Which was why the Prince needed a diversion, something to distract the Curia from Florence and Raven.
He sat in his private quarters in the underworld and fished a small envelope out of his pocket. The letter had been delivered to him early that morning, with some urgency. He removed the single piece of paper from its envelope and read it for the tenth time.
To the Prince of Florence,
I have known Raven Wood since she was a child. I am writing to you in deference to your control over her, demanding that you release Raven from your possession and deliver her safely to me at the Vatican.
In exchange, I am prepared to persuade my brethren to overlook your principality. You have been in control of Florence for several centuries, and in that time, we have never had a reason to engage in open conflict with you. Peace between our peoples is in the interests of all. I will work to ensure the peace continues, provided my demand is met immediately and the previous quietude of your principality continues.
Of course, if you are unwilling to meet my demand, I am equally prepared to persuade my brethren to take an immediate, avid interest in Florence.
I look forward to hearing your decision on this matter.
Father Jack Kavanaugh, S.J.
William folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope.
Over the centuries, his ability to be surprised had waned until it was almost nonexistent. Yet, the priest had surprised him.
The Curia was not known for placing the good of one human being over the good of humanity. In fact, it was legendary for trying to protect the greatest number of people to the greatest extent possible, hence its willingness to enter into a treaty with vampyres.
But Raven’s priest was different. He’d flouted Curia convention and opened a direct negotiation with the enemy. He could be expelled from the Vatican and defrocked for that.
He hadn’t promised he’d be able to convince the Curia to leave Florence alone, even if Raven was delivered to him. But the fact that he was willing to try was remarkable.
William held in his hands the promise of a diversion—the means of retaining control over the principality and ensuring the Curia fought its battles elsewhere. All he had to do was surrender “his pet” to her surrogate father.
He knew what the Consilium members would say if he were to share the missive with them. There would be no question. Raven should be sacrificed for the security of the city.
Human beings are disposable.
Pets are replaceable.
Don’t forget what happened to Faustus, the Prince of Sardinia.
The voices of his brethren rang in his ears. They wouldn’t hesitate to deliver Raven to the Curia, in exchange for the possibility of peace. In fact, they’d likely kill anyone who opposed the exchange.
William placed the letter in his jacket pocket and strode out of the room.
Chapter Thirty-seven
Raven waited until Monday evening to tell William about her encounter with Batelli.
William was upset but distant. He spoke to Raven only on Ambrogio’s telephone, instructing her to stay indoors for the evening. He insisted he’d see to it Batelli was dealt with, promising his measures would not include execution. There was no need to court the Curia’s attention with the murder of another policeman.
Raven asked William what was troubling him but he refused to confide in her, saying only he was worried about the city. He insisted he had to go and turned the telephone over to Ambrogio without another word.
Raven was greatly disquieted by the conversation but, short of tracking William down and confronting him, there was little she could do.
She sent another e-mail to her sister and went to bed early, gazing through her bedroom window at the sky and worrying.
The following evening, Raven went to the orphanage after work. She spent time with the children, including Maria, the girl who was likely to be adopted by Gabriel and Julia Emerson, helping them with their reading. She ate dinner with the children, too, since Ambrogio had responded to her text by saying that his lordship was engaged that evening and would speak to her Wednesday.
After dinner, she returned to her lonely apartment and spent the rest of the evening listening to music and reading. But not even Prince Caspian could keep her mind entirely occupied, distracted as it was by worries about William and his city.
Just before bed, she received an e-mail from Father Kavanaugh. He hadn’t sent a reply to her previous message, but rather, had initiated a new exchange.
She found the decision curious.
Dear Raven,
I was relieved to receive your message.
There is a new restoration project beginning in the Pontifical Palace this September. The team will be working on Raphael’s frescoes in the Room of the Segnatura. I’ve already spoken to the director of the project and passed on your résumé. If you want the job, it’s yours.
Vatican City is the safest place on earth. Certain beings cannot set foot inside our borders. I can ensure that you have a job and a place to live here. You will be under our protection.
It took some effort, but I persuaded Cara to speak with me. I confirmed what you said to her and I encouraged her to contact you. We are supposed to speak again by telephone tomorrow. I pray I’m successful in helping you two repair your relationship.
I remember you and your family in my prayers, praying that you all will find peace. Even more, I pray for your safety.
If you want to be free, all you need do is step inside a church. You will be safe there.
I will text you my new cell phone number. You can call me at any time, day or night, and I will ensure you safe passage to Rome.