These Pure Intentions | Francesco Pazzi

1: Arrival and Old Scores

As we arrived in Florence I saw the unimpressed look on Arthur's face. He looked with disdain on the buildings that surrounded everything. I knew Arthur wasn't fond of other countries, he prefers our own. But I wasn't surprised he'd be eager to come to Italy, anything to help our father and be his perfect heir. 

"We arrived at the perfect time, children. I see the Medici," our father gasps. Arthur peaked his head out of the carriage as well as I to glance at the family we've heard so much out. I saw two of the boys frantically walking somewhere, they wasted no time, and I had hoped we wouldn't spend much time in the carriage anymore either, I was exhausted from the trip and needed to rest on a bed away from Arthur and my father. 

"How much longer until we get there?" I ask. 

"We are right near the middle of the city, I made sure of it. We are close to all the bankers that have caught attention."

Arthur turns his attention from the city to our father. "Father, how are we supposed to gain favor when we just arrived? Surely, no one would even consider us for anything." 

"I know men in the Priori that will let us gain favor, with the right persuasion. Don't doubt me, my boy."

"Of course not, I would never doubt you." I rolled my eyes at my brother's ignorance. He would never openly go against my father. As we approached our new home not too long after, I saw talk among men, children running past. Much like the cities in England, they were crowded beyond belief. Father and Arthur got out of the carriage first and Arthur held out his hand to assist me. 

---

Lorenzo and Giuliano had left the Priori from Jacopo's home and both had been discussing what they will do about how they will prove who had tried to murder their father. While Lorenzo had been concentrating on their plans, Giuliano looked around the city getting lost in thought. They had turned the corner to see a carriage parked. An old man stepped out along with a blonde man around their age. He held out his hand and a delicate fair hand took his. Giuliano stopped in his tracks catching Lorenzo's attention. 

"Giuliano, what is it? Why have you stopped?" Lorenzo wondered. He looked to where his brother was staring and gazed at a young girl their age stepping out of the carriage. She had bright blonde hair, an innocent face with devious eyes. Lorenzo felt himself stop breathing, his heart skipped a beat. The girl looked around the city and then made eye contact with the young Medici boy. She gave a light smile before heading inside past her brother and father. It left the two men the choice to go over. As they approached the two men, Arthur and Henry's attention were caught. "Gentlemen. It seems you have just arrived. My name is Lorenzo de Medici, this is my brother Giuliano."

The older man gave a light-hearted smile. "It is an honor to meet you too. I've heard many stories of the Medici."

"All wonderful I hope." Giuliano quips with a chuckle. Arthur puffed out his chest, trying to stand firm as if trying to intimidate the Medici brothers.

"Why of course. My name is Horatio Bucelli and this is my son Alessandro Bucelli, we just arrived from Northern Italy." Henry tells the two, putting a hand on his son's shoulder.

"May I ask who it was that entered your home?" Lorenzo asks pointing towards the door that Anna had retreated into. Henry let out a small laugh. 

"Ah, that is my oldest daughter, Adreana. Adreana! Come here!" He calls out to Anna. 

-

I heard my father call my fake name which felt utterly ridiculous to be called. I took a deep breath and composed myself walking towards the front entrance. I stepped out to see the two Medici boys now more calm than I observed before.