Page 328 of DATE
"My children are still young, and Clarice is too inexperienced," Lorenzo closed his eyes and said.
"You've inherited this name. You will never be able to leave it inthis lifetime."
Hedy clutched the ring, which she hadn’t held in nine years. Tears began to fall uncontrollably.
"The north is left to Da Vinci; he knows what to do."
"On the left side of the desk, you'll find information about the banking sector."
"Nino is a reliable young man. He could serve as your second-in-command."
"After Florence unites... it will need reform."
"And the academy..." He took a deep breath, trying to pass on more, but even breathing now triggered a burning sensation.
His stomach, heart, lungs—every part of his body—was slipping out of control.
Hedy was trembling at his side, sobbing uncontrollably, unable to form a coherent word.
"You can't die..." she gasped, her breath quickening, her voice thick with unshed tears. "Lorenzo, Florence needs you. The Medici family needs you—"
"I’ve returned as quickly as I could, Lorenzo—"
"I know." Lorenzo smiled with his eyes closed. "You’re not late."
"Hedy," he released her hand, murmuring her name. "Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler... Medici."
At least his surname would forever be engraved in her name.
"Hedwig, turn around and play me one more song."
She hastily wiped the tears off her face, even staining his sleeve.
"No... Lorenzo, maybe..."
"This is my final order." His eyes remained closed, letting out a weary sigh. "I don’t want to say it again."
"Lorenzo..." She unsteadily stood, realizing he was still enduring the pain and spasms.
Even his fingers, gripping the armrest, were turning white.
"Turn around. Go."
The tears wouldn’t stop. Hot, damp droplets splashed onto theback of his hand.
She took a deep breath, bowed to him, and then made her way to the piano in the corner.
He opened his eyes, watching her blurred figure as she walked away.
The music began to flow like the blue Danube, and he slowly lifted his hand, pressing it to the unhealed tear stain on his face.
So... you will cry for me too.
The music swirled around the room like a river, just like the melodies he had given her as a gift on his birthday, like the rhythms at the grand waltz where people danced and swirled, and just like how he wanted to get closer to her when he was drunk.
The room and the Palazzo Pitti were both silent, not even the caw of a raven could be heard outside.
The song eventually came to an end.
