1937, England
"Dad?" I said as I lean on the doorframe of his study. He would usually read something or write in his journal, instead, he was by the window looking over the beautiful view of York. Eerily silent.
He slowly looks over his shoulders and then faces me. "Hello, pumpkin."
I walk toward him and hug him. We then looked over the view together. "Do you still think of her?"
I felt him stiffen and then look down before speaking. "Yes, pumpkin."
Looking up at him, his green eyes longingly look into the distance. "How come you never talk anything about her with me?"
"It's still difficult for me, Emma." He then unwrapped his arms around me and place his hands on my shoulders as his emerald orbs bear pain and loss toward mine. "I know it might sound odd considering the time has passed but sometimes some wounds don't heal."
It breaks my heart to see him like this. I wanted to ease his pain in any way that I can and I'm not sure what to do or how to do it. "Then what can you tell me about her? I know you badly want to talk about her sometimes. I would love to listen to you, dad. Whatever you allow imparting with me." I said, hoping that he would as I smile sweetly.
Chuckling, he surprisingly nodded yes. "Very well then, my stubborn child. It's best if we sit down." We head towards his couch by his desk and sat next to each other. He then sighs as he leans back. "Your mother was like a butterfly." He began, smiling at the memory. "Unaware of her beauty. Loving her was the best thing that's ever happened to me and for that, I have you."
Disappointed, I look down in defeat. I had hoped he would open more than that but I decided to look past it. He has his reasons. If he wishes to not reveal them, I can only respect it.
I was wrong to think that he could confide in me as I to him. Linking my arms to his, I lean on his shoulders and spoke. "Such love you bear, dad. I'm sure wherever she is, she's with you in spirit."
He then kissed my hair and sighed. "I can only hope, pumpkin."
1476, Florence
When I opened my eyes, I instantly felt weak. My legs feel tired and heavy when I sat up on the bed. When my eyes wander around the room, I noticed that I no longer know where I am. Everything is so unfamiliar.
Did I time travel again? But I didn't have the necklace with me. Where am I possibly be? Then I noticed the room's ornate design. From the beautiful elaborate walls to the velvety rich sheets, everything screams grand and I most certainly do not remember having them before.
Suddenly, the door opened revealing a handsome man standing tall and heading my way with a grin. "It's good to see you finally awake, Madonna." Uncertain and still confused, I gape at the walking frame of handsomeness unable to remember why he seems familiar.
As his towering frame finally stood by the bed, he noticed my confusion which must have been too obvious to not notice. "Do you not remember me, Madonna?" I shook my head no whilst my lips are still partially open. "I'm the one who stopped you from being trampled by a carriage."
As the memory finally came back to me, I gasp. "Yes, now I remember. I can't thank you enough for what you did but may I ask where am I?"
He sat by the bed and smiled. "You're in the Medici residence." This completely explains why I'm in such a grand room but if I'm here I can only assume this savior is a Medici. "Forgive me, for a second I have completely forgotten my manners. My name is Giuliano."
"Antonia..." is the only word I was able to muster for the famous Medici in front of me. I finally met the golden boy.
"It's a pleasure. I know you must be perplexed with being in a place you're unaware of with a stranger but I assure you I mean you no harm." He said in a very charmingly calm voice.
"I believe you..." I said, words suddenly slipping from my lips that eventually made him smile. "Might I ask you what happened and how long have I been unconscious?"
"You lost consciousness due to fever so I immediately bring you here for you to be treated. You've been unconscious for the whole day." He said, soothingly.
Now I realize why he's very much the opposite of Lorenzo in appearance. Aside from his features, his voice is calming as Lorenzo's is harsh to the ears. Even with their differences, the two still co-manage Florence in their grasp. "I didn't mean to intrude, but thank you for your generosity and hospitality." I look over the window and noticed it was already dark outside. I suddenly felt inclined to go home. "I think I must go," I said but as soon as I stand I suddenly felt dizzy and unbalanced with my legs incapable of carrying my weight. I would have fallen to the ground if it wasn't for his swift arms steadying me in place.
"Please, you're not quite well. I insist you stay the night. In the morning when you're all better, I'll personally take you back home." His dark brown eyes are soft and reassuring I felt secure. Realizing his right, I nodded my head yes and come back to bed. He tucked me in and stayed until sleep takes me.
Waking up in this household is quite strange. When I woke up, some of the servants called the doctor for me and reassure me that I am finally better. Afterward, I was helped to wear my dress and hair. It wouldn't have been different with Franzia only that there is another one that's helping me around.
I'm simply not used to having this much help even with my life with my uncle. "Thank you for your help, but I think I must leave now," I said to one of the servants. "Is Messer Medici awake yet?" I asked.
She nodded her head yes. "Yes, Madonna. He insists you take breakfast with him before you leave. He's waiting by the dining area." She said with a poker face. I must say that they are all very efficient.
The very woman who has informed me of Giuliano's wishes leads me to the dining area where the handsome figure leaning his arm by the wall as he looks over the fireplace emerges. As soon as he heard our footsteps, he looks over at us and smiled.
"Good morning, Madonna. How are you feeling?" He said, standing up properly now to face me.
"I'm feeling a lot better all thanks to your kindness, Messer Medici," I said, smiling back at him.
He then gestures at the table filled with food even if it seems it's only us in their palazzo. I walk towards the chair and was about to pull the chair when he stopped me. "Allow me." He said then slide the chair for me until I'm sitting comfortably. He shimmies his way across from me and sits down as we eat.
As we begin, I wasn't able to contain my curiosity enough not to ask. "If you don't mind me asking, Messer but will your family not be joining us?"
He reassures me with another smile and responds, "I'm afraid my mother's in Rome together with my brother and his family. We have the house to ourselves in the meantime."
I nodded. "I see."
"Pardon my forwardness but I must ask, I don't seem to have seen you before. Did you recently travel to the city?" He asks before taking a bite of his food.
"Yes," I began dabbing my lips with a napkin before continuing. "I moved here over a month ago."
He then nodded, "I see. By any chance, are you related to Simonetta Vespucci?"
My heart suddenly beats fast in my chest. I almost forgot that he was also relatively exposed to her presence when she was still alive. "She's a distant cousin," I say smiling to mask my anxiety.
His eyes now studied me even more but unlike Botticelli, I didn't seem to mind. Quite frankly, I feel it's only normal in the way Aunt Simona's guests looked at me during her feast. "Ah, then that explains your resemblance to her."
I chuckled, "Yes, I get that quite often."
"Well, since Marco Vespucci moved with his wife into the city, I've been seeing plenty of Genoese as well."
"Yes, well Aunt Simona and Simonetta are Genoese but I don't consider myself as one. My father moved to England before I was born and he passed away in the said country."
"My sincere condolences on your father's passing, Madonna."
"You can call me Antonia, Messer. After all, you have done so much for me than anyone else I know here in the city." I said, earning myself a sweet smile.
"If you insist, Antonia. Also, you can simply call me Giuliano."
"Very well then," I said, continuing to finish our meal. When we did, he walked with me in the Florentine streets, still muddy from the rain the previous day but buzzing with people and activities as usual.
"If you would indulge me, why are you running in the middle of the rain the other day?" He asks as he paces himself with me.
Remembering how things went down between Botticelli and me made me feel a tinge of pain in my chest. "I was upset about something then."
"Sounds like something terrible to have upset you that much."
"Yes," Replaying the events all over again makes me think that perhaps I have overreacted but then the kiss, the discreet show of affection started to twist my heart painfully. "It's never okay to lead someone with pretense."
"Indeed. I can't imagine how betrayed you must feel but I must suggest you do it in a cloudless sky preventing you from being sick."
We then both laughed. "Yes, I'll keep that in mind."
Even at a respectful distance, I enjoyed walking with him. It isn't difficult to immerse yourself in a conversation with someone like Giuliano. I wonder if dad thought of the same thing. When we arrive, we both stopped by the door. "Thank you again, Giuliano."
"It's a pleasure, Antonia." He said as he flashes me his charming smile of his again.
Lost in his beauty, I didn't realize my Aunt coming outside to welcome me home until she was wrapping me around her arms. "My sweet child! I'm so glad you're home!" When she finally let me go, she noticed Giuliano. "Oh, my friend! Thank you for escorting my niece back."
"You're welcome, Simona. However, I must head back. There are matters in the bank that needs tending to." He said, then switching his gaze to me.
"Why yes, of course! We won't keep you."
He then bowed to us then head back.
I can finally confirm that Giuliano was indeed pleasantly handsome as the historical accounts say. I must admit I'm truly intrigued by him. Perhaps just like Lorenzo, I'd probably never see him again.
After all, he's a very busy man. I couldn't help but acknowledge the little disappointment in me knowing he wouldn't grace me with his presence anymore. Oh well, life...