“I thought that’s why we had servants.” She sipped the blood delicately.
“Servants can be incompetent. I need to execute Stefan for that reason. May I have your permission to do so here?”
“You’re welcome to use our torture chamber, if you wish.”#p#分页标题#e#
“That won’t be necessary. All I require is your aid in having the head and body burned. I shall execute him personally.” The Prince’s attention returned to his glass, and he stared into the blackish depths.
“Of course.” Her eyebrows drew together. “If news were to reach you that the Curia desired Umbria, would you tell me?”
“Yes.” He looked at her carefully. “Can I hope the same from you?”
“As always. You have been an excellent ally and neighbor. Would that all the royals in Italy were the same.” Her rosy lips pouted. “The last time you visited me, you kept me at arm’s length.”
“I was hunting.” He drained his glass.
“Yes, an American family. My spies tell me you drove them out of Umbria, but you didn’t kill them. I find that curious.”
The Prince rose and placed his glass on the tray. “With respect, princess, I am eager to dispatch the detachment to Rome. I am grateful for your friendship, as always. I promise friendship in return.”
Simonetta put her glass aside and stood, her long, flaxen hair slipping over her pale shoulders. “Surely your departure can be delayed.
“Come, William. Send the detachment, and I’ll order one of my patrols to accompany them to the southern border. We can entertain one another in the meantime. I’ve missed you.” She reached for him, but caught only air.
He bowed to cover his evasion.
“Your offer of support is appreciated, but it’s best if the detachment departs as soon as possible, unaccompanied.
“As to your other offer, you honor me with your attention, but I must take my leave. Florence needs me.”
Simonetta lifted her hand and placed it against his cheek.
She studied him.
“There was a time when you leaned into my touch.” She stroked his cheek with her thumb and withdrew her hand. “Something has changed.”
He forced a smile. “You are a delight to look upon as always, Bella. But I am in haste.”
“Let us not lie to one another. Not about this.” She returned to her couch. “I don’t suppose Aoibhe is the reason for your indifference?”
William straightened. “I am hardly indifferent.” He forced his gaze to wander over her comely form.
“Ah, my old friend, that was a lie.
“I’ve seen you distracted, but this is something else. One might almost think you’re in love.” Her beautiful face grew grave. “I know our kind only too well, William. We don’t love. Even if we enjoy a fascination for a time, all good things for us must end.”
She paused, as if waiting for him to respond.
He simply stood, worried he’d given too much away.
She gestured toward the door. “Execute your physician, send your detachment, and take your leave. May your beautiful city remain safe, and may we always be allies.”
William’s face grew grim. He retreated, pausing in the doorway. “Thank you, princess.”
She waved her fingers at him and returned her attention to her goblet of blood.
As William exited the doorway, he realized he had been the only one to gaze into the mirrors, noting their reflections. Simonetta hadn’t bothered.
Instead, she’d sat like a bird in a gilded cage, watching his reactions.
He felt a good deal more than uncomfortable at the realization.
Chapter Fifteen
ISPETTOR SERGIO BATELLI ascended the staircase from the crime scene to Raven Wood’s apartment, muttering curses.#p#分页标题#e#
The body of an American man had been found inside the door to Signorina Wood’s apartment building by paramedics, who had been called to the scene by someone claiming to be a neighbor. Once they arrived, they’d tried to resuscitate the victim, but to no avail.
The investigating officer had written in his report that the victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Before an autopsy could be performed, someone from the American consulate had appeared, demanding the body. The local police refused. The autopsy had been postponed while superiors on both sides of the conflict argued.
Batelli’s colleagues had already searched Signorina Wood’s apartment. He tore through the tape that sealed the door and opened it. He risked the ire of his superiors, as well as that of the officer in charge, but he didn’t care.
He flicked the light switch.
The apartment was clean, exceptionally so. Scents of lemon and orange filled his nostrils. But the apartment was empty.