✟ 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]

[ Oh she knows that tone... Lucrezia lets him wait a few minutes before replying, running through all the possibilities: playing footsie? The birthday plans? Abel? Then she decides to pretend everything is well, keeping a light tone: ]

Over a magical book, brother? Have you grown so tired of my presence?

[abelard]

No. I would have you come to my rooms at once.

[heloise]

[ She inhales sharply, then closes the journal! Now you have to wait to see if she's coming over or just sulking, bro. ]

[abelard]

[Cesare waits! She really won't enjoy it if he has to go hunt her down.]

[heloise]

[ She does come over, and soon, testing his door to see if it is locked so she can slip in. ]

[abelard]

[It isn't locked, but he's waiting directly in front of it anyway, in a chair with a goblet of wine.]

[heloise]

[ Lucrezia closes the door behind her and leans against it, letting out a huff. ]

An inquisition, brother?

[abelard]

Of sorts. Are you hiding anything that you worry might be discovered, sister?

[heloise]

[ She lowers her eyes and steps closer so she can sit on the floor beside him, reaching to hold his hand if allowed. ]

What have you heard?

[abelard]

[He does allow her to take his hand, and sips his wine before speaking.]

I would prefer you tell me what you are keeping from me.

[heloise]

[ She just holds on, as long as he doesn't pull away, it will be alright. ]

I would hide anything to keep you from harm.

[abelard]

And what do you think would harm me, Lucrezia?

[heloise]

Cesare. [ She looks him in the eye. ] Tell me what has displeased you so.

[abelard]

Sister, either you are keeping secrets, or else there is a madman running about the castle. Which have I encountered?

[heloise]

[ All the worst-case scenarios in her head and Joshua tops the list. ] Who have you spoken with?

[abelard]

Is he a man who speaks lies, sister? Or are the lies yours?

[heloise]

[ She cries quietly, though her grip on his hand grows tighter. ]

You know I would never.

[abelard]

Then he lies? Tell me so, sis. Let me hear from your lips that this man is a liar, that he summoned me from madness and he believes in only delusions.

[heloise]

How can I deny what I have not heard, brother?

[amiable]

[ How about someone who doesn't know much about the Borgia?! And is willing to give a billion chances anyway.

She's familiarizing herself with the castle and its lands again, so she makes her way toward the stable. She notices this handsome fellow and takes a moment to look impressed by how he just... saddles the horse so easily. He must know a lot about horses. ]

Is that your horse?

[abelard]

[Cesare looks at her for a moment, as coldly as he can when it comes to Lucrezia. Does she really believe that he believes such an act?]

Who is Joshua Christopher?

[abelard]

[Though he's still angry, Cesare is utterly composed when he speaks, thanks to a lifetime of nobility.]

Yes, this is my steed. He came with me from my own world.

[heloise]

Not a friend. You have seen the Castle's curses, brother, we met during one of those.

[ She doesn't want to have to chuckle or smile at a prince who was a frog or even try to keep herself from wishing terrible things on Joshua. ]

He could murder you with just a thought. I would rather you never meet him.

[amiable]

[ If only she knew it was Joshua who was the main reason for that. :( She smiles pleasantly, stepping closer to get a better look at the horse. ]

He's beautiful! And that's great, that you have a piece of home with you here.

[abelard]

If that is what you wish, then you are too late. He summoned me to meet with him, and I did. If he is not a friend, Lucrezia, then why does he say you are wed to him?