Chapter 18 A History Unlocked #2
Emilio’s smile is sad. “Those particular herbs in question were added to Sofia’s food only when she announced that she was expecting.
They did not want her to build up a tolerance.
” My hands clench into fists, and I find myself surprisingly upset.
“With Nico, Sofia was not yet aware that she was pregnant. She had lost another child not long before and left the city to recuperate with her parents in Oht. So the first three months of her pregnancy were spent eating untainted food. Once she discovered that she was with child, and the pregnancy progressed well, Sofia and Stefano decided that the climate here agreed with her, and she remained in Oht for the rest of her pregnancy.”
“Away from the poisoner.” He nods and I begin to pace. “So Nico is born, and Sofia returns to Panah City. Why doesn’t Lorenzo have Nico killed? Why wait before killing Sofia?”
Emilio laughs bitterly. “Stefano began to piece the situation together. He carefully went through each of the house staff, removing anyone whose loyalty he doubted and thoroughly screening any new additions.”
He’s visibly agitated, and I worry he’ll strain his heart. “Perhaps it’d be better if you take some time to calm down. We can finish discussing this later. If something happens to you, Nico will kill me.”
He shakes his head. “I’m fine, and you need to hear all of this now, Master Zayd. It is the only way to fully protect Nico. If you do not know what has happened, you might not be prepared.”
There’s wisdom in that, so I gesture for him to continue. “If you need to stop, please do. We can finish talking about this later.”
With a quick nod he keeps talking. “Sofia never conceived another child. It may have been that the amount of toxic herbs she ingested rendered her sterile. It may have been something else entirely. No one knows. But Nico was a strong, healthy baby, and things seemed to settle down after his birth. At least until he reached the appropriate age to formally learn to wield a weapon.”
I suspect where the conversation is going, and I don’t like it. “How old was he?”
“He had just turned six. As I am sure you have discovered in your morning training, Nico has a natural talent for close-quarters fighting. He would have made an excellent Shade. This innate skill was noticed by his father and his uncle. Stefano wanted Nico to be able to defend himself, but he did not want to encourage the attention of those behind the poisonings. So Nico’s training continued as it would for any son of a nobleman, but he was not mentored to his full potential.
“There were no further attempts?”
He bobs his head back and forth. “Not for those few years. But Lorenzo happened to be present for one of Nico’s training sessions, and as any boy will do, he wanted to show off for his uncle.
Lorenzo immediately saw his talent and the threat it posed.
Stefano saw it as well, and the two got into an argument.
Stefano threw veiled accusations at Lorenzo, who stormed out.
Four months later, Sofia was dead from poisoning, and the assassin was never discovered.
” Part of me is grateful that I was too young in my training to have been given that assignment.
“Then Lorenzo paid Stefano another visit. They met in his study, and even with the door closed, the screaming was so loud that Nico heard them from his room. Thankfully, he could not make out what they were saying. But a few of us were close enough to hear the details.”
“You mean you listened in.”
Emilio shrugs unapologetically. “Of course. Information is power. But Lorenzo made it easy. If he neglected to cast Silence, who was I to mirror the error by not casting Listen? He is an arrogant bastard and boasted loudly about his involvement. Could barely contain his pride as he accused Stefano of being a besotted fool unfit for business or politics and ordered him to renounce all claims to both. Lorenzo had political ambitions even then. Stefano refused, mostly out of anger and spite, but Lorenzo threatened Nico’s life.
He swore that if Stefano did not renounce any claim for himself or his heirs, Nico would be dead within the fortnight.
The next day, Stefano withdrew from public life and locked himself in his rooms, refusing to come out for weeks. ”
“And he complied with Lorenzo’s demands?” He and his son may not be involved in politics, but they do have a very successful vineyard and winery.
“Yes and no. Stefano did publicly state he had no political ambition. And though he relinquished claim to the Medina lands in Amal, he kept Sofia’s family vineyard and winery, turning them into a thriving enterprise.”
Emilio takes a seat on the stone bench, and I sit next to him. “Nico still believes that his instruction with knives was only typical self-defense training. He has no idea that he has a natural gift for it or was ever in imminent danger.”
“No. His trainers were instructed to play down his talent while ensuring he had enough knowledge to protect himself. And as I am sure he has told you, Nico still believes Sofia died of an illness. He is unaware that he was ever a target.”
Because he was raised to be a kind person and to look for the best in people.
And surprisingly, most treat him kindly because of it.
Though he’s no pushover. His skill at negotiation is impressive, and he’s demonstrated a distinct affinity for torment in the bedroom when the mood strikes.
“I’m guessing he also has no clue that you are part of the Shabah.
” Emilio shakes his head. “So you and Anna raised him when Stefano could not. What did you tell Nico?”
“That Stefano could not stomach the politics and infighting. Which was and is true.”
It holds with what Nico told me, and I’m grateful for the confirmation. “You taught him to believe the same?” Nodding, Emilio confirms my suspicions. “But the damage is done. Nico has no desire for a political life. So why align with me and risk being eliminated by House Medina?”
He looks directly at me. “Because those same people who tried to kill Nico before he was even born, who had his mother murdered to keep him from holding any power, are the same people who took out the contract on Kasimir to keep him from disrupting Lorenzo’s political climb.
Because in you, we finally see an opportunity to take action.
And House Durov will back you with every Shade they have to see vengeance done for the murder of a beloved daughter. ”
It’s motivation I can fully get behind. “Then we work together to eliminate them all.”