7. Luna
CHAPTER SEVEN
LUNA
Rose and I stepped out of the d'Alvarez gate into the warm summer afternoon, followed discreetly by two guards. Wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across a clear, vibrant blue sky. I blinked in the bright sunlight as a gentle breeze carried the distant sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the clatter of carriage wheels over cobblestones. The streets of Legnali bustled with activity.
I wore the gown I’d selected. Rose looked radiant in a light blue dress trimmed with delicate lace, her golden hair pinned up elegantly. Two guards trailed a discreet distance behind us as we walked arm in arm down the street.
As we strolled, Rose chattered happily about the beautiful weather and the flowers blooming everywhere. I smiled and agreed.
We’d considered and selected the families we visited today based on their predilection for gossip. This was a reconnaissance mission, our best chance to find out who’d seen Benedetto and if anyone knew what parties he’d be at. If I played my cards right, I might even get a clue about what was going on with the de Spoleto family.
Rose and I had a tiny sister we’d never met.
We turned down a busy street lined with upscale shops on our way to our first target. Our guards followed at a measured pace just behind us, scanning the crowd while trying not to draw attention. I kept my expression pleasant but my senses alert as we made our way to the first estate on my mental list.
The de Vinci villa came into view when the road curved toward the hill. It was a grand estate surrounded by immaculate gardens, red, purple and yellow blooms in beautiful patterns. As we passed through the ornate gates, the heady scent of jasmine and roses enveloped us, a fragrant welcome.
We were immediately admitted, ushered to a sitting room where a slightly plump, fashionable woman with bright, sparkling dark eyes greeted us at the door with a broad smile. "Luna, Rose, how delightful to see you both. Please, come in."
Lucretia de Vinci was the biggest gossip in Legnali.
Servants swiftly brought in trays of refreshments as we settled onto the plush sofas.
"You both look positively radiant," Lucretia gushed. "I'm so glad you could visit. There's so much to catch up on. I haven’t chatted with you in months ."
Rose smiled sweetly. "We wouldn't miss a chance to see you, Lady de Vinci. You always have the most fascinating news to share."
I nodded in agreement, and Lucretia preened.
“Please, try the sweetmeats. The honey-glazed pecans are wonderful; my chef has outdone himself.”
We settled on the small couch, and each took a different sweet.
“Has anyone new arrived to spend the summer?” Rose asked artlessly.
"You hadn't heard? The Valenti brothers are causing quite a stir. So handsome, and both of them command legions," Lucretia divulged with a conspiratorial wink.
As she prattled on about the handsome siblings and their rumored exploits, I listened attentively, sifting through her chatter for any useful tidbits. Who are the de Valenti's connected to? I'll need to look into that.
"And of course, everyone is buzzing about the upcoming social events," Lucretia said animatedly. "The de Rossi's soirée next week is sure to be the talk of the town. Will you be attending, my dears?"
"We wouldn't miss it," I said with a polite smile.
A servant entered the room with a samovar and a collection of teas. Herbal, of course, but Lucretia was also fond of the expensive green teas, from very far away.
Lucretia poured, assuming Rose and I would desire the green tea.
We sipped as she regaled us with more tales of scandals and intrigues, I kept my attention on her, absorbing every morsel of information. Rose played her part flawlessly, engaging our host with her gentle charm while I absorbed each detail.
I smiled and laughed at the appropriate moments, maintaining my facade while my mind raced with plans and possibilities. The game was on, and I was determined to win.
A servant approached with a silver tray laden with fruit and tiny dumplings, the aroma of savory fillings. As she speared a dumpling, Lucretia leaned forward, her eyes sharp with excitement. "Have you heard about Tulliano Lucardi's masquerade tomorrow night?"
I feigned polite interest, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Do tell."
Lucretia grinned, relishing the opportunity to share her knowledge. "It's going to be the event of the season. He's sparing no expense, as usual. I hear he's even hired performers from the Yeflad islands."
Tulliano had always did have a flair for the dramatic. But Lucretia would not normally honor him by gossiping about him, so I braced myself for the coming revelation.
"Do you know who is expected to attend?" I asked, taking a delicate sip of my tea, its warmth spreading through my chest. It was very sweet, she’d used a lavish hand with the honey
Lucretia leaned in conspiratorially, her sharp gaze intent on my face. "Everyone, my dear. But here's the juiciest bit. I even heard rumor that your husband is coming. Is that true? He rarely shows his face at these events. I wonder what could have enticed him to come this time."
My pulse stuttered, but I kept my expression neutral, hiding my reaction behind another sip of tea. So, it was confirmed that Benedetto would be there. This was the perfect opportunity.
Outwardly, I nodded my head demurely, a false smile playing on my lips. "Of course, we will be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
As Lucretia chattered on about the anticipated grandeur of the event, I began plotting my next move.
If Benedetto was attending, this was my chance.
With a graceful smile, I focused on Lucretia, determined to extract every last bit of useful information from her gossip. The tea in my cup had gone cold, but I barely noticed, my mind already whirling with possibilities and plans.
Tomorrow night. I would make it happen.
When other guests arrived, we made our excuses and left Lucretia's home, stepping out into the late afternoon sun.
Our next stop was the de Bardi estate, a sprawling mansion with ivy-covered walls that seemed to whisper secrets of its own. This time, when the gates opened, Natalina de Bardi waved at us from her seat on a lawn chair. She was an elderly woman with a sweet smile and twinkling brown eyes that masked a shrewd, calculating nature.
The table next to her bore a pitcher full of water and sliced lemons.
"Luna, Rose, what a pleasure to see you," she greeted us with breathless sweetness. "Please, sit and share a glass with me."
Birds chirped in the nearby trees, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the tension coiled in my gut.
"That would be lovely, thank you," I took a seat opposite her.
As servants hurried to bring more glasses and pour the drinks, Natalina launched into small talk, commenting on the summer heat and the latest fashions. But I could sense the undercurrent of curiosity beneath her pleasant facade. Like Lucretia, Natalina always had a motive behind her questions, and I braced myself for the inevitable probing.
"I hear the Lucardi masquerade is the talk of the town," Natalina said, her eyes sharp despite her casual tone. "Will you be attending, my dear?"
I smiled, choosing my words carefully. "Yes, Rose and I are looking forward to it. Tulliano always puts on quite the spectacle."
"Indeed he does," Natalina leaned forward slightly. "And I've heard some intriguing rumors about the guest list. They say your husband might make an appearance."
My insides did a little dance at the second confirmation, but I kept my composure. "Is that so? Well, Benedetto does enjoy a good surprise."
Natalina's gaze seemed to pierce right through me, searching for any hint of weakness. "It's been years since he's shown his face at such events. One can't help but wonder what could have drawn him out of hiding."
More than you know. I thought grimly, but I simply shrugged, keeping my tone light. "Perhaps he grows weary of chasing shadows. Even the most devoted hunter needs a break now and then."
Natalina's smile widened. "Of course, my dear. Well, I'm sure it will be a night to remember."
You have no idea.
I merely smiled in response.
"Tell me, Luna," Natalina said casually, folding her hands in her lap. Her brown eyes twinkled with a shrewd glint that set me on edge. "I've heard a rumor that you are doing quite well in your position as Vala's right hand. It must be difficult for you, balancing your duties with all the changes in the family, what with your father-in-law's health failing."
A prickle of irritation rose at her probing words, but I kept my tone light and even. "The Lady Vala has high expectations, but I'm managing. It's all about learning the old ways."
I took a sip of the chilled lemon water, letting the tartness dance on my tongue before swallowing.
Natalina's forced smile widened. "Indeed. I wonder if your husband shares that same focus. He's been spotted in Kalion only a few days ago, you know. Quite the mysterious figure, isn't he? Always chasing after shadows." She leaned forward slightly, her gaze intent.
I tilted my head, giving Natalina a demure smile even as my heart raced. "My husband is known for his persistence."
The words felt hollow, but I couldn't let Natalina see the truth behind them. Vala had given me general facts about Benedetto's activities, just enough to deflect curious questions like these.
Natalina watched me closely as if trying to unravel my secrets. "I suppose we'll see at the masquerade, won't we?"
"We plan to attend, yes," I tightened my fingers around the cool glass.
As we finished our drinks and rose to leave, I forced a smile, as we bid farewell to Natalina
Our final stop was the newly constructed mansion of Tulliano Lucardi. I’d never seen it before, and as we approached my eyes widened.
Gold leaf on the exterior columns? Really?
The mansion practically screamed "new money," with its gaudy decorations and over-the-top architecture.
Poor Tulliano. Always trying too hard to impress.
Tulliano himself greeted us in the grand foyer. He was a tall, bulky man in his late middle age, with a slightly awkward demeanor that belied his attempts at sophistication.
Our guards had followed us, doubling as chaperones since there was no other woman present.
"Lady Luna, Lady Rose, welcome," he boomed. "My sister is away from home."
I plastered a smile on my face, nodding politely. "I’m sorry to have disturbed you, Lord Tulliano. Your home is quite... impressive."
He beamed at the compliment, chest puffing out with pride. "Isn't it just? Come, let me show you the drawing room. A new statue has just been delivered."
As we followed him through the mansion, I cringed at the murals on the walls. Everything seemed designed to signal wealth and status, rather than any true sense of style or art.
We settled in the garden, sinking into the overly plush chairs. Tulliano immediately launched into a detailed description of his plans for the masquerade.
Tulliano grinned broadly, his eyes gleaming with pride as he gestured expansively around the opulent drawing room. "This masquerade will be the best ever in Legnali! It will be the most talked-about event of the season, mark my words. The entertainers will be the best, the food will be the best…."
I smiled politely, murmuring the appropriate words of admiration, and distracted myself by counting the number of times he said ‘best’.
Rose, ever the charmer, leaned forward with a dazzling smile. "You must be hoping to make quite an impression, Tulliano," she said sweetly. "Looking for a wife among the old families, perhaps?"
Tulliano laughed nervously, his eyes darting between us. "Well, a man must secure his future somehow, mustn't he? And what better way than through a good marriage and sons and daughters to carry the family name?"
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his blatant ambition. As if any of the old families would consider him a worthy match. He was so desperate for their approval, he couldn't see how transparent he was.
But I kept my expression carefully neutral, nodding along as if his words were the height of wisdom. "Indeed. A good match is essential for any man looking to elevate his family."
Tulliano puffed up with self-importance, clearly pleased by my apparent agreement. "Exactly, and with this masquerade, I'm sure to catch the attention of some eligible young lady. Perhaps even a de Spoleto," he said, looking speculatively toward Rose.
A flare of protective anger sparked within me at the insinuation, but Rose just laughed lightly, her voice tinkling like bells. "Oh, Tulliano, you flatter me, but I'm afraid my heart is not so easily won. You'll have to work much harder than that to persuade me."
Well played, sister. Put him in his place without bruising his fragile ego.
Tulliano chuckled, but I could see the flash of disappointment in his eyes before he covered it with a jovial smile. "Ah, well, a man can dream, can't he? But no matter. With so many beautiful women in attendance, perhaps the absent gods will aid me in finding my future bride."
The conversation turned to more mundane matters of decorations and entertainment, and then to our need to return home, given that sunset was close.
We took our leave of Tulliano.
The sun had painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. Rose walked beside me, her steps light and graceful despite the long day of visits and conversations.
"That was interesting," she glanced up at me with a thoughtful expression. "Tulliano is desperate for approval. He'll do anything to make this masquerade a success."
"He's more ambitious than he lets on," I kept my voice low so only Rose could hear. "This masquerade is his big chance to step up in society, to prove himself worthy of the old families' attention."
Rose seemed to sense my inner turmoil, for she reached out and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "This will work out, Luna."
A surge of love and gratitude for my sister squeezed my chest, for her unwavering support and loyalty. I returned the squeeze before letting go.
When we arrived home, I headed straight to my chambers. Sinking down at my vanity, I stared at my reflection in the ornate mirror, tired and discouraged.
The door creaked open, and Sofia entered quietly, her expression gentle as she took in my pensive state.
"What did you learn?" she asked, setting a tray of toast and chamomile tea on the table beside me.
I sighed, the sound echoing in the stillness of the room. "Benedetto will be at the masquerade. Tulliano has practically set a trap for him with all the attention."
Sofia's brow furrowed, her green eyes sharp with concern. "Rose told me the rest. Is it something you can do?"
I met her gaze in the mirror, my own hardening with resolve. "Yes. I need a baby from him. That's Vala's price for the family's continued protection. And this is the only way I'll get one."
Sofia nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Perhaps, since you’re both older, it will go better this time."
I let out a humorless chuckle. "I doubt it. But I have no choice. I must do this, for Rose's sake if nothing else."
Sofia's hand rested on my shoulder, a comforting weight. "Watch for opportunity, Luna. Sometimes it arrives disguised."
I laughed at her despite myself. “Is that foreseeing, or one of the sayings you’ve had to memorize as an apprentice?”
She smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "A little of both."
I returned her smile, feeling some of the tension drain from my body. I could do this. I would do this.