AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As we make our way to Serafina's tent, I can't help but wonder what she will say about all this. Besides, I can’t wait to meet this mysterious woman. Romola’s very own Sybil, we had joked earlier over a quick meal.
I wonder if she will be able to see through Rafaele's intentions. Can she truly confirm that he has changed?
Upon entering the tent, the scent of incense and herbs envelop us, and the soft glow of candles cast flickering shadows on the colorful tapestries adorning the walls. Serafina stands at the center, her warm smile a beacon of comfort.
"Welcome, dear friends," she greets us, extending her arms in a gesture of open invitation. "Do not fear, for I know why you are here. I can sense the uncertainty within you, Agostino, but let me tell you what I see. I had a dream last night, you know? The strangest one from the Gods of Rome. For a while, I thought it was just a dream, but this morning, as I sipped my tea, the leaves formed a heart."
Romola gasps, and Serafina seats us around a table.
She turns to face Rafaele, her gaze piercing his soul. "I see two brothers bound together by fate and destiny. Fiero and Rafaele, though born from different mothers, share a bond that cannot be broken. They are destined to rule together, united in power and purpose."
A shiver runs down my spine as she speaks. It’s like Mars is speaking through her. Hearing it from Serafina feels like a confirmation of something much deeper, much higher than us all. She continues, her voice taking on an almost mystical quality.
"Darkness lies ahead, but also great triumph. Fiero and Rafaele will bring the world to its knees, and together they will rise above it all as long as Romola stands by them." Her eyes glimmer with a hint of secrecy, but she divulges no further details.
“And betrayal?” Agostino asks, murmuring with inner conflict.
“Dear Agostino, betrayal is but a part of life. But trust when I say it shall not be by the hand of a single soul in this room.”
The significance of her words settles upon us, leaving me with a sense of gratefulness, awe and trepidation.
This path we are to follow is clear now. There will be betrayals, but we’ll rise stronger for it, the three of us, together.
"Thank you, Serafina," Agostino says, his voice steady at last as he rises to his feet. "Your guidance has always been invaluable to me, and I have never doubted it. If you deem this unity worthy of fate, then these three have my blessings."
"Remember," she cautions, her gaze sweeping over each of us, "the path you walk is not an easy one. But trust in the bond between you, and let love guide your way. Keep her close,” she indicates towards Romola with a nod.
In that instant, the future seemed clearer. I realized I’d want to keep Romola close, prophecy or not. I look back to everything we’ve been through and how my heart beat the very first time I saw her.
I couldn’t believe my luck when she worked at my party. How electric her touch was when we first made love. How very heartbreaking it was to see her hurt. How promising the future looked when Sybil showed me she was the key to my safety. How earth-shattering it was to know she betrayed me. How futile my rage was because my love forced me to forgive her.
She’s saved my life in more than one way, and the truth is, I can’t imagine a life without her in it - with all the joy, the colors, the ugliness, and the darkness. Each bit, the good and bad, I want it with her.
The golden light from the candles reflects off Romola's gray eyes, shimmering in a manner that takes my breath away and makes me lose myself in them. I lose all reason as I take her hands in mine. This moment, surrounded by family and newfound trust, feels like the perfect moment in the history of all those we’ve shared.
"Romola," I begin, my heart racing with anticipation.
“Fiero?” she questions, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I drop to one knee before her, feeling the cool ground beneath me. Romola gasps, her hands flying out of mine to her mouth as the realization dawns on her.
"Romola Toscani," I say, my words ringing true with the conviction I feel within my soul, "from the moment we met, I knew that you were the one who would change my life forever. We have faced countless trials and tribulations, and through it all, your love has been my guiding light. I can't imagine facing the future without you by my side."
Tears glisten in her eyes as she listens, her breath hitching with emotion. “I might not have a ring right now, but you are my heart. If you say yes, I’ll buy you the biggest diamond a man can find. I’ll cherish you, keep you safe, and never leave you for want of things or love. Will you marry me, Romola? Will you be the partner I need to conquer the world and share in the love that has grown between us?"
For a heartbeat, the world seems to stand still. Her eyes lock onto mine, searching for any hint of doubt or uncertainty. But all she finds is the love and devotion that courses through my veins, my heart singing with the certainty of our connection.
"Yes," she breathes, her voice wavering with emotion. "Yes, Fiero, I will marry you."
"Ti amo, Romola," I whisper, looking up at her.
"Ti amo, Fiero," she echoes back, her words wrapping around me like a warm embrace.
She pulls me up and brings me in for a searing kiss. This kiss, like the first we shared, is just as heart-rending. Time stands still, and we forget all about Rafaele, Agostino and Serafina.
It’s only when Agostino clears his throat that we pull apart. With exhilarated smiles, we turn to our odd little family. Serafina gushes and gives me a trinket ring to put on her finger. I do as she says, and Serafina envelopes Romola in a hug.
“I believe congratulations are in order?” Agostino smiles upon us, giving us his blessings.
