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Chapter 83

Rosa spent that night with Ezio, much to Ezio's chagrin. It wasn't that he disliked spending time with her before he left, but it felt too much like a goodbye. He was only planning to leave for a couple of weeks…a month at most. If Rodrigo Borgia was returning to Rome, it surely wouldn't be too long before the Assassins located him. After that, Ezio could return to Venezia and help them figure out what to do with the Apple. Once their business with it had been taken care of, perhaps he could have a discussion with Mario about lightening his role within the Brotherhood. He would be happy to help them in any way he could, but he was still having doubts about his decision.

In any case, none of this mattered until Rodrigo was dead and the Apple safe. Despite the small amount of sleep he got that night, both of them were awakened the next morning by a knock on the door. Once again, they opened it to find Mario Auditore on the other side with the usual commanding volume in his voice.

"Buongiorno, nipote. Rosa," he bowed to the latter. "Ezio, I'm afraid time is of the essence. We've chartered a ship for you and Niccolò that will take you south toward Forlì. When you arrive, an escort will be there to take you the rest of the way to the city. I will explain more on the way."

"Of course, Uncle. Just give me a few moments to gather my things and speak to Rosa."

"As you wish," Mario bowed again and Ezio closed the door.

"Your Assassins prepare quickly," Rosa commented.

"Sì, they must be in a hurry. It is for the best, I suppose. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can be finished with this and return."

"Then I suppose I have to let you go," she told him with a sigh.

He nodded as he bent down to pick up a chest full of his belongings. "I will return soon, mia cara," he assured her.

She walked over and took the chest from him and put it on the bed. She returned and, wrapping her arms around his neck, caught his lips with hers. They stood there for a moment, embracing what they knew they would both dearly miss during whatever period of time Ezio was away. When he tried to break away, she pulled him in tighter. When she tried to break away, he did the same. It was a good couple of minutes before another knock came at the door. Mario was trying to be polite, but time really was a factor.

"Be safe," she ordered him as they finally broke away from each other. "Promise me that, at least."

"I promise," Ezio replied. "I've survived much worse than this."

She smiled a bit, but he knew that those words weren't exactly reassuring.

"Can you do something for me as well?" Ezio asked her.

She looked him in the eye. It was her way of asking what the favor was, but not guaranteeing any answer until she heard it.

"When you are ready…and I hope it is soon…go and speak to Antonio. I know what he did was wrong, but staying angry at him won't make you feel any better. Talk to him. If not for me, then for yourself."

She nodded silently, obviously still hesitant about it but willing to give it some thought. With a bittersweet smile on his face, he picked up his belongings and turned toward the door.

"I love you," she said as he placed his hand on it.

"Ti amo anche," he replied, and went outside to join Mario.

His heart sank as he began the walk to the docks. It felt like a goodbye.