"You will do everything in your power to make sure Riario marries Costanza do you understand? Do not come back to Milan until they are married!" Duke Sforza said in jarring tone.

Cathy looked over at Carlo, he hid his expression from her.

"Caterina!" The Duke yelled.

"Yes father." Cathy answered.

"Good." The Duke said in a calmer tone. "This is of great importance."

Cathy stood confused. She had never seen her father so hostile. It was as if something had changed in him since last night when she saw him talking to Riario.

"On one condition." Cathy added. Her father looked up at her. She could see his eyes widened in anger and surprise. Even Carlo was shocked by her response. He took a step closer to his sister in case their Father tried to strike her.

"I want the truth. I want you to tell me the truth for once in my life. I want you to tell me the real reason why you want Costanza to marry Riario? And don't tell me it's an honor; we all know you couldn't give a single shit about the Vatican. You send me away for four years and I come home and find the Medici's in shambles and you plotting with the church to take over Florence!"

The Duke immediately charged at his daughter. He grabbed Cathy's shoulder and slammed her against the wall. Carlo quickly placed his hand on his father's arm.

"Father, please." He pleaded.

"You dare question me daughter? After everything I have done for you? I let you go frolic around with the fucking English bastards, I let you disgrace our family name by allowing you to prance around in trousers cut your hair and play with swords! But I will not allow you to ever question me again." The Duke yelled. He let go of Cathy's arm and stormed out of the room.

Cathy rubbed her arm and stood in silent anguish. None of her questions answered.

"Fucking hell Cathy are you mad?" Carlo said looking at his sister with concern.

"I'm sick of being lied too. I am sick of being treated like a child! Like an inferior! I could fight any man in Milan, any man in Italy in single combat and strike him down! Yet I don't get a shred of respect." Cathy vented.

"Cathy you are a lady, and Father is right, you should be grateful for the way he has let you conduct yourself for the past several years." Carlo said.

Cathy looked at her brother annoyed.

"Lady Caterina, The Count and Lady Costanza are waiting." A vatican soldier interrupted as he entered the room. Cathy took one last look at her brother before taking leave.

"Lady Caterina." Riario greeted not bothering to mask his frustration of her overdue arrival.

"Count Riario." Cathy replied a bit sarcastically.

Riario sought her gaze but she refused to look him in the eye. His frustration grew.

"Your carriage is waiting over there, your dear cousin has been waiting for you, as have I. and the entire Vatican guard" Riario replied immensely agitated.

"Actually, I prefer to ride. I had my horse prepared. So I'll be riding if you don't mind." She said dryly finally fixating her dark blue eyes on his brown ones.

Riario clenched his hand in rage before speaking calmly, "Certainly not."

Cathy observed his hand; clearly he did not like to be challenged. She laughed to herself before turning her lips into a sweet smile.

"Good." She said.

All of Riario's anger was suddenly transformed into confusion when he watched Caterina's plump little lips twist into a genuine smile. And this feeling he loathed.

A servant boy brought out a beautiful white horse. The Count offered his assistance to Caterina but she politely declined swinging herself up onto the stallion with the grace of well trained solider. Riaro mounted his own horse and signaled for Romans to leave.

Cathy trotted along the side of the carriage making awkward faces at Costanza when their eyes met. Her cousin giggled in amusement. The day slowly began to fade and Cathy began to grow tired. They had stopped for a moment to allow the horses to rest. Riario was bent on getting to Rome tomorrow morning forcing them to travel throughout the night. Cathy wandered off away from everyone for a moment.

"Milday, we are about to leave soon." One of the soldiers said approaching out of the dark trees. He stared at her for moment before leaning close. Cathy stood back, her hand automatically reaching down for her absent sword. She cursed herself wearing a dress.

"I know who you are. You slaughtered two of my friend's back in that shithole you call a city."

"Maybe you should have told your friend not to play with little boys. It's a sin you know." Cathy replied. The man suddenly grabbed her throat.

"It would be easy, to squeeze that pretty little neck of yours." He whispered leaning in closer. Cathy felt his hot breath on her face. She closed her eyes afraid of what was about to happen next.

She opened her eyes when she heard the solider moan in pain. Looking down she saw the tip of a blade sticking out the man's chest and almost touching her breasts. The blade withdrew and the solider fell to the ground. Cathy's mouth hung slightly ajar, she looked up to see the angry expression of the Count.

"That is three of my men that have died because of you."

"Because of me? You know I would have thought soldiers of the Vatican would be a little more meritorious."

Riario looked at her unamused. "They are all damned. Most of them rape and steal in their free time."

"Then why do you employ them?" She asked.

"Because there lives are worthless and expendable." He said without remorse.

Cathy looked at Riario curiously. His answer disturbed her, but she could not help but marvel out how he openly answered her questions instead of dismissing her.

"Lady Caterina." Riario said in a softer but still stern tone.

"Yes."

"When we arrive in Rome, I need you to be less disagreeable."

"Disagreeable?" She questioned offended.

"Rome is a land of tradition and order. You must play your cards carefully. That means no sword play, and no trousers. And no more English dresses." He said giving her a once over.

Just as Cathy was about to protest he directed his gaze at her reassuring her of the sincerity of his concern, his eyes were softer now not filled with intensity as they normally were.

"Fine." She said. The Count looked a bit surprised at her compliance.

"Also Lady Caterina, you must always be on time. His Holiness is not to be kept waiting."

"Alright Riario. I will play by your rules but you must promise me one thing." Cathy said.

Riario sighed internally, he was not use to compromising especially with a woman.

"What do you desire?" He asked. A question he was sick of asking. Could he ever, just once, get what he wanted without having to compromise?

"Promise me when you marry Costanza, you will treat her well and with respect. I have heard stories about the men from that Vatican, very troubling stories. And I worry for her. Would you love her?" The young woman inquired.

Riario could not mask his bewildered expression. Out of all things she could have asked for money, power, information, she asked for love for her cousin. She did not wish to exploit him or manipulate him. She made no demands for herself. Her innocence startled him. She possessed a goodness that Riario had long forgotten.

Cathy waited for the Count's response, he seemed to be in deep thought and Cathy did not dare interrupt.

After a long while he spoke, "Costanza will be well looked after."

Riario refused to look at Cathy but offered his arm. She took it immediately and they walked back to the rest of the party in tense silence.