The Medici Girl

Abuse in the Streets

Claudia followed Contessina through the streets of Firenze as the sun rose to its zenith in the sky. The weather had warmed some, thankfully, but it did not help with the wind that picked up during the daylight hours. The wind did not affect the people of Firenze in the slightest as they busied themselves with their trade in art or selling goods. The city was bustling with activity more than usual which made it harder for the Auditore girl to keep up with Contessina who was so focused on her mission. When the blond girl asked Claudia if she wanted to go with her to find material for a dress, this was not what the younger girl had in mind. 

If it were not for Contessina's blond hair that stood out in a sea of dark haired italians, Claudia would have lost her for good. Contessina stopped ahead to scan the crowded street for her and luckily Claudia was not too far away, so she ran up to the blond without hesitation. She had never seen the streets so busy before, although it had only been a couple days since Christmas and Claudia wanted to spend some of the florins that she had gotten. 

"I thought I had lost you in the crowd back there." Contessina said as Claudia grabbed on to her arm. 

"It is very  busy today. I hope they haven't sold out of those pretty gems at the jewelers over Christmas." The young Auditore said looping her arm through Contessina's. 

"I hope not either because someone's birthday is coming up." Contessina smiled at her sister and pulled her along. "I would hate it if the gems disappeared all of a sudden." 

"You don't think someone bought them all did you?" Claudia had been collecting the glass gems that came from Venezia since she was little. By now she had one of every color and size; if not more. The pink ones were her favorite and some had even been made into beads to string on a chain. "I was hoping to get a teal one this time." 

"I'm sure if they don't have one there will be one in eventually. If not, I suppose we will have to go to Venezia ourselves to get it." The blond girl said with a giggle as they walked towards the seamstress' shop. "Now, if we go pick out some material for your new dress, I may be able to finish it with Cammillia before your birthday." It was no secret that she and the auburn haired wife of Federico were working on Claudia's dress for a couple months now. It was almost done, but it needed something extra. Not to mention Contessina needed material for her own dress because her birthday was also coming up in March. 

"I have been wondering, do you love my brother?" Claudia asked catching Contessina off guard with the question. "I've known you for a long time, but I don't think I've seen you and Ezio act like my mother and father or Federico and Cammillia." 

"I do love him, in a way. Not like your parents love each other, more like...close friends." She had to think about it a moment, but that was the best way to explain it to Claudia. "Ezio is complicated and I suppose I am as well. Do I think we could love each other like that? Maybe so, given the time or if we allow it to ourselves, but right now it is not something to worry about." She was being as honest as she could be without giving away her deepest secrets on the matter.

"I love Duccio, but I am not sure he loves me like I want him to." The younger girl said. 

"The only way to know is to ask him. Otherwise you two will dance around each other and you will get hurt in the process." That was the last thing she wanted for Claudia. The girl was still young and had every opportunity to marry someone she loved. Someone who does deserve her, not the idiot boy who keeps stringing her along. "Come on, the shop is not much further ahead." 

"Signora Contessina!" She heard a familiar voice through the crowd and spotted a recently made friend. 

"Leonardo!" Contessina said as the artist came up to her and embraced her. "What are you doing away from your workshop?" She asked pulling away from him with a smile on her lips. She was truly happy to see him.