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Chapter Two

Tinoro waves me to the north side of the roof, where we can see over the wall at Ianiculum. Fog is coming in, but it doesn’t yet obscure the view of the lines of Empire soldiers at the gates of Rome. It’s not an unusual sight.

The two weeks I was supposed to spend in Rome have turned into two years. I’m aware of the patterns. There are always threats at the gate, and they are always averted. It’s a game every time.

“That’s my wife’s uncle,” I say, standing next to him with my arquebus over my shoulder.

My friend spits a little laugh. “Well, he’s a sweet target in the white cape.”

“She loved that cloak. He told her if she ran fast enough wearing it, she’d fly.

” I sling the rifle off my shoulder and look along the barrel at the man on horseback, rallying his troops.

The cape is blinding in the sun. Idiot. “He was the only one who gave a shit about her. My brother said when he changed sides and fought against France, she wept for two days.”

“That was three years ago. When was the last time you saw her?”

“We haven’t seen him since he was stripped. Lands and title. Everything.” I dodge the question. The fact is, the last time I saw my son, he could barely wield a wooden practice sword.

Tinoro takes the hint.

“You don’t turn down a marriage proposal from the French king’s mother.” Tinoro folds his arms over his chest, feet set apart. “So now Bourbon’s as broke as Aurelius, and I hear the Empire hasn’t fed those men in days.”

“Is Clement negotiating yet?” I ask about the Pope, who’s separated Rome from its own empire. “Or is he proving a point?”

“Probably yes to both.”

“I’m bored already.” I wave away the army my wife’s uncle is gathering.

“I don’t like it.” Tinoro looks over at the wall. He still has night terrors from a battle two years ago.

I grab him by the back of the neck and draw him closer.

“Nothing’s going to happen.” I put his lips to mine and kiss him hard, then push him away, holding his jaw to see if he believes me. He doesn’t. I let go.

“I’m going to have to get out of Rome soon,” he says. “It’s been too long.”

“I paid the whores through tomorrow night.” I clap his shoulder. “I intend for us to get my money’s worth.”

He laughs. “We’ve been getting your money’s worth for months.”

“And you’ve been telling me you’re getting out of Rome for months.”

We head back downstairs.