16. Benedetto
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BENEDETTO
The dining table dazzled with opulence when we were called to it. Crystal glasses glinted in the candlelight, silver cutlery gleamed against fine linen, and platters of sumptuous food filled the air with savory aromas. Whole roasted peacocks refeathered in their colorful plumage perched alongside steaming meat pies and delicate fish dishes. Stern-faced de Metteil ancestors gazed down from gilt-framed portraits lining the walls, silently observing the gathering below.
Laughter and lighthearted chatter still floated through the air, but beneath it ran an undercurrent of tension, nervous energy thrumming in every voice. My gaze fell on Luna across the table from me, her head tilted attentively as she listened to Palma, a charming smile gracing her lips. Pip strutted proudly on the back of her chair, preening under the guests' admiring glances.
She looked like she belonged here. Her father had callously abandoned Luna and her sister in Legnali for most of the year, far from the circles of social life. The shameful scandal of how he mistreated his wives after taking their dowries still lingered.
Luna grew up in the boonies, yet my mother trained her well. This poised young woman is worlds apart from the child I married.
At the head of the table sat the guest of honor, Alexis Cosmelis, the emperor's esteemed advisor. A thin, elderly man, his sharp, observant eyes missed nothing. He wore elegant but understated clothing, every movement imbued with deliberate grace and thoughtfulness.
"Lord Cosmelis, such an honor to have you grace our table," Palma gushed. "We are most humbled by your presence."
"The honor is mine, Lady Palma," Alexis said. "House de Metteil's hospitality is unparalleled. And I must say, your lovely guest is a most charming addition."
Luna inclined her head demurely. "You are too kind, Lord Cosmelis. I am still finding my way in this world, but House de Metteil has welcomed me and my husband as one of their own."
I bit back a scoff. Finding her way? More like conquering it. A surge of some foreign emotion caught me off guard. Pride? Respect? Dead gods rotting, when did that happen?
Luna's knowing gaze met mine for a fleeting instant, a secretive smile playing at the corners of her mouth. In that moment, an unspoken understanding passed between us. We both wore our masks well.
As the evening wore on, I watched with a mix of irritation and grudging admiration as Luna charmed the guests effortlessly. She laughed at all the right moments, asked insightful questions, and seemed genuinely interested in the stories people told her. It was clear she was playing a role, but damn, she played it well.
Cosmelis leaned in close to Luna, speaking quietly. I noticed the way his eyes lingered on her, a thoughtful look crossing his face as if he were trying to puzzle her out. Why was Cosmelis paying so much attention to her? A spike of possessiveness surprised me. What did he see that I was missing?
"I hear you hail from Legnali, Lady Luna," Cosmelis said. "A charming coastal town. I've spent many a summer there myself."
"Indeed, my lord," Luna said. "Though I fear my experiences there were quite different from yours. Legnali is a different place when the wealthy summer guests depart."
Cosmelis raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."
Luna's smile turned wistful. "Let us say that Legnali has many faces, not all of them as picturesque as the vineyards and hills. But it taught me resilience and adaptability, lessons I carry with me always."
Resilience and adaptability . The words echoed in my mind. How much of Luna's past did I truly know? The scandal of her father's behavior, whispers of her mother's fate... What had her life been before we married?
Cosmelis nodded, his expression inscrutable. "Valuable lessons indeed. Ones that will serve you well in navigating the complexities of court life."
"I am learning more every day, with the help of my kind hosts," Luna demurred.
She plays the game well. A game I hate.
As Cosmelis turned his attention to another guest, I caught Luna's eyes. But in that fleeting moment, I saw a glimmer of the real Luna beneath the polished veneer. A fierce, determined woman forged by the fires of adversity. A survivor, just like me.
And though I would never admit it aloud, a part of me marveled at the woman she had become. A far cry from the frightened child I briefly met, Luna navigated our treacherous world with a grace and cunning that both unnerved and captivated me.
Lorenzo caught my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow as if to say, “She's good, isn't she?”
I gave him a tight smile, lifting my wine glass in a mock toast. Too good. And it's getting under my skin.
When the party wound down, I excused myself, among the last of the gusts to prevent suspicion. I made my way upstairs to my private chambers, my mind already shifting gears, focusing on the task ahead.
In my room, I swiftly changed into darker clothing, a dark red tunic and breeches that would blend into the shadows. Dark grey or red blended better than black. I strapped my sword to my hip, the familiar weight a comforting presence. Glancing out the window, I took in the moonlit city sprawled before me, feeling the rush of anticipation that always preceded a raid.
Time to hunt . To get answers.
As I stepped into the hallway, I nearly collided with Luna. She stood there, dressed in a simple riding dress and a black cloak, her auburn hair twisted up into the red veil. A pack hung from her hand, and her eyes glinted with determination.
"Going somewhere?" she asked, her tone light but her gaze sharp.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm heading out. And no, you're not coming with me. Remember the wound on your leg?"
Luna folded her arms across her chest, arching an eyebrow. "It’s healed, thank you for your concern. And I am coming."
Of course she would insist. This woman was going to be the death of me.
"Fine," I said. "But if you get killed, it's your ass. I'm not slowing down for you."
Luna tossed her head. "I wouldn't dream of it."
I admired her determination. She was either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. Or perhaps a bit of both.
"Let's go," I turned on my heel. "We've got a long night ahead of us."
We slipped out of the house like shadows, blending into the night. The streets of Kalion stretched before us, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and winding paths. We stuck to the shadows, moving with a swift, silent purpose.
The city was different at night. Quieter, more dangerous. Like a sleeping beast waiting to pounce.
The air was cool against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of the sea. Moonlight glinted off the white stones embedded in the cobblestones, casting an ethereal glow that guided our way.
"Where are we going?" Luna asked.
"You'll see," I said, my gaze scanning the rooftops for any sign of movement. "Just keep up and stay quiet."
She nodded. I admired her courage, even as I worried for her safety.
She was not prepared for this. Then again, whoever was?
We moved deeper into the city, the grand marble buildings of the wealthy giving way to the cramped, ramshackle structures of the poor. Here, the shadows seemed to press in closer, the darkness more oppressive.
This was where the real Kalion lay. Behind the glittering facade, beyond the reach of the empire's law.
"Stay close," I said to Luna, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword. "And be ready for anything."
She nodded, her expression determined. And together, we plunged into the heart of the city, ready to face whatever dangers the night might bring.
We reached Tulliano Lucardi's grand mansion, a large structure that loomed before us like a fortress. The man had homes like this in all the major cities of Dimare. He had more money than sense.
High walls surrounded the property, topped with iron spikes that glinted menacingly in the moonlight. A heavy gate barred the entrance, flanked by two stone lions that seemed to watch our every move.
I signaled for Luna to follow me as I approached the wall, my fingers finding purchase in the rough stone. With a deep breath, I climb, my muscles straining with the effort.
I reached the top of the wall and paused, glancing back to see how Luna was faring. To my shock, she was right behind me.
When I touched down, she landed silently beside me in the courtyard, a triumphant grin on her face. I stared, my mouth hanging open in disbelief, not expecting her to know how to scale a wall like that. "Where did you learn to do that?"
She shrugged, smoothing her skirts back into place. "I had a good teacher."
A surge of possessiveness rose up within me, hot and bitter. Who had Vala paid to teach her? How many men had spent time with my wife, teaching her skills like this?
I pushed the thought aside, forcing myself to focus. "Let's go," I said gruffly, leading the way across the courtyard.
The mansion was huge with its white marble facade glowing in the moonlight. Elaborate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes from ancient myths and legends. It was a display of wealth and power, a testament to Lucardi's ambition.
He bought this place to prove he belonged among the elite. I curled my lip in disdain. But no amount of gold could buy true nobility.
I crept up to one of the windows, peering inside. The room beyond was dark, the furniture draped in white sheets like ghostly figures.
"Looks like no one's home," I glanced back at Luna. "Lucardi must have left in a hurry."
She frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. "Do you think he knew we were coming? That you know he’s in communication with Moonshifter?"
I shrugged, my mind racing with possibilities. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just running scared, like the coward he is. He might have other enemies, too. Rich men don’t get that way by random kindness."
I tried the window, surprised to find it unlocked. With a grunt, I heaved it open, the hinges creaking in protest.
"After you, my lady," I said with a mocking bow, gesturing for Luna to enter.
She rolled her eyes but climbed through the window, her movements swift and silent. I followed close behind, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
The house was eerily quiet as we moved from room to room, our footsteps muffled by thick carpets. The air felt stale, as if no one had breathed it in days.
"Look," Luna said, pointing to a half-packed bag on the floor. "He must have left in a hurry."
I nodded, glancing at a desk in the corner. One of the drawers was slightly open, papers scattered haphazardly across the surface.
What were you working on, Lucardi? And why did you leave it behind?
I rifled through the papers, scanning the words in search of anything useful. Most of it seemed to be mundane business correspondence, but one letter caught my attention.
"Luna, look at this," I held up the letter. "Someone had warned Lucardi that we're onto him."
Luna was already moving to the next room. "We need to keep searching. There might be more clues."
I followed her, my frustration mounting with every empty room we encountered. It was clear Lucardi had been thorough in his departure, taking anything that might incriminate him.
Damn it. We're always one step behind.
Luna placed a gentle hand on my arm, her touch sending a jolt through me. "We'll find him, Benedetto. We just need to keep looking."
I met her gaze, surprised by the determination I saw there. She was stronger than I gave her credit for.
"You're right," I took a deep breath. "Let's keep moving. Lucardi can't hide forever."
We made our way to the rooftop, the cool night air a welcome respite from the stuffy confines of the mansion. The city stretched out before us, a glittering tapestry of lights and shadows.
I took a moment to orient myself, then pointed to a nearby rooftop. "That way. We can cross over to the next street and circle back to the house."
Luna nodded, hiking up her skirts without hesitation. "Lead the way."
We leapt from one roof to the next, the tiles clattering beneath our feet. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine from the gardens below.
I glanced back at Luna, expecting to see her struggling to keep up. But to my surprise, she was right behind me, her movements graceful and sure.
She'd been holding out on me. Where did she learn to move like that?
Luna caught my eye, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Surprised?"
I shook my head, turning my focus back to the rooftops. "Just impressed. You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
She laughed, the sound carrying on the wind. "You have no idea."
We reached the end of the row of houses, and I paused to catch my breath. The city was quiet now, the only sounds the distant barking of dogs and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.
We needed to regroup. Lucardi was gone, but there had to be a way to find him.
I turned to Luna, ready to share my thoughts, but the words died on my lips. She was standing at the edge of the roof, her cloak billowing behind her like a pair of dark wings. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on her face, highlighting the determination in her eyes.
She was beautiful. The realization of that thought hit me like a punch to the gut. And brave. And far too good for this life.
I shook my head, pushing the thought away. There was no time for distractions, not when we had a mission to complete.
"We should head back," I said, my voice gruff. "Regroup and plan our next move."
Luna nodded, turning away from the edge. "Lead the way."
We dropped down into a shadowed alley. My heart was still pounding from the chase, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Luna was breathing hard beside me, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright.
"You did well tonight," I stepped closer until we were mere inches apart. My voice was low and rough, my lips brushing against hers with each word. "If you're not too tired, you could come to my room."
Luna smirked, tilting her head. "Are you inviting me because you're feeling generous, or because you're feeling something else?"
Desire coiled in my gut. "You know why."
She held my gaze. "Perhaps I do. But I want to hear you say it."
I leaned in, my hand cupping her cheek. "I want you, Luna. I've wanted you since the moment I saw you tonight, moving through that crowd like you owned it. Like you owned me ."
She drew in a sharp breath, her pulse jumping beneath my fingers. "Bene..."
I silenced her with a kiss, my mouth claiming hers with a hunger I couldn't control. She responded instantly, her arms winding around my neck as she pressed herself against me.
This was madness. She was my wife, but I barely knew her. I couldn’t trust her.
My body didn't care. It only knew the feel of her, soft and warm and eager in my arms. I deepened the kiss, my tongue sweeping into her mouth, and she made a small sound of pleasure that shot straight to my groin.
I broke away, breathing hard. "Not here," I said. "Come back with me. Let me take you to bed."
She looked up at me, her lips swollen from my kisses. "Yes," she said. "Take me to bed, Bene. Make me yours."