Page 11 of Thus with a Kiss I Die
The prince continued, “If you come this way, this door leads into the long walk.”
As with most rich homes in Verona, the palace stood as a private enclave surrounded by tall stone walls built to keep intruders out and the residents safe, for Veronese families fought for power, and at any moment, another city-state could march to bring us under their control. Yet while the palace walls were the tallest and most heavily fortified, and the towers were created to support the prince’s archers and watchmen, the interior reflected all the wealth and comfort of a master family. The atrium at the center of the house was the largest I’d ever seen, and the balconies and stairways and great carved wood doors led into the home itself. Despite my recent humiliations at the prince’s hands, the interior of the palace interested me.
Prince Escalus led the way. “Within the great walk, we display the works we collect for public display.”
“You allow the public to view?” Papà knew very well he did not. Since the revolt, the prince had instigated a security shutdown and no one entered the palace except to speak privately to the prince, and that in one designated and well-guarded office chamber.
“No.” Prince Escalus was brief, blunt, and unapologetic. “The best works of art we keep above with the bedrooms for our private enjoyment.” He turned to me and without appearing to move closer, again he loomed. “I look forward to giving you, Rosie, a private showing.”
Gentle reader, what was I supposed to say to that?
I’m looking forward to it, too?
Because while I’m not a subtle person, I knew his private showing had little to do with works of art.
Papà made a low, rumbling growl.
That was never a good sign.
Mamma, bless her, stepped in with a firm hand on Papà’s arm and a pleasant reprimand. “As you know, Prince Escalus, Romeo is one of the most renowned swordsmen in Verona—”
Cesario interrupted, “Themost renowned.” He knew the legend as well as anybody, and although he didn’t quite understand Prince Escalus’s subtext, he did know he didn’t like the tone of the conversation.
Mamma placed her other hand on the top of Cesario’s head. “—and should anyone unsheathe their works of art prematurely, I don’t know if I could stop my beloved husband, Romeo, from removing said works of art from their hooks on the wall.”
CHAPTER6
Aprolonged pause.
Prince Escalus looked around at the Montagues. Mamma was now gripping Papà’s straining elbow with both hands. Katherina kept a straight face. Imogene openly giggled. Emilia was whispering to Cesario what Mamma’s code meant. (Remember, Cesario was only six, and a boy; subtlety was beyond him.)
At last, Prince Escalus’s gaze landed on me.
I explained, “In a large family, a member must always be aware that what one says may be overheard and subject to interpretation by other members. Discretion is advised.”
Prince Escalus looked around again at the Montagues, and I think it was the first time he truly realized that in marrying me, he married the whole family.
I felt obliged to add, “Please recall, I have two sisters not present who are equally opinionated and outspoken.”
Katherina had to spoil my warning with an opinion of her own. “No one’s as opinionated and outspoken as you, Rosie.”
Prince Escalus’s mouth did that sideways twitch, which might indicate horror in this case, but I’d come to suspect might be humor. He bowed first to Mamma and Papà. “I beg your pardon. I hold the greatest respect for your daughter’s virginity.”
Only I recognized that as a thrust (if you’ll pardon the term) at my irritation with that virtue that has given me fame among the vulgar of Verona.
Papà gave another growl, not quite as menacing, but, still, a warning. “Step carefully, my prince. Montague loyalty flows to the house of Leonardi. But above and beyond all other duty, I am the papà. I standwithmy noble family in joy and peace, andbeforemy family as a bulwark against harm.”
Imogene’s giggles abruptly halted. The other children straightened and nodded solemnly.
“I understand, Lord Montague.” Prince Escalus bowed more deeply to Papà and Mamma. “And madam.”
“We know our roles in our world,” I said softly.
He viewed my siblings with what I thought must be a new comprehension, inclined his head to them, and offered me his arm. “Would you walk beside me, Rosaline, as we lead our family to the grand walk?”
I placed one fingertip on his velvet-clad arm. “As you command, my prince.”
He looked at that fingertip, then into my eyes, and I knew he saw too much.
