Part one: Chapter seven: A grave discovery
December, 1599
The identity of the person behind the failed attempt of Alexandra's kidnapping remained unknown, despite Alaude's best and unyielding efforts at the investigation of the matter. The captured men refused to talk even under hard interrogation, committing suicide in their cells by any means available – while she had been made aware that no information was taken out of them, Giotto purposefully omitted the fact of their passing. Tracking the other members of the group that hadn't been actively participating in the job but were known to belong with them also gave no results, as they had been found murdered, their bodies discarded in the slums to be found by unsuspecting wanderers. Whoever it was that was lurking over Alexandra's safety ensured to properly cover his tracks, a task not all could perform so perfectly and apparently effortlessly. That made Giotto considerably more worried about her and the mission he had agreed to take on so easily - not doubting his decision, but for the first time hesitant whether they really would be able to keep her safe, as she had already been snatched away from under the nose of one of the Guardians.
Alexandra noticed, once she was out of her room and roaming freely around the Residence, that it was always him and G now, and occasionally Demon whenever he was available, who started accompanying her and Elena on their outings for the last two weeks. If they were going out, there were always two Guardians with them, instead of one, as it had been previously, each obviously following one of them, as whenever they separated, one still showed by her or Elena's side. It didn't take a genius to figure out they were trying to make it look coincidental. And failing at it miserably. But Giotto was doing a great job at one thing and it was avoiding the subject whenever she brought it up, which in turn made her wonder whether something else had happened that she wasn't aware of. While they hadn't been pleased with the fact that she had been kidnapped under their watch, it still seemed for her they were far more on alert than the situation called for it.
But, for the time being, she decided to push the thoughts away and instead enjoy the festivities of Christmas time.
They were occupying the Vongola living room, the joyous atmosphere of the second day of Christmas invoking a lot of laughter and conversation to run around the room. Everyone were gathered for the occasion - even Alaude, who barely joined the meals, showed up and sat quietly on the side of the other Guardians, not participating in the conversation, but still listening to it.
The Christmas Eve issue had been solved quite effortlessly, despite the fact that Alexandra had been fully set on omitting participating in the Carlevaro's celebration for that year - it had been done with heavy heart, but she had been ready to sacrifice it, not wanting to ask anything more from the man her father had robbed into taking care of her. However, it had been her mother that simply settled the dinner at the earlier hour, inviting both her and Giotto, giving them enough time to return to the Vongola Residence - it had been against the tradition, but no one in Carlevaro House really felt like celebrating it without Francesco. On the second day, it had been decided to meet with Carlevaro family at Alexandra's current place of accommodation, to avoid the danger of making her sick once again, after she had barely just recovered from it. She had already developed a subfertility state after returning from the Eve, despite all the blankets Lizzie had put in the carriage for the three of them, which led Giotto to submit an invitation to her family, even though she had been reluctant to infiltrate their private time even more than she had already been doing.
But it seemed he felt much more at ease to have them in the Residence instead of making Alexandra travel back and forth.
"How was yesterday? Did you have a good time?" Beatrice asked suddenly, sitting on the small couch together with Elsbeth, both enjoying the wine.
"It was really pleasant. A lot more lively and dynamic than what I'm used to, but really good." she answered honestly, smiling at the memory.
At first, she hadn't been certain whether she should join them or not - even though Giotto had participated in her family's celebration, it was in the sake of the farce and the fact she hadn't been allowed to travel alone. For Vongola, the Christmas Eve was believed to be a very private affair, which, as she believed, it was not her place to infiltrate the occasion. Her serious consideration to stay in her room for the evening had been broken when Elena had knocked on her door, awaiting the brunette to join her on her trip downstairs.
She realised what the blonde's warning about not being startled meant when G's patience snapped after another one of Lampow's antics and the Storm Guardian chased the boy around the room with murderous glint in his eyes, until Giotto interfered.
Christmas would always have an affectionate place in her mind.
"You will need to get used to it now, as every year will be the same from now on." Elsbeth pointed out.
Her sister had been watching her closely ever since arriving at the Residence and Alexandra had been very careful with her words. As well as with her movement, to not smear the makeup carefully put on by Lizzie – the bruising on her neck where still visible, as well as the cut on her cheek from the events in the forest. While the neck was easy to cover by choosing a dress with high collar, the face was a bit problematic.
It had been quite obvious that there was a specific reason behind Elsbeth's deep interest in her, and she was certain it was mostly due to the older sister's distrust towards the impromptu engagement.
"I don't think it will be a hard task to achieve." she admitted, being completely honest.
Not only because she had really enjoyed the Christmas Eve with Vongola, but also because the chances she would spent another one with them were very slim.
"That's glad to hear, the transition of changing Houses will be a lot easier on you then." Elsbeth's face was grazed by a small smile, though it held a little relief and compassion. "I remember Gabriel had some issues with that, different traditions and habits."
Alexandra tried to recall the moments she had ever seen her brother-in-law's discomfort or distance put due to his hard time of finding himself in their family, though she couldn't. Gabriel had always been as certain of his position in the Carlevaro House as he was now, so it was hard to believe whether he had been good at hiding it or Elsbeth had a hidden motive in coming up with the information.
"I think he found himself quite alright. I find that the Bridal Lessons are a rather helpful way of getting to know the Vongola Family." she said, making sure to make no attempt at averting her eyes from Elsbeth's watchful look.
If there hadn't been the need for the guise in the first place, she doubted she would ever spend as much time with Giotto and his Guardians - most probably, she would have been in Capitol for most of the year, missing the opportunities of being in their company, as it had been happening for the last few years.
"Before you join them." Elsbeth stressed out.
"Well, becoming family is usually an outcome of the engagement and marriage." she replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
"It must have been harder for Gabriel, in a way. For a man to move into the other House, instead of the other way around, is quite an unexpected outcome." Beatrice interrupted the conversation thoughtfully. "The women are prepared for it in their education, knowing it would eventually happen."
"Isn't it expected by the younger sons, if they want to have a higher position?" Alexandra asked doubtfully, glancing at her mother.
"Depends on the ambitions."
She agreed, after the moment of contemplation. The oldest daughters of the Houses with no male heir to the title were strongly desired by them during every season. The search for information whether such a young lady was already engaged to anyone or not was put into motion even months before the official start of the event, the gentleman more or less cover with their actions. And it wasn't easy to obtain with no official attempts of engagement done at that point.
"I really wish your father was home." Beatrice sighed tiredly, suddenly changing the subject and taking a sip of her drink.
"Did something happen?" she inquired curiously.
"Can't I just wish for my husband to be at home?"
The indignation in her mother's voice was audible, though the uncomfortable movement of her eyes caused a wave of suspicion. The inability of lying had been passed on Alexandra from someone, after all.
"It's not the first time father is away, even during Christmas. Or other family celebrations." Alexandra pointed out, watching Beatrice closely.
"It doesn't mean I don't miss him, Alex."
They watched each other for a moment, neither dropping their look first, both too stubborn to give up the staring contest. Alexandra didn't doubt her mother's desire to see Francesco, even if she had always made a great attempt to cover her feelings, hiding it from her daughters and pretending she had been far too occupied with her duties to even consider such a motion. So through the years, Beatrice had never before complained about it - she had even scolded her daughters from doing so when they had been younger, putting a pressure on respecting the duty of the Lord of House and to act as the daughters of the Mafia leader they were, especially as the members of a prominent Founding Family.
Which, according to the Carlevaro logic, was to keep the feelings and emotions inside as much as possible.
"There are some… issues with the Council. I really shouldn't be telling you this." giving up eventually, Beatrice sighed heavily, dropping her eyes to stare at the glass in her hand, swirling the drink in it thoughtfully. "They have been insufferable since your father left."
"They have always been insufferable." shrugging her shoulder at her mother's glare, Alexandra added. "You can't disagree with that. Not when you yourself complained about it."
"It's even worse now." Elsbeth joined in, resting comfortably against the back of her chair. "They try to get their way during his absence with everything he has been avoiding or disapproving so far."
The matters of the House were rarely commented on by Elsbeth. While Alexandra was rather open with her opinion when she knew she could be and Beatrice also voiced her thoughts when the situation got hard to handle, the oldest daughter, in preparation for her future role of the Lady of the House kept on the side-line, not wanting to impair the succession of Gabriel to the title in any way. The integrity and unity of the Family was dependent on the relationship between the main members of it, so any sign of distrust shown by the daughter of the House towards her husband would only serve as the reason for questioning Gabriel's abilities. Keeping that close in her heart, Elsbeth kept the comments to herself, trying to act as supporting as she could, even despite her own doubts.
However, it seemed that the wine had loosened her enough to drop her boundaries - or at least it seemed so, as Alexandra still wasn't certain just how much her sister was intoxicated in reality.
The Council had been a great aid for the Lord of the House, both in the decision making and ensuring the future of Carlevaro House, but their unstoppable and overwhelming desire to have a final word and decision when it came to the lives of main family members - mostly the daughters, as they were responsible for ensuring the bloodline in the absence of the male heir - was getting on the nerves of Francesco, as well as the three female Carlevaros. Beatrice, as a mother and as a woman, found it highly offending to have her children treated in such a way. But bringing the subject up with her husband hadn't done much in reality as the Council either had ignored his opposition so far or he hadn't even passed her concerns to them, to not bring any more conflict.
"What is it now? They bother you with the matter of the heir?" Alexandra asked.
When Elsbeth rolled her eyes heaving a sigh, she knew she was correct in her guess.
"More vigorously than before, actually. Almost as if they expected me to just drop the baby at their wishes." she answered, before looking at her younger sister with contempt. "It doesn't work that way, if you want to know."
Alexandra glared at her, deciding to ignore the rare teasing in the end - while her sister was well aware she had received a standard education in the matter of procreation and wife's duty, there was still an occasional bringing up of the subject for the embarrassment purpose. Though it mostly brought a hidden horror on the brunette's part, as it reminded her of the less than pleasant description of the event provided by the Governess.
The amusing look on Elsbeth's face lasted only for a few seconds, before she turned serious once again, calculation visible clearly in her eyes as she contemplated something.
"They are also very obsessed with your engagement." she added, catching Alexandra attention.
A warning bell sounded in her mind, her senses suddenly on alert.
The Council had not been overly joyous with the engagement Francesco basically forced upon them. There were other suitors they had on the list that would be more respectable and desired in their eyes, sons of the old and respectable Houses, the names they had provided to her father trying to make him stray from his decision, getting angry at the profound refusal and insistence. They had, in the end, reluctantly relented, to their leader's relief.
She knew they would have been the most happy, most probably, with the termination of the engagement, though she didn't expect them to bring the subject back until Francesco would be back and they would hear the news.
"We won't officialise anything until father is back" she said hastily, watching the tea she swirled absently in her cup.
As she was still on the medication for her cold, she had to refrain from any alcohol. And while she wasn't much of a drinker, she really wished there was wine in her glass during this conversation.
"It surprises me as well, though." Beatrice said, rubbing her eyes and suspiciously looking at Elsbeth's glass of wine. "I would expect them to rush the wedding instead of wanting to annul it. Out of fear of retribution that could be faced if anything out of ordinary happened here."
A wave of anxiety rushed through Alexandra, making her shift in her chair - the implication in her mother's voice was clear, even without the meaningful glance that was thrown her way. But the guise had to last until Francesco's return, for her own safety. Any interruption and interference would cause a drift in the plan, creating a ripple that would eventually lead to the failure of the original task left behind by Francesco.
After the latest events, Alexandra had started appreciating her father's preservations of her wellbeing, despite not agreeing with the way she had been put in the Vongola's residence.
"The marriage is already agreed on, with their blessing. They can't do anything about it." she said, clearing her throat to cover the worry. "They may have the authority, but the Contract can be broken only with father's approval of it."
"That's why they are trying to find something in the Marriage Contract that would allow them to annul it. Anything that would give them an anchor point." Elsbeth explained, before adding when she noticed the questioning looks she was receiving from both her mother and sister. "Gabriel complained about it, as they constantly bring the subject up at the meetings. He usually doesn't speak much about it, but recently they had been very impertinent."
Alexandra stilled, hoping neither her mother nor sister noticed the tensing of her body.
The existence of the Contract was something she had been wondering about ever since her arrival to the Vongola Residence - it had been mentioned a few times, though she had never seen it herself, so she had suspected that it had been done mostly verbally, especially with the lack of time. Francesco, whenever the subject had been brought up in the closed circle, often put pressure on the fact that it was a fake document. Whether it meant it lacked some official binding or was simply non-existent at all and the Council had signed some substitute piece of paper, it was unclear for the brunette it concerned.
But if they started digging around it and discovered the entire farce, they would pose a danger for her, not only by removing her from the Vongola protection, but also adding the risk of something slipping outside, a piece of news that could greatly compromise her.
"That makes no sense. Weren't they the ones who pushed father to find me a spouse?" she asked to cover her uneasiness.
"They did. But, apparently, they hoped for a family of… different origins." Beatrice said, her voice wavering at the last bit, clearly uncomfortable.
"Seriously?"
None of the Carlevaro had ever cared about the origins of the Vongola House during the period of their friendship. Neither had Cavallone or, to a certain extent, Allegri Family, and with time, more and more nobility had learned to look past the fact that the Lord of the House and most of his friends had been born in a lower class, instead concentrating on their current achievement's
Alexandra had always been under the impression that the Council shared their view, following the morals set by the Carlevaro House for so many generations.
"They are all right with being friends with Vongola, but not with me marrying into the family?" she continued incredulously. "That shouldn't really matter. We are strong enough to keep our position without the need to strengthen it by marriage"
She was only the younger daughter of the House - as far as she had been aware, her spouse wouldn't bring much into the internal affairs of the Carlevaro Family, not enough at least to cause a worry for the Council.
"Of course we are. Carlevaro has always been greatly supported and appreciated by the Royal Family." Beatrice snorted, almost sounding offended.
The pride of the Lady of the House was easily scratched, Alexandra realised.
"So why the origins of my fiancé would matter to them?" the confused question was followed by silence.
"Alex, we said we are worried by it, not that we understand it." Elsbeth broke it, swirling the red liquid in her glass. "But it may be that they will eventually contact Giotto. And demand your return home."
Exchanging looks with her sister, Alexandra wondered whether Elsbeth had been waiting for the occasion to bring the subject out. With the conversation running, she had started doubting that her sister was under any influence, despite the consumed drink. Her eyes were clear, indicating she wasn't as much under the influence of the alcohol as the brunette had originally been suspecting, judging on the openness she spoke with about everything that was occurring in their House.
"Gabriel would need to give his permission." she pointed out the obvious, still believing her brother-in-law to serve as a line of protection.
"Gabriel is the acting head. He can get angry at them for doing so against his will, but the actual consequences will be brought when father is back, not sooner."
"By then, the engagement can be already broken or damaged." Alexandra finished Elsbeth's line of thoughts, grimacing.
Even if she didn't have marriage in mind, the news still didn't foreshadow a bright future for her - the uncertainty and expectation of the Council taking actions was going to cloud her mind with worry until Francesco arrived. Finding out about the ruse and having her forcefully return home would arouse many questions, both in the House and outside, the dynamic developments of her marital status, until now so calm and boring, catching the attention and interest.
"You are taking it surprisingly calmly." Elsbeth commented, watching her closely.
Raising her eyes, Alexandra threw a teasing smile at her sister. It was mostly to calm the suspicion that could be shown sparkling in the cold teal eyes, the previous doubt about the engagement still not fully diminished.
"Why? You expected me to drag Giotto to the nearest chapel and demand a fast marriage to stop them?" she asked with a laugh in her voice.
"Sounds tempting. Mind telling me how you plan to explain it to your father, though?"
Her amusement gone, Alexandra grimaced already turning red, somehow already knowing the subject would be brought up in the nearest future. Though, she realised, the goal was reached in the end, as Elsbeth's eyes shone with a spark of humour, the previous suspicion gone as she watched something behind Alexandra. Turning back towards the source of the voice, she met the laughing amber eyes watching her, the owner leaning against the back of her armchair with his hand.
There was also a shadow of intent alert at the back of his eyes, as the discomfort of her posture had easily been seen even across the room. He couldn't hear them with the distance and other voices in the room, but the worry that Alexandra might have not been able to conceal the lies from her mother and sister settled in his mind as he decided to approach the guests.
And perform his duties as the host, in the end. He had given Alexandra a time to spent with her family on her own but still under his watch, but Beatrice could have been offended if he didn't participate in the conversation at one point of the evening.
"It would save him a lot of expenses and nerves." she answered after a moment of consideration, covering her surprise at his sudden approach.
"That would be the least concerning thing on your father's list, I presume."
She couldn't deny it. A shotgun wedding was a nightmare for every father, no matter whether the groom was a friend of the family or not.
"Isn't it romantic?" she suddenly inquired, turning Giotto's amusement into doubt. "The secrecy and furtive reception. The thrill of getting caught, enhanced by the sense of doing something forbidden. Throwing the consequences out of the wind to follow one's desires."
He watched her for a moment, his expression as dubious as ever as he ran her words over in his head.
"Your sense of romanticism is alarming." he informed her calmly, making her pout. "Have you been reading more novels recently?"
"Maybe a little. But they are all so heart-warming. Happiness ever after and other sappy things." she continued tirelessly.
"Other sappy things." he repeated after her, raising his eyebrow. "What, exactly, do you have in mind?"
Alexandra only smiled at him in answer, turning back towards her mother and sister. She hoped that, with Giotto's presence, neither of them would bring the subject of the Council up again, in fear of offending him with the improper insinuations. But the change of conversation seemed to work, as the suspicion in Elsbeth's eyes lessened, even if it didn't disappear fully.
At least, she thought to herself, she knew what to expect out of the Council now.
"I hope my daughter doesn't bother you that much." Beatrice said, changing the subject and smiling pleasantly at the man, ignoring the look her daughter threw in her direction.
"Not at all. She is a very pleasant company and we are all very happy to have her here." Giotto promised with a smile playing in the corner of his lips.
"How long are you planning to keep her here, anyway? Isn't a month enough for the bridal lessons?" the mother continued questioning.
Alexandra glanced at the man behind her, wandering how he was going to answer the imploring. While she didn't like seeing anyone being at the receiving end of her mother's interrogations, she was still glad it wasn't her who needed to deal with it.
"Matteo, my family's butler, is very scrupulous when it comes to his job." he answered easily, a smile not leaving his face. "I wouldn't be surprised if his approach prolonged it quite a bit."
It was hard to believe the excuse would be creditable for much longer, though, he realised trying to cover his grimace at the thought.
"It's good. Alex has never been prepared for the role, so as much experience as she can get before taking over it would be best." Elsbeth commented.
Beatrice threw her older daughter an irritated look, viewing the sentence as an offence towards her and Francesco's decision about Alexandra's education.
"Well, your father insisted that the Lord of the House wouldn't be the best option for Alex's marriage." she said sharply before drinking the rest of her wine. "Apparently, he had changed his mind."
Alexandra watched the two of them thoughtfully with furrowed brows, her mind suddenly strongly occupied with the matter - while she had never hoped or desired to take over such a position, and her parents didn't believe in that to happen either, it still wouldn't have caused any problems for her to receive more detailed education in that matter. Filipa Allegri had ensured all her daughters were well trained and as much as possible experienced in the subject of supporting their spouses.
"The education I received was quite profound anyway." she said eventually, shaking the thoughts out and stopping the possibility of any argument erupting between her mother and sister. "I can always learn on the way."
"Does the education differ that much?" Giotto joined in curiously.
"The curriculum of the Lady of the House involves more advanced finance management, to run the House properly, and social interactions studies, to support their spouses in politics. As much as they are allowed to, anyway." Alexandra replied, turning to him and continuing. "Normal studies breach over the subject as well, though not so deeply. It is still needed when you are a Lady of lower position, but not to such a degree. The wife of the Head of the House does take care of the budget of the entire family and her actions influence the entire lineage, not only her husband and children."
He nodded with a contemplative look on his face, as he suddenly realised just how much a marriage would take off his shoulders. He had never bothered himself with the matter, not really understanding the reason behind it and knowing the actual duties of the Lady of the House. For now, they had survived well enough without him having a wife to cover such a position. But apparently the budget that had bothered him mostly – he had never been as good with the numbers as he wished and keeping the books in the organised way was a hell – was going to be taken out of his shoulders eventually.
"You didn't know that?" Elsbeth noticed, her eyes watching him closely.
Giotto turned his attention to her, before shrugging lightly with an apologetic smile on his face.
"Not really. That's why I left the lessons to Matteo, he is much more knowledgeable in such matters and more than trustworthy with communicating it." he replied with no hesitation, rubbing the back of his neck. "I would probably find out about it when the day of passing the duty came."
Elsbeth didn't look fully convinced, but didn't continue the subject, which relieved both him and Alexandra. The watchful eyes on him, so similar and yet so different from the ones he was used to by now, ensured him that the previous view of the older daughter of the Carlevaro House about her perception of the engagement he had heard from the brunette was correct.
"But talking about Francesco, did he send any word?" Giotto asked suddenly, changing the subject not so subtly.
While the messages were rare when the Carlevaro leader had been on his missions, Alexandra's father still made sure to send a letter confirming his wellbeing to Beatrice. It had usually been brief and not detailed, keeping his locations hidden and not giving anything about what he had been doing at that time. Still, it served as a reassurance to his wife and was greatly appreciated by her.
"A few days ago." Beatrice answered, turning serious suddenly. "It was short, but he warned the mission could take longer than expected. A lot, he suspects. Perhaps a few more weeks."
The good mood was suddenly gone and Alexandra felt a worry settling in her stomach after hearing the news. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, she glanced at Giotto, though the man had his attention on her mother, his face not changing.
"It's good he is safe. It is already past the date he set as his return, so I was worried something happened." he explained with a smile.
If he was worried because of the received news, he hid it well, at least better than Alexandra. She had been certain Francesco had been in contact with the Vongola family as well, but Giotto's words made her realise her own mistake.
"I will let you know when the next letter comes." Beatrice promised, visibly pleased by the interest he showed at the safety of her husband.
"That would be appreciated."
The conversation went on, Beatrice and Elsbeth exchanging subjects of not much importance with Giotto to pass the time, but Alexandra found it hard to concentrate enough to follow it, despite her attempts to do so.
She had been partially expecting to be back at the Carlevaro residence with her father before the New Year would come, however it seemed it wouldn't be the matter, the realisation hitting her hard as a pang of pain squeezed her heart. She had been out of the town for a long period of time many times, though she had always returned back for any sort of celebration and Christmases, the family events never to be missed in her books. And even though she liked the presence of Vongola Family, she still missed her own house.
The few weeks Francesco had been supposed to be gone had already turned into almost three months, and she had mixed feelings about prolonging her stay with the Vongola family too much. None of them seemed to mind it, but the idea of overstaying their hospitality was always present at the back of her mind whenever she woke up in the morning.
She was shaken out of her thoughts when a hand rested on her shoulder, making her jump in surprise. Alexandra found three sets of eyes looking at her with a mix of curiosity and worry.
"Sorry, you were saying?" she asked, clearing her throat and concentrating back on her companions.
"I asked if you want to rest, you look tired." Giotto repeated his question, his brows furrowing slightly.
His worry was commendable, considering she was still quite a stranger to him, despite the time spent together, she thought, smiling to diminish his concern.
"I'm not doing anything else but resting in the last days." Alexandra pointed out truthfully.
He and Elena had been rather adamant on her staying in bed. And Giotto had been asking her quite systematically about her condition after the return from the Carlevaro Residence, despite her continuous promise she was fine and almost healthy.
"You still look pale. Should I call Dan in the morning?" seeing her confused look, Giotto raised an eyebrow. "The doctor that examined you before, his name is Dan."
"Right, Doctor Smith. I caught his surname, but the name was a blur." she explained, hoping her slip didn't seem too much like an ignorance. "He is nice, but there is no need to call him. I'm fine."
He didn't look convinced.
"Just how sick you were, exactly?" Elsbeth asked with exasperation, watching her sister closely. "I heard you had a cold, but to not remember the name of the doctor is a bit extensive"
"He introduced himself right after I woke up. I was still a bit unfocused back then." Alexandra shrugged with a helpless expression..
"I think we should be going, anyway. I have a party to attend in the early morning."
"I and Gabriel are invited for breakfast at Allegri residence. It would be good to catch a good amount of sleep." the older Carlevaro daughter sighed with resignation at the thoughts.
Alexandra held back a smile at the reaction - Filipa had given Elsbeth a bit of a hard time when she had been put above her own daughter during their social introduction and the offence hadn't been forgotten since. Lady Allegri had been definitely pleased when the brunette hadn't shared her sister's aspirations and had done nothing to take the spotlight away from Joanne, though still had not done much to act more friendly and pleasant.
"You are more than welcome to visit whenever you want." Giotto said once they were in the corridor and the Carlevaro family was getting ready to return home.
He had easily shrugged their insistence on not walking them out, smiling at Matteo when the butler came to hand over the coats and gloves of the leaving guests as soon as they left the room. He wouldn't be surprised if the man had been listening somewhere behind the door to ensure the exact timing of his service.
"Don't mind if I do. Also, it would be good if Alex visited home from time to time." Beatrice said with a hint of humoured displeasure. "As you know, she is still a part of Carlevaro."
"I will try." Alexandra promised.
Seeing her family leaving filled her with a certain sort of sadness, even though she knew she would eventually be back with them, spending the next Christmas with her parents, sister and brother-in-law as she had always used to do until now.
"You really look pale." Giotto said as soon as the door closed, moving his watchful eyes to the brunette once again.
"Thanks for the worry, but I'm really fine." she said with no hesitance, turning to him as well. "The Council looks for a way to annul our engagement."
Giotto seemed to be taken aback by the sudden and unexpected change of subject, blinking at her a few times before registering what she had said. His brows furrowed thoughtfully.
"Francesco took care of everything. Our engagement is secured enough to not let anyone question it." he said eventually, his relaxed demeanour not changing.
"They are looking into the official matters of it, trying to find anything they could use." she stressed out, trying to make him see the point, though Giotto only shrugged his shoulders.
"There is nothing to worry about. Really. If they contact me about the matter, I will refuse the annulment, simple as that." he promised.
"Do you really think they will accept it as easily?" the doubtfulness in her voice seemed to humour him.
"Not really. But they gave their permission once to Francesco. They can't go back on their given word."
The carelessness he showed either irritated her or shocked, Alexandra wasn't certain which emotion was winning at the moment as she watched him in disbelief. He was completely ignoring the pressure of the importance of the information she had just shared with him.
"But the Contract…"
"All is fine, Alexandra." he cut her in.
Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turned her gently around in the direction of the living room, where the rest of the Vongola Family was sitting, their laughter and conversation reaching their ears easily.
"Leave the Council to me and I will take care of any attempt they may make before Francesco's return. Instead, enjoy Christmas and get better. It's a celebratory time, you know." he continued, pushing her lightly towards the doors.
"I'm not a child." she said with indignation.
"I wouldn't dare to think you are." he hummed in confirmation once they entered the room.
She could hear the silent laughter in his voice, though didn't turn around to confirm his amusement.
Alexandra also missed the worried and calculative look that took over his eyes as soon as she couldn't see his face.
While he wasn't concerned about the Contract being terminated before the planned time, the idea that the Council was actually interested in doing so caused a sudden and nagging suspicion to blossom in his mind, covering the utmost trust he had had until now in the circle of Francesco's closest friends.
Though Giotto was grateful for the piece of information he had received from Elsbeth, even though the woman had provided it unknowingly. Alexandra's lack of the education to take over the position of the Lady of the House could be used as a great explanation to keep her for a longer time in the Vongola Residence in case Francesco's mission got prolonged in accordance to his estimation.
Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Alexandra tried to balance herself perfectly in the middle of it, as to not touch either of the men on her sides, wandering, not for the first time that evening, what she had ever done to anyone to deserve this.
The invitation for a play that came from the Allegri's household was not a surprising occurrence - it was a perfectly normal turn of events to take when one was trying to get closer to another family. And as Alexandra discovered during her stay, Allegri House became interested in Vongola quite much, to her surprise and alert. There was no alliance on the table, due to the fact that Giotto was not leading a Mafia family, but it didn't mean the friendship could not be formed. Especially with the obvious affection Joanne had been showing towards Giotto every time she had met the man
When Giotto approached her soon after the Christmas period ended, Alexandra actually accepted the invitation with a great dose of excitement - the plays in local theatre were usually an enjoyable event, the actors arriving from the far parts of the country to show their superior talents and abilities to portray any character they desired. It was also a nice change from the usual routine. The only thing surprising was the fact that the invitation was also extended to her persona. Though, as long as they were officially engaged and it was known she was in the middle of bridal lessons, it was to be expected.
The biggest concern and shock came when she suddenly found herself seated down between Samuel Lacertosa and Lord Allegri, as Giotto was simultaneously and skilfully moved between Joanne Allegri and her mother, both women taking the immediate opportunity to entertain him with conversation, not giving him a second to spare to address the brunette officially accompanying him. They completely ignored the momentary confusion their abrupt seating arrangement caused in the gathered guests, including their own husband and father, a satisfaction and joy showing on their faces as soon as their goal was reached. The only consolation she had was the presence of G behind her back, the redhead's face fixed in permanent scowl when she looked over her shoulder at him. making sure he was indeed there.
Not that Alexandra expected that anything would happen to her amongst all the people gathered on the balcony, not with Giotto and the Storm Guardian being in such close proximity, but the prejudices in her mind still didn't make it easy to relax.
"Are you enjoying the play, Miss Carlevaro?"
She cleared her throat, hearing the question on her side, bringing her out of her thoughts. The play was indeed good, and the actors were doing an amazing job to show their talents, but even so Alexandra found it hard to concentrate her full attention on the plot and the enjoyment it provided, though the reactions of the crowd and the silence around indicated it was indeed something to remember.
"It's interesting. The leading actress has a really wonderful and powerful singing voice." She refused to look at Samuel while answering him. "What about you, Lord Lacertosa?"
"Despite the reluctant company, it's quite enjoyable." the teasing was obvious in his voice, and Alexandra held back her scowl. "But I was under the impression Lord Vongola was supposed to arrive alone today."
"The invitation was addressed for both of us, as surprising as it may be." Alexandra added the last bit under her breath, glancing to her other side to ensure that Lord Allegri didn't hear it.
The man had been preoccupied with the play, thankfully, too engrossed in it to hear her words and get offended over it.
"It's quite twisted from Filipa to invite a fiancée of the man she is hoping her daughter will be able to seduce." Samuel continued, his eyes travelling to the three people in front of them with obvious humour on his face.
The scowl made its way on her face, as she glanced at the back of the blond head, Joanne whispering something to Giotto earnestly, her face very close to his own, to the point where the brunette was certain her lips would soon touch his skin - even with their relationship not being intimate Alexandra still didn't feel comfortable with the sight, the young woman's attention too obvious and ignorant towards her to not be bothered by the action.
"It seems you are an accomplice, Lord Lacertosa? You have a lot of insight in Filipa's actions." she muttered, averting her eyes back to the play and trying to occupy her mind with something other than the obvious thrust to her from Filipa and Joanne.
She knew her position as Giotto's fiancée didn't bother them much, as the attempts of getting the man to break their engagement were too obvious of a sign to not be noticed. It hurt her womanly pride.
"I am not. But only an idiot would not discern what it's really about." the humour was still audible as he kept watching her. "You were raised in the world of such tricks, you know very well what she is trying to do."
"Is there a reason you are interested in it? " Alexandra asked hastily, not comfortable with the attention she was getting. " And it is ill-mannered to talk during a play."
"Aside from the Vongola's shadow burning holes in the back of my head, I think no one really cares much about etiquette. We are in the private surroundings after all." he answered nonchalantly, glancing over his shoulder with a smile.
Alexandra could hear G's scowl deepening, and she barely stopped herself from turning to check if she was right.
"That's too bad. But I would like to pay my attention to it."
"You were hardly paying any attention to the play, Miss Carlevaro, please don't use cheap excuses to avoid my question."
She felt an unpleasant feeling at the realisation that he must have been watching her through the play, her reverie hindering her from noticing it previously. She had been losing her attention here and there, her thoughts occupied both by her unexpected company as well as the news about the Council she had received from her mother. The ignorance and carelessness Giotto had shown for the subject still bothered her, though she tried to keep it to herself.
"I don't believe there was any question asked, Lord Lacertosa."
"My bad. So, why are you not more concerned about your fiancé being seduced by another woman? And her mother, as strange as it sounds." the usual laughing tone was amiss in his voice, only curiosity in it, when Samuel leaned over the armrest of their seats, making her squirm uncomfortably at the proximity.
"Perhaps I'm quite certain of my position as his fiancée. One evening of conversation won't change the engagement." she answered with the certainty she didn't feel, glaring sideways at him when he gave out a dubious sigh.
"I don't doubt Filipa had this scenario planned out well. And invited me as well to distract you." the humour was back in his voice.
"I have no idea why she thinks your presence can influence me in any way." she said scornfully, making sure her eyes were glued to the scene.
"Obviously, she hopes you will waver towards me more than towards Lord Vongola."
Alexandra knew for a long time that Filipa strongly believed in the rumours that had circulated around a few years back, the woman often leaving a comment here and there about it. Knowing the woman's dislike towards her and the entire Carlevaro Family, she tried her best to not make it get to her.
"That's a false hope. And naive. Not to mention quite stupid and unrealistic, balancing on the border of inconceivable notion of fiction." the thoughtfulness in her voice made him raise an eyebrow.
"Thinking of any more adjectives, Miss Carlevaro?"
"Not really, but I just realised I strongly prefer blonds." she answered with dead seriousness, looking at her partner in conversation in contempt. .
Samuel snorted in amusement and Alexandra thankfully accepted the moment of silence that fell between them, trying to concentrate once again at the play. She harboured a strong hope that Samuel would stop any conversation from now on, getting hints of her obvious lack of desire to participate in it.
"You must admit that Filipa's choice of play for such a plan is strangely fitting."
Alexandra didn't even stop her irritated sigh when he spoke again, and glanced at him with impatience.
"I will regret it, but why do you think so?" she said back.
"Two feuding families, the union not accepted by either of the sides. Can you imagine our fathers reaction if Filipa's plan worked?" Samuel said with an obvious teasing, which made Alexandra roll her eyes. "I think mine would end with a heart attack."
"I wouldn't go as far as plugging a knife in my chest over your dead body." she answered without a beat.
"Miss Carlevaro, where is your sense of romance?" the humorous inquiry made her even more irritated.
"It stabbed itself after hearing this conversation."
Samuel fully laughed at her, gaining the attention of others in the balcony. She tried to ignore it, keeping her eyes glued to the scene. The eyes almost burning on her skin. But eventually she caught the amber eyes watching her with an unreadable expression, the owner looking in her direction over his shoulder, assessing whether she was alright or not. The satisfied glint in Filipa's eyes almost made her blood boil, though Alexandra refrained herself from showing any reaction, as she had no doubt that the woman was going to misinterpret anything she let her see.
She had a hard time waiting till the end of the play, but was relieved when Samuel didn't try to pick any conversation with her again. As soon as the gathered guests started getting ready to leave their designated seats, Alexandra bolted out of her own, not really caring whether Samuel nor Giovanni could get offended but her actions, hastily making her way out, opting to wait for others to join her in the corridor, thanking for the lack of crowd there.
It didn't take long before she felt a hand on her back, the touch making her jolt in surprise and whirl around to look in alert on the person that approached her.
"Don't disappear from my sight." Giotto said quietly, his voice low and quiet as he glanced around the corridor.
"There is barely anyone here." she pointed out, trying to ignore the feeling of his hand on her back. "No one even passed me while I was here."
"It doesn't matter." the set note in his voice surprised Alexandra and she only nodded her head, indicating she understood the message. "It's good G was with us. I didn't think we would actually get separated."
"Filipa is cunning when she wants to be." looking behind him, Alexandra plastered a smile on her face when the rest of the party joined them.
"Should I take it for granted that you will join us for some brandy, Lord Vongola?"
Alexandra didn't miss the way Filipa seemed very pleased with herself. In the eyes of the woman, the evening went according to her plans - not only had she managed to keep Giotto in the conversation with her daughter for most of the play, Joanne's attempt on ensuring that it happened making her mother proud, but also believed the brunette spent a wonderful time with Samuel, aftermath of his impromptu behaviour. Alexandra could almost see the cogs turning in her mind when Filipa planned the next step.
"I'm afraid we need to head home already, Lady Allegri. Unfortunately, Alexandra is still recovering from her sickness. I would hate to see her go through it again." Giotto replied easily, a polite smile on his face.
The brunette glanced at him before her eyes switched back to Filipa when she felt the woman watching her, taking in the proximity between the two as well as the hand Giotto still had at her back. If she could make herself look sick, Alexandra could make an attempt in doing so, because as far as she was concerned, she was fully recovered and felt no aftermath of the cold.
"That's true. Miss Carlevaro looked quite tired throughout the play."
Alexandra looked at Samuel with visible suspicion when the man came to their aid, smiling innocently back at her.
"It makes one wonder, Lord Vongola, if you are not overworking your fiancée while preparing her to take over all the duties of wife."
She looked at Giotto when the hand on her back twitched, the blond trying to keep the smile on his face unchanged, though it became a bit strained in the corners, as the innuendo registered in his mind.
"There is nothing to worry about, Lord Lacertosa. My fiancée is watched over with the utmost care by everyone in the house." Giotto replied, his voice polite and friendly.
"Samuel, stop it. There is no doubt Giotto will always supervise the wellbeing of the guests in his house."
Alexandra barely held a sarcastic smile when her previous thoughts were confirmed with Joanne's words - they perceived her only as a visitor in Vongola Residence.
"You can rest assured he does. Giotto puts in a lot of effort to make my stay as pleasurable as possible between the bridal lessons." she said to Joanne, her voice conversational while she smiled at the other woman.
A moment of silence followed her words and she looked confused at Samuel when the man snorted in laughter at her words.
"I bet he does." he said, not even trying to cover his laughter.
G muttered something under his breath, but she wasn't able to decipher what he said clearly, the voices from the voyeur covering the whisper. Feeling an intense look on her, Alexandra raised her head, meeting Giotto's eyes, his look a mix of slight horror and deep amusement as he took in the confused expression on her face.
It eventually dawned on her what could be misunderstood from her words.
"The fever may be returning, Miss Carlevaro is a bit red on the face."
She threw a glare at Samuel, shifting uncomfortably, before deciding to not clear her words - anything she would say to clarify it would only be perceived as an attempt on covering her slip and make it far more suspicious.
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern." she said, avoiding the eyes watching her.
"Nevertheless, we really need to be going." Giotto interjected, clearing his throat.
The words seemed to shake Filipa from whatever stupor she was in, and the woman glanced from her daughter to the blond hastily,
"But you haven't finished conversing with Joanne. And Alexandra seemed to have such an amazing time talking with Samuel."
"I'm certain we will manage to finish the conversation on some other occasion." Giotto promised.
He had already made a move towards the dressing room where their coats had been hung before the play, not showing the discomfort when the others followed them, his hope they would wait for the three of them to return to the corridors crushed down.
"It was quite interesting, certain aspects of the play. Miss Carlevaro can be quite hilarious." Samuel interjected with a smile directed at the brunette.
"I'm glad to be an entertainment, but that conversation came to a conclusion already." Alexandra said in turn callously.
"Can't Mr. G take Alex home? It is really a shame to cut such a pleasant evening so short." Joanne interjected with one more attempt.
The brunette looked back at Giotto, having a thought of convincing him to stay as well at the back of her mind, though a warning look of amber eyes stopped her short.
"I will be far more calmer once I assure my fiancée's wellbeing on my own." he replied easily, a smile still present on his face.
While her position had been stressed out in the sentence, it made not much impression.
While they waited for their coats, Filipa still tried to convince Giotto to stay with them, despite the blond's insistence it was time to finish the evening. Hearing G's audible disapproval behind her, Alexandra turned to him, amused, receiving the usual scowl in return.
The lounge had been full of people already. It was a common view, as rarely anyone left the theatre after the play, enjoying snacks and drinks, as well as discussing the performance and plot, sometimes hoping to have a meeting with the performers. Either a professional one or a private one, the stories of what occurred after the hours run wild amongst the ladies. Putting her coat on, Alexandra realised that they were probably the only ones leaving already, the Allegri family opting to stay behind in the end, to join some group of their friends. While finally accepting the refusal, Filipa looked utterly displeased with the development of the situation, contrasting reaction to the smug smile she had worn after the play finished.
Alexandra would be lying if she said she didn't feel any form of small satisfaction.
"Are you sure about not staying?" she asked once they stepped outside. "Allegris can be a powerful ally if they decide to form it."
"The evening barely held any political tone. I would probably reconsider if it was Lord Allegri leading the events and as you are obviously not sick anymore, but Filipa had one goal in mind." Giotto answered with a defeated sigh, his head dropping slightly, muttering something under his breath that she didn't understand.
She was quite certain he was occasionally speaking another language, though wasn't able to recognize what it was.
They made their way towards the carriage, mindful of their steps as it was easy to slip on the ground covered by ice and snow, the lanterns not yet lit, making the road illuminated only by the moonlight, making the unevenness of the road impossible to see. She started to appreciate taking the offered arm when Giotto had extended it to her, a gesture natural for every gentleman while escorting a lady, before they had left the theatre, as Alexandra had no doubt she would find herself more than once on the ground due to the darkness.
She could make out the light lighters doing their job at the other end of the street. They would probably be done before the other guests leave the theatre, making their way much safer and easier.
"The woman wasn't even subtle about it." G snorted, the displeasure still audible. "Not to mention Lacertosa's presence."
"Allegri usually refrains from being seen inclusively with the representative of either side of the fence. They must have decided that they needed the balance with a Carlevaro present there." she said absently.
Through the rumours circulating the towns, one could get a feeling that Allegri and Lacertosa families were growing close, the both Houses often seen together at each other's residences. It was hard to decide whether it was a sign of losing the neutral position or mere social gatherings, but the development was quite worrying.
"Weren't they always close to each other?"
Alexandra shrugged her shoulders at Giotto's question.
"While Cavallone grew close to Carlevaro House, it almost came naturally that Allegri and Lacertosa were perceived as another set of befriended families, even if they never confirmed that. The position of neutrality is something Allegri wanted to maintain when the drift formed between the Founding Houses, so they strained from forming any close relations with either of the three Houses." she answered, remembering some of the historical events she had been told about the history of the Founding Families.
"Marrying into Vongola would make it harder to maintain neutrality." G pointed out dubiously. "We are not Mafia, but it is obvious that Carlevaro House morals are closer to our cause."
Alexandra glanced at him curiously, before her attention was momentarily broken by the loss of balance. She managed to catch herself by leaning on Giotto, her mind occupied by her thoughts. She had been surprised that G openly mentioned the Organisation in her presence - she had suspected they had more knowledge about it than normal Houses, but none of them ever brought the name around her.
It made her also wander if G was aware of the requirement made by Giovanni when it came to Giotto and Joanne's possible union.
"Not really. There aren't many neutral families, and Filipa never married her daughters outside the Mafia before. Apparently, the daughters married to the sided House are no longer considered as tied to Allegris, therefore no benefits from the Founding Family come to the selected spouse."
"It seems like a one-sided deal." she missed the calculative look the redhead threw at her.
"Sometimes, a name can be enough of a benefit, depending on the purpose it is used for." she shrugged her shoulders, looking up at the sky when snow started to fall. "While the marriage won't give you access to the Court, once you say your wife is of Allegri, many doors open for you. Which makes them quite famous amongst the bachelors."
It was the reason Filipa had always managed to secure a good marriage opportunity for her daughters - the neutrality of their standing opened doors for connections from both sides. Alexandra was aware that Joanne and her sisters were considered more beneficial partners due to that. With Carlevaro House taking a side, some doors would remain closed for her own spouse.
If she was removed as a member of her family, that is, which was not on the table, as she doubted her father would ever decide on doing so for either of his daughters.
Though it was still good, Alexandra realised suddenly, that she had spent many months on the Court with her aunt, securing her own connections.
"You know quite a lot about Allegris." Giotto said suddenly, bringing her attention back to him.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Alexandra smiled at him innocently, before changing the subject. "But you can't really blame Filipa in the end. She wants to secure what is best for her daughters."
"You think I'm the best?" the humour in Giotto's voice made her turn suspicious.
She did her best to contain the sudden embarrassment at his shameless smile.
"I meant the high position that comes with you in marriage. The Lady of the House spot is desirable, especially in the family as rapidly growing as yours." she said with dead seriousness. "You aren't dubbed the most eligible bachelor for nothing."
"And I naively thought it was my personality that earned the title." the laughter in his voice gave her a clear impression of what he really thought about it.
"More like your looks, I presume."
She regretted her words when Giotto's smile widened.
"Now you think I'm handsome?" he inquired curiously, definitely having too much fun at her expense.
"It's the public opinion and I admit no personal view in the matter." she said monotonously, but it seemed to only increase his amusement. "For such a modest man, you strangely like to have your ego stroked."
Alexandra heard G's sigh as he rubbed his forehead tiredly. She was hastily thinking of the subject she could bring to drive the conversation in different areas when her foot caught on the sudden unevenness in the curb, her barely kept balance completely crumbling even despite the support she had. A surprise gasp left her as she fell forwards, two sets of hands stopping her mid fall by grabbing her shoulders, pulling her upward.
Alexandra's brain hadn't registered at first what it was that made her trip, but when it finally did, the gruesome sight registering in her mind even despite the weak light, she yelped in horror, scrambling to get further away. The reaction had confused both her companions, the sudden panic only making it harder to stand. It was gone when they got a better look at the ground.
The morbid curiosity kept her eyes glued to the unmoving and twisted face of Violet Valonte, the blood colouring the pristinely white snow around her giving the impression of the warm blanket lying under her, separating her naked body from the unforgiving coldness of the ground underneath her, as her dead eyes kept looking up into the sky, unseeing and fogged.
When she was turned around with no notice, and pulled forward, Alexandra didn't oppose at all, still shocked by the sight and the state the body was in. She had noticed more than enough details of the corps, definitely more than she had desired, to have a lasting memory of it, the wounds and cuts permanently embed itself into her mind. She took a deep, shaking breath, concentrating on the brooch with the Vongola crest holding Giotto's coat together, trying to get the image off her mind, even though the nagging voice at the back of her hand already told her it wasn't possible, not in the nearest future. He held her shoulders, keeping her close to himself and making sure she didn't turn around, the warmth and weight of his hands, though barely noticeable, a welcomed anchor to stop her from further panicking. A short conversation was exchanged over her head, but she couldn't make out the words.
Her scream seemed to gather the attention of the few passersby around, as footsteps approached them soon, followed by more gasps and cries of shock when the body illuminated by the moonlight was noticed in its all gruesome glory. There were more voices, and Giotto and G were conversing with someone, the blond's voice calm and collected while the redhead's irritated, similarly to the voices of their companions.
"Alexandra."
Shaking herself up from the sudden stupor she looked up at Giotto, amber eyes watching her face closely as he studied her, assessing her distress at the situation, taking in her widened eyes and paleness of her face.
"I'm fine." she said automatically.
It was clear he didn't believe her, though refrained from pushing the subject, more pressing matters currently at hand.
"G will take you home." he said, exchanging looks with the redhead over her head.
"Lord Vongola, as we said, we will need all of you on the station to take your statement of the situation." a hesitant voice she couldn't recognize joined the conversation.
Looking in the direction it came from, Alexandra noticed for the first time the presence of authorities, two unknown men standing in front of G, whose body conveniently stood between them and the strangers, as well as the small crowd gathered around, looking with morbid interest at the body displayed on the ground, as if not fully realising what they were seeing and what it fully meant.
"As you can see, my fiancée is quite shaken. I need to take her home first. And you should inform the family." the hard note in Giotto's voice took her by surprise and she looked at him.
"And cover the body. She is displayed like some fucking exhibition." G muttered, glaring at the men.
Unconsciously, Alexandra made an attempt to look at Violet once again, as if to convince herself once again she was lying there, cold and unmoving, but the hands on her shoulder stopped her movement. She opened her mouth, wanting to oppose and say she was fine to follow the authorities, but the look Giotto threw at her silenced any words she was about to let out.
"We will come to the station tomorrow, to give the statement, even though there is not much to talk about." he said, turning his attention back to the authorities.
"We need someone today." the other man said, his voice hard and unpleasant.
"I will go with you to the damned station." G said, clicking his tongue. "I can tell you as much as she can, let the girl get some rest."
He and Giotto exchanged looks once again, a silent conversation ensuing between the two, the ability of understanding each other without words developed through the years of friendship. The blond looked uncertain and conflicted, obviously not wanting to leave the redhead alone with the situation, at the same time not keen on letting Alexandra return on her own. Eventually he nodded his head.
"We can work with that. As long as there is anything to go with." the first man threw a hesitant look towards his partner.
With the passing time, more people were gathering. The news must have travelled to the theatre as well, the occupants leaving the building to join the crowd, their steps directed straight to the small group with no hesitation or confusion of what was happening.
When the sudden scream cut through the night, broken and devastated, Alexandra shivered, the emotions hidden in the sound shaking her to the core. She watched as Lady Volonte ran to the unmoving daughter, evading the hands of the men trying to stop her, to save her from seeing the sight, and dropped to her knees by the cold and broken body, her eyes taking in the terrifying sight, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Silence fell over the gathered crowd as no one dared to say anything, as if they had just fully comprehended the devastating event that occurred and what exactly they had been looking at all this time. None dared to interrupt the sobbing mother as she gathered her daughter in her arms, holding the body to her chest and rocking it, as if she was calming a crying child, the tears falling on the matter hair as she kissed the top of Violet's head, whispering silent words, begging her to wake up and talk to her, even despite the obvious evidences it would never happen. It didn't take long for Lord Volonte to reach her side, the man's face pale as a sheet, his eyes widened in disbelief as he watched his wife and daughter. It was visible, the moment the comprehension fully hit him, as he sank to the ground, his lips moving, but no words coming out of it as the tears rolled down his face, before he put his arms around his devastated wife, providing the consolation he himself needed.