Infinite Devotion by L.E. Waters Read Free Book Online

have changed. Usually wearing the brightest colors in the room to be seen, he’s now all in black. He sits down at our grand banquet table, and Alfonso and I slowly settle beside him. The servants are rushing to light the candles and torches in the room and to accommodate the unexpected guests. The room slowly lights into a brilliant glow.
    “You’re now the handsomest in the room,” he says to Alfonso. “So this is the little palace that has so captured the attention of my sister that she forgets to write and visit her family.” He leans back in his chair and peers around the room. “Lucrezia, you take motherhood in stride so well, it’s as if you’ve done this before,” Cesare threatens.
    He knows I never told Alfonso about Giovanni Borgia.
    After an uncomfortable pause, I take a deep breath and begin, “Brother, what brings you here so unexpectedly?”
    He smiles. “Well, I know how much you love my surprises.” He then sits back up. “Where’s Sancia? Her seat lies empty,” he says in a sarcastic way.
    “She’s feeling poorly,” Alfonso replies.
    “Oooh, poor dear, you’ll have to tell her I missed her company.”
    We are served our first course.
    Cesare puts his spoon down beside his soup. “I’m actually on my way to France to marry the beautiful cousin of the French king, Charlotte d’Albret.” This news catches us off guard, and Cesare continues, “Well, after two years of pursuing your frigid cousin Carlotta, Naples has fallen out of favor with the Borgias.”
    I start getting worried, and Alfonso stiffens at this new turn of events.
    “Oh, you hadn’t heard? I see, well, yes, France has now become our greatest ally and has happily promised his cousin to me as a sign of good will to come.”
    I know this means that my marriage has been to no advantage, and now Alfonso’s an enemy instead of a benefit. I can tell the fear Cesare sees on our faces only provokes him to continue.
    “Alfonso, do you know that the French king has asked if the Borgias had any beautiful maids to marry? He’s been asking Father eagerly for a potential suitor for one of his cousins.”
    Sancia walks in at this moment and must have been listening at the door. Cesare looks up, and his eyes flash at her appearance.
    “A miraculous recovery!” He gets up to kiss her cheek.
    “Yet, you’re still not recovered yourself,” she spits as she pulls away from him. “I didn’t even recognize you, you’ve changed so.”
    They both sit, glaring at each other.
    “I’ve come here to warn you about the growing hostilities between Naples and France.” He directs his gaze at me. “And my dear sister appears to be caught in the middle.”
    Alfonso stands up. “I think I’ve lost my appetite now too. Lucrezia, you’ll have to excuse me.”
    Cesare turns to Sancia. “You seem to be contagious.”
    I kiss him and give him an apologetic look. He smiles sweetly and walks out of the room. Cesare watches with disdain.
    “How manly of him, leaving you to discuss with me alone.”
    Sancia speaks. “She’s not alone and will never be, as long as Alfonso and I am breathing.”
    “Well, that is all it will take, then?” He gives a scary smile.
    I stand up, wishing I’d left when Alfonso did, and say, “Sancia, I think Cesare wants to be alone now. Will you follow me up to attend to Alfonso?”
    Sancia says, “Yes, I think Cesare should get used to being alone.”
    Cesare laughs heartily and stands to kiss me. “I’ll be leaving shortly. I don’t trust closing my eyes in Naples.”
    I give him a cold kiss back. “Be careful, brother.” More as a warning instead of a wish.
    ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
    A messenger from Cesare comes a week later.
Sister,
I so wish our visit had been longer, but with circumstances the way they are, it was best it was short. I was married two nights ago and disappointed you did not attend. Disappointed but not surprised, since you seem to have replaced me. Charlotte