Simonetta addressed him with detachment. “Fetch a bottle of our finest vintage, and be quick about it.”
The servant bowed and withdrew, replacing the mirror.
Simonetta walked over to a low couch and sat on it, arranging herself to best effect. She cast a stunning figure with her long, gold hair and azure dress against the crimson velvet. And she knew it.
But the Prince’s thoughts were otherwise engaged. Indeed, all he could think of was Raven and how much he wanted to return to her side.
He’d gone to Santa Maria Novella to beg his teacher for intercession. Perhaps the saint had hearkened to his request, perhaps not. At least he and Raven were together now.
Raven wasn’t flawless in appearance as Simonetta was. But the nature of her soul, the strength of her virtue and character, made her unspeakably beautiful. With such thoughts in mind, William gazed on the princess’s face and watched as the pearl of her legendary beauty lost its luster.
Simonetta invited him to sit beside her. When he did, she extended her hand.
He kissed it briefly. “I respect Umbria’s desire for neutrality, but you must know a war is coming.”
“Why should we have war now, after all these years? We aren’t Prague or Budapest.”
He released her hand. “The Curia is on the move. They are eying my principality, waiting for an opportunity.”
“The Roman would never allow it.”
“Treaties are made and broken; traitors abound.” His gray eyes met hers. “I say this as an ally, Simonetta: be wary. Be vigilant.”
Her pale eyes grew sharp. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“I tell you what you already know—the Curia stood by while Venice and Florence went to war, hoping we’d destroy one another. When that didn’t happen, they turned their eyes on my city. My detachment travels to Rome to try to negotiate a peace. But I have no confidence such peace will last.”
The servant re-entered the chamber, delivering an opened bottle and two ornate goblets on a tray. He served the vintage and withdrew.
The two vampyres clinked glasses.
Simonetta inclined her head, watching as he drank. “If the situation is as fraught as you say, why leave Florence?”
The Prince swirled the blood in his glass. “As I said, I was cleaning up Machiavelli’s mess.”
“I thought that’s why we had servants.” She sipped the blood delicately.
“Servants can be incompetent. I need to execute Stefan for that reason. May I have your permission to do so here?”
“You’re welcome to use our torture chamber, if you wish.”
“That won’t be necessary. All I require is your aid in having the head and body burned. I shall execute him personally.” The Prince’s attention returned to his glass, and he stared into the blackish depths.
“Of course.” Her eyebrows drew together. “If news were to reach you that the Curia desired Umbria, would you tell me?”
“Yes.” He looked at her carefully. “Can I hope the same from you?”
“As always. You have been an excellent ally and neighbor. Would that all the royals in Italy were the same.” Her rosy lips pouted. “The last time you visited me, you kept me at arm’s length.”
“I was hunting.” He drained his glass.
“Yes, an American family. My spies tell me you drove them out of Umbria, but you didn’t kill them. I find that curious.”
The Prince rose and placed his glass on the tray. “With respect, princess, I am eager to dispatch the detachment to Rome. I am grateful for your friendship, as always. I promise friendship in return.”
Simonetta put her glass aside and stood, her long, flaxen hair slipping over her pale shoulders. “Surely your departure can be delayed.
“Come, William. Send the detachment, and I’ll order one of my patrols to accompany them to the southern border. We can entertain one another in the meantime. I’ve missed you.” She reached for him, but caught only air.
He bowed to cover his evasion.
“Your offer of support is appreciated, but it’s best if the detachment departs as soon as possible, unaccompanied.
“As to your other offer, you honor me with your attention, but I must take my leave. Florence needs me.”
Simonetta lifted her hand and placed it against his cheek.
She studied him.
“There was a time when you leaned into my touch.” She stroked his cheek with her thumb and withdrew her hand. “Something has changed.”
He forced a smile. “You are a delight to look upon as always, Bella. But I am in haste.”
“Let us not lie to one another. Not about this.” She returned to her couch. “I don’t suppose Aoibhe is the reason for your indifference?”
William straightened. “I am hardly indifferent.” He forced his gaze to wander over her comely form.
“Ah, my old friend, that was a lie.
“I’ve seen you distracted, but this is something else. One might almost think you’re in love.” Her beautiful face grew grave. “I know our kind only too well, William. We don’t love. Even if we enjoy a fascination for a time, all good things for us must end.”
She paused, as if waiting for him to respond.
He simply stood, worried he’d given too much away.
She gestured toward the door. “Execute your physician, send your detachment, and take your leave. May your beautiful city remain safe, and may we always be allies.”