✟ ii

[abelard]

[Lucrezia]
Sister, we must speak. Immediately.

[It's late for a ride, but Cesare needs to let off steam from having to have such an unpleasant discussion with his sister. He's in the stable, grooming and saddling his horse. If ever you wanted to speak with an infamous historical figure, now would be prime speaking time.]

Comments

[heloise]

Maybe he did mean to provoke you. He does the same to me.

[abelard]

Then why continue to associate with such a man?

[heloise]

It would anger him otherwise. [ But no more secrets. ] He interests me.

[abelard]

Why?

[heloise]

He has strange powers. He would make a good ally, if he knows anything about being one.

[abelard]

But instead, he wishes to anger us purely for the reaction. He is not worth the time.

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia huffs. She's had quite enough, stumbling to her feet to storm off toward the door. ]

[abelard]

[Cesare easily moves ahead of her, to place one hand against the door and hold it shut.]

Has your time in the castle erased your manners? Let us not forget, Lucrezia, you hid Joshua from me. I know of him only because your actions caused me to meet with someone who you say could have killed me. You will not run away because I say he is no potential ally.

[heloise]

[ She stares him down. ]

I would be happy to stay here in chains, brother, if you would cease this quarrel.

[abelard]

It is not a quarrel, sis. It is a matter of you hiding dangerous things from me.

[heloise]

[ She still fiddles with his clothes so the buckles all line up. ]

Do not be angry at me.

[abelard]

I am hurt more than angry.

[heloise]

Will it ever heal?

[abelard]

That is up to you.

[heloise]

[ She holds her breath. ] That is a great responsibility.

[abelard]

I am giving it to you, so that you might be more aware of your choices. We must be united in this world, Lucrezia, and always able to trust each other above all.

[heloise]

Above all. [ That is a given. ] They were never meant to last, Cesare.

[abelard]

What was not meant to last?

[heloise]

The dancing partners I collected in your absence.

[abelard]

And yet I find you hiding some and flaunting others.

[heloise]

Would you envy the ones I flaunt?

[abelard]

If I did?

[heloise]

We must find a remedy, and soon.

[abelard]

I would simply have your honesty and trust.

[heloise]

I can never trust anyone above you.