The Mistress

Chapter 28. Tears of Joy

28

1495, Montefalco Italy

          Micheletto had caved and I couldn't be more excited. Finally I was getting out of this tiny cottage. It felt good standing outside and it didn't hurt that it was nice out. The shabby home almost looked like a painting, the clear blue sky's behind it almost looked heavenly. It must have been God who has blessed us with such a lovely day to leave this place. Though I looked at the home with fondness. It was some where that I lived so briefly but I will remember this place forever. No matter what happens with this baby, these memories will be with me forever.

            Valentino had sent a carriage for us and our belongings, though we didn't have much. He was not here but a note was sent with the coachman. Valentino apologized for not being able to be here as he had business to do. That's was okay with me, since we don't have much he would have had nothing to do. Micheletto did most of the work, not that it was back breaking or anything. He walked by me, putting a small trunk on the back on the carriage. I held Onyx close to my breast, the black cat pushed his face up against mine over and over as his sweet purrs warmed my heart. Micheletto was ready to kill Onyx because the cat kept weaving in between his legs as he was walking. I had to pick Onyx up to stop him from annoying Micheletto any further. Still as I looked up at this small home I smiled. It took a bit but I was able to get us out of here. My smile must have seemed wicked because Micheletto approached me. He used his hand to raise my chin up so I could look into his eyes. They were not angry, his dark brown eyes gave me a look that said he trusted me but he was cautious. "You are more fox than you let on." His eyes narrowed but I swear I saw a hint of a smile. Once he gently released my chin he said "You better know what you are doing."
"I don't know what you are talking about." I shrugged and brought my lips down to the black cat and kissed the top of his head.
"That charm of yours can get you far." Before I could say anything Onyx started to break from my grip. He bolted towards the carriage and jumped right in. He sat right inside, his yellow eyes were closed like he was at utter bliss. I could swear he was smiling. "Please." Micheletto let out a deep sigh. "Tell me you are not taking the cat." He didn't let me answer because he knew. "Does your friend Val know you plan to bring a pet?"
"No." I turned back to Micheletto and I think he was grinding his teeth. "But I am sure he wouldn't mind, he mostly cares for himself." It is true, other than giving the cat a few things from my plate and letting it sleep in our home, we did nothing for it. "He probably won't even notice." I shrugged.
"Get in the carriage princess." He was trying to insult me a bit but It didn't work. His voice was annoyed but he also winked at me.
Inside the carriage I found the beautiful black cat relaxing in the seat. His fluffy tailed slowly bobbed up and down. The air from the outside blew in and Onyx lifted his nose to smell the air. This cat was the fox in sheep clothing. He stayed around for food and since he knows his food source is leaving he is joining them. I'm sure that before we were here the cat wasn't eating well but now he was going to a villa.

The shade of the overhanging trees made the light flicker on my eyes. I had resorted to doing what the cat had been doing, sticking my head towards the breeze. It was relaxing to watch the tree pass by. Gabrielle seemed uninterested as she rode silently in the carriage. Micheletto rode on one of our horses outside. He had this thing he would do where he rides quickly ahead of us and he goes out of sight then not a few minutes later he would come riding back. He was scouting of course but I also think he just likes to gallop on a horse. Equestrianism is very much a male hobby. Cesare and Micheletto's horses are pure Spanish, they took care of them better than most men take care of their wives. I myself don't see the appeal. But Micheletto and Cesare love riding, they would go out for hours. They come back smelling so horrid all the time and they were always damp, I would hope from sweat. Although I have no need to confirm. But now I look back and I do miss those days. Watching the men compete in different sports normally was very boring but right now I would take it. Even if the socializing felt fake. It was always a gathering to watch men partake in different activities. The men look forward to it so they can show off and the women look forward to the gossip. I used to groan when I had to go to these things, preferring to do more relaxing activities, but now I dreamed of it. Anything to get my mind off of the situation I am in.