A Life Worth Living

Chapter 16

Lavinia 'De Medici
Chapter Sixteen

The shame I feel is immeasurable as I lay in his arms. His soft breath fans across my face. His chest is in a slow up and down rhythm. This will be the last time I lay this close to him. I gaze over the small wrinkles on his stress ridden face. My angel in such a beautifully mortal body.

My heart sings a silent goodbye as I slip from his grip in the moonlight. Goodbye my Francesco.

I put on my clothes to my best ability and slip my shoes on. I creep over to the crib where Antonio smiles at my presence. He is such a good baby. I place him in my arms and look at Francesco one more time.

"Sei sempre nel mio cuore." I whisper to him

I walk out to the cold street and survey my surroundings. Quite and dark. It must be very late. There are a few couples and vendors still out and about. I walk in the direction of the Medici palazzo. The lights coming into focus.

I enter and hand off Antonio to Vittoria.

"Thank you Vittoria." I speak

"Your family are speaking over there." She says pointing to an office.

I nod my head and make my way to that direction.

"Then we have a chance to stop Jacopo." Lorenzo says

"Is that so?" I smile and lay my hand on Giuliano's arm

"Good work brother." Lorenzo hugs Giuliano

"It won't be enough to turn the priori our way." Mother says

"Why not?" Giuliano asks

"Soderini is murdered." She continues

Oh no. Poor Bastiano. What a huge loss.

"What?" Lorenzo is shocked

"The people believe it was on your orders.-"

"-My god-" Lorenzo in disbelief

"-they knew that he promised his support to the Pazzi." Mother finishes

"Vespucci also declared for Jacopo." She adds

"Why?" Giuliano asks

He couldn't have found out.
"He must know about you and Simonetta." I say in shock

Giuliano grabs my arm and drags me with him to Vespucci's residence. The cold whips our faces as we run through the streets.

"He wouldn't hurt her would he?" I ask out of fright

He doesn't even answer me.

We reach the outside door and he bangs on it with such might.

A lady opened the door and he walks right past her and I make sure to keep up behind him.

We enter the dining room to Marco eating alone.

"Where is she?" Giuliano asks

"Get out of my house." Marco says solemnly

"Where is she?" He presses further

"That is none of your business! I am her husband." Marco yells and rises from his seat

I stand behind Giuliano not sure what to do in the situation.

Giuliano suddenly grabs him violently throwing him on the table. The dinner setting flies everywhere.

"Where is she!?" He screams in his face. "If you've hurt her, I will kill you."

Giuliano grabs a knife holding it to Marco's throat.