Time slipped through her fingers like grains of sand, and before Amelia knew it, another eight months had vanished. The aftermath of her failed escape attempt saw her being transferred to the Castello in the bustling center of Rome. The transfer was to take place in a day or two and she was looing forward to a chance to see the city, the sun. It had been too long since they had allowed her to see the light of day.
Each day was a relentless battle as she struggled to recover from the traumatic events that had left her broken and scarred. Her cell was a dark, suffocating space, the dampness of the stone walls creeping into her bones. The air was thick with the smell of mildew and despair, a constant reminder of her confinement. The flickering light from a single torch did little to chase away the shadows, and the bars on the small window seemed to mock her every attempt at hope.
The skilled physician had treated her had done everything he could to save her child but in the end he hadn't bee successful. She could still remember the smell and the pain that had shot through her as he worked. Though he had saved her life, it left her with scars that ran deeper than the physical ones—scars etched into her heart and mind.
As she sat in the darkness, the memories of that day haunted her. The realization of what she had lost pressed down on her like a heavy shroud. Each breath felt like a struggle, a reminder of the vibrant woman she used to be. Now, she felt like a ghost, drifting through the remnants of her former self, haunted by memories of joy that had been replaced by sorrow.
The pain and suffering lingered, turning each step into a battle as she moved about the confines of her cell. Every movement felt agonizingly slow, as if she were wading through molasses, dragging her further away from the person she once was. She often found herself leaning against the cool stone wall, her fingers tracing the jagged edges of her scars, a testament to the life that had been taken from her.
With each passing day, the sounds of the bustling city outside seemed to mock her solitude. The laughter of children playing, the clatter of horses on cobblestone streets, and the distant chatter of merchants echoed in her ears, a painful reminder of the freedom she had lost. She longed to feel the sun on her face, to breathe in the crisp morning air, but the reality of her confinement left her feeling hollow and disconnected.
Amelia tried to keep her mind sharp, to hold onto the fragments of hope that still flickered within her. She thought of her family often, of Ezio and the strength he had always shown in the face of adversity. "He will come for me," she whispered to herself, the words barely more than a breath. "He will find a way."
As her body healed she took advantage of her solitude. Taking the time to work her body back to where it had been. She would do small amounts of work outs to rebuild her strength knowing she would need it when Ezio came for her.
But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, doubt began to seep into her heart. What if he couldn't? What if he thought she was lost to him forever? Each thought sent a fresh wave of anguish crashing over her, and she fought to push it away, to remain steadfast in her belief that she would see him again.
Amelia found solace in the small acts of defiance that punctuated her days. She refused to let her captors break her spirit. Even in her cell, she would stand tall, her chin raised defiantly, refusing to be reduced to a mere shadow of her former self. She would recite the words of her family's creed, reminding herself of the strength that lay within her blood.
"Strength and honor," she would whisper, her voice steady despite the pain. "I am an Assassin. I will not be defeated."
One evening, as she lay on the hard cot in her cell, staring at the stone ceiling, she allowed herself to dream of freedom. In her mind, she pictured Ezio riding through the streets of Rome, his face set in determination as he fought to save her. She imagined their reunion, the joy that would fill her heart, the strength they would draw from each other. She even allowed herself to dream of having another child with him.
The sound of footsteps echoing down the corridor snapped Amelia out of her reverie. She tensed, her body instinctively coiling like a spring as she prepared for whatever might come through the door. The lock clicked, and the heavy iron door swung open with a groan.
A guard entered, his face partially obscured by the flickering torchlight. "Get up," he barked, his voice gruff and impatient. "You're being moved."
Amelia's heart raced as she slowly rose to her feet, wincing at the pain that still lingered in her body. This was it—the transfer to the Castello. A mix of anticipation and dread washed over her as she contemplated what this change might bring.
The guard roughly grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the cell and into the dimly lit corridor. As they walked, Amelia's mind raced with possibilities. The transfer could be an opportunity, a chance to gather information or even attempt another escape. But it could also mean facing new horrors, new forms of captivity that she couldn't yet imagine.
As they ascended from the dungeon, Amelia's eyes struggled to adjust to the increasing light. Each step brought her closer to the world above, a world she had been denied for so long. When they finally emerged into the courtyard, the warm Italian sun bathed her face, and she couldn't help but close her eyes, savoring the sensation.
"Keep moving," the guard growled, yanking her arm.
Amelia stumbled forward, her legs weak from months of confinement. As they crossed the courtyard, she tried to take in as much of her surroundings as possible. There was a carriage at the end of the courtyard with at least fifteen guards at the ready to escort her to the Castello.
The door to the carriage opened up and Lucrezia stuck her head out to tell at her to hurry up.
Amelia's heart sank at the sight of Lucrezia. The woman's presence boded ill, promising more cruelty and manipulation. As they neared the carriage, Amelia could see the malicious glint in Lucrezia's eyes, a look that sent a chill down her spine.
"Hurry up, you worthless wretch," Lucrezia spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "We haven't got all day."
The guard shoved Amelia forward, nearly causing her to stumble. She gritted her teeth, determined not to show weakness in front of her tormentor. As she approached the carriage, she could smell Lucrezia's overpowering perfume, a sickly sweet scent that made her stomach churn.
"Get in," Lucrezia commanded, moving aside to make room.
Lucrezia and Amelia rode in tense silence, their bodies rigid with anger towards each other. The air crackled with thick tension as they made their way through the countryside. If she could have, Amelia would have leapt across to strangle the harlot that sat in front of her, her hands itching with the desire for revenge. The horse's hooves pounded against the earth, mirroring the beat of Amelia's racing heart as she struggled to contain her fury.
The carriage jolted as it came to a stop after half an hour passed, and before she could gather her thoughts, Lucrezia Borgia leaned closer, a wicked smile curling her lips. "Shall we show you off to the citizens?" A sharp grip on her hair pulled the girl from the carriage, leaving her dangling like a prized possession in front of Lucrezia. The woman held her with pride, as if showing off a freshly caught rabbit on a hunting trip.
"Salve cittadini di Roma! Behold a sight most splendid!" she announced, her voice dripping with mockery as she leaned out to the gathering crowd. "Amelia Tessaro, she-whore of Firenze — has at last been brought to heel!"
Amelia's blood boiled at the insult, her anger igniting like a wildfire. "Ha! No one kneels as low as Lucrezia Borgia!" she spat back, the words escaping her lips before she could think. "Who put you up to this? Was it your brother or your father? Perhaps a bit of both? Perhaps at the same time!"
The taunt hung in the air, daring Lucrezia to retaliate.
Without warning, Lucrezia's hand connected sharply with her cheek, the sting of the slap radiating through Amelia's body. As she was pulled into the open, the sunlight hit her like a wave, washing over her pale skin. The brightness was overwhelming, and for a moment, she felt disoriented, as if she were emerging from a long nightmare.
Amelia stumbled slightly but regained her footing, meeting the eyes of the crowd. She could feel their curiosity and judgment, but she held her head high, determined not to show any signs of weakness.
"Chiudi la bocca!" Lucrezia hissed, her eyes flashing with rage. "None speak ill of the Borgia! The same will happen to any who defy us!"
Amelia fought against the urge to recoil, her spirit unwilling to be crushed. The anger surged within her, a fierce and unyielding force that propelled her forward. "Good people of Roma!" she called out, her voice rising above the din of the crowd. "Stay strong! You will be free; your time will come, I swear it!"
Her gaze swept over the faces of the onlookers, searching for any signs of hope or solidarity. She saw a mixture of fear and curiosity in their eyes, but she refused to let her resolve falter. She was still an Assassin; she had to inspire them, even in her darkest hour.
The sound of laughter erupted from Lucrezia, cutting through the air like a blade. "You think they will listen to the likes of you?" she sneered, pulling Amelia roughly by her hair, snapping her head back hard enough it made her neck sting. The jolt of pain made Amelia gasp, but she fought to keep her composure, refusing to give Lucrezia the satisfaction of seeing her crumble.
"Look at me!" Amelia's voice pierced through the air, filled with fire and determination. "I am no one's prisoner!" The murmuring of the crowd faded into the background as her eyes scanned their faces, searching for a familiar one. And there, in the back, she finally saw him - Ezio Auditore, standing tall and fierce alongside Machiavelli. Their eyes met and a spark of recognition ignited within her.
But then Lucrezia Borgia leaned in, her voice dripping with malice as she whispered to Amelia. The assassin's spine tingled with unease, knowing that the Borgia woman was not to be underestimated. But she refused to show any sign of fear.
Amelia laughed defiantly, locking eyes with Ezio once more. She knew he would come for her - he always did. "I will not be a pawn! I am an Assassin, and I will fight for my family and my people until my last breath!"
Summoning all her strength and courage, she turned towards the crowd once more, her voice carrying over their heads. "Do not let fear control you! Together, we are stronger than the Borgia, and our time will come when we rise against them!" Her words sparked hope in the hearts of those who had been oppressed for so long, and they stood a little taller, ready to join her in battle.
Lucrezia's eyes flashed with fury at Amelia's defiance. She yanked hard on Amelia's hair, forcing her head back at a painful angle. "Enough of your treasonous words, whore," she hissed. With a sharp nod to the guards, she commanded, "Get her back in the carriage. Now!"
Two burly men grabbed Amelia roughly by the arms, but she didn't go quietly. She thrashed and kicked, managing to land a solid blow to one guard's shin. "Remember my words!" she shouted to the crowd as they dragged her away. "The Assassins will prevail!"
As they shoved her unceremoniously back into the carriage, Amelia caught one last glimpse of Ezio in the crowd. Their eyes locked, and in that moment, a wealth of unspoken communication passed between them. She saw the fierce determination in his eyes, the silent promise that he would come for her. It gave her strength, fueling the fire of hope that burned within her.
The carriage door slammed shut, plunging Amelia back into darkness. Lucrezia climbed in after her, her face twisted with rage. As the carriage lurched forward, Lucrezia leaned in close, her breath hot against Amelia's ear.
"You'll pay for that little display," she hissed. "I'll make sure of it."
Amelia met her gaze defiantly. "Do your worst," she spat. "I fear nothing from you."
The rest of the journey passed in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken threats. When they finally arrived at the Castello, Amelia was roughly pulled from the carriage. The imposing structure loomed before her, its stone walls reaching towards the sky like a giant's fingers. Amelia's heart raced as she was led inside, the heavy doors slamming shut behind her with an ominous finality.
The interior of the Castello was a maze of corridors and chambers, each more opulent than the last. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of conquest and glory. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and perfume, masking the underlying odor of decay and corruption.
Lucrezia led the way, her heels clicking against the marble floors. They descended a winding staircase, the temperature dropping with each step. Amelia shivered, her thin clothes offering little protection against the chill.
Finally, they reached a heavy wooden door. Lucrezia produced a key from her bodice, unlocking it with a sinister smile. "Welcome to your new home."
The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit chamber. Lucrezia shoved Amelia inside, causing her to stumble and fall to her knees on the cold stone floor.
"Not so defiant now, are we?" Lucrezia sneered, circling Amelia like a predator stalking its prey. "You'll soon learn your place here."
Amelia pushed herself up, refusing to stay down. She met Lucrezia's gaze with steely determination. "My place is not here, and you know it. No matter what you do to me, I will never break."
Lucrezia's eyes flashed dangerously. In one swift motion, she backhanded Amelia across the face, sending her reeling. "We'll see about that," she hissed.
As Amelia steadied herself, she tasted blood in her mouth.
Cesare's intense gaze fell upon Lucrezia as he turned his attention back to her. She met it with a mixture of affection and disdain, her lips curling into a dangerous smile. In an instant, their lips met in a fierce and possessive kiss, causing Amelia's stomach to churn at the display of power between them.
As they pulled apart, Cesare's eyes flicked towards Amelia, his smirk hinting at something more than just a passing glance. "I hope you have treated our guest with kindness," he remarked, his voice dripping with subtle threat.
"Kindness?" Lucrezia echoed, her expression darkening with each passing second. "That mouth on her...How I'd love to sew it shut."
Amelia felt her anger rising at the insult, her heart racing at the thought of being silenced by these two powerful figures. But beneath that anger was a defiance that refused to be extinguished.
"I rather like it open, myself," Cesare interjected, a playful chuckle escaping him.
Lucrezia raised an eyebrow, her gaze predatory as she considered him. It was clear that these two were not to be crossed lightly.
Cesare's laughter filled the small chamber, bouncing off the stone walls and creating an ominous echo. Amelia couldn't help but shudder, feeling as if she were trapped in a cage with two dangerous animals.
"Have you spoken to the Pope yet about the funds requested by my banker?" Cesare asked, his voice dripping with entitlement.
Lucrezia's annoyance was palpable as she shook her head. "He is away from the Castello, and he might need some convincing when he returns."
"Shouldn't be a problem, should it?" Cesare's tone was nonchalant, but there was a chilling undertone that made Amelia's skin crawl.
"No...only it gets quite lonely here," Lucrezia spoke up, a mixture of affection and resentment in her voice. "You and I spend so little time together these days, busy as you are with your other conquests."
"Soon, once I have secured the throne of Italia, you will be my queen," Cesare promised with unbridled ambition. "And your loneliness will be a thing of the past."
"I cannot wait," Lucrezia replied eagerly, her eyes sparkling with a sinister excitement at the thought of wielding power alongside Cesare.
Amelia's stomach churned with disgust as she witnessed their exchange. The mere thought of being a pawn in their power-hungry game, used for their own ambitions, ignited a fiery rage within her. She had fought tooth and nail to have her voice heard, and she refused to be silenced now.
Cesare leaned in closer to Lucrezia, his voice dropping to a whisper that was too low for Amelia to hear. Yet, the intimacy of their exchange was palpable, making her feel like an intruder on a private moment. It was a twisted reality she couldn't escape from.
"Behave yourself while I am gone," Cesare commanded, pulling away and standing up straight with an air of authority. His words only served to fuel Amelia's anger, knowing she was nothing more than a tool to be used at their discretion.
Lucrezia turned on her, her hand coming up to smack her in the face. "That little display in the city will cost you." Amelia's head snapped to the side from the force of Lucrezia's slap. The sting radiated across her cheek, but she refused to cry out. Instead, she turned back to face her tormentor, her eyes blazing with defiance.
"Is that the best you can do?" Amelia taunted, her voice low and dangerous. "I've faced far worse than a spoiled princess playing at power."
Lucrezia's face contorted with rage. She grabbed a fistful of Amelia's hair, yanking her head back painfully. "You insolent little bitch," she hissed. "I'll teach you to respect your betters."
Picking up a nearby metal rod , Lucrezia brought it down on her leg. A resonating crack was heard and Amelia cried out in agnoy. The searing pain shot through Amelia's leg as the rod connected with bone. She gritted her teeth, refusing to give Lucrezia the satisfaction of hearing her scream again. Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them back furiously.
"That put you in your place." Lucrezia sneered, her face inches from Amelia's. "Lock it and give me the key."
The guard hesitated for a moment, eyeing Amelia's crumpled form on the floor. "My lady, perhaps we should have the physician examine her leg-"
"Did I stutter?" Lucrezia snapped, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Lock her in and give me the key. Now."
The guard swallowed hard and nodded, quickly moving to secure the heavy iron shackles around Amelia's wrists and ankles. The cold metal bit into her skin as he tightened them, eliciting a soft hiss of pain from her lips. Once she was chained, he stepped back and handed the key to Lucrezia.
"There. Not so defiant now, are we?" Lucrezia taunted, dangling the key in front of Amelia's face before tucking it into her bodice. "Enjoy your stay, little puttana."
Amelia collapsed onto the hard ground, her head resting against the unforgiving stone. Her hand instinctively went to her throbbing leg as she let out a deep sigh. How much longer could she bear this agony? The thought of enduring more pain was almost unbearable.
A noise at the window caught her attention and she looked up to see a familiar face in the window. Amelia's heart leapt as she recognized the face peering through the barred window - it was Ezio. His dark eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of relief and concern. She wanted to call out to him, but bit her tongue, knowing any sound could alert the guards.
Ezio's eyes swept over her, taking in her dirt-smeared and bruised appearance, as well as the heavy chains that bound her. Anger flickered across his features, barely contained.
"Ezio…" She breathed out, her voice weak and strained.
"Hold on just a little longer. I will get you out of here," he promised, his determination evident in every word. "I will climb to the top of the tower and find a way inside."
"Lucrezia holds the key. Her chambers are located at the top." She informed him, her voice trembling with fear and desperation.
"Very well, stay put. That key will be mine soon." He declared confidently.
"I have nowhere else to go," she muttered to herself as he vanished once more into the shadows. The air was thick with tension and fear as she waited for his return, unsure if they would make it out alive or not.
As Amelia waited anxiously in her cell, her mind raced with thoughts of Ezio's daring rescue attempt. Every creak and distant echo made her heart leap, wondering if it was him returning. The pain in her leg throbbed relentlessly, but she forced herself to stay alert and ready.
Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, with no way for Amelia to mark its passing. She felt herself sinking into despair, until a familiar shrill voice cut through the silence. Lucrezia was coming down the hall.
Amelia mustered her strength and pulled herself to her feet, using the bars of her cell as support. "Salute Lucrezia! How I've missed you." She greeted sarcastically, laughing at her own predicament. Ezio, ever the gentleman, held her as stiffly as he could while she squirmed in his arms.
"Vai a farti fottere, troia. (Go fuck yourself, whore.)" Lucrezia spat venomously.
"As always, a pleasure." Amelia retorted. "Bring her here. I'll take the key." With practiced ease, she reached down the front of Lucrezia's dress and retrieved the key to her cell. "Oh, how classy." She teased before unlocking the door and swinging it open. Ezio tossed Lucrezia into the cell and offered Amelia a hand.
But instead of taking it, she grabbed his sword from his belt and turned around to face Lucrezia. Without hesitation, she grabbed the blonde woman by her hair and slammed her head against the metal bars with all her might. A cry of pain echoed through the cell as Lucrezia crumpled to the ground.
Amelia wasted no time in holding Ezio's sword to Lucrezia's throat, trembling with anger and determination. "One year of torture under your rule. You deserve a slow and painful death." She growled out, gripping onto the bars of her cell with one hand while the other clenched tightly around the hilt of the sword. The taste of revenge was bittersweet on her tongue.
"Please, don't do this," Lucrezia pleaded, her voice trembling with fear and desperation.
But Amelia just sneered, mocking her pleas. "Oh please, spare me your pathetic begging. You never listened to my cries for mercy, so why should I listen to yours?" Her voice dripped with malice as she slowly pressed the sharp point of the sword against Lucrezia's throat.
The blade pierced through skin and flesh, blood oozing out and staining the ground beneath them. Lucrezia gasped in pain and shock, her eyes wide with disbelief at the betrayal from someone she once considered a friend. As Amelia twisted the sword deeper, the sound of steel meeting flesh echoed through the room, followed by a gurgling gasp from Lucrezia as she fell to the ground in a pool of blood.
Amelia stared down at Lucrezia's lifeless body, her hand still gripping the bloodied sword. A mix of emotions swirled within her - satisfaction, horror, relief. She had dreamed of this moment for so long, but now that it had come, she felt strangely hollow.
"Amelia," Ezio's voice broke through her trance. "We need to go. Now."
She turned to face him, seeing the concern in his eyes. Without a word, she handed him back his sword and allowed him to scoop her up into his arms. Her injured leg throbbed painfully as he carried her swiftly through the winding corridors of the Castello.
The sound of shouting guards echoed in the distance. Ezio quickened his pace, his breath coming in short bursts as he navigated the maze-like structure.
Amelia clung to Ezio tightly as he raced through the winding corridors of the Castello, the shouts of guards growing louder behind them. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of adrenaline and fear coursing through her veins. The pain in her leg was almost unbearable, but she bit her lip to keep from crying out, knowing that any sound could give away their position.
Ezio's footsteps echoed off the stone walls as he took a sharp turn, ducking into a narrow passageway. The darkness enveloped them, and Amelia could feel his chest heaving against her as he caught his breath.
"Are you alright?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"I'll live," she replied through gritted teeth. "Just get us out of here."
Ezio nodded, adjusting his grip on her as he peered around the corner. The corridor ahead was clear for the moment. He took a deep breath and sprinted forward, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
Amelia clung tightly to Ezio's neck, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her leg. Her mind raced, replaying the events of the past year - the torture, the confinement, and now, Lucrezia's death at her hands. A mix of emotions swirled within her - relief, guilt, and a burning desire for freedom.
As they rounded another corner, they came face to face with two guards. Ezio reacted instantly, shifting Amelia to one arm as he drew his hidden blade with the other. In a fluid motion, he dispatched both guards before they could raise the alarm.
"We're almost there," Ezio told her. "On the other side of this gate there are two horses. That's our escape."
Amelia nodded, her heart racing as they approached the gate. Ezio set her down gently, keeping one arm around her waist to support her weight. With his free hand, he worked quickly to pick the lock, his fingers moving with practiced precision.
The sound of boots echoing down the corridor behind them made Amelia's blood run cold. "Ezio, hurry," she whispered urgently.
Just as the first shouts of alarm reached their ears, the lock clicked open. Ezio pushed the gate wide and scooped Amelia back into his arms, sprinting towards the waiting horses.
The cool night air hit Amelia's face as they burst into the courtyard. She could see the horses, tethered and ready, just a few yards away. Freedom was so close she could almost taste it.
Ezio reached the horses and carefully helped Amelia onto one of them, ensuring she was securely seated before mounting his own steed. With a swift kick, they urged the horses forward, galloping out of the Castello's gates and into the night.
"Ride across the ancient stone bridge, its arches reaching towards the sky like giant arms. I will cover you." He yelled urgently, drawing his sword as more guards came running from the far end of the bridge. "Go to Isola Tiberina, an island sanctuary in the middle of the Tiber River. Find Machiavelli there. He will be waiting for me."
"What about you?" She asked, her horse prancing nervously as she slowed it to a stop on the other side of the bridge.
"I will stay here and draw the attention of the guards." He replied with a confident smirk.
"Promise me you'll come back in one piece." She commanded, her eyes pleading with him to be careful.
"Always." He promised before she urged her horse onward and galloped towards safety. The ancient stones of the bridge echoed with the sound of hooves and shouting as she rode towards her mission, her heart pounding with both fear and determination.