A Life Worth Living

Chapter 11

Lavinia De' Medici

Chapter Eleven

I wake up the next morning feeling fingers drag across my back.
I open my eyes and I'm blinded by the light.

"Francesco do you normally leave your curtains open in the morning?" I joke

I stretch in his arms as he chuckles.

"I've been waiting for you do get up for a while now." He says leaning over me

I kiss his cheek delicately.

"I'm not one who enjoys waking up. I favor the afternoon and late night." I say

He gets up walking to a dresser. Grabbing his clothes for the day and then laying them on the bed. I stare at his naked body shamelessly.

I notice he catches me raising his eyebrow. I huff and pull the covers over my head.

"Get up darling! I wish to take you for a walk. I have a meeting later today." He says

I can hear that smile in his voice. Not a smile I think most people see. He is such a serious man around other people. I'm glad I get to see the young man that's still within.

I dramatically throw the covers away and sit at the edge of the bed.

"Well, when you present it to me like that. Let me bathe and I'll be dressed and ready." I kiss him and run off with a sheet around me

As soon as I run out the door I see a servant walking directly in my path.

"Madonna, your up!" She says with a surprised look

"Yes, I'm sorry." I clear my throat

"This is your home, no need to feel embarrassed. Did you wish to bathe?" She smiles warmly

My home? I didn't even think that I run a household now.

"Yes, very much so. Thank you so much." I say

"Absolutely Madonna follow me. I will assist you." She says showing me the way

I follow her my bare feet cold on the floor.

She enters in a room with a beautiful clawfoot tub.

The woman grabs my sheet from me leaving me bare.

She notices me being slightly uncomfortable.

"We're you ever naked in front of your other servants? You were a Medici no?" She asks curiously

I drop my arms down by my side.

"Yes, I had known her since I was very young. Not many have seen me without clothes. I apologize." I say

"Well, I doubt I will ever leave your side Madonna. No need to feel uncomfortable with me." She says with a bright smile

She motions me in the tub and I step in. The water is hot and covers my body completely.

"What is your name?" I ask

She wets my hair and starts brushing it back.

"My name is Vittoria." She says

She works in silence from that point on. My hair is getting the wash of its life. She isn't scared of it and I am so thankful for that.

Before I know it it's all done and she is drying me off. She pins my hair in an updo so that the dampness isn't noticeable.

She gets me dressed and I meet Francesco in our courtyard.

He grabs my hand leading me outside.