"Machiavelli and I are heading out. Take care of her. Do not leave her unattended." Ezio told La Volpe, his eyes pleading with his friend. She knew he was putting trust in their friend to ensure her safety.
"Do not fret my friend. I have sent for your brother. He heard about what happened and insisted he come guard her. He will have five others with him. Two stationed at every door." La Volpe reassured him, placing a strong hand on his shoulder.
"Heads will roll if I come back and she is gone." Ezio threatened.
"Ezio, that's enough. La Volpe has been a friend long enough to now how to handle this situation." She scolded.
Ezio's eyes softened as he looked at Amelia, the fierce protectiveness in his gaze melting into tenderness. He moved to her side, kneeling beside the bed to bring himself level with her eyes.
"Thank you, Volpe." Ezio said.
La Volpe nodded solemnly at Ezio's threat, understanding the gravity of the situation. "You have my word, Ezio. No harm will come to her while you're gone."
Ezio's expression softened slightly as he turned back to Amelia. He approached the bed, his movements slow and deliberate. "I don't want to leave you," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "But I must see to these matters."
Amelia reached out, taking Ezio's hand in hers. She marveled at how natural it felt, despite her earlier hesitation. "I understand," she said, her voice steady. "You have responsibilities. I'll be safe here with La Volpe and Federico."
Ezio squeezed her hand gently, his eyes searching hers. "Are you certain you'll be alright?"
Amelia squeezed Ezio's hand reassuringly, mustering a small smile. "I'll be fine, I promise. La Volpe and Pettrucio will keep me safe. You need to focus on your mission."
Ezio nodded, though reluctance was clear in his eyes. He leaned in slowly, giving Amelia time to pull away if she wished. When she didn't, he placed a soft, chaste kiss on her forehead. "I'll return as soon as I can," he murmured.
As Ezio stood to leave, Amelia felt a pang of anxiety. Her hand snapped out and caught his wrist, stopping him. He turned around surprised. Shyly, she puled him down, her hand cupping his face as she gave him a tender kiss.
"I love you." She whispered.
Ezio's eyes widened in surprise at Amelia's sudden gesture, but he melted into the kiss, savoring the softness of her lips against his. When they parted, his amber eyes were filled with a mixture of love and longing.
"I love you too, amore mio," he whispered back, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you could ever know."
He reluctantly pulled away, his fingers lingering on hers for a moment before he turned to leave. At the doorway, he paused, looking back at Amelia with a tender smile. "Rest well. I'll return to you soon."
As the door closed behind Ezio and Machiavelli, Amelia let out a shaky breath, her heart racing from the unexpected intimacy of the moment. La Volpe cleared his throat discreetly, reminding her of his presence.
"Would you like me to give you some privacy, Signora?" La Volpe asked gently, his usual sly demeanor softened by understanding.
Amelia shook her head, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "No, please stay. I've been lacking in human conversation. I'd appreciate the company."
La Volpe nodded, settling into a chair near the bed. "Of course. I'll be here as long as you need."
A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire. Amelia's mind wandered, replaying the tender moment with Ezio. It had been impulsive, driven by a surge of emotion she hadn't felt in months. The kiss had been brief, but it had awakened something within her - a flicker of her old self, the woman who loved Ezio without fear or hesitation.
"He never gave up hope," La Volpe said softly, breaking the silence. "Not for a single day."
Amelia turned to look at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Tell me," she whispered. "Tell me what it was like... while I was gone."
La Volpe's eyes grew distant, as if looking into the past. "Ezio was... relentless. He scoured every corner of Rome, followed every lead, no matter how small. There were nights when he didn't sleep at all, pouring over maps and reports, trying to find any clue to your whereabouts."
Amelia listened intently, her heart aching at the image of Ezio's desperation.
"But it wasn't just Ezio," La Volpe continued. "The entire Brotherhood rallied around your cause. We all felt your absence keenly. You had become more than just Ezio's lover - you were one of us, a sister in arms."
Amelia felt a lump form in her throat, touched by the depth of loyalty these people had shown her. "I... I don't know what to say," she murmured.
La Volpe's expression softened as he looked at Amelia. "You don't need to say anything. Your safe return is all the thanks we need."
Amelia nodded, blinking back tears. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I want to be strong again," she said softly. "I want to be the woman who can stand beside Ezio, who can fight for the Brotherhood."
La Volpe leaned forward, his eyes serious. "You are strong, Amelia. Surviving what you've been through... that takes incredible strength. The rest will come with time."
As they sat in companionable silence, Amelia felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. The emotional roller coaster of the morning had taken its toll. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she found herself fighting to stay awake.
La Volpe noticed her fatigue and stood up quietly. "You should rest, Signora," he said gently. "I'll be just outside if you need anything."
Amelia nodded gratefully, sinking back into the soft pillows. "Thank you, La Volpe," she murmured, her eyes already drifting closed.
As La Volpe slipped out of the room, Amelia let herself relax into the comfort of the bed. The events of the morning played through her mind - the panic upon waking in Ezio's arms, the tender moments that followed, the unexpected kiss before he left. She felt a mix of emotions swirling within her - fear, love, hope, uncertainty.
Her dreams were a confused jumble of images - dark cells and warm embraces, Ezio's loving gaze and Cesare's cruel smirk. She tossed and turned as images she didn't want played out in her mind.
She woke with a scream, looking around the room. She took a deep breath, grounding herself in the present moment. She was safe. She was in Ezio's room, not in Cesare's dungeon. The fire was still lit casting a warm glow in the room. As she looked down she noticed that there was a pillow in her lap and she looked confused at it.
"I am sorry for waking you." The sudden voice scared her and she grabbed the pillow lobbing it at the intruder. The voice laughed at her and she looked over realizing she recognized that voice.
"Pettrucio!" She exclaimed, her hand on her heart, feeling it race under her hand.
"You were screaming in your sleep. I didn't want you to have to stay in your nightmare."
"Did you throw a pillow at me to wake me?" She asked, quirking an eyebrow at the young man.
Pettrucio grinned sheepishly, running a hand through his messy hair. "Well, I thought it might be safer than shaking you awake. Ezio warned me you might be... jumpy."
Amelia's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she stared at him, her expression caught between disbelief and amusement. Then, without warning, she erupted into laughter, the sound echoing off the walls of the room like music. Her eyes sparkled with mirth and her body shook with each peal of laughter, making it impossible for anyone else in the room to resist joining in. It was a beautiful sound, full of joy and pure happiness, and it was contagious.
Pettrucio's deep, hearty laugh intertwined with hers, their sounds blending together in a cheerful symphony. It took her a few moments to regain her composure, her stomach still quivering from the infectious joy of his laughter.
"Oh Pettrucio, idiota. Come here." She opened her arms to the younger Auditore. He hesitated for a moment but when she didn't close her arms he came to her bedside and allowed her to pull him into a hug.
"Your aim could use some work," she teased, her voice barely audible against his broad shoulder. He chuckled in response, the deep rumble vibrating through her body. She relished in the warm embrace, grateful for the comforting human contact after so long. Eventually, she released him. Pettrucio had always been like a younger brother to her, and she was grateful that her mind allowed her to feel safe and unafraid around him.
Pettrucio pulled back from the hug, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he flashed a sly grin. "My aim is perfectly fine, thank you very much," he declared confidently. "I've been diligently practicing with Claudia whenever I get the chance to see her." His voice was laced with pride and excitement, hinting at a deeper connection between him and Claudia. It was clear that their shared passion for archery had brought them closer together, and Pettrucio couldn't help but boast about his progress.
Amelia raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips. "Oh? And how's that going for you?"
"Well," Pettrucio said, puffing out his chest, "I can now hit a target from twenty paces... most of the time."
Amelia laughed again, the sound lighter and freer than before. It felt good to laugh, to feel a semblance of normalcy after everything she'd been through. She patted the edge of the bed, inviting Pettrucio to sit.
"Tell me, how have you been? It feels like ages since we last talked."
Pettrucio settled onto the edge of the bed, his expression thoughtful. "It has been quite some time, hasn't it? Much has changed." He paused, considering his words carefully. "I've grown stronger, both in body and spirit. Volpe has been training me in the ways of the Theives."
Amelia's eyes widened slightly. "Theives? But I thought..."
"That I was too sickly?" Pettrucio finished with a wry smile. "I was, for a long time. But after you were taken, I couldn't bear to sit idly by anymore. I pushed myself harder than ever before, determined to become strong enough to help in the search for you."
Amelia felt a lump form in her throat, touched by his dedication. "Oh, Pettrucio..."
Pettrucio squeezed Amelia's hand gently, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You're family, Amelia. We all felt your absence deeply. I wanted to do my part to bring you home. If i had been strong enough that day, maybe you wouldn't have had to give yourself up to save us."
Amelia felt a wave of emotion wash over her at Pettrucio's words. She squeezed his hand back, blinking away the tears that threatened to fall. "You were always strong, Pettrucio," she said softly. "Your strength comes from your heart, not just your body."
Pettrucio smiled, a hint of bashfulness in his expression. "You sound like Claudia when you say that."
"Speaking of Claudia," Amelia said, eager to change the subject to something lighter, "how is your sister?"
Pettrucio's face lit up at the mention of his sister. "Claudia is doing well. She's as fierce and determined as ever, running the Rosa in Fiore with an iron fist. You should see her, Amelia. She's become quite the force to be reckoned with."
Amelia smiled, picturing the headstrong Claudia she remembered. "I'm not surprised. She always did have a knack for leadership. Though running a brothel is not what I pictured for her."
"Indeed," Pettrucio chuckled. "Though she still finds time to fuss over me. She nearly had a fit when she learned I was training with La Volpe."
"I can imagine," Amelia said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "She's always been protective of you."
Pettrucio rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Sometimes a bit too protective. But I suppose that is to be expected of older sisters."
Amelia smiled, enjoying the comfortable banter with Pettrucio. It felt good to reconnect, to talk about normal things after so long in captivity. As they chatted, she found herself relaxing more, the tension in her shoulders easing. It had been a really long time since she'd had the company of a decent human being. She could see that Pettrucio was passionate about being apart of the thieves guild.
As they continued to chat, Amelia found herself genuinely smiling and laughing at Pettrucio's animated stories about his training with La Volpe and the other thieves. His enthusiasm was infectious, and she felt a warmth spreading through her chest at seeing how much he had grown and matured.
"And then," Pettrucio was saying, his eyes alight with mischief, "La Volpe had me sneak into the Papal apartments to steal a particular document. You should have seen the look on the guard's face when he realized his keys were missing!"
Amelia laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "You've certainly come a long way from the sickly boy I remember. I'm proud of you, Pettrucio."
His cheeks flushed slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Amelia. That means a lot coming from you." Can I ask you something?"
"Of course." She nodded.
"Are you and Ezio going to get married?" he asked, and just like that she saw the little boy that she had rescued from the noose that day.
Amelia felt her cheeks flush at Pettrucio's unexpected question. She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "I... I don't know, Pettrucio," she said softly. "Things are... complicated right now."
Pettrucio's brow furrowed in concern. "But you love each other, don't you? I saw the way Ezio looked at you earlier. And the way you kissed him before he left..."
Amelia's blush deepened. "You saw that?"
Pettrucio grinned sheepishly. "I might have been peeking through the door. But only because I was worried about you!"
Amelia couldn't help but chuckle at his admission. "You haven't changed that much, have you? Still as curious as ever."
"Some things never change," Pettrucio said with a wink. His expression grew serious again. "But truly, Amelia. I've never seen Ezio as happy as he is when he's with you. Even during the darkest times while you were gone, just the thought of you gave him hope."
Amelia felt her heart constrict at Pettrucio's words. She knew Ezio loved her, but hearing how deeply that love ran from someone else's perspective was overwhelming. "I love him too," she whispered. "More than anything. But after what happened... I'm not the same person I was before."
Pettrucio reached out and took her hand, his touch gentle and comforting. "None of us are the same, Amelia. We've all changed. But that doesn't mean we can't still find happiness."
Amelia squeezed his hand. "Well then I suppose all he has to do is ask."
Pettrucio's eyes lit up at Amelia's words. "Really? You mean you'd say yes if he proposed?"
Amelia felt a rush of warmth at Pettrucio's words. His unwavering confidence in Ezio's love for her was touching. "Perhaps," she said softly, a small smile playing on her lips. "But for now, let's keep this conversation between us, shall we?"
Pettrucio nodded solemnly, though his eyes still sparkled with excitement. "Of course. Your secret is safe with me."
As they continued to chat, Amelia found herself relaxing more and more in Pettrucio's company. His presence was comforting, reminding her of simpler times before her captivity. They talked about everything and nothing - Pettrucio's training, the latest gossip in Rome, and fond memories of their shared past.
As the afternoon wore on, Pettrucio had to tend to some tasks around the hideout, leaving her alone and restless. The sun's rays streamed through the windows, casting warm patches of light on the floor. Exhausted from lack of sleep, she found herself drifting in and out of consciousness, her thoughts hazy and disjointed. Suddenly, a loud knocking at the door jolted her awake once again, causing her heart to race and send nerves tingling down her spine.
"Goodness woman. Get a grip on yourself, you're safe." She whispered to herself. She straightened out the blankets and sat up in bed before calling out to whoever was behind the door. "Who is it?"
"The doctor signora. He's come to check on you."
"Come in," Amelia called, smoothing her hair nervously.
The door opened and Dr Luca from before walked in with a warm smile on his face."Buongiorno, Signora," he greeted her with a warm smile. "How are you feeling today?"
Dr. Luca entered the room, his kind eyes crinkling as he smiled at Amelia. "I hope I'm not disturbing your rest, Signora. I wanted to check on how you're recovering."
Amelia returned his smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm feeling better, thank you. The sleep has helped."
The doctor approached her bedside, setting down his medical bag. "That's good to hear. May I examine you? I'd like to check your leg."
Amelia hesitated for a moment, a flicker of anxiety passing over her face. But she took a deep breath and nodded silently, pulling the blanket back so he could assess her leg. She took a deep breath, watching intently as his hand reached forward to touch her thigh. She put her hands over her leg suddenly, shielding herself from his touch.
"Is La Volpe or Pettrucio here?" She asked, her voice shaky.
"Yes. Shall I fetch one of them?" The doctor asked, clearly understanding her discomfort.
"Please," Amelia said softly, relieved at the doctor's understanding. "I'm sorry, I just..."
"No need to apologize, Signora," Dr. Luca said gently. "I'll fetch La Volpe right away."
The doctor stepped out, and a moment later, La Volpe entered the room. His sharp eyes took in the scene, understanding dawning on his face.
"Ah, I see," he said, moving to stand near Amelia. "Would you like me to stay while the doctor examines you?"
Amelia nodded gratefully. "Yes, please. If you don't mind."
La Volpe took a seat beside the bed, his presence reassuring. Dr. Luca returned, his manner professional but kind.
"Now then, Signora, shall we proceed?" he asked.
Amelia nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. With La Volpe's comforting presence nearby, she felt more at ease. She allowed Dr. Luca to gently examine her leg, his touch clinical and professional.
"The swelling and bruising has gone down considerably," Dr. Luca noted, his fingers probing carefully around her knee. "How is the pain?"
"Better," Amelia replied. "Though I did fall out of bed this morning." She scratched the back of her sheepishly.
Dr. Luca frowned slightly at this news. "I see. Did you experience any increased pain or difficulty moving after the fall?"
Amelia shook her head. "No, not really. Just a bit sore."
The doctor nodded, continuing his examination. "That's good. The healing seems to be progressing well. I'd still recommend staying off it as much as possible for another few weeks. Though the break to your upper leg was minor it will still take a few months for it to heal fully.
"I understand," Amelia said, though she couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice. The thought of being confined to bed for weeks more was disheartening.
Dr. Luca noticed her expression and offered a sympathetic smile. "I know it's frustrating, Signora. But your body needs time to heal properly. We don't want to risk re-injury."
La Volpe chimed in, his tone reassuring. "Don't worry, Amelia. We'll make sure you have plenty of company and things to keep you occupied."
Amelia nodded gratefully, trying to push aside her frustration. She desperately wanted to get back out there, or at least be well enough that she could start to rebuild the strength in her body.
"I would like to check to see how the scarring on your abdomen is today. There was a little redness to it yesterday, probably just from all the exertion of your escape." The doctor explained.
Amelia hesitated for a moment, her hands instinctively moving to cover her stomach. The thought of revealing the scars, of having them examined, made her heart race. But she took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was safe here, that this was necessary for her healing.
"Alright," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
La Volpe, sensing her discomfort, turned his back to give her some privacy. Dr. Luca's movements were slow and deliberate as he helped Amelia lift her shirt just enough to expose the scarring on her abdomen.
As the fabric lifted, Amelia kept her eyes fixed on the ceiling, not wanting to see the scar across her abdomen, her reminder of what she had lost.
Dr. Luca's gentle fingers probed the scar tissue on Amelia's abdomen. Amelia kept her gaze fixed on the ceiling, trying to steady her breathing as memories threatened to overwhelm her.
"The redness has indeed subsided," Dr. Luca murmured. "This scar will fade with time, whomever stitched you up was very meticulous. Both these physical scars and the emotional ones will heal in time."
Amelia finally looked at the doctor, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Will they?" she whispered.
Dr. Luca's expression softened with compassion. "Yes, Signora. The body has an remarkable ability to heal, as does the mind. It may take time, but you will find your strength again." He gently lowered Amelia's shirt, covering the scar once more. Amelia nodded, blinking back tears. La Volpe turned back around, his usual sly expression replaced with one of concern.
"Is there anything else we can do to aid her recovery, Dottore?" he asked.
Dr. Luca packed up his supplies as he spoke. "Rest is still crucial. Light exercise to rebuild strength, but nothing too strenuous yet. And..." he hesitated, his eyes flickering between Amelia and La Volpe. "And... I believe it would be beneficial for Signora Amelia to speak with someone about her experiences. The mind needs healing as much as the body."
Amelia tensed at his words, her fingers clutching the blanket tightly. La Volpe noticed her discomfort and stepped in smoothly.
"Thank you, Dottore. We'll take your advice under consideration," he said, effectively ending the conversation.
Dr. Luca nodded, understanding the dismissal. "Very well. I'll return in a few days to check on your progress, Signora. Please don't hesitate to send for me if you need anything before then."
As the doctor left, Amelia let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. La Volpe moved closer
La Volpe moved closer to Amelia's bedside, his expression gentle. "Are you alright?" he asked softly.
Amelia nodded, though her hands were still trembling slightly. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for staying."
La Volpe patted her hand reassuringly. "Of course. I'm here whenever you need me."
A comfortable silence fell between them for a moment before Amelia spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think... do you think the doctor is right? About talking to someone?"
La Volpe considered her question carefully before responding. "I believe that healing takes many forms, cara mia. For some, talking helps. For others, action. Only you can decide what's best for you."
Amelia nodded, grateful for his understanding. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I want to get stronger," she said, her voice growing firmer. "I'm tired of feeling weak and helpless."
La Volpe's eyes gleamed with approval. "That's the spirit. What did you have in mind?"
"I... I'd like to start training again," Amelia said, her voice gaining confidence. "Nothing too strenuous yet, of course. But maybe some light exercises? Anything to help me feel like myself again."
La Volpe nodded thoughtfully. "I think that can be arranged. We can start by strengthening the mind. How about a game of chess over lunch?"