by Emily Bex
“Making babies, are we, lover?”
“Si, mi amore, we are always making babies."
Sample of Book Three:
The Medici Queen
Alec and Rissa arrived by private jet at the Firenze airport, where Alec had a private car waiting with Alto at the wheel. Rissa had packed half her closet for this trip. She’d dozed on and off through the flight and slept now with her head on his shoulder.
“Rissa, we’re here, my darling. The car’s waiting to take us to Shade's home.”
The flight felt like it took forever, Rissa still had reservations about this trip, but she had no damn choice. Max could easily be here, or he could’ve sent someone here to come after her. She heard Alec’s voice break through her light sleep as she sat up, looking out the jet window.
“Oh good, these long flights are ridiculous. Make sure they don’t damage my luggage or leave anything behind. I need everything I’ve brought.”
“Rissa, your luggage will be taken care of and delivered to the castle. Now come, my darling.” Alec exited the plane with her, as Alto held the door open to the car. Alec allowed her to enter the car first and then slid into the seat next to her. “Refresh my memory, darling. Have you been to Florence before?”
“Not Florence, Milan, of course. What fashion expert doesn’t know Milan? Rome too, but Florence, no. Why do you ask? And how far is this drive?”
“Not too far. Alto has some Midnight for us in the car. Would you like a drink? We’ll drive through a little of Tuscany to get to Florence. The Medici Castello is on the far side of Florence. You’ll see it as we approach. Just relax and enjoy the countryside. It’s quite beautiful, if I do say so. This is all Shade's territory. Pretty much everything you’ll see on this trip will be inside Shade's territory. It’s been a while since the last time I was here.”
She looked out the window and although the landscape was stunning, it did nothing for her, she was a city girl at heart. He owns all of this? Damn, that bitch! She can’t be happy enough with all his property, the bitch has to take my Paris house as well?
“So, you were here before? I think you mentioned his home and visiting here.”
“Yes, I’ve known Shade for centuries, my darling. Before I lived in the States and presented myself as American, I was British, lived in London mostly. That’s where I first met Shade. I believe we met at a Gorean Cult orgy that was held in London.” He laughed at the memories. “Let’s just say we’ve found our association to be mutually beneficial through the years. The castle is quite impressive, as I recall. Again, haven't been there in a few years. A little too opulent for my taste, but then again, he inherited it from his father.”
Rissa glanced over at him. “I knew you were British, but you’ve completely lost any accent. I wondered, since we have a bit of a drive, are there things I should know before I get there about any protocol, rules, or customs? I want to make sure I make no mistakes. I already know going into this I’m not well received by the masters.”
He lit up a cigarette and cracked the window open to release the smoke. “For our free time, there are no rules. We can do what we want. At the ceremony, you should only speak when spoken to. You shouldn’t approach a master or his mate. Their mates will do the same. I may initiate a conversation with another master, or he with me. Other than that, I think you'll be fine. You’ve never seen a coronation, so I’d think you’d find it interesting.”
“I’m sure I will since I’ve never had the pleasure, nor probably will again, unless, of course, they have brats.” Sighing, she threw her head back on the seat. “All of this, she has all of this, and still she gets my damn Paris house. Seriously, Alec, there’s something immensely wrong with that!” Leaning over, she kissed him on the cheek. “But I’m sure you’ll find me an even better house in Paris. And besides, I get to spend the whole weekend alone with you, without Zena the bitch warrior.”
Alec struggled to keep the annoyance out of his voice. “Rissa, first of all, it’s my Paris house, not yours, but if it’s important to you, although I can't imagine why because neither one of us ever takes vacation time, but if you want a place in Paris, I’ll find something. Now please, can we drop the subject? And that warrior bitch? She’s there to keep you safe. What has you so disagreeable? Most women would be delighted to have this trip. Are you so jaded already, my darling? Eternity is a long time to be bored.”
She laid her head back and looked out the window. “No, Alec. Point taken.”
Watching as the Tuscan landscape slid by, she was lost in her thoughts. As they crested a hill, she saw they were approaching a huge estate and it was something to behold. She sat up straighter in her seat and cocked her head. “Is that it? Tell me, it can’t be!”
Alec saw the castle ahead. “Hmm, I do believe it is. Welcome to Medici Castello, surrounded by formal gardens, and sitting on the banks of the Arno River.”
Alto pulled up to the estate and stopped at the huge gates. He pressed the intercom button. Once he identified himself and provided the password, the gates were opened to him.
Rissa laughed, but an annoyed and jealous laugh. “Well, it’s regal.”
She watched as Alto pulled into the huge roundabout drive, the buildings and gardens went on forever. Several house staff came out to open doors and Alto held her hand as she exited from the car. She remained quiet and waited for Alec to do whatever he needed to do to get them inside this palace. She intended to remain quiet or she’d never hear the end of it. This was very important for him, and she wanted him to be proud of her and how she presented herself. The staff started removing the mountain of luggage from the trunk. Gi stood at the entrance, overseeing the activity. Alec led Rissa up the steps to the door where Gi bowed deeply.
"Master Alec. It has been too long. It is our pleasure to have you as our guest at Medici Castello once more. And Miss Benneteau, our warmest welcome to you on what I hope will be the first of many visits. My lady has requested we reserve the Gold Room for you. I think you will find it to your satisfaction. And this is Carlos. He will be your private butler for the duration of your stay. You will also have a personal maid, Miss Benneteau. Carlos will introduce her to you in your suite. I believe she is drawing a bath for you, so you may refresh after your long journey. Now please, come with me."
Alec took Rissa's arm and followed Gi into the grand foyer. Ah yes, how could I have forgotten this?
Rissa was already impressed with getting her own personal maid. She should have one of those at home. She made a mental note to work on that. As they were escorted in, she gasped. “My, this is impressive. It’s gorgeous!” Her head was on a spring, she couldn’t take it all in.
Alec smirked, finally something had impressed her. Alec watched as she tried to take in the over-the-top opulence of this room with the gilded gold bannisters on the marble staircase, and the massive chandeliers.
Carlos stepped up to greet them and bowed greatly . “Master Alec? If you’re ready, I can escort you to your room now. I or someone will be stationed at your door twenty-four hours a day. We’ve been informed you are both day-walkers. If there’s anything you wish to see in Castello, please ask and you’ll be escorted. Otherwise sir, I’m afraid you’d only get lost. Your car will be kept in the garage, and your driver has been provided with private quarters. You need only let us know if you wish to leave the premises, and your car will be brought around. This way, please."
He led them up the massive staircase and down a long corridor of rooms, behind closed doors. When he reached their suite, he opened the door and stepped aside so they could enter. "If there is anything not to your liking, please let us know and we’ll have it changed."
As Rissa walked into their room, she stood with her mouth open. Is he joking? Not to my liking? “Alec, this place is immense. This is gold, real gold! Oh my god, look at these roses! There must be seventy roses in this bouquet. This is over the top. I can’t imagine Kate living here, living like this, every single day. I’m jealous, I’
m beyond jealous, I’m astounded. Now I do need a drink!” Turning to him, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you. Thank you for bringing me here, Alec.”
Carlos bowed to her. “Miss Benneteau, my lady has requested you have fresh flowers every day of your stay. If you have a favorite, please let us know. Oh, and this is Rosa. She’ll be your personal maid. Just ring and she’ll respond, otherwise, you’ll not see her.”
Rosa curtsied. “Miss Benneteau, I’ve drawn a hot bath for you, and filled it with fresh rose petals, my lady’s favorite. It’s ready whenever you are. There’s Midnight and crystal for both of you on the table if you wish a drink. My lady requested you have silk robes to wear after your bath and when you’re in your room. Please feel free to keep them as my lady's gift to you. Your toiletries have been laid out for you. Please let me know how I can be of service.”
Nodding to Rosa, she perused the housemaid’s outfit, the traditional black and white, and the Medici crest was everywhere she looked.
“I wish to bathe immediately, and you may assist me with my clothing. I also require all of my garments and shoes be unpacked and put into the wardrobes. Do you have rose-scented bath salts and oils since you have placed rose petals in my bath water?”
Turning to Alec, she smiled. “You won’t mind if I smell like roses tonight, will you, Alec? Very romantic, don’t you think?”
Alec dared not tell her roses were Kate’s signature scent. “Of course, my darling, I’d find it quite romantic.”
About the Author
Emily Bex is an avid life-long reader, and a first time writer of the epic six book Medici Warrior Series. As she says, “Why start small?” She worked for over twenty years in marketing, developing ad campaigns, catalogs, product launches and promotional literature. She figured if she could write creatively about products, then surely she could write something about these characters that were rattling around inside her brain. She currently lives in Virginia, but has used her extensive love of travel, both foreign and domestic, to create the backdrop for her characters to play out their story.
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Foundations Book Publishing
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The Turning” The Medici Warrior Series
Emily Bex
Copyright 2019 © Emily Bex
All Rights Reserved
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