CHAPTER 23 #5
This fishing boat was indeed very small, and the dim room with a small wooden bed was the best accommodation she had.
Hedy allowed the maid to wipe her arms and neck, then quietly asked, "Why do you call that boy 'Sodomy'?"
"He's weak and submissive, like a little pederast!" A nearby guard let out a crude laugh, making an obscene gesture with the mouth of his wine bottle. "Even if a stray beggar wanted to spread his legs, this kid wouldn't dare to resist!"
Hedy took a deep breath, forcing herself to accept the vulgar and decayed atmosphere.
The people of this time had no respect for children.
If she ever made it back to Genoa... she would make sure to change these things.
"We'll be at the port in ten days. Please endure a little longer," another maid finally appeared with hot soup, speaking with a heavy Roman accent. "Drink a bit. When we depart tonight, maybe you'll get some fresh orange juice from the new supplies."
She silently nodded and continued her long wait.
The boy had just told her that the ship was heading to Rome.
Some things were already becoming very clear—
The Borgia family had teamed up with inside collaborators to forcibly take her as a bargaining chip for negotiations.
She wasn't the naive girl who believed in outdated love stories, thinking that Caesar was hopelessly waiting for her.
Anyone who managed to survive in such a chaotic environment, even a child under ten years old, should never be underestimated.
After traveling all the way from Genoa to the southern ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and then from the port to Rome, thirty-four days had passed in the blink of an eye.
Hedy was taken to the vast palace where the Pope resided. After bathing and changing, she was once again imprisoned.
Pope Alexander VI owned countless gardens and estates in Rome, and she had no idea where she was being held at the moment.
This Pope had countless mistresses and children. Even back in Genoa, she had heard the rumors—three years ago, he had married a 16-year-old mistress, who was known as "The Pope's Whore" and "The Bride of Christ."
Though according to the historical timeline, this Pope shouldn't have been able to buy his way into the papacy six years early, the war involving the Medici family and the previous Pope's failure to retain territories had caused his disgraceful downfall, thus giving the fat man a new opportunity.
Hedy observed her surroundings, constantly trying to gather some information.
She knew well the cruelty of these people and dared not send any signals or messages out hastily.
The guards remained tight-lipped, and the maids refused to communicate with her—she couldn't meet the Pope or Caesar either.
What was going on outside?
What had actually happened?
On the afternoon of the fourth day, as Hedy watched the patrols under the window for the sixth time, she suddenly heard a little girl's voice behind her: "Who are you?"
She turned around and saw a pale-skinned little girl standing there, her face full of wariness and distrust.
"I am... an unwelcome guest," Hedy said, watching the girl's face, and then suddenly spoke, "You’re the sister of the Borgia family, aren't you?"
"Lucrezia." The little girl took a step forward, still staring at her. "Where did you take my brother?"
"I haven't seen him." Hedy softened her tone and guided her to reveal more. "Do you miss him very much?"
It seemed that mentioning the Borgia family made Lucrezia's expression soften.
She nodded quickly and muttered, "It was always my brother who stayed with me until I fell asleep."
Hedy observed the seven- or eight-year-old girl and asked again, "How long has he been gone?"
"Three months," the little girl lowered her head. "He said he would be back in April."
The time for a round trip... was just enough to go to Florence.
—Florence?!
Hedy had intended to ask more questions, but suddenly realized something felt off.
Caesar and the Pope were clearly the masterminds behind the kidnapping, and they had timed everything perfectly.
Instead of waiting for her arrival, they had gone directly to Florence to negotiate. Clearly, they planned to use her as a pawn in this political game, and it seemed they had already forged connections on all sides!
Her existence now was both central to the Medici family and the Northwest Lord.
Rome, squeezed and manipulated by the three powers, had failed in its attempts at rebellion. Was it now fighting desperately for its survival?
The more pressing question, however, was why everything was proceeding so smoothly.
Her face grew pale, and her fingers began to tremble.
Her own interests were completely tied to the Medici family. Lorenzo would have no reason to betray her.
As long as she was alive, the Medici's business would continue to grow, and their children would be safeguarded by more resources and medicines.
But Lorenzo’s side—there was also a Cosimo there!
Who knew about her wedding date and location? Who could arrange helpers and chefs for her?!
She had unconditionally trusted the support given by the Medici family, but if this person intervened, they could affect the entire situation from afar, even across hundreds of miles!
When she had relinquished control of Luka, the Medici family had sent many cooks and servants. Although she had sent the mercenaries back, she had left behind those from the Old Palace.
The rapid expansion of the mercenary group had made every task more burdensome, even leaving the stable cleaners in short supply.
Later, when they moved from Luka to Genoa, the Medici’s support and greetings had followed her every step of the way.
Hedy suddenly felt a cold sweat soaking her back, as if her throat was being choked, rendering her completely unable to speak.
—Cosimo had access to the seals and the study, and he had frequent interactions with Dechio.
They had already trusted Lorenzo’s subordinate so completely that there was no suspicion in many matters.
And that time, when they were about to leave Florence, it was Cosimo who had pretended to urge them to hurry, dragging on with long-winded words to delay time, allowing Caesar Borgia to block their path.
Could he—had he been in cahoots with the Borgia family all along?!
When had this all started?!
Hedy continued to take deep breaths, her eyes starting to lose focus.
The most dangerous part was that Lorenzo was still by his side.
If this suspicion was correct, if this officer had been thoroughly bribed with gold, Lorenzo could very well be heading into an even more perilous situation!
She had no way of sending messages now—no way of escaping from here.
Jumping from the sixth floor, even if there were no patrolling guards, would still result in her death, shattered to pieces!
"Why aren't you speaking?" The little girl darkened her expression. "They said you're my brother's bride. Is that true?"
"No." Hedy denied it firmly. "I already have someone I’m pledged to."
If it weren’t for your brother being used as a pawn and shield by your father, I wouldn't even be here right now.
"Really?" The girl frowned, watching her. "But they’re setting up for the wedding, and they’re still discussing what to dress you in."
"Child..."
"Don’t call me 'child'." Lucrezia stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Hedy. "My brother belongs to me alone."
"You don’t deserve to touch him."
Hedy fought the urge to roll her eyes at the little girl. Rising, she began to search for other clues.
A familiar voice suddenly called out from the doorway: "Lucrezia."
Thirteen-year-old Caesar stood at the door, smiling as he opened his arms. "Come to your brother."
"Brother!" The little girl instantly changed her expression, and as she turned, she reverted to her innocent, romantic state, running into his embrace. "Brother—I've missed you so much—I've barely been able to sleep these past few days."
Hedy had no interest in this childish scene. She turned away, once again observing the path the patrolling guards were taking downstairs, trying to find an escape route from the surrounding buildings.
...She hoped she could return in one piece. If not, perhaps Fabio could get her a prosthetic.
Once the sibling reunion had worn out, the little girl was reluctantly taken away by the maids, led to another part of the place.
Hedy didn’t look back even once, her mind racing with thoughts.
She couldn't fully believe that Cosimo was a traitor—perhaps she had misjudged everything, perhaps there were things she hadn't noticed.
"Miss Hedwig." Caesar spoke slowly.
She turned to look at him, a mocking smile forming on her lips. "Planning to recite poetry or send roses today?"
"It seems you don’t like the way I look," Caesar sat down, his demeanor quite cynical. "So, tell me, for the wedding, do you prefer gold or red?"
"With you?" Hedy laughed. "Has the Roman Curia become so desperate?"
"Indeed." Caesar raised an eyebrow. "Do you know what Mr. Lorenzo said?"
At the mention of that name, Hedy’s heart tensed for a few seconds.
She didn’t want to hear any news of his death, and she certainly didn’t want him to die because of her.
"At that time, we requested Genoa and Florence to provide sufficient refuge and deploy troops to punish the rebellious Naples," Caesar interlaced his hands, his expression and posture completely those of an adult. "And we told him you were here in Rome."
The threat was direct enough, and impossible to ignore.
Hedy took a deep breath, waiting for his verdict.
"The lord’s exact words were, 'Her life or death is of no concern to me,'" he mocked. "I once thought he liked you."
At that moment, the weight on Hedy's heart lifted entirely.
This was a stable enough situation.
If he showed indifference toward the bargaining chip, she might still have a way out.
But if he showed even the slightest concern, the Romans would seize the opportunity to exploit the situation and make increasingly demanding requests.