As the first rays of dawn crept through the thin curtains, Amelia stirred from her slumber, feeling as though her body was still submerged in a sea of sleep. The warm embrace of the bed felt both unfamiliar and comforting, like a lover's arms. She nestled deeper into the soft linens, relishing the sensation of being cocooned in warmth.
But suddenly, she felt a rush of heat wash over her body, and she shifted instinctively, startled to find herself pressed against a firm chest. Her heart raced as she opened her eyes, panic rising within her. In that moment, she realized with a jolt that she had ended up in Ezio's arms during the night. Gasping, she recoiled, scrambling away as quickly as possible. But in her haste, she lost her balance and tumbled over the edge of the bed with a loud thud.
Ezio jolted awake at the sound, his assassin instincts kicking in immediately. He leapt from the bed, scanning the room for threats before his eyes landed on Amelia huddled on the floor.
"Amelia!" he exclaimed, moving towards her with concern. "Are you alright?"
Amelia's breath came in short, panicked gasps as she pressed herself against the wall, her eyes wide with fear. "Don't touch me!" she cried out, her voice trembling.
Ezio froze, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "I'm sorry," he said softly, his voice filled with remorse. "I didn't mean to frighten you. We must have moved closer in our sleep."
Amelia's heart raced as she tried to calm herself. She pressed her back against the wall, leaning her head back and her eyes wide with lingering panic. "I'm... I'm sorry," she managed to say, her voice shaky. "I just... I forgot where I was for a moment."
Ezio slowly lowered himself to the floor, keeping a respectful distance from Amelia. His eyes were filled with concern and understanding as he watched her try to regain her composure.
"There's no need to apologize, amore," he said gently.
Amelia nodded, taking deep breaths to slow her racing heart. As the initial panic subsided, she felt a wave of shame wash over her. "I hate this," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I hate feeling so... broken."
Ezio's expression softened, his heart aching for her pain. "You're not broken, Amelia," he said firmly. "You're healing. And I'll be here with you every step of the way, for as long as you need."
Amelia's eyes welled with tears at Ezio's words, a mixture of gratitude and frustration washing over her. She wanted so desperately to be the woman she was before, to fall into his arms without fear, to love him freely. But the memories of her captivity still clung to her like a shadow.
"I want to be whole again," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I want to be the woman you fell in love with."
Ezio's gaze softened, his eyes filled with unwavering love. "You are that woman, Amelia. Your strength, your spirit - they're still there. They've just been buried under the weight of what you've endured."
He shifted slightly, careful not to move too close. "May I sit beside you?" he asked gently.
Amelia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Ezio moved slowly, settling himself beside Amelia against the wall, close enough for comfort but not touching. They sat in silence for a few moments, the early morning light casting a soft glow across the room.
"I feel so conflicted," Amelia said softly, breaking the silence. "Part of me wants nothing more than to be in your arms, to feel safe and loved. But another part..."
"...is afraid," Ezio finished gently. "It's alright, Amelia."
Amelia nodded, grateful for his understanding. She took a deep breath, as she looked over at him. She could see that time had worn on him. His once youthful face had aged and his face now held a stubble that was clearly being left alone to grow.
Amelia's eyes traced the lines of Ezio's face, taking in the changes that months of separation had wrought. The stubble that now darkened his jaw, the faint lines etched around his eyes - they spoke of worry, of sleepless nights, of a relentless search for her. Her heart ached with a mixture of love and guilt.
"You look tired," she murmured, her hand twitching with the desire to reach out and touch him.
Ezio's lips curved into a small, sad smile. "I haven't slept well since you were taken," he admitted. "Every night, I dreamed of finding you, of bringing you home."
Amelia felt tears welling up in her eyes again. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry for causing you so much pain."
"No, amore mio," Ezio's eyes softened as he gazed at Amelia. "You have nothing to apologize for. The only ones at fault are those who took you, who hurt you. Never blame yourself for what they did."
His words washed over Amelia, bringing both comfort and a renewed sense of guilt. She looked down at her hands, twisting them in her lap. "I feel like I've lost a part of myself," she confessed softly. "Like I don't know how to be me anymore."
Ezio's expression softened. "Then we'll find you again, together," he said gently. He stood then, reaching down with both hands to help her stand. "How about we start with some food. If your stomach growls any louder it might shake the building."
Amelia hesitated for a moment before accepting Ezio's offered hands. As she stood, a sharp pain shot through her injured leg, causing her to wince and stumble slightly. Ezio instinctively moved to steady her, his hands gently grasping her arms.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly, loosening his grip. "Are you alright?"
Amelia nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Yes, I just... forgot about my leg for a moment."
"May I assist you in getting back into bed?" He asked with a gentle smile, his fingers softly squeezing hers. She nodded slowly, expressing her consent as he guided her back to the warmth and comfort of the bed. With care, he pulled back the covers, creating a space for her to sit upon. Tenderly, he lifted her legs onto the mattress and tucked her in snugly against the plush headboard.
"I'll speak to La Volpe and ask for something to be brought up for us. It's important that you rest your leg," he said softly, his hand reaching out to touch her cheek but hesitating in mid-air. She smiled reassuringly and reached up to take his hand, placing it gently on her cheek as she leaned into his comforting touch. Her eyes closed, soaking in the warmth of his hand against her skin.
When she opened her eyes again, she found Ezio watching her with a tender expression, his eyes filled with love and concern. "I'll be right back with some food," he said softly, reluctantly pulling his hand away.
As Ezio left the room, Amelia sank back against the pillows, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The fear and trauma of her captivity still lingered, but being here with Ezio was slowly rekindling something within her - a spark of hope, of love, of the woman she used to be.
She heard muffled voices outside the door - Ezio speaking with La Volpe. Through the slightly open door, she could see shadows moving, the flickering light from the candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. She caught a glimpse of Ezio's tall figure as he spoke with La Volpe, his posture relaxed and confident.
"How is she?" La Volpe's voice traveled through the door.
Ezio's voice was low as he replied to La Volpe, "She's... struggling. The trauma she endured was severe. But she's strong, stronger than she realizes."
La Volpe's tone was sympathetic as he responded, "Of course. She'll need time and support to heal. We're all here for her, Ezio."
"Thank you, my friend," Ezio said gratefully. "Could you arrange for some food to be brought up? Something light and easy on the stomach."
"Certainly," La Volpe replied. "I'll have it sent up shortly."
As their voices faded, Amelia felt a mix of emotions wash over her. Gratitude for the support of the Assassins, love for Ezio's unwavering devotion, but also a lingering sense of shame at her own weakness. She took a deep breath, trying to push those negative thoughts away. She knew healing would take time, but she was determined to reclaim her strength, to become whole again.
Ezio returned a few moments later, shutting the door silently.
"He is going to have some food brought up soon. Are you warm enough?" Ezio asked.
Amelia nodded, pulling the blankets closer around her.
The blankets felt soft and warm against Amelia's skin, providing a sense of comfort and security as she lay in bed.
"Yes, thank you," she said softly. She watched as Ezio moved around the room, lighting a few more candles to chase away the lingering shadows of dawn.
"How are you feeling?" He asked. His voice was like warm honey, dripping with concern and genuine care as he settled onto the bed, his gaze fixed on her with unwavering attention.
Amelia considered the question for a moment. "I'm... I'm not sure," she admitted. "Everything feels so strange. Like I'm living in a dream."
The knock on the door startled Amelia and she watched as Ezio stood up to answer it. He returned with a tray full of food, the bread crusty and golden, the cheese creamy and the fruit ripe and colorful. The scent of fresh bread and cheese filled the room, making Amelia's mouth water as she caught a whiff of the tantalizing aroma.
Ezio carefully set the tray down on the bedside table. "I wasn't sure what you'd feel up to eating," he said softly, "so I asked for a variety."
Amelia's eyes widened at the sight of the food. After months of meager rations in her cell, the abundance before her seemed almost overwhelming. Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her just how hungry she was.
"It all looks wonderful," she murmured, reaching out hesitantly for a piece of bread. As she tore off a small chunk, she couldn't help but marvel at its softness, so different from the stale crusts she'd been given in captivity.
Ezio watched her with a mixture of love and concern as she took a small bite. "Take it slowly," he advised gently. "Your stomach might need time to adjust."
Amelia nodded, chewing slowly as she savored the taste of fresh bread. The simple pleasure of good food brought tears to her eyes. She reached for a grape next, relishing the burst of sweetness on her tongue.
Ezio sat beside her on the bed, keeping a respectful distance as he selected a piece of cheese for himself. They ate in companionable silence for a few moments, the simple act of sharing a meal together feeling both familiar and new.
As Amelia reached for another grape, her hand brushed against Ezio's. She tensed for a moment, but didn't pull away. Instead, she let her fingers linger, tracing the familiar calluses on his palm.
Ezio remained still, allowing her to explore at her own pace. His eyes met hers, filled with patience and understanding.
"I've missed this," Amelia said softly. "Just being..."
Amelia's voice trailed off as she realized her fingers were still tracing patterns on Ezio's palm. The familiar calluses and scars beneath her fingertips sparked memories of happier times, of stolen moments and passionate embraces.
Ezio remained perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe as he watched Amelia's exploration. Her touch, hesitant yet intimate, sent a shiver down his spine. "I've missed this too," he murmured, his voice low and husky.
Amelia's eyes flicked up to meet his, and she saw the depth of emotion swirling in their amber depths. Love, desire, and a hint of uncertainty mingled there.
A knock on the door brought her back to the present and Ezio hung hi head in annoyance. She couldn't help but laugh a little at his innocent reaction. "Come in," Ezio called out, his voice tinged with frustration at the interruption.
The door opened to reveal La Volpe, his sharp eyes taking in the scene before him. "My apologies for the intrusion," he said smoothly. "Machiavelli is here."
Ezio nodded, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. "Thank you, La Volpe. I'll be out shortly."
"Send him in, I'd like to hear what is goin on. I may have information that could be helpful." Amelia offered, nibbling on her bread.
"Are you sure?" Ezio asked, his fingers closing around hers.
"Yes. Can you grab me something to cover up a little more?" She asked him. Without word he stood up and grabbed a blanket that was draped across the back of one of the couches by the fire place. He brought it back over to hear and laid it across her shoulders, allowing her to pull it tightly around her body. She looked up at La Volpe who looked conflicted.
"It's okay. He can come in." She encouraged. La Volpe nodded and stepped aside, allowing Machiavelli to enter the room. The diplomat's eyes immediately fell on Amelia, a mixture of relief and concern crossing his features.
With a respectful nod, he addressed her as "Signora Tessaro". She reciprocated the gesture, keeping her greeting simple and formal.
La Volpe stood against the wall, arms crossed and a sly grin playing on his lips. His tone was teasing yet serious as he asked Machiavelli, "Care to enlighten us about your whereabouts? You were not present when the lady arrived."
Machiavelli stood near the window, his brows furrowed in deep thought. He spoke up suddenly, breaking the tense silence in the room. "I was looking for Ezio. What of Cesare and Rodrigo?"
Ezio's frustration was evident as he shook his head. "Cesare slipped away before I could get close to him, and Rodrigo was nowhere to be found."
Machiavelli's brow furrowed even further. "That is peculiar. Rodrigo is usually at the Castello."
La Volpe's expression turned grave as he chimed in, "Yes, very peculiar indeed."
Machiavelli shrugged, turning to face Amelia with a slight frown. "What a waste. No offense intended."
Amelia bristled at the comment, her tone sharp as she retorted, surprising even herself. The tension in the room seemed to dissipate slightly, replaced by a sense of shared understanding among them. She could feel their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Offense taken," she shot back, surprising even herself with her sharp tone. The tension in the room lightened slightly, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie among them as they faced an unknown enemy together.
Machiavelli raised an eyebrow at Amelia's retort, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes. "My apologies, Signora. I meant no disrespect. I simply meant that it's unfortunate we weren't able to eliminate our targets while rescuing you."
Ezio stepped closer to Amelia, his presence protective yet not overbearing. "Amelia's safety was the priority," he said firmly. "We'll have other opportunities to deal with Cesare and Rodrigo."
La Volpe nodded in agreement. "Indeed. And now that Signora Tessaro is safe, we can focus on our next move."
Amelia straightened her posture, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. Despite her physical weakness, her voice was steady as she spoke. "I may have information that could be useful," she said, drawing the attention of all the men in the room.
Amelia took a deep breath, steeling herself. The memories of her captivity were still raw, but she pushed through the discomfort. "During my time in the Castello, I overheard conversations between Cesare and his advisors. They spoke of plans, of movements of troops and resources."
Ezio leaned forward, his piercing eyes intent on Amelia. "What exactly did you hear, my love?"
Amelia closed her eyes briefly, trying to recall every detail. "Cesare is growing tired of his father's methods. He plans to seize complete control of Rome. He went to Urbino to gather his men."
Ezio's expression turned grave as he refocused the conversation. "With Cesare gone to Urbino, we must rally our forces."
Machiavelli furrowed his brow and crossed his arms, deep in thought. "I thought we were planning to strike now?"
Amelia spoke up, her voice steady despite the lingering pain in her leg. "But do we have enough manpower? Cesare leads a massive army in Romagna. We won't stand a chance without an equally strong force." The weight of their enemy's power loomed over them like a dark cloud, casting doubt on their chances of success.
Ezio nodded, appreciating her insight. "I say we work here then. In Roma. Erode the Borgia's influence while restoring our own. And in fact, I want to begin right now. The Borgia rob everything from the people to maintain power." He turned to La Volpe, determination evident in his voice. Ezio held her gaze for a moment longer, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and reassurance.
Machiavelli turned back, curiosity piqued as he studied Ezio's determined expression. "What do you intend to do?" he asked.
Ezio's voice was low and resolute, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "We will recruit them to our cause."
Machiavelli raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his posture. "You cannot be serious."
"To win this war, Machiavelli, we need loyal soldiers," Ezio replied, his conviction resonating in the room. "By recruiting enemies of the state, we arm those who have been disarmed by the Borgia." Amelia couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of purpose stirring within her at Ezio's words.
Sitting up straighter, she added her own thoughts to the conversation. "If you can gain their trust, it could shift the balance of power in our favor."
Ezio turned to her then, a flicker of gratitude glinting in his eyes. "Exactly. We cannot fight this battle alone. We must unite those who oppose the Borgia's tyranny, no matter where they stand." His gaze hardened as he gave his next command. "Volpe, bring Claudia and Bartolomeo here."