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I watch as he begins to try different maneuvers for different chains. In one case, he kicks off his shoe and uses his toes to remove the lace from his other shoe. Then, he inches down to grab it from the tip of his fingers and uses it to make a loop in the string. He uses this to lasso onto a bolt on one of the chains on his feet and releases the bolt back.
"Remarkable," I mutter under my breath, unable to hide my admiration.
"Isn't he?" Romola’s voice swells with pride.
And just as I had anticipated, Agostino manages to free himself from the chains with incredible speed. Now, he stands before us triumphant, the chains clattering to the ground at his feet.
"Bravo!" I exclaim, applauding his performance. "You've proven your worth, both of you."
I gesture for my men to leave the tent and wait until the curtain closes behind the last man.
"There is more we need to discuss, but first, I need to take care of some other business."
“Wait!” It is Romola, eyes wide, “I need to phone the bakery and let Marco know that we’re going to run late. We’ve got other responsibilities, you know,” she says accusingly.
Oh, I know. “Go ahead, phone to make your arrangements,” I say nonchalantly, not showing my irritation at her interruption.
Turning my attention to Serafina, I approach her, my eyes gleaming with excitement. I’ve come to Serafina for years now. Her incredible accuracy in foretelling what lies ahead has served me well on more than one occasion.
The aura that surrounds her always makes me approach with caution. "Serafina," I say, my voice low and intense, "I need you to read your crystal ball for me."
"Of course, Rafaele," she replies, her voice turning slow and dreamy as she sits down behind her ball as if she's perpetually living on the edge of some otherworldly realm. She places her hands around the smooth, spherical glass, and I watch as it begins to glow with an ethereal light.
My heart pounds in my chest like a drumbeat, matching the rhythm of the swirling mist within the crystal ball. I find myself holding my breath, waiting for the revelations that are sure to come. Serafina's eyes widen, her pupils dilating.
"Tell me, Serafina," I lean forward, both hands on the table, unable to contain my eagerness any longer. "What do you see?"
"Rafaele," she says, pausing for a moment as if searching for the right words, "your destiny is vast and powerful. Rome shall be shaped by your hand, and together with Romola and Agostino, you shall pave the path."
My heart surges with pride and purpose. I always knew I was destined for greatness, but hearing Serafina's mystical insight confirms that is a powerful affirmation.
"Thank you, Serafina," I say while straightening up, my voice barely more than a whisper, thick with emotion. "Your vision strengthens my resolve."
But as Serafina gazes deeper into the crystal ball, her face suddenly turns pale, and she releases a sharp gasp that catches everyone's attention. My heart skips a beat as I watch her body tense up, her hands gripping the sides of the table tightly.
"Che cosa vedi, Serafina?" I demand, my voice filled with impatience and curiosity. "What do you see?"
Serafina hesitates for a moment, her eyes darting between the swirling depths of the crystal ball and my intense gaze. She opens her mouth to speak, then shuts it again, swallowing hard. It's evident she's seen something significant, something she's reluctant to share.
"Rafaele," she says finally, her voice unsteady. "It’s just that I see you... ruling all of Rome."
Of course, this could be proof that I am indeed close to my goal, but there is more to it - I can feel it. Her expression betrays her fear, and I know she is hiding something from me.
"Is that all?" I press, my eyes narrowing. "There's something else, isn't there? Tell me, Serafina."
She looks away from me, her gaze focused on the crystal ball. Serafina takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling slowly. I can tell she's considering whether or not to reveal the truth.
"Rafaele, I told you all I see," she murmurs, shaking her head.
I clench my fists, frustration boiling within me. But I also understand that Serafina has her reasons for keeping certain secrets. Perhaps it's for the best that I don't know everything just yet. As long as I have Romola and her father by my side, I know I can soon rule all of Rome.
"Fine," I say through gritted teeth, trying to suppress my disappointment as I straighten my jacket. "I trust your judgment, Serafina. But remember, if I learn you tricked me, there will be consequences.”
As Serafina bows her head in acknowledgment, I turn back to Romola and Agostino. The revelation from the crystal ball lingers in the air like a haunting melody, but I push it aside to focus on the task at hand.
I must ensure that our alliance with Romola and her father is strong. Looking at them, my lips curve into a confident smile. "You've passed the test and have proven yourself worthy of my task. I need your help. There is a matter of great importance that requires your unique skills."
They exchange curious glances. I can tell that they’re aware that their lives are about to veer off course, yet they don’t know just how much. Somehow, I pity them, but not enough to change my mind.
