The message Father sent had been clear–there wasn’t anywhere in the world where Maeve couldn’t be found, and the next time, it wouldn’t be a dog that was killed.
Despite all that, he was willing to keep fighting for the woman he loved. But it was Maeve who had left him a note before disappearing. She pleaded with him not to pursue her and instead do his duty by marrying me. She couldn’t bear to be the reason behind a war that might take the lives of her brothers.
Of course, Father hadn’t told me anything. After hearing gossip among the servants, I’d called Caterina, and she’d told me everything.
When I didn’t respond, Father cocked his head at me. “Andrea, didn’t you hear me?”
“I can’t marry Raphael Neretti.”
Father rolled his eyes with a frustrated grunt. “Not that bullshit again.”
“It’s not bullshit,” I protested.
Jabbing his finger at me, Father said, “Just as I told you a year ago, youwillmarry Raphael.”
“This is not about my feelings about him.” Tears welled in my eyes. “Ican’t.”
“What possible reason could you have?” Father demanded.
Before I could answer, Mother’s hand flew to her throat. “Oh God,” she muttered.
Father glanced between the two of us. “What is it?”
As Mother continued staring at me in horror, I whispered, “I’m pregnant.”
Tension coiled tightly in the air at my declaration. “For your sake, I hope you’re lying,” Father snarled.
“I swear on the saints I’m not.”
He slammed his hand on his desk. “You fucking whore!”
“Edoardo–” Mother began.
Jabbing his finger at me, Father demanded, “Did I not make myself clear enough when I took care of Marco?”
My chest clenched at the mention of his name. But I wouldn’t give Father my tears. Instead, I jerked my chin up and stared indignantly at him.
With a sneer, Father asked, “Did you spread your legs for another soldier? Or was it someone higher up this time?”
“I don’t know who the father is.”
“Don’t lie to me, Andrea. I will find out, and it won’t be quick like with Marco. I’ll string him up for days.”
Horror echoed through me at his cruelty. “I swear to you I don’t know who he is.”
“But how is that possible?” Mother asked.
“I met him at a party. We didn’t exchange names.”
“Andrea,” Mother muttered in disgust.
Father shook his head. “After everything I have been through, I will not let your whorish behavior ruin this marriagecontract.” Waving his hand at my stomach, he pronounced, “Get rid of it.”
My eyes bulged in horror. Although I fully believed a woman had a right to do whatever she wanted to with her own body, it wasn’t something I could ever do with mine.
Shaking my head furiously, I countered, “No. I can’t.”
Father stormed around the side of his desk. “After everything you’ve already done, you continue to disobey me? Your fatherandyour capo?”
