Between Darkness & Light

by Theresa Van Spankeren

  Feeling foolish, I whispered, “Samuel knows what I did.”

  “Si, he sensed it, of course,” Matthew answered. “We didn’t think it would be a good idea for him to see you so Kali didn’t let him in.”

  I sighed. “I never wanted him to know about the cutting.”

  “I know, but it is hard to hide when you do it in a suicide attempt,” Matthew chided.

  “It is too dangerous for Julia here. It may be better if you take her with you back to Villa Medici for a while. Leave me to talk to Samuel and Mary Anne.”

  I lifted my head slightly to stare at her. Beside me, Matthew narrowed his eyes. “Wait a second. Is this why you wanted me to go there? Did you foresee this?” he demanded.

  Kali looked unperturbed by our accusatory looks. “Did I foresee this specifically? No. I did see that another safe place needed to be secured soon.”

  I frowned at her before turning my gaze back to Matthew. “Wait. It is all humans there. Are you sure it will be safe enough?”

  He laughed softly. “They have their own private army. We’ll be all right there. The Hunters wouldn’t try to attack the villa because it would look like they’re out to assassinate Ferdinando and the family would retaliate. Amita’s group won’t go near because the Medici family is too well known. They don’t want that kind of attention yet.”

  I looked at Kali again. “I don’t want to leave you and Stephen here alone.”

  “I can handle things here. No need to worry about us. You should go now, while it’s still dark. Take Christina with you, Matthew. The twins are trustworthy. Her brother will stay here and help me. Be careful and get there safely. Julia isn’t ready to fight.”

  He nodded as I struggled upright and stared at her. “Remember your promise, Kali.”

  “Wait a minute! You broke your promise to me! Why are you making her keep hers?”

  “It’s a matter of life or death.”

  Matthew’s eyes darkened. “It is for you too,” he muttered.

  Kali sighed. “I know. I promise, Julia.”

  “Good,” I whispered tiredly.

  Matthew looked at her. “Could you get Christina? I’ll finish getting things ready in here.” He paused, then added, “And please try to be discreet. I don’t want a huge scene when we leave.”

  Kali nodded. “I understand,” she answered and got to her feet. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  I watched as Matthew gathered a few bags and packed some weapons into them. He looked up at me. “Am I going to have to keep sharp objects and wood away from you?”

  I shook my head. “No, you aren’t.”

  He frowned. “On second thought, maybe I should.”

  “You really don’t have to.”

  “You just tried to kill yourself. I think it’s a good idea for a little while,” Matthew replied as he finished packing the weapons.

  A moment later, Kali and Christina walked in. Christina immediately rushed to my side. “You gave us a scare, Julia. What were you thinking?!”

  I shrugged but didn’t answer. She frowned and looked toward the other two. Kali was staring at Matthew. After a few seconds, he scowled at her. “What?” he whined.

  “Samuel wants to know how Julia is.”

  His expression turned to anger. “Considering Julia thought he was taking Sandro’s side, tell him it’s none of his business. I’m taking care of her at the moment and I say nobody needs to know anything right now.”

  Kali gave him a dubious look. “If I tell him that he’s going to break this door down.”

  “He shouldn’t see her! He and the other two caused this!”

  Kali nodded but said, “Julia thought everyone believed them, including you. Shouldn’t you ask her what she wants to do? She is awake, you know.”

  Matthew glanced guiltily at me. “Sorry, Julia. It is your choice. What do you want him to know? Or do you want to see him?”

  I bit my lip, then said, “Tell him I’m awake but I don’t want to see him.”

  Kali nodded and Matthew said, “And let me know when the carriage arrives.”

  “I will,” Kali said and left the room again.

  Matthew stacked the bags in one of the corners. “Do you feel well enough to walk out when the carriage arrives? Or do I have to carry you out?”

  I weakly reached up, grabbed a pillow, and threw it at him. “I’ll walk out!”

  He ducked, grinning. “As you wish. That is, if you can.”

  Christina snickered and shook her head, before sitting down next to me. Matthew settled down and sharpened his sword. I lay back and closed my eyes.

  I woke when I heard Kali say, “The carriage is here, Matthew. Samuel really doesn’t like our idea.”

  “Per làmore di Dio, I don’t care!” Matthew said. “They need time apart to calm down. Sandro and Chiara are a threat to Julia! He needs to deal with that. Until then, it’s better if she stays somewhere else.”

  Kali nodded and walked to my side. “Are you awake, Julia?”

  “Yes,” I said and opened my eyes. I struggled to my feet, determined to amble out. Matthew was quickly at my side. “Don’t carry me,” I ordered. “I can walk.”

  “Stop being so stubborn.”

  “I will not be carried. Sandro and Chiara would find it hilarious if they saw you do that.”

  “Would you at least let me help you out to the carriage? If you fall flat on your face, they will laugh even more.”

  I scowled and gave in. “Fine.”

  Matthew slid his arm around my waist and picked up one of the bags from the floor with his other hand. Christina and Kali took the rest and followed us outside. I didn’t take my eyes off the floor until I was helped inside our transport. Matthew helped load the luggage before he and Christina joined me.

  I leaned back and watched the buildings as we rolled down the street. I felt my companions’ eyes on me, but I was in no mood to talk. When we arrived at Villa Medici, I rolled my eyes at Matthew. As we pulled up next to a plain gate and stepped out, I asked, “This is the best the Medici family could build?”

  He chuckled as we proceeded down a long walled pathway. When we emerged, it was to a large open area. To my right and directly in front of me small paths weaved between various trees and shrubs leading deeper into the gardens. To my left the villa towered over us. Becoming lightheaded from tilting my head so far to see the entire façade, I swayed against Matthew, who tightened his hold on my left elbow.

  “Oh,” I gasped as my eyes took in the many reliefs that covered the wall from the ground to the two terraced observation towers at the top. They depicted scenes from ancient Roman rituals. In between these were niches set into the wall that housed beautiful statues of both men and women.

  Christina giggled on my other side. “Such beauty on a single wall! The entrance is deceptively plain. There even appears to be statues in the gardens!”

  “You really thought Ferdinando would have such a simple building? I think he delights in surprising his visitors,” Matthew commented. “You haven’t even seen inside yet.”

  Both Christina and I stared at him in amazement. “It’s even more decorated inside?” she questioned.

  Matthew grinned. “You haven’t seen anything yet,” he answered as he escorted us up the stairs to the entrance. When we were admitted, we found ourselves surrounded by tapestries and several full-sized sculptures.

  Before I could study the artwork more closely, a gentleman who looked to be about forty years old came down the stairs. “Matteo, what a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you for a few days. Who is that with you?”

  Matthew stepped over and shook his hand. “There has been a change in plans. This is Giuliana, my sister-in-law,” he lied. “Christina is her friend. Christina and Giuliana, this is Ferdinando de’ Medici.”

  “Ciao,” I said, and gave a shaky curtsy to the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Christina’s curtsy was much more elegant. His calculating eyes studied us, especially me, before turning to Matthe
w.

  “Your sister-in-law looks unwell, Matteo.”

  He nodded gravely. “That is the reason I am here so soon. May I have a word with you privately? I do not wish to frighten the women further.”

  Ferdinando nodded. “Belinda will take the ladies to their rooms while we talk.”

  Matthew nodded as a servant girl appeared and smiled tentatively at us. “Go on, Julia. Get some rest. I’ll see you both tomorrow,” Matthew whispered in my ear. He gently pushed me toward the girl.

  I nodded and unsteadily followed them upstairs. Belinda stopped at the second door on the right side of the hall. “Signora Giuliana, this is your room,” she said, opening the door. My bag had already been taken up.

  “Grazie,” I said, stepping into the room. She hovered uncertainly by the door. “What is it?”

  “Do you also keep the same hours as your brother-in-law?” she inquired.

  I nodded. “Sì, Belinda. I trust that is not a problem?”

  “No, no problem. Good night, Signora Giuliana. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

  “Good night,” I said, shutting the door.

  Chapter 22

  I was awakened by Belinda early the next evening. I sat on the edge of the bed and watched as she bustled around the room. She glanced at me and smiled. “Let’s see what you can wear tonight, Signora Giuliana.”

  I stood and pulled out three of my dresses and held them up for the woman’s inspection. Lines of disapproval creased her dark eyes, due, I think, to the obvious fact that I had not hung them up last night before I retired. She studied each one, then pointed to the dark green dress with puffed sleeves at the shoulders and gold trim around the waist and elbows. “Why don’t you wear this? It’s lovely.”

  It was also the least wrinkled of the three. I nodded and put away the other two under Belinda’s watchful eye. I allowed the young woman to help lace up the dress and fuss with my hair. She braided my hair and pinned it up. “Grazie,” I said gratefully.

  Belinda curtsied and left the room. My thoughts started to drift to what had led us here. Not wishing to dwell on that, I left my room in search of Matthew and Christina. Downstairs, I found Matthew sitting in a dining hall with a young woman of about sixteen years. He put down his glass of wine and got to his feet. A minute later he was at my side. “Julia, I didn’t expect you to be out yet.”

  “Belinda woke me up. It’s all right. I didn’t mind.”

  Matthew sighed. “I hope she didn’t disturb you. How are you feeling?”

  I shrugged. “A little weak, but better. Who’s that with you?” I asked, changing the subject.

  He glanced at the girl behind him. “That is Maria de’ Medici, Ferdinando’s niece and ward,” he replied. “Would you like to join us for some wine and cheese?”

  I nodded and he led me to the table and made introductions. As I sat down next to Matthew, I smiled at the somber girl, whose light brown hair was adorned with pearls. “Ciao, Maria.”

  “Ciao, Signora. Are you feeling better tonight?”

  I poured myself a glass of wine and picked up a piece of cheese, trying to appear normal. “Sì, grazie,” I replied, looking toward Matthew. I wondered what exactly he had told the Medici family. Hearing the young woman’s name caused a ripple of sorrow as I thought of my daughter. How close her name was to Marie’s! Would the grief of losing her ever go away?

  An hour later, it was only Matthew and I left in the room. I took another sip of wine and looked at him. “So what did you tell Ferdinando to let me stay here? Besides the fact that I’m your ‘sister -in -law?’”

  “I told him that you moved here a few years ago from England after your husband died. You had been attacked at your home and injured. The servant with you was killed defending you. I needed to take you to a safe place. Ferdinando was most understanding.”

  I stared at him, taken aback by the story he had weaved. “You crafted quite the tale there.” I smiled and asked, “However did you meet the Medicis, Matthew? How did you get so close to them?”

  Matthew sat back and stared at me. “After you all dropped me off in Florence, I found myself a nice place, money, clothes.” He shrugged. “Ferdinando’s brother was the Grand Duke at the time. I met with one of his bureaucrats and became a political advisor.”

  “Is that how you met? At one of your meetings?”

  He smiled. “Actually no, it wasn’t. We crossed paths one evening during a storm. A horse spooked in front of the family. I pushed Maria out of harm’s way. She was nine at the time. I guess you could say I’ve been on good terms with the family ever since.”

  I chuckled at the simple way Matthew had become involved with the Medici family. I had always imagined something grander – negotiating a political deal or the like – not a chance encounter and an act of kindness leading to a burgeoning friendship. “And they aren’t concerned about not seeing you in daylight?” I asked in curiosity.

  Matthew threw back his head and laughed. “Apparently when there are rumors of poisonings and potential unrest, it is advantageous to have someone you trust up at night.”

  “You have become his guard?”

  He shrugged. “That doesn’t quite describe it. I’m his advisor, his friend, and yes, sometimes I watch over things at night.”

  “Are you talking about anything important?” Christina asked, walking in.

  “Not really,” Matthew replied. “We were discussing how I know our hosts.”

  Christina smiled. “I see. I was thinking that you would be ready to eat . . . uh, supper soon.”

  I nodded. “That might be a good idea. What do you think, Matthew?”

  “I think it’s a great idea, especially for you to eat.”

  “So where shall we go? The villa here isn’t suitable,” I replied.

  “There’s a small tavern outside of Villa Medici. We could go there.”

  “She looks hungry,” Christina commented.

  “I think so too. I suppose we should go before she eats all of the ‘food’ here,” he replied.

  “Very funny,” I said, making a face at him.

  “I thought so,” he said with a smile.

  “You have a strange sense of humor, Matthew,” Christina said.

  “You have no idea,” I replied.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Julia,” he said innocently as he got to his feet.

  “Right,” I muttered, looking at Christina. She shook her head and threw up her arms in defeat. I laughed. “Time to show us where to eat, Matthew.”

  He nodded and we followed him out onto the grounds. We walked down the central path to the gate. Matthew said a few words to the guard, who unlocked it. We continued to our destination half a block away.

  “We can eat here,” Matthew informed us. I searched the area for a sign of other vampires or Hunters but none were around. I nodded at his words and pushed open the door. I entered first and they followed me. Several men looked up at our entrance and studied both Christina and me with predatory eyes.

  Their gazes abruptly dropped down to their drinks and meals again when Matthew entered. I looked toward him to see what had caused the sudden reaction and noticed the crest of the Medici family boldly displayed on his left sleeve. I smiled, realizing the symbol was enough to keep most humans off our backs for now. We took a table on the left side of the room. Each of us ordered wine and sat sipping it and watching the humans.

  About a half hour later, we followed a group of three men out the door. I fed automatically, not fully savoring the blood I took. So far tonight, our conversations had been superficial at best. I dreaded going back because I knew that would change when we returned to Villa Medici now that most of the humans had gone to bed. I really didn’t want to talk about the past few days.

  As soon as we got back Christina left us to explore the rest of the villa. Matthew led me down one of the garden paths to an area with a stone bench and a small fountain. After we sat down, he turned and studied me. “I’m surpr
ised you’re wearing that dress. You must have agreed with Belinda.”

  “I decided it would be best to adapt to the mortals’ traditions as much as possible during our stay here. We don’t want to raise too many questions.”

  “I know you despise wearing those fancy dresses again.”

  I gave a faint shrug. “It could be worse.”

  Matthew nodded and looked over the gardens. “The Medici’s are having a dinner tomorrow night. That is what all the preparation has been for. However, after tomorrow, very late at night, wear trousers or at least a plainer dress.”

  I looked at him in confusion. This was not the conversation I was expecting to have when we got back. I had expected more questions or scolding. “Why?”

  “So you can continue training.”

  “Really?”

  Matthew nodded. He stared at the fountain, before looking back at me with an apologetic smile. “I know you were expecting me to yell at you for trying to kill yourself, but that’s not what I want to discuss. We already dealt with that. I understand your reasoning even if I don’t agree with it. I wanted to apologize for not getting home sooner to avert the problem.”

  “What difference would that have made?”

  “You asked a question earlier that night and I didn’t get a chance to answer. Maybe if I had, things wouldn’t have gone the way they did. If I had any idea that you all were going to have a philosophical discussion on the nature of vampires with Lane . . .” He paused, then said, “You must have noticed differences in the way Samuel and I train.”

  I raised my eyebrows at him. “I have noticed some differences. Why is that? And how does that fit in with Samuel having difficulty accepting my ability?”

  “I’ve adapted to being a vampire much easier than he has.” He met my gaze and said, “I’m assuming after your disagreement you are worried that all of us secretly hate being vampires.”

  “It’s a thought that crossed mind. I also wonder if Samuel secretly despises all of us.”

  Matthew sighed. “Like you, I decided to become a vampire. So did everyone else who has been a part of our ka-tet. For us, it was a choice. Honestly, I embraced the idea. I had already known as a human that certain – abilities – existed. For me, it was fun to discover what I and others could do.”