Lorenzo the Magnificent

Ceremony

,,Where do we start?!'' Giuliano couldn't wait anymore. ,,I wonder...'' Lorenzo mumbled while staring at me. Everyone remained silent. ,,Well I thought everyone had so many questions but now you're all silent?? Alright. Should I start then??'' Lucrezia wanted to start but in that moment everyone started asking. ,,How did you get here??'' ,,Where did you come from??'' ,,Where have you been??'' I decided to tell them what my life had been like until the day I was kidnapped and brought to the Firenze. It took me over an hour to say it all in the fastest way. They were all listening carefully, not taking their eyes off me. Bianca's eyes were visibly wet and she even started sobbing when I finished my story. ,,It's okay,'' I smiled at her but she stood up and quickly ran to me to embrace me. ,,Why?? Why you?? Why your family?? Mother...'' she looked at Lucrezia like she had the answers. ,,We have never stopped trying to find out sweetheart,'' Lucrezia whispered and embraced both of us. It made me feel so comfortable, so loved, so happy. It made me feel like I had a family. Like there actually is someone really, trully loving me.

They pulled away after a moment and sat down again. I noticed Sandro was almost like studying me. But when he noticed I was staring back at him he immediately looked down on the table. ,,I'm sorry...'' he mumbled. ,,It's alright,'' I giggled. ,,I can't help myself. I feel like I've already seen you...here-so it was you!! You had been here before, is it true?? I knew I couldn't mistake you for anyone else,'' he suddenly realised. And I knew exactly what he meant. Should I deny it?? He seemed quite convinced about what he just said anyway... ,,Yes. It is true,'' I admitted. ,,Oh we haven't been even introduced properly,'' Sandro smiled and stood up. I kept sitting there and he kneeled in front of me, gently grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. ,,Signorina, let me introduce myself, Sandro Botticelli. I'm more than pleased to meet you,'' he finished this act of pure gentlementhood. I was absolutely startled. Speechless. And my cheeks were burning. I made him stand up and smiled at him. ,,I'm more than pleased to meet you as well, Sandro. I have seen some of your works and they were absolutely stunning. My parents would love them.'' ,,Thank you very much. I don't know what works you saw, but I can assure you they are nothing compared to what I would create if I was given a chance to capture your absolute perfection...'' he said and suddenly looked really uncomfortable like he just realised he didn't want to say it out loud. He cleared his throat and embarrassed walked back to his chair. I felt my cheeks burning. If he told me something like that between four eyes I might not feel like now when he said it in front of everyone. But I didn't blame him for anything. I knew artists are often this kind of socially awkward. They spend most of the time by themselves in their workshops and create beautiful things.

When he sat down Giuliano patted his back and smiled at him probably telling him not to worry about what he just said. I looked at Lorenzo and he was staring at Sandro with his eyebrows lifted. He was probably surprised to see his shy friend act like that. ,,But tell us Sorella, how did you end up here?? You said you were kidnapped...do you have any idea...'' Giuliano started but then stood up and walked to me. I didn't know what to expect but when he was getting closer he reached out his arms to signalise he wanted to hug me. I jumped up from the chair and he embraced me immediately. I buried my face into his muscular chest and he put his hand on the back side of my head to press me closer. ,,Sorry I couldn't help myself...I can't believe it...'' he whispered into my ear.

I wanted to cry so bad. All the emotions. All the love they started showing me. Like they really missed me. Like everything from now on is going to only be so nice and happy. Like my life is going to change upside down. But it's not going to be a fairy tale. I need to go back to Francesco. But with the hatred between these two families...maybe it'd be better to disappear from everyone's lifes again.

Giuliano pulled away and looked me in my eyes. ,,You're so adult,'' he laughed. ,,You're the one saying it?? Just because you're taller doesn't make you older than me,'' I laughed back. ,,God how I missed you,'' he smiled once again while looking in my eyes and then fixed my hair, caressed my cheek and walked back to his chair. It was like a welcoming ceremony.