The Secret Muse (#1)

Chapter 15

1937, England

"Dad?" I said as I leaned 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 in 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 placed his hands on my shoulders as his emerald orbs bore pain and loss towards 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 could 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 smiled sweetly.

Chuckling, he surprisingly nodded yes. "Very well then, my stubborn child. It's best if we sit down." We headed 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 leaned 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 felt tired and heavy when I sat up on the bed. When my eyes wandered around the room, I noticed that I no longer knew where I was. 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 were 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 gasped. "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 saviour 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.