The Medici Queen Read online

  He led them up the massive staircase and down a long corridor of rooms, behind closed doors. When he reached their suite, he opened the door and stepped aside so they might enter. "If there’s anything not to your liking, please let us know and we’ll have it changed."

  As Rissa walked into their room, she stood with her mouth open. Is he joking? Not to my liking?

  “Alec, this place is immense. This is gold, real gold! Oh my god, look at these roses. There must be seventy roses in this bouquet. This is over the top. I can’t imagine Kate living here, living like this, every single day. I’m jealous, I’m beyond jealous, I’m astounded. Now I do need a drink!” Turning to him, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. Thank you for bringing me here, Alec.”

  Carlos bowed to her. “Miss Benneteau, my lady has requested you have fresh flowers every day of your stay. If you have a favorite, please let us know. Oh, and this is Rosa. She’ll be your personal maid. Just ring and she’ll respond, otherwise, you’ll not see her.”

  Rosa curtsied. “Miss Benneteau, I’ve drawn a hot bath for you, and filled it with fresh rose petals, my lady’s favorite. It’s ready whenever you are. My lady requested you have silk robes to wear after your bath and when you’re in your room. Please feel free to keep them as my lady's gift to you. Your toiletries have been laid out for you. Please let me know how I can be of service.”

  Nodding to Rosa, she perused the housemaid’s outfit, the traditional black and white, and the Medici crest was everywhere she looked.

  “I wish to bathe immediately, and you may assist me with my clothing. I also require all of my garments and shoes be unpacked and put into the wardrobes. Do you have rose-scented bath salts and oils since you have placed rose petals in my bath water?”

  Turning to Alec, she smiled. “You won’t mind if I smell like roses tonight, will you, Alec? Very romantic, don’t you think?”

  Alec dared not tell her roses were Kate’s signature scent. “Of course, my darling, I’d find it quite romantic.”

  2

  It had been two weeks since Kate stood in this master bedroom, preparing to go to the chamber for the turning. And now, she was here again, with Theresa preparing her for the Coronation Ceremony. Shade dressed in another room, assisted by Gi. He said he’d have Gi escort Shannon to the ceremony, since Luca must stand with all the other Medici warriors. Kate hadn’t seen her mortal friend since the night of their food fight, before the turning. And now, tonight, she was to be presented to hundreds. She had paced until she had worn a path in the plush rugs that covered the marble floor. She stood at the window and watched as the people gathered, throngs of people, most of whom she didn’t recognize. Her heart was pounding. She was more frightened of this ceremony than she had been of the turning. What was Shade thinking? That I could be queen?

  Theresa spoke softly, “My lady, you should be putting on your gown now. We must stay on schedule.”

  Theresa removed the long white ball gown from the closet and laid it across the bed. The gown had an elaborately beaded and fitted bodice and a voluptuously full skirt, with layers upon layers of tulle. Theresa patiently waited for Kate as she stood at the window. “My lady?”

  Kate turned to look at her. Theresa had been so helpful during this whole trip, she’d be sad to lose her when they returned to the States. She knew Shade had offered Theresa the opportunity to stay here in Florence with Marco, and Kate was happy for her. He said they’d bring Emma back to the States with them instead.

  “You know, Theresa, we’ll be returning to the States shortly after the ceremony. Shade is eager to get back to Virginia, to get the new warrior camp started. We won't have much more time together.”

  “I’ve decided not to stay in Florence, my lady. I wish to return to Virginia, if you’ll have me.”

  Kate was startled by the news. “What? Is there a problem with you and Marco?”

  “There’s no problem, my lady, and I haven’t yet told Marco, so I beg you to keep my confidence.”

  “Theresa, of course. But are you sure? You love him!”

  “I do love him, my lady. But, with Marco, I’ll always be second place. He’s a warrior first. He’s a man who prefers the camaraderie of men, and only seeks a woman when he needs comfort. It’s not a complaint, it’s an observation. He doesn’t desire children, he doesn’t desire to settle down, and he’s always looking for the next battle. I know he loves me, he’ll always love me, but a life here with Marco would be lonely. I’ve been with the Medici household for many centuries. I came as a housemaid when Queen Portia still ruled. And now, I’ll be Lady in Waiting to the Queen. I’ll be nanny to the children of my King. I’ll have served three generations of Medici's, and it’s an honor I could never have imagined for myself.”

  Once again, Kate was floored by the devotion the staff had to Shade, and through him, to her. “Theresa, it’s I who is honored. And quite selfishly, I’m delighted to have you stay with us, but please, be sure. Talk to him. And if you change your mind, I’ll understand.”

  Theresa straightened the skirt of the gown master had designed for her. A one of a kind dress that looked like it came from a fairy tale, designed by Valentino. “We will talk, my lady, but my mind is made up. I wish to serve my king and queen and will follow wherever that takes me.”

  Kate crossed the room to stand by the bed so Theresa could help her get into the long gown with the voluminous skirt. “How will I ever walk in this thing? Will you be at the ceremony, Theresa?”

  “Yes, my lady. I have a small role to play.” Theresa lifted the dress and Kate put her hands above her head, as Theresa slipped the gown over her.

  From underneath the dress, Kate asked her, “Do you? Are you nervous?”

  “No, my lady, I’m excited and proud to stand before the Medici household and all the warriors and invited guests as your Lady in Waiting.”

  Kate had a nervous laugh, as she let the dress fall around her. Theresa buttoned each tiny button up the back of the fitted bodice.

  “I wish I could say the same. I’m beyond nervous.”

  Kate lifted the skirt as she slipped the white satin heels on her feet, then walked to the mirror, dropping the skirt to the floor and taking in the image before her. It was almost impossible to tell the difference between her white skin and the snow-white dress. What did Shade call her? His lily white? Her hair looked even redder by contrast, and fell around her shoulders, her eyes looked more amber than brown. She looked the same as when she was mortal, and yet not.

  Theresa stepped up behind her. “Beautiful, my lady. You’ll take his breath away.”

  Kate caught her eyes in the mirror. “Will I? I know there are people in the crowd tonight who don’t approve. Who’ll never approve of his choice of a mortal mate.”

  “Perhaps, but no one that resides in this household, my lady. I promise you. For all of us, we’ve watched our master grow from child to man, to take the reins of this dynasty at far too young an age, and bear that burden and responsibility for all in his coven. It hasn’t been an easy road for him. We watched his loneliness as a child, we watched as he sought for and never gained the approval he so desperately needed from his father, we watched as he battled for Tuscany and established his dominance here, providing security for all of us, and then built upon what his father started. We all waited for him to find his mate, his queen, to share in all he had achieved, but we had all grown to think his heart was hardened after losing his own parents so young. He courted many, to be sure, but none captured his heart. We’d never heard him laugh. Oh, he would smile, but it was a smile that never reached his eyes. There was always sadness behind those eyes, until you, my lady. And now we hear laughter, we see a light in his eyes, and we watch his joy in bringing you joy. We watch him play, and chase after you, and I can promise, that food fight in the kitchen will be talked about through the ages. There’s no one under Medici rule who will question his choice or challenge your right to rule.”

&
nbsp; Kate laughed at the memory of that night. It seemed so long ago already, another lifetime, another girl. The last time she stared into this mirror, Portia appeared to her, to give her encouragement before the turning. ”Do you see me now, Madre?”

  Kate watched as Portia’s image appeared faintly in the mirror, superimposed over her own. ”Si, mia figlia, I see you and I am with you always, just as I am with him. You are right, mia figlia, there will be those who doubt, there will always be doubters. But you are Medici now, you must walk with pride, and do not show them your fear. Tonight, my only son will place a crown on your head, claiming you as his queen, The Medici Queen. Hold your head high, mia figlia, walk with a regal bearing, and bow to no one except your own master and maker. You have made me proud.”

  Kate watched as Portia’s image faded and she reached out to touch the mirror, Portia’s hand reaching back, touching her fingertips as she faded from view.

  “And now your red robe, my lady.” Theresa carried the red velvet robe across the room to Kate and slipped it over her shoulders, as she buttoned the single frog closure at the neck. Kate lifted the hood over her crimson hair, tucking the loose tendrils back and pulling the hood forward so her face was partially obscured. Theresa nodded. “There, you’re ready, my lady.”

  ***

  Looking into the full-length mirror, Shade was wearing the newly designed ceremonial leathers from Cory, bearing the Medici crest on his chest. Closing his eyes, he let his hands drop to his sides, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. She was his, but until Malachi drank her blood, claimed her immortal and gave the Councils’ blessing of her entitlement to be Medici Queen, he wouldn’t be completely satisfied.

  Shade had no doubts she would rise to be a mighty queen, more so even than his madre, to show them all she was born to be his and rule as a Medici. He realized he’d lived his entire life for this night. To have his beloved bel rosso reign beside him. The ceremony wouldn’t be long, but filled with great tradition, and he knew Kate would be fine. He had fed her this night, right before leaving her to begin her own preparations. Those he loved were all here, Gi, Theresa, Marco, Luca, Raven, Marcello and Fiamma, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

  Gi stepped up behind him. “Master, the time has come for you to escort our Queen to the Throne Room. All has been arranged, everyone is waiting and in place. Malachi has not arrived, but I am sure he will make an appearance worthy of his high status.”

  Lifting the heavy red robe, Gi carefully placed it over Shade’s broad shoulders and defined back. He lifted the hood over his head and glanced over Shade’s shoulders as their eyes locked in the mirror. “Si, Master Shade, Christofano would approve. You befit your royal station, as does our queen. Hold your head up, show them who we honor as our master and king. Your madre and padre are among us this night. Neither would ever miss this event in your reign.”

  As Shade locked eyes with Gi, his words brought his chest up, his chin up, his eyes lit with pride. He stared at himself in the mirror and what he saw was what he had strived to become, a powerful master and king, in love and mated. Shade turned from the mirror, giving Gi a hug, which Gi returned in his fatherly fashion, but Shade’s own padre didn’t appear.

  “I am sure he will be in his glory this night, Gi. He told me in the chambers he has accepted bel as my queen, just as Madre has as well. Thank you for all you have done to make this happen, make everyone comfortable here. I can never repay your dedication to me, my queen and my coven.”

  Gi could feel the truth of his love for her. He had watched as his master lost his way many times in his search for his mate. But Gi never doubted his choice of Kate, and the greatest reign of Medici lay in their future. He hoped he survived to see the next generation grow and prosper.

  “There is one simple way to repay me, master. Walk out that door, claim your queen, and reign as only the Medici can.”

  As Gi gave him a smile, Shade spun on his heels and strolled to the door, walking proud and tall. Gi rushed out behind him to get to the Throne Room, making sure all the last-minute details were attended to, before the king and new queen arrived.

  Theresa had just finished adjusting the red robe when there was a tap at the door. She moved to answer it and Kate turned, trying to manage the long skirt on the gown and the heavy velvet robe with the hood. Kate heard the door open and could feel him as he entered. She didn’t have to look up to know it was Shade. Her head was bowed, and she saw his black boots, and a hint of the ceremonial leathers on his legs, and he too wore a long red robe. She raised her eyes to his and locked into that icy blue gaze. He gave her a soft smile as he walked to her and extended his hand. Kate placed her hand in his palm, and watched as he ran his thumb over the back of her hand. His dark olive colored skin was such a contrast to her lily white. Her voice barely above a whisper, she spoke to him. “I am ready, lover.”

  Raising her hand to his lips, he kissed her palm softly and laid it across his heart. “As am I, my Queen. I have been ready since I first laid eyes on you. I am with you, and I’ll not leave your side. Never show them fear, you are Medici. Show them all what I see.”

  Turning, he led her as he did several nights ago. She was immortal now, their hearts and souls forever joined in love. As he led her to the Throne Room, no one was anywhere about, the house was still and quiet. Castello was feeling grand and glorious, a great night for all of those belonging to Medici.

  Leading her along the great hall, there were many oil paintings of the past Medici reign, their ancestral history on display. He stopped at one grand portrait painted in oil, and Shade stood with Kate before the portrait of Madre, Padre and himself as a young boy and the memories came to him in waves.

  Kate recognized this painting from her very first visit to Castello, the first night she fed from him. “Lover, your mother, she came to me again tonight.”

  She looked at the face of the boy in the portrait and Theresa was right, his loneliness showed in his face. Kate’s heart broke for the child he was. She made a silent promise that his children would never know loneliness.

  “Did she? I’m not surprised. Look at this painting, mi amore, I had been at camp several years when this painting was done. Look at her face, bel, she was so beautiful and happy, as was Padre. They were very much in love, in their way.”

  He reached out as his fingers glided softly over Madre's face in the portrait. “I miss her very much. I am glad she came to you. It makes me feel comforted to know she is with both of us this night. She was a great queen, adored and loved.” He squeezed her hand. “I have no doubt you will be the mightiest queen Medici has ever seen. Are you ready?”

  “I’ll do everything within my power to live up to her example, to be deserving of this title, to earn the respect and loyalty of your coven, and to be everything you need from me as your queen. I’m ready.”

  “Then let us begin our journey.” Taking her hand, he led her to the side door of the Throne Room, speaking to her telepathically. “From this moment on, mi amore, if you need to speak to me, do it thusly. I will guide you, I will be right here beside you, always right here.”

  Sliding his hand under her chin, he tilted her face up and kissed her lips gently, whispering in her ear, “Ti amo.”

  “Then know this, my king, my master, my maker, my lover, my eternal mate, you are everything I’ve ever dreamed of, and my love for you knows no boundaries. You lead, and I will follow.”

  Taking Kate’s hand, Shade closed his eyes, letting their heartbeats synchronize. He squeezed her hand and felt her squeeze back and he knew they were ready. Willing the multitude of candles to light that surrounded the dais holding the two hand-carved, high back thrones, upholstered in red velvet, he was struck by the beauty and majesty the candlelight gave the room. How many times had his madre and padre sat there on these thrones, ruling with pride and glory? And now, their time had come.

  The candles were low, to signal to the entire room the royal couple was about to enter. The small chattering
noise of the gathered crowd hushed, and you could hear a pin drop inside the massive hall. Shade led her across the red carpet from the side portico to the center of the dais facing the throng of many. His highest ranked warriors lined the first five rows of the ancient hand-carved pews, worn smooth over the centuries. Seated behind the warriors were his household staff, members of the Medici coven, hand selected to serve the family. Following them were the highest masters of surrounding territories along with their mates. Many were here to show their respect and fealty to his queen.

  ”Keep your head down, mi amore, I will present you and then remove your robe. Keep your head down until I tell you to raise it.”

  Shade stepped forward, dropping his own robe and letting it fall ceremoniously to the edge of the dais and watched as Fiamma gathered it up quickly.

  He addressed the crowd, “Welcome to Medici Castello.”

  All were seated, and the center aisle was wide, a luxurious red carpet lined its path to the carpeted dais. The many candelabras gave the entire room a beautiful, soft glow and all eyes were locked on him.

  “I present to you my mate, Queen Katherine of Medici.”

  He turned and walked to Kate, her head still bowed. He faced her, blocking her from the audience’s view. He slowly lowered the hood from her face, and her crimson locks fell to her shoulders, her beauty astounding. He winked at her. ”I will now stand behind you, mi amore and remove the robe. As I do, you must lift your head high, face your people, the masters, and the Council. I will not leave your side.”

  Walking behind her, he reached around her shoulders, releasing the single button, and pulled the hooded cape from her shoulders. Her gown was as white as her skin and unfurled into glorious folds as he watched her head rise up. He willed the candles on the dais to burn brighter, encircling her in the light. My beautiful lily white! He watched as the entire congregation stood for her unveiling, in a giant wave to honor to his queen.