The Gilded Cage

Chapter Seven: Adele

On the Docks of Santnare

My nightmare persisted even after we disembarked at the docks of Santnare. It clung to me like a shadow, refusing to fade as the ship's wooden planks gave way to the stone streets of the city. The sense of foreboding was so strong that I couldn't bear to let Julian out of my sight, even when Cesare took him to the helm of the ship to distract him. Cesare said nothing about my fear, offering only quiet reassurances that he would keep Julian and me safe. Yet, the dream felt like a warning, an omen of the dangers that lay ahead.

"Mama, are you alwight?" Julian's small voice pulled me from my thoughts. I looked down at him, his innocent face creased with worry. It pained me to see such concern in his golden eyes at such a tender age.

I forced a bright smile, squeezing his hand in mine. "I am, my love. Mama is all right."

He gave me a serious look, his brow furrowed in a way that reminded me so much of Cesare. "But you haven't been sweeping."

I knelt down to his level, looking directly into his eyes, "It's all right, my sweet. I had a bad dream, but I'm better now."

He nodded solemnly, then his face lit up with determination. "Okay, but I'm bwave. I'll keep the bad dweams away."

I couldn't help but smile, leaning in to kiss his soft cheek. "My brave knight."

We arrived in Santnare under the cover of night, the moon shrouded by heavy clouds, casting a thick veil of darkness over the city. Our entry was as discreet as it was necessary, slipping into the luxurious Bonaparte four-horse carriage with as little attention as possible. Cesare carefully carried Julian inside, passing him to me as I settled into the plush interior. A sharp tap on the carriage roof signaled the driver to begin the journey forward.

As we moved through the quiet, cobblestone streets, I finally allowed myself a small sigh of relief. The city, once a place of turmoil, now felt distant as I gently ran my fingers through Julian's hair, his head resting peacefully on my lap.

"I apologize," Cesare's voice broke the silence, surprising me with its unexpected softness.

I looked up to find Cesare watching me closely, his expression unreadable in the dim light. "Pardon, Your Grace?"

His jaw tensed slightly, as if the words were difficult for him to say. "I apologize for striking you. I didn't mean—"

"It's forgiven," I interjected quickly, my voice wavering slightly as a pang of guilt twisted in my chest for the fear and anxiety that had gripped me so intensely.

"Forgiven, but not forgotten," Cesare murmured quietly, his gaze drifting back to the shadowy streets as we continued our journey through the dimly lit alleys of Santnare.

"When will this marriage take place?" I asked abruptly, unable to contain the worry gnawing at the edges of my mind.

Cesare looked out of the window, his features cast in shadow, making his expression unreadable. "At the end of this week. I need to gather the necessary documents and find a willing clergyman."

I nodded slowly, trying to mask the apprehension tightening around my chest. "I'm sure you'll find someone suitable."

"At the right price, I can find anyone," Cesare replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice as he continued to gaze at the passing cityscape.

The carriage rumbled on, carrying us toward an uncertain future cloaked in darkness.

The manor loomed before us as grand and imposing as it had been three years ago. The meticulously manicured landscape wrapped around the back to the famed gardens, where whispers of the past still lingered. Memories flooded back—of the five months I had spent here, of the endless practicing, the attempts on my life, and the simmering jealousy of Lucrezia Della Valle. I bit down on the urge to cry as the carriage came to a stop, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and nostalgia.

Cesare stepped out of the carriage first, his movements deliberate and composed. I looked down at Julian, who slept peacefully during the hour-long drive, his small chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

"Adele." Cesare's voice was uncharacteristically gentle, drawing my attention. I looked up to find him standing by the carriage, his hand extended. "I can take him."

I hesitated, wanting to hold onto my little boy for just a while longer, to keep him close and safe. But I knew it would be difficult to climb out without jostling him. Reluctantly, I nodded and carefully moved Julian into Cesare's arms. He cradled Julian against his chest, allowing the boy's head to rest on his shoulder as Julian instinctively wrapped his tiny arms around his father's neck. In the dim light, I saw something soften in Cesare's hard features as he looked down at our son, a tenderness that caught me by surprise.

Cesare looked up, catching my gaze. "Are you coming out now?"

I slept soundly for the first time in days, waking to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the large windows of the manor. The room was the same one I had occupied during my first stay here, with its high ceilings, ornate furnishings, and the faint scent of roses lingering in the air. I turned to see Julian sitting up on the bed, his wide eyes taking in the surroundings with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

"Mama, are we in a pawace?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

I smiled at him, sitting up and pulling him close. "No, darling, it's called a manor. It's smaller than a castle but much bigger than our old home."

"Whewe is Sir?" Julian asked, furrowing his little brow.

"Sir?" I repeated, confused for a moment.

"That man who came to get us—Sir."

"You mean Lord Cesare?"

He nodded with conviction. "Sir. Whewe is he?"

"He lets you call him Sir?"

"That's his name."

I couldn't help but laugh softly. "You're right, my sweet. He's most likely busy right now. I don't even know what time it is or how long we've been sleeping."

"A lady came by eawliew," Julian added, his little face scrunching up as he tried to remember.

"A lady?" I echoed, intrigued.

"Yes, she said her name was..." He paused, his face deep in thought, a mirror of Cesare's serious expressions. "Epony?"

My heart skipped a beat at the familiar name. "Epony?"

His eyes lit up, "Yes! She said she'd be back."

I quickly pushed myself out of bed, searching for a wrap to cover myself. Just as I found one, a soft knock echoed through the room, stopping me in my tracks.

"Come in," I called out, my voice tinged with anticipation.

The door opened, and there stood Epony, her warm smile lighting up her face. Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed over to her, grasping her hands with a smile that mirrored her own.

"My lady," Epony said, her voice thick with emotion. "It is so good to see you again."

"And you, Epony," I replied, my voice trembling with gratitude and relief. "It feels like a lifetime since I last saw you."

As we stood there, hand in hand, the weight of the past seemed to lift just a little, replaced by the comfort of a familiar presence. The future was still uncertain, and the shadows of Santnare loomed large, but in that moment, surrounded by the walls of the manor and the people who mattered most, I felt a glimmer of hope.

Later that morning, as I dressed Julian and myself, Epony stayed close by, offering her assistance as she always had. The familiarity of her presence was like a balm to my anxious heart, and I found myself able to smile, even laugh, at Julian's innocent questions and observations.

The day ahead was bound to be full of challenges, and the journey was far from over, but for now, I allowed myself to savor the small joys—the warmth of the sun streaming through the windows, the sound of Julian's laughter, and the comfort of an old friend's reassuring presence.As I stepped out of the room, Julian's hand in mine, I felt a surge of determination. Whatever awaited us in Santnare, I was ready to face it.