Per Sempre Medici, page 21
"I am pleased you like it, Dona. This entire suite is for you. Make yourself comfortable." Leading her further into the room, he clapped his hands several times and Giada appeared. He had assigned her specifically to the task of being Lady in Waiting for Donatella, while she was here. She’d been drilled to listen for anything the Alizzi might say that could be useful information and to pry into her private business as well. Rodrigo made sure Giada understood if she didn’t comply, her life would be ended in a most torturous way.
"Donatella, this will be your Lady in Waiting for your stay, her name is Giada." He turned to Giada, giving her a look that made her blood run cold. "Giada, may I present Mistress Alizzi. I expect you to treat her with the utmost respect and honor."
Giada curtsied and kept her head down. Rodrigo noticed the packages, beautifully boxed from all the designers he’d contacted, and stacked on the bed. He waited for the Alizzi to speak before he presented her with the fine gifts.
Dona nodded to the maid. "Oh...that is most kind of you. I didn't bring my Lady in Waiting. I am sure she will be most helpful in aiding me to get dressed for the evening’s affairs."
Rodrigo smiled at her, and with the wave of his hand, shooed Giada from their presence, as if she were a fly he could easily swat away. "Please, let me know if she does not suit your tastes. If she is in any way rude or incompetent, I will punish her accordingly."
He walked farther into the room toward the elegantly stacked boxes on the massive bed. "And these, my dear, are all for you. Consider it a gift, in return for your gracious acceptance of my invitation." He held up his hand, anticipating her rejection of such an opulent gesture. "Please, do not argue, it is what you deserve. Now come, I wish for you to open them and see if they appeal to you. I have taken the liberty of picking out what I think will please you."
Dona opened box after box, containing everything from fine silk underwear and silk stockings, to a one-of-a-kind designer gown and shoes. The gown was a gold beaded sheath dress that was sleeveless, cut low in the back, and falling in a straight line to the floor. The metallic gold shoes were matched perfectly in color. The gold would look splendid against her dark bronze skin tone. Another box contained a gossamer shawl of gold, so sheer and light, it looked like it could float on air. She opened the remaining boxes to find large pear-shaped diamonds for her ears, and a large diamond pendant for her neck. She would glow like Aphrodite in this dress. "Rodrigo! This is too much."
He was pleased as she opened his luxurious gifts. Her face said everything. She’d look elegant and refined, and she’d soon be reminded her life could change dramatically, if she’d only let him. Taking her hands into his, he stepped closer into her. "It is nothing, Dona, you are a beautiful female, and you should be spoiled."
He kissed her on the lips. She was still a bit skittish, but he persisted, holding her hands firmly and not letting her back away. She was resisting him less but didn’t return his affection. He broke the kiss and stepped back. "I must leave you now. It is almost time for my death slumber. Tomorrow, we will be greeting the guests at midnight. Giada is close at hand; the bell pull will bring her rushing to you. Spend the day how you wish. Enjoy the gardens or ride the horses. Just be sure to get some sleep. The closets are full to capacity of everything you will need, clothing, shoes, riding gear and sleepwear, as well as lingerie and jewels. Giada will draw a bath for you. Please feel free to use the scents and anything you find in the suite. It has all been put here for you. The bar is full as well."
He made his way to the door. "Do not lift a finger, Donatella, I pay my staff well to do their job. Use Giada to the fullest. I wish for you to be well rested and prepared for a lovely evening on my arm."
He left her alone, and she could hear the sound of rushing water from the bathroom. Giada was on her knees, checking the temperature of the water when she entered. She jumped to her feet. "Let me help you disrobe, mistress."
She unzipped Dona's dress and helped her out of it. Giada carefully folded her clothes, as if they were actually of some value. When Dona was nude, Giada held her hand, as she stepped into the tub and lowered herself into the steaming hot water. Giada pinned her hair up, so she could lay her head back against the tub. Without asking, Giada took a sea salt scrub and started to rub Dona's skin briskly, until it glowed.
"You will look beautiful, mistress. My master will be so pleased to have you on his arm. Is there another who courts you?"
Dona had her eyes closed, as Giada ministered to her. “No, there is no one."
Giada made a clucking sound. “Foolish men, to leave you alone." She proceeded to talk to her, as Dona relaxed, and Giada plied her with more questions.
32
Chantal woke abruptly, feeling momentarily disoriented until she remembered she was at Bel Rosso. Sitting up, she called softly for Lorenzo, but he wasn’t in bed with her. The room was dark, and the electronic blinds were open. Lorenzo must have gone to camp. They were both day-walkers, but they frequently slept during the day as Lorenzo preferred being in the camp at night. She’d slept during the day with him, as she was tired from their journey and all the celebration surrounding their arrival. She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes when she heard Grace crying. She grabbed her robe, quickly pulling it over her shoulders as she ran down the hall to the nursery. Bebe had never dismantled the nursery once her own children started having children. She said there was no need because there would be grandchildren soon. Chantal barreled into the room ready to soothe Grace when she found Bebe, cuddling and cooing with her, as she walked with the infant on her shoulder.
"Oh, I am so sorry, I hope she did not wake you. I must have been in such a deep sleep. You must think me a terrible maman."
Kate cuddled the baby close, softly bouncing her, shushing the infant. "Chantal, we have nannies and wet feeders because we cannot do it all ourselves, and of course, she has her Bebe. You needed your rest, and I was awake."
Kate took a seat in the rocker where she had sat and rocked all her children, and her grandchildren. "Sit down, daughter. You have done this before, with boys no less. No need to panic. See, she’s quiet already. Besides, Natalia is coming tonight. She’s eager to see her new niece."
Chantal relaxed as she saw Grace settle comfortably on Kate’s shoulder and took a seat on the daybed that stayed in the room for the nanny. "I am glad Natalia is visiting. I have a few things concerning Grace I wish to speak to her about. She is probably my best source to learn about half-breeds." She looked down at her hands and sighed. "Lorenzo says I worry too much. But I have so many questions. Do you think she will mind?"
Kate rocked the baby slowly, watching as Chantal nervously wrung her hands. "Natalia will be glad to help you in any way possible. Why are you so undone? Do you regret your decision to keep this child?"
Chantal snapped her head up and looked at Kate with surprise. "Oh no, never! I have not for a minute regretted my decision. I am hoping there will be more to follow, and I will gladly accept them all. I feel very strongly on this issue." She unconsciously twisted a strand of her hair and bit her lip, unsure if she wanted to reveal all to Kate. She felt so inept at times and wondered if she was doing right by Grace. "It is nothing serious, just a few questions is all." She stood and walked to the window of the cheerful nursery. "I suppose Lorenzo went to camp; he loves coming home. Maybe someday I will be able to go back home again."
Kate followed her with her eyes as she walked to the window. "Yes, Lorenzo went with Shade, as soon as the sun set. They both love being in the camp. It’s in their warrior blood. I don't know what Shade would do if there was no camp to run." She stared at Chantal's back as she looked out the window in the direction of the camp. "I’m sorry your parents have been remote. I know how hard that must be for you. Give them time. I can't imagine your mother would be able to stay away for any length of time. They’ll get past this, as they see the infant grow, and how much you and Lorenzo love her. Things are good with the two of you, yes?"
Chantal turned to her. Kate was the glue that held this entire family together. She’d never truly confided in her. "Well, my maman and I have made amends. She secretly visits Castello to be with Grace. I feel horrible about keeping it from Papa. But she promises me she is working on him, to make him understand."
She walked to the rocking chair and knelt beside it, letting her hand play softly in Grace's hair. "You know I love Lorenzo so much. He spoils me with jewels and flowers. He makes sure I have everything I want, and he has never tried to exercise control over me. He is trying very hard to be more attentive, spend more time with me. He is a romantic and considerate mate and a wonderful papa to Grace. I know he is doing all he can to make me a priority in his life. I understand the warrior in him, as much as I can." She stood again and walked to the crib, folding the blanket that had been tossed aside. "I never have you alone, so I wanted to tell you something, but please don’t tell Lorenzo or Shade."
Kate felt torn. She was asking her to keep a secret from her mate. "If I can, Chantal. I try very hard to be open with Shade, to share everything. If your secret doesn’t involve him or affect him, then I’ll keep it to myself."
Chantal nodded in understanding. "Lorenzo told me that his grandparents live in the spirit realm at Castello. He said he and his sisters can hear them, but cannot see them, but that you can. I have never felt or seen anything, but since Grace has arrived, I have a strange feeling sometimes. I sense someone watching. I know they both accepted Cory, but he was Medici blood. Grace is not, and I often wonder if Portia would approve of me. I am the Queen of Medici now, in her castle. I wonder if they would have accepted Grace. Is it true that she comes to you, and you can see her and speak with her?"
Kate listened to her daughter-in-law, concerned after all this time whether Portia and Christofano had accepted her. She felt sympathy for this woman who had been raised with so much self-doubt. "Chantal, I see them both, and speak with them, as does Shade. Castello is where their spirits will remain for all eternity. It’s where they lived and loved in life, and where they remain in the spirit realm. Portia has an unconditional love for Shade and all of his children and grandchildren. She loves him without reservation. Christofano was very strict with Shade and wasn’t one to express his emotions, but he too shows his love and affection in his own way. I assure you, their concern is for your happiness. If you and Lorenzo are happy, then their spirits are at peace with you."
Chantal shook her head. "You must think me such a fool. Or perhaps that I have too much time on my hands to think about such things.”
They both turned their heads toward the door as they heard Natalia enter the room, Marcello behind her. Chantal thought her sister-in-law was beautiful and stunning in her own right, and Lorenzo had mentioned he thought his sister was close to Marcello, in a way that exceeded his role as her protector. Chantal had watched them together, and it was evident in their eyes they were in love. Chantal looked down and felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she was still in her nightgown and robe. As Natalia rushed to her mother and Grace, kneeling to get a better look, Marcello leaned over and softly kissed Kate on the cheek. He laid his hand gently on Natalia’s shoulder, telling her he was leaving for camp, and to call if she needed him. Neither Chantal nor Kate missed the gentleness of his touch on Natalia’s shoulder or the look of love in their eyes when she acknowledged him as he left.
Natalia returned her attention to Grace and tickled the infant under her chin and watched as she smiled back at her. "Mommy, can I hold her?"
Kate stood from the rocker so Natalia could sit, and placed Grace in her arms. "Of course. Let her know she’s loved by everyone in her family." Kate moved to take a seat on the nanny's bed, as Natalia turned her attention to Chantal. "Has she been feeding okay? And sleeping? Does she have a routine? I’ve found that establishing a strong routine for the children in the orphanage is crucial. They have never known structure."
Chantal glanced quickly from Kate to Natalia. "Well...I have a problem. I was hoping we’d be able to discuss Grace. She seems to have difficulty with the feeder at times. She goes to her fine, but at least once a week, she refuses. She fights her and fusses terribly. I seem to be the only one to settle her, and she feeds from me instantly at these times. My boys did not do this. They transitioned easily to their feeders. I have had Dr. Bonutti to the house several times, but he is not schooled on half-breeds and is little help. She sleeps fine but loud noises bother her. It is as if she is overwhelmed with too many voices or noises. I have nowhere to turn for help. I do the best I can, but I feel as if I am failing her in some way. Does the orphanage keep records of their health and growth? Do they have physicians that are more schooled on this?" Chantal tried to calm her hands as she became aware, she’d been wringing them in her lap as she spoke.
Natalia took note of her nervous behavior. "Sit down, Chantal. The good news is, we’re all learning here. We’ve neglected the half-breeds, denied them a place in our culture, and as a result, none of us knows much. We’re learning as we go. I don’t see a problem with the fact that Grace seeks you out to feed from time to time. She should begin to wean herself away from you though as she bonds more with her feeder. You need to remain calm. She’ll feel what you feel, and if you’re nervous and unsure, then she feels that, and she’s nervous and unsure, and needs extra comforting. We’re keeping detailed records at the orphanage, trying to learn as much as we can, but we’re finding our way as well. Just love her, make her feel safe in her environment, and she should calm down. Is my brother spending time with her? She needs to know she has a mother and a father."
Chantal sat next to Kate and bit her lip nervously as she began to wrap the sash of her robe around her hand. "Well, when he can. Please do not take that wrong, he does love her so much. He has so many duties. I know he feels conflicted about making sure he spends enough time with me as well. I never want to pull him from his duties, they are important."
Natalia rolled her eyes. "Chantal, my brother is a warrior, a Medici warrior. He’s a king, a master, and leads the largest coven in all of Europe. You don't need to protect him. You do him no favors by keeping things from him. He can't fix what he doesn't know about. You have a responsibility to him, and to Grace. Tell him. Stop cowering behind your own shadow!"
Kate placed her hand on Natalia's knee. "Natalia, you don’t need such harsh words."
Natalia sighed, her impatience showing. "I'm sorry, Chantal, but you must be strong. Our coven demands it of you."
Chantal stood, her face filled with pain and hurt. "How dare you." She felt her voice crack. "I was hoping you could help me, not point out how inept a queen and maman I am. I raised two sons, gave them to this coven as warriors. You know nothing about raising a child. Never judge me or how I raise my own. I was born Valois and I know how to be a queen." Her fists were balled up at her sides and she stared down Natalia. "Give me my daughter."
Kate stood up from the bed. "Stop it! Both of you. This is about Grace, and what Grace needs. This isn’t a contest about who makes a better mother. Chantal, if Lorenzo isn’t engaged with the baby, then that’s a problem. Let him know what you need from him. He loves this child. I can see it in his face every time he looks at her. But he’ll always be a warrior first, just as Shade is always a warrior first. I would have to remind him from time to time that he needed to re-access his priorities. That’s not a criticism of you. I know my son, perhaps better than anyone. He’s exactly like his father. Tell him what you need, daughter, and he’ll come through for you."
Chantal nodded. "I am sorry, Natalia, there is no excuse for my behavior. I did not grow up with a voice. I was not allowed to have an opinion of my own. But since Grace has come into my life, I have found I do have a voice and I will do anything for her. I feel so helpless at times. There is no one to help these children. I keep a journal of everything that happens with her. It may help the future generations. I just want her to have everything my sons had." She looked at Kate with a sad smile. "He tries so hard. I guess we both need to try harder, together, to make sure she will be fine. I admit all of my energy has been spent on Grace lately." She turned to Natalia once again and laughed softly. "By the way, you sounded just like your sister when you said that. I never realized you had a temper like Sophia."
Natalia laughed out loud. "Not hardly. My sister would have just said, ‘Suck it up and quit whining!' I apologize if I spoke harshly. In our family, my mother always encouraged us to speak our minds. I understand you have your hands full, and we’re charting new territory here. We’re both learning as we go. Keeping the journal will be invaluable for the future, as I’m sure there are more half-breeds out there than we ever realized. I’m already expanding the first orphanage, and we’re planning to build more across the country."
Grace began to struggle, her arms flailing. She needed feeding, and soon. Chantal took her from Natalia's arms and put her on her shoulder, as the infant snuggled into her neck. "Are there any plans to build orphanages in Europe? I think, perhaps, we should consider that."
Natalia shook her head. "That’s not my call. I have no authority in Europe. Malachi is aware of what we’re doing here, and the European Council did follow in our footsteps, making the same changes to the law in regard to destroying the half-breeds. I’m hoping they’ll decide to build orphanages as well. The European Council is very old, and they’re reluctant to change their ways. It was a big step forward for them to change the law. In time, perhaps, they’ll see the light, and build the orphanages."
Chantal could feel Grace rooting at her neck. "So, it would take Council's approval to do this. Well, I am the Queen of the Medici, which must carry some weight. This would take a great deal of funds. I know that Shade is funding everything here. I think, perhaps, it is time I speak with my papa. All I can do is try, and hope that enough time has passed that he will see Grace in a new light, as well as our cause."
