Caterina made her way silently through the corridors of the Vatican toward the dungeons. Her bare feet were freezing on the stone floor. She hid her nightgown under a black cloak in case she was caught. She need not be subjected too. She rounded the corner and spotted the door to the dungeon, which to her surprise was not guarded. Cathy snuck through the door quietly and hid herself in the shadows. She made her way past the cells until she heard voices in the distance.

"How am I to trust that you will keep your word?" A familiar voice spoke. Cathy's hand flew to her mouth to cover her gasp.

"You cannot."

Carlo grunted.

"And my sister? Am I really to believe that she will be safe here amongst all the lies, the murders?"

"Caterina will be taken care of, that you may count on."

Cathy heard the men's footsteps grow closer; she retreated further into the shadows.

"Remember, you will go all the way to the gardens and a horse will be waiting for you. Stick to the path I told you and do not make any stops or you will be killed."

Carlo paused before opening the door.

"Take care of her."

Riario nodded. Cathy watched as Carlo left the prison. She wanted nothing more than to reach out to him but she knew that the Count had probably risked a great deal to free her brother.

"You can come out now." The Count said. He turned around as Cathy emerged from the shadows. Cathy reached up to remove her hood, revealing her surprised face.

The two stood in silence for a while.

"Your feet must be cold." Riario said staring at the floor.

Cathy smiled. "A bit."

"Riario, I just wanted to say…"

He waved his hand to stop her. Cathy bit her lip before walking toward him. She placed her hand on his cheek forcing the Count to look into her eyes but he immediately closed them.

"Thank you, Girolamo."

She rubbed her thumb against his lips. His body began to relax from its stiffened position. Cathy leaned her forehead against Riario's. She could feel how hesitant he was to reciprocate feeling. After a few moments his hand removed hers and he forced himself away from Caterina.

"We should leave before the guards come back."

Cathy nodded and followed Riario out of the dungeons. The walk back to her room was silent.

Another short update but the next chapter is going to of course be super long! ;)