Chapter Seven

  “Luciana…Angelo…Where are my angels?”

 “Mama! We’re here mama! Can’t you see us?”

  She continues to grow faint. “My angels…” she whispers, slowly disappearing.

 “Mama! No! Come back Mama! Don’t leave us again! Please Mama!”

  I gasped, my whole body jerking. I slowly relaxed, letting my breath slow down. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself from the nightmare. When I opened my eyes, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep again. I stood up and pushed the covers back. I was wearing the white silk nightdress I was given. It was originally too long and uncomfortable. So I shortened it using my dagger.

 I went to the balcony doors, my bare feet silently moving on the cool marble. I opened both doors and was hit with cool air and moonlight. The wind blew my nightdress around the bottom of my knees and my loose hair stirred in the breeze.

  The city was a faint outline against the midnight sky. The river was a blue-silver path winding through the hills beyond the horizon. It was like a mirror, reflecting the universe above. The full moon glowed peacefully undisturbed and stars twinkled as if they were sending messages to the earth.

 Breathing deeply, I sat on the stone rail of the balcony, letting my feet dangle over the edge. I relaxed, watching the city and the countryside beyond.

 “Hello Luciana,” Nicholas said softly from behind me.

 “You couldn’t sleep either?” I asked.

 “No,” he replied. “I saw you from my window and I thought…”

I patted the spot next to me on the rail. I need company. Nicholas sat, also dangling his bare feet over the railing. He soaked in the scenery, his crystal blue eyes turning silver in the moonlight. “It’s beautiful,” he whispered.

“Its nights like these that make me love Paris,” I said. “I love to just watch it all night long.”

“Yes but it makes you feel small,” he said. “The sky is so huge and mysterious…”

“It makes you believe there is some good in the world.”

Our eyes turned to each other. He blurted. “White becomes you.” I saw his cheeks turn color.

My cheeks felt warm. I noticed for the first time his white shirt was open, revealing a muscular chest. And pale scar as long as my longest finger starting at his shoulder bone.

I drew my knees under me, so I could face him. “Nicholas. Why do you work for the Duke if you hate him so much? Not that I blame you, but why don’t you leave?”

He was quiet for a moment, and then he answered. “My father was a farmer, but he was a good man. My mother wasn’t beautiful, but she was very kind. My father…he borrowed money from the Duke, to buy a farm. When I was six, the Duke and his soldiers broke our door. He demanded the money, but father couldn’t pay it. Papa begged for mercy, so he gave it. Since I was the eldest child, the Duke chose me. Until my eighteenth year, I am the Duke’s slave. Yes, I’ve tried running away; several times. But the Duke threatened my family, so I must stay.”

I was stunned to silence. I was also furious. I knew the Duke was evil, but that kind of cruelty?

Nicholas said more lightly. “At least I don’t have that much longer. Then I can find my family. As far as I know they still live on the same farm.”

He turned to face me. “What about you?”

My look told him I didn’t understand his question.

“You’re a mystery to me,” he said. “I want to know about you. Were you the Angel of Night all your life?”

I looked at the hands in my lap and shook my head. Facing him I said. “No, I had a family too. My father was a merchant. He traveled all over: England, Asia, Spain. He met my mother in Italy. They fell in love at first sight. They married and he took her back to Paris to start a life together. My life was perfect back then. Papa told me stories of the lands he traveled to and mama always sang to me…” I quickly brushed away a single tear. It felt good to tell my story, so I continued to pour my heart out.

“Mama was sick-too sick for someone who was pregnant. I remember the day perfectly; it was cold and windy when I had to fetch the midwife. She was too thin and pale…when the baby finally came, there was so much blood. Mama was so weak and I was afraid for both of them. When she held the baby…she said ‘my little angels. Take care of my little angels.’” I drew a shaky breath. “She didn’t last the night. So I named the baby Angelo. I was seven. Papa was so devastated and I was left to care for Angelo. Papa was executed as a criminal for not paying his taxes when I was eleven. I didn’t want to go to the orphanage, so we ran. Ever since I’ve stolen to live and I became better than I ever thought. Believe me I’d trade this life in a second if I could.”

“I’m sorry,” Nicholas whispered, leaning closer to me.

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault. It’s in the past and I’m done mourning.”

His thumb touched my cheek as he brushed away the second tear. His hand remained there on my jaw line. “Angelo is lucky to have you.”

“I’m lucky to have him.” I said quietly, lost in his eyes. I rested my hand on his chest, still lost in his silver eyes.

“I’m lucky to help you and to know you. I’ll never let the Duke hurt you… ever.” He whispered.

We were so close. I saw his full lips and breath-taking eyes. I’ve never felt this, or this strongly before. It wasn’t upsetting, but it felt so strange and new to me. It felt like my heart didn’t belong to me anymore. I felt his breath on my skin…

“Ahem.” We jumped apart. Boswell stood somewhat awkwardly, but he smiled knowingly. “I’d hate to interrupt.”

I felt my face flame and jumped from the railing. He continued. “I have news. Something is happening at the Baroness’s castle.”

Nicholas also jumped from the rail. “We’ll be there in a moment.”

Boswell nodded and turned to leave.

Nicholas bent down and placed a kiss on my cheek.  Smiling, he walked out the door, glancing back once at the doorway. He probably saw me staring blankly ahead, my hand lightly touching where he had kissed me. I mentally shook myself and dressed. I belt the sword around my hips and put my dagger in my right boot, where I could reach it easily if I need to.

I leaped down the stairs two at a time and went into the library where Boswell waited with another servant. Nicholas arrived only a second later. “What’s happening?”

Boswell looked up. “We’re not exactly sure. Tell them.” He said to the servant.

The servant straightened and explained in a husky voice. “The Baroness has left suddenly and unexpectedly. Half of her guards are gone and so are most of her servants. Based on the amount of luggage, she could be gone at the most two days.”

“That’s why I called you here,” Boswell said. “This would be a perfect time to strike.”

Nicholas turned to me, his face serious. “Are you ready Luciana?”

So this is it. The moment I was to decide. I never stole for anyone, do I break that now? Or do I dare risk Angelo and my life for the sake of reputation? There’s no way I’m risking Angelo’s life. So I guess the choice was clear.

“I’m ready.” I said, strongly as I could.

Boswell was watching something behind me and I turned to see a head of curly black hair and black eyes that both mirrored my own.  My brother stepped out from behind the doorway, standing tall. “I want to come with you.”

I sighed. “Oh, Angelo-“

“I have to take care of you, sister.” He said, sounding much older than his years. “You’re my only family.”

I held back the wave of emotion and kneeled in front of him. I held him at arm’s length. “Angelo. I’m sorry. I can’t risk losing you; it’s my job to make sure your safe. I promised Mama that.”

Angelo’s eyes flashed pain and sadness. I pulled him into my arms and we embraced. His voice was muffled in my hair. “I want to help.”

“I know my little soldier. But you are more help if you stay.” I pulled away and drew my dagger from my boot. “Here, take this.”

He held it in his hand, staring at it. “You keep that and protect yourself.”

“I will protect you with it too.” He said, holding the hilt firmly. I smiled and hugged him again. I whispered in his ear. “Remember, little angel. You fight if someone tries to take you away from here. Fight for what’s yours. Fight like I know you can.”

I kissed his forehead and stood. He nodded solemnly, taking his duty as a soldier would to defend his land. He stood strong as I disappeared into the night. Perhaps forever. Like my father had as the soldiers dragged him away. Like how my mother’s eyes closed forever as she held the babe Angelo in her limp arms.

Whatever happened that night, I would do it for my little brother. I wanted to assure his safety so he could have a supported life.

The Duke would not stop me from that.

 

Author's Note

I want a tender moment between Luciana and Nicholas. Too gushy??
Opinions and advice would be appreaciated please!!!!!

Reviews

[Kelley]

I thought it was perfect with Luciana and Nicholas. I wouldn't change a thing. I knew they would be getting together and that was perfect. Not to gushy just right.

Now on to the " I think you fell asleep " Part lol

"The wind blew my nightdress around the bottom of my knees and my loose air stirred in the breeze."

should be.......

""The wind blew my nightdress around the bottom of my knees and my loose hair stirred in the breeze."

And..........

"I patted the spot next to my on the rail."

Should be.........

"I patted the spot next to me on the rail."

And...........

"Not that I blame you, but you don't you leave?"

should be........

"Not that I blame you, but why don't you leave?"

and..........

"Or do dare risk Angelo and my life for the sake of reputation?"

should be.........

"Or do I dare risk Angelo and my life for the sake of reputation?"

and...........

"There's no why I'm risking Angelo's life. So I guess the choice was clear."

should be.........

"There's no way I'm risking Angelo's life. So I guess the choice was clear."

Like I said I hope you don't think I'm being a pain in the butt....lol
I'm just trying to help.........smiles

Kelley