I flopped back in my bed and sighed in relief. I did not want to deal with him so early in the day. "He left some ducats and said that you should look for an evening gown for a party at Grimaldi's home." I waved my hand at him, not really caring at the moment. I already knew there was a party anyways. "Your harp came in today as well. I already brought it up here."

I sat up. It was across the room from me and I stood, ignoring that I was in my nightgown in front of Dante and sat at the stool in front of it. I tuned it to my liking before playing a piece that I had found stuffed away in the library in Monteriggioni. I closed my eyes, remembering that somehow I had known how to play the harp when I came to Mario. Now that I know my heritage, I understand that my mother taught me herself. I finished the tune and sat in silence, staring at my hands as I got lost in thought.

"It has been quite a long time since I have heard you play…" Dante spoke suddenly, causing me to jump. I had forgotten that he was there. We stared at one another for a time before he coughed awkwardly. "Will you play another?" He asked, sounding so hopeful that I couldn't deny him. I lifted my hands to begin, when a song came to mind. I couldn't remember the name but I remembered playing this for him before.

I met his eyes as I played and was surprised to see that tears were in them. They made the blue in his eyes shine more and I couldn't help but stare back. When I finished he just sat on my bed and put his head in his hands. I walked over and sat beside him.

"I'm sorry…" I started, unsure where to go with the apology.

"Please don't say that." Dante said; his voice sounded muffled against his hands. His hands fell to his lap and he looked at me with shining eyes and a smile. "Don't be sorry about this… That was beautiful. I thought I'd never hear it again."

"I'm a little rusty." I replied, flattered that he thought the song was beautiful when I was still adjusting to playing without one of my fingers. I used the nub when I could but it was hard to reach. "I am glad you liked it."

"Aria," Dante said and I looked at him. I allowed the use of my name since we were alone and it was obvious that he was going to call me that no matter what. "Can I… Can I give you a hug?"

"Uh, sure?" I replied, feeling a little weird about the request. I was not one for needless touching but for Dante, I would do it.

He wrapped his arms around me and I hugged him back. He squeezed me to him tightly and I gasped at the proximity. "I thought you were dead." Dante whispered in my ear. "I saw your scars… I will never let anyone hurt you again."

"I can't breathe." I replied hoarsely as he hugged me tight. He released me and I took a deep breath and laughed. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking foolish but happy. We sat in a comfortable silence before I asked, "Dante, where does Luca go all the time? What business is so important that he is gone most of the day?"

Dante's face darkened, proving to me that he knew of the Templars affairs and that Luca was a part of them. "I do not think it is anything that you need to worry yourself over." He answered stiffly. I pouted at him, hoping that he would tell me anyway. Dante looked at me sharply. "Trust me. It's nothing important. Merchant stuff." He stood and went to the door. "Lunch is in a few minutes. See you there?" I nodded and he left the room rather quickly.

I thought to myself for a while. I could probably get Dante to tell me with enough prodding but what would it take? What was I willing to do for the information I needed?

We ate lunch in relative silence. I supposed I made Dante a little unsocial by indirectly asking questions about the Templar order. It was no matter; I would find out one way or another. We left not too long after, heading toward the Mancini's home to visit my mother and enlist her help in finding a gown. I walked right in and Ciro cheered happily when he saw me, running to come give me a hug. Alba walked into the room and smiled happily, giving me a small hug and a kiss to the cheek.

"It is a pity that your father is out doing business." Alba said and I nodded in agreement, trying to look a little disappointed. Ciro looked over Dante and looked at himself in the shiny armor. He tugged on Dante's hand and Dante looked down at him, surprised at the young boys insistence.

"Will you play me with, signore?" Ciro asked sweetly and Dante grinned, looking towards me. I nodded my head once, happy that Ciro remembered me asking to keep any of my guards separated from his parents and I whenever I came to visit. I had not known at the time that I would have a personal guard but it was a necessary precaution. "Great!" Ciro exclaimed, obviously delighted. "We can play knights!" Alba and I smiled as he dragged Dante further into the home.

Alba turned toward me once we were sure they were out of earshot. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

I smiled shyly. "I need qualche aiuto finding a good gown for a party at the Grimaldis' home." Alba nodded but I could tell something was on her mind. "What is it, Alba?" I asked and she looked at me with an apprehensive look in her eyes.

"I heard a strange rumor at the marketplace this morning." She gestured to a seat and we both sat next to each other. I waited patiently for her to go on. "A woman was raving about how she was saved from being raped by the Goddess Nemesis."

"Ah… The Goddess Nemesis, you say?" I said and she nodded. "Well, that is rather strange. I saved a woman last night from the same fate but I did not think I appeared… God-like."

"I assumed it was you since we've never heard rumors such as this before." Alba replied and continued, "The poor girl was saying that the Goddess swooped down from the roofs and killed the men that threatened her with no difficultly at all."

"Was that all she said?" I asked and Alba nodded. I sighed as I thought to myself, I never saw this one coming. The woman saw me, obviously, but to call me the Goddess Nemesis was something else entirely. I did not know why that woman wished to tell everyone that. If I saw a Goddess, I surely would not speak of it. Minerva entered my mind suddenly but I brushed it off, saving those thoughts for a more proper time. I did not want people to think I was losing my mind from dreams of Goddesses. "What should I do?" I asked after thinking to myself for a time.

"I would not worry about it too much. Everyone assumed that she was crazy but I thought you should know what was being said."

"Grazie per avermelo detto." I replied and she smiled softly.

"Prego. Now, we have a gown to go pick out, si?" I smiled as she called for Ciro to come to her so that we can all go out.

Dante smiled at me as he came back into the room. His hair was a little more mussed up than it had been so I assumed that Ciro was running him around. Dante didn't seem to mind that, though and smiled fondly at Ciro as we all set out to go to the market. Ciro held my hand as we walked and I kept noticing Dante staring at me. Alba seemed to notice as well because when he looked away from us, she gave me a look. I shrugged but she smiled before turning away.

It hadn't taken too awful long to pick out a gown; I wasn't picky about what I had to wear at all. I did not know anything about picking out dresses for parties. The only parties I could remember going to back home were Claudia's birthdays and I hadn't bothered to get dressed up for them.

I suddenly felt the same strange tugging in my chest as I did after I had awoken from that strange dream this morning. I vaguely wondered if the bow was somewhere in the city, hidden away below the surface. I wanted to get away to search for it but that would have to wait for a few days; maybe more. I must have looked uncomfortable because Dante asked if I was feeling ill. The insistent tugging was making me feel antsy and I needed to get away so I nodded.

We said our goodbyes and started to leave the marketplace, after asking the tailor to deliver the gown to the villa. As we got near the archway that led out, a woman's voice came from our side.

"I'm telling you, the Goddess Nemesis came to me last night!" She was shrieking as the guards began to pull her away. They said something about harassing everyone in the marketplace with her tall tales. Dante and I watched for a moment before he shrugged and went on through the archway. The woman's eyes met my own and she stared at me for a long moment as they pulled her away. As they pulled her around another corner, I swear I saw her smile.

I was a little unnerved as we went back to the villa. Dante didn't say much, assuming I was still sick. I felt sick now; sicker than I had ever felt before. First the dream-visions with Minerva and now I was being called Nemesis; something huge was at work here but I could not place my finger on it. It was like as soon as it was near my reach, it would jet away from me; impossible for me to understand. When we arrived at the villa, it was about four in the evening. I had a few hours to relax before Luca got home. Dante and I sat in the library for a while before I retired to my room before Luca would get back.

I locked my door and lowered the fireplace, hunching over and shuffling to my secret room. My getaway. I noticed instantly that my robes were cleaned and back on the mannequin. I grew nervous until I realized that the people planted by Antonio in my home would know about this room and relaxed. I sat at my desk, unsure of what to do; I opened the drawer and stared at the picture that was drawn of me. He had such skill that I had not even known about. What else about Ezio did I not know?

I had never thought about it much but we never talked about him or his life before. If he mentioned his brothers it was only for a moment and then it was not spoken of. My heart ached; I suddenly wanted to know more about Ezio and his life before the Assassins.' I felt that, even though we had been around each other for about two years and I had been intimate with him, I hardly knew the man at all.

It made me a little sad that I had not opened myself to him more. I was just so closed off from my own feelings that it was hard to express them to others. And I wanted to express them to Ezio.

I decided something and pulled out a piece of paper and pushed my inkpot and feather closer to me. I dripped the feather in the ink before bringing it towards the paper slowly.

E,

I apologize for not writing you sooner but I did not know what to tell you. Life in Venezia is drab and boring; I can hardly stand sitting around like a proper noblewoman. My husband, Luca, is not so bad. He is young and oblivious but I'm getting a hunch that he is already involved with the Templars like his father.

My personal guardsman, Dante…. Well, let's just say that I've known the Templar guard since before I came to Monteriggioni. The men in his family had always been guards of my mothers side of the family, though I'm not sure why. More investigation is needed. But I knew him from the moment I saw him and likewise, for him. He believes me to be a part of the Mancini family now, thankfully but it still makes me nervous that he knows who I am.

I've already made a nice little reputation for myself. I was visiting the Assassins' of Venezia and I came across a woman about to get violated on my way home. It sent me into a fury and I killed all three men without a thought. The woman has taken to yelling about the streets of the Goddess Nemesis saving her life. It's so silly, I can hardly stand it.

I'm writing this before I go to a Templar party. I'm nervous… Borgia and the like will be there and Borgia gave me such a look at my wedding. It sent chills through my spine. I wonder if he realizes who I am and what I stand for? I would hope not.

I, also, wanted to write you about… the drawing of me in my desk. We both know that I am not so good at words. My hands are shaking as I write these lines and my head is swirling. I wanted you to know -

I stopped halfway through the last line, deciding that it wasn't the best way to go about it. I was not a coward; this would need to be a face to face admission. Of what, exactly? I wanted to tell him that I cared… but the whole thing felt hopeless to me. How could two Assassins' ever be together in peace and harmony? They couldn't. I shook my head and continued writing.

Thank you, E.

I miei pensieri sono con voi,

A.

I folded the letter and slipped it down the hole in my wall. I heard a faint knocking on my door and I hurried back to my room and closed the fireplace quickly as I straightened my dress and hair.

I opened the door to find Luca standing there with a wild grin on his face. I could tell by the look in his eyes what he wanted from me and I let him into my chambers; led him to my bed.

A little later, I was dressed in my new gown. It was black with white trimming and held to my curves nicely. The neck of my dress went up my neck but left the front of my neck and a modest amount of cleavage visible. The sleeves flowed down my arms and went past my hands a small amount. As I looked in the mirror, I had to admit that Alba had fantastic taste in clothes.

Luca admired me in my new gown. "You look ravishing." He said as he twirled me around as if we were dancing. I giggled, as was appropriate and smiled at my husband shyly.

"You approve?" I asked as I buttoned his shirt up.

"Very much so…" He looked over at the bed wantonly before grinning at me. "Perhaps we should just skip the party and stay in tonight."

I giggled again; the very sound was beginning to annoy the hell out of me and replied, "Oh, Luca, you're so insatiable." He winked at that and I laughed as I continued, "You know that your father and the Grimaldis' are expecting us, though."

He gave me a small pout but laughed, good-naturedly. "Si, I know but the party will be so boring. Business talk and all." I perked up a little at that. I really wanted to hear what some of these business talks would be about. "The other ladies will probably whisk you away. They love getting new victims." I looked at Luca with wide eyes and he laughed again. "Did I say that out loud? My apologies. I do not think they will harm you, bella. They are just big gossips."

I gulped as he pulled me down the stairs and out the door. Just what was I getting myself in to this time?

As we walked in, the party was already in full swing. There was a good deal more people here than I imagined there would be. Luca's father Emilio was coming our way through the throngs of people.

"There you are, Luca. We've been waiting for you, figlio. Come with me." Emilio glanced at me once before saying, "Your wife may go sit with the other women if it pleases her."

He looked pointedly toward a group of women sitting at a table that was obviously elevated above the rest. I nodded and kissed Luca's cheek before weaving my way through the crowd. I had not wanted to be separated from Luca in hopes that I may gain some information but what could a girl do. Plus, I hated to socialize - especially with Templar whores.

As I approached the table, a woman with bright red hair and deep green looked up at me in contempt. "Ah, you must be Luca's new wife. It is a pleasure to meet you, Maria."

I nodded back at her. "The pleasure is all mine…" I prompted and she smiled; although, I felt a little anger behind her gaze.

"Isabelle Grimaldi." The red-head said haughtily. "You'll do well to remember it."

"Of course, Isabelle." I replied as I leveled my gaze with her, not giving her the satisfaction of me looking away. She smirked as the women continued to gossip amongst themselves, not offering to fetch me a seat or anything. I just stood there and listening, occasionally throwing in my opinion. I could tell that Isabelle did not like this but the other women did not seem to care for me interacting as much.

I managed to make my way away from the gossiping women and went over to a table covered in different types of drinks. From water to high class wine and liquor - there was more than I knew even existed. I settled on a dark red wine and sipped from the glass as I looked around the flowing party. The women still sat at their table, gossiping and giving others scandalous looks - more than a few of them were sent my way from Isabelle. I rolled my eyes as I watched Luca discussing something with The Spaniard and his father, Emilio.

"How are you enjoying the party, Maria?" A male voice came from my side and I looked over to see an older gentleman with a strange little hat and an enormous, white beard covering his face.

"It is quite lovely." I said, a little unsure of who this man was but he had a familiar look to him. "And you are?" I pressed him for the answer, smiling at the kind looking man.

"Ah, I am Agostino Barbarigo." He said as he took my right hand and kissed it. My eyebrow twitched as he looked at my missing finger with a special scrutiny. "I am Luca's cousin, cara."

I smiled. He seemed pleasant enough and I had not heard of him having Templar ties so I relaxed around him a little. "Why - I wonder, would you be talking to a girl such as myself instead of conversing with the rest of the men?" I looked at Luca and Agostino laughed quietly.

"I am not exactly apart of their little… society." His brown eyes tinkled at me and I rose a brow at him. "Oh dear, you are a little dense." I scowled at him and he laughed again. "I'm on your side, Maria."

"On my side?" I said in wonder and a little apprehensive at his words. Was this a trick? Was I being tested by the Templars?

"I know Antonio quite well. We've helped each other on occasion." I choked a little on the wine I was drinking and looked at him with wide eyes before looking around to see if anyone was listening to our conversation.

"Capisco." I answered in a conspiratorially tone and the older mans smiled widened, if that was possible. We stood in silence, looking over the crowd as more men joined the Spaniard, Luca and Emilio.

"Those three men that just joined the others?" Agostino spoke quietly, not looking toward the group as to not give away our conversation. I nodded as I took another sip, letting my eyes wander to other places in the room. "The heavyset one on the right is Silvio, another cousin of ours. The smaller man with the hat so similar to my own is Carlo Grimaldi, the host of this lovely party. Last is my older brother, Marco."

"Thank you for the information." I said to Agostino as I noticed another man edging his way toward Agostino for conversation.

"We shall see each other again soon." Agostino said as he walked away from me as Isabelle Grimaldi began to saunter my way. I controlled my grimace into a small, yet very fake smile as the woman came to me.

"Oh, Maria. You seem dreadfully bored." The woman smiled at me as she twirled a strand of hair around her petite finger.

"No, you throw such a lively party, Isabelle. I just haven't gotten to know many people yet…" I replied in a shy voice as the woman smiled again.

"Oh, I know my parties are fantastic. Everyone will talk about them for weeks to come. But… the topic as of late has been - Well, it's been you. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I like that much." The words she used were mean but her voice was so perky and upbeat that I was momentarily taken aback.

"What?" was my lame reply. I mentally face palmed as Isabelle scrunched her nose up but still kept that irritating smile on her face.

"I think we both know what I mean, Maria. Stay out of my way or else."

I started to give her a remark but a voice interrupted me. "How are you ladies enjoying the party?" Isabelle smiled brightly as she turned to Luca as he approached.

"Oh, Luca. Don't be silly. You know my parties are always the best." Isabelle said as she fluttered her eyelashes at Luca. I tensed up at her obvious come on to my husband but Luca only smiled nervously as he looked back and forth between the two of us.

"What were you talking about?" Luca asked me but Isabelle intervened again.

"Oh, just girl things." Isabelle grinned at my obvious annoyance of being constantly interrupted. "We have so much in common. I think we'll be the best of friends!" I did not resist the snort that escaped me, making me seem very unladylike as Isabelle sneered at me. Luca, oblivious as always or perhaps distracted by Isabelle obviously using her arms to push up her breasts, did not seem to notice the nasty look on her face directed towards me.

"Is that so?" Luca murmured. I cleared my throat and he looked up awkwardly. "Well, since you both have hit it off so well then you should come over for dinner sometime!" I looked at him, incredulously but he didn't notice as Isabelle giggled but I saw the glint in her eyes.

"That sounds so wonderful. Carlo and I would be delighted to come over for dinner but we are so busy until about next month." Isabelle pouted, sticking her plump lower lip out. "Would it be possible next month, maybe?"

"Of course, cara. Whenever is good with you." I visibly flinched at him calling her dear. Luca's eyes widened as he realized his slip up and he grew slightly pale as he looked at me. I was starting to have suspicions about him and Isabelles 'relationship.' Isabelle only smiled victoriously at me.

I touched my stomach gingerly. "Something seems to have made me suddenly sick." I gave Isabelle an obvious look to which she looked very insulted by. "Would you care if I went home early, amore?" I asked Luca and he nodded at me, looking rather relieved. "Dante is waiting in the entry room with the other guards, si?" He nodded again and I kissed his cheek before turning to Isabelle.

"It was so lovely meeting you, Isabelle. I will have to call on you sometime so we can spend more time together since we get along so, so well." I kept my tone light and cheery, playing the same game that she did. Her eyebrow raised and I knew she understood me.

"Of course, my dear. I can see that you and I are going to be the best of friends!" She giggled at me and I grinned back at her but I could see the fire behind her eyes and I knew she could see mine. I shook my head as I went toward the entrance of the home.

Women. Are. Crazy.

A/N: You may have noticed that I've moved the A/N section down here so you can go straight into reading. The story is going to be moving rather slowly plot-wise and update-wise.

Thanks to everyone that has reviewed, favorited and alerted my story! Heck, even if you didn't do any of that then I'm just glad that you're reading my story!
Thanks to - (reviewers of the latest chapter) -
THEJN: I am so surprised that I forgot about this! SMH. It's in there now - Thanks for telling me about this! I really appreciate it.
AIK2: I'm glad you like the story and for your advice (I think I replied to your message as well). I've always liked the double life stuff as well :p And since the story is going to be going slowly, I've been thinking of adding letters from Aria to Ezio and vice versa at the beginning of chapters. Lemme know what you think!
Leap of Fail: I know, it's a lot for her to take in, right? lol
Maple Syrup: I miss Ezio, too. I need him back in the story more...maybe something from his point of view while I lead up to him coming to Venezia. I dunno yet.

Italian in this chapter:

Impossibile - Impossible.

Tesoro - Sweetheart.

qualche aiuto - some help.

Grazie per avermelo detto - Thank you for telling me.

Prego - You're welcome.

I miei pensieri sono con voi - My thoughts are with you.

Figlio - son.

Capisco - I see.

Again, thanks for reading. R&R and see you next time!