The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Shade stood inside the dimly lit room. His feet felt like they were encased in cement blocks, unable to move. Her body lay to the front of the room on a catafalque draped in black velvet. Huge white candles stood in candelabras at her head and feet. Candles were laid along the walls of the room, their light soft and flickering. Folding chairs had been lined in rows to seat the many who’d come this night, creating a center aisle that led from the door to where her body lay.

  At Kate’s request, they had placed a huge box of fresh, long stemmed red roses at the entrance. Their scent filled the room. He picked a single rose from the box and carried it slowly down the aisle to Fiamma. Each step felt like a mile.

  He’d asked Marco to have the other female warriors prepare her body, washing her, fixing her hair, and dressing her in her ceremonial leathers. He and Marco had been through this many times, preparing the bodies of their fallen brothers, and it never got any easier.

  As he stood before her, he looked down at her face. She lay solemn, her eyes closed, a soft black satin pillow cradling her head. Her hair was down, fixed the way she wore it when she was not in battle, long and loose in the back, and a single braid at each side of her face.

  Her auburn lashes lay fanned out against her cheeks, now white and lifeless, her lips dead and cold. His eyes absorbed every detail. She lay on her back, her hands crossed over the hilt of her sword. His eyes traveled downward, and he saw her feet in their polished boots. She was ready.

  The red shroud that would cover her was embroidered with the Medici crest and lay folded neatly at her feet. He walked all the way around her, inspecting her from all sides. He stopped at her head and broke the stem off the red rose, tucking the bloom gently behind her ear. His hand slid gently over her cold cheek.

  "Thank you, my sister, for giving your life for me and mine. You always had my back. I will miss your laughter, your smile, and your smartass remarks. But remember, I will always love you, Fee. You are forever Medici."

  He leaned down, kissing her forehead, his blood tears staining his cheeks. "There are so many people here that love you and wish to say their goodbyes. Hang on for a while longer, my beautiful girl. Soon, very soon, I will release you."

  He stepped away, willing the music that would play throughout the night as the warriors come to pay their respects. Walking back toward the doors, he swiped away the tears that covered his face. He opened both doors wide, and he and Marco nodded. The warriors could come now, sit, and reflect on their sister and be together as family.

  He walked back to the house with his head held high. It was time to let her go now.

  140

  Shade returned to the house, passing Theresa and Gi. He saw the grief on Theresa’s face and stopped to give her a hug. "Go to Marco, be with him. He will need you during this. Everything is ready. Kate and I will be down shortly. Go on."

  He watched as she and Gi headed for the camp. He was glad Marco was here for her. They’d need each other during times such as this. He rushed in the house and took the steps two at a time, barging into their bedroom. "Mi amore?"

  He didn’t hear her, but his senses told him she was nearby, probably in the nursery with Lorenzo. He stripped down and started getting into his ceremonial leathers. Once finished dressing, he threw his foot up on the chair and prepared to tie his boot when she walked in. He stopped as his eyes took her in.

  ***

  Kate stood in the nursery, looking out the window toward the camp where she knew the warriors were gathering for the ceremony. Luca had told her the bodies of the other fallen Medici warriors had been gathered on the battlefield by their brothers. He explained that protocol dictated, as the victors, a shallow grave be dug before sunrise, and the bodies of the fallen laid to rest there, but not covered. Once the sun rose and they were reduced to ash, the grave was covered over. The bodies of their fallen enemies were left to lie on the ground, where the sun cremated them, and the wind scattered their ashes. That way, the victors remained on the soil they fought to defend, and the battle was named for the victors. He told her this battle would be known as the ‘Battle of Bel Rosso’.

  Since Fiamma was a ranking officer in their army, her body was retrieved and taken below ground, protected from the sun, so they could all honor her. Kate was still coming to grips with the fact they’d lost seventy warriors, and her friend Fee was among them. She’d asked Luca what she should wear. He told her the warriors all wore their ceremonial leathers, which happened to be black, and based on that, Shannon had decided to wear a black dress. Kate thought long and hard about her decision and hoped Shade would understand her choice for what she’d decided to wear.

  She’d asked Cory to modify the leathers for her, and he’d quickly made the alterations. She could hear Cory's footsteps on the floor over her head as he finished dressing before joining them. Kate picked Lorenzo up from his crib. He had recently fed from Nita so he’d be calm during the service. She wrapped a warm blanket around him and carried him with her to their bedroom. She could hear Shade on the other side of their bedroom door, getting himself ready for the service. She opened the door and stood before him, dressed in red leathers.

  He stopped tying the boot as he took her in. He smiled. "You look quite beautiful, my queen. Where did you acquire those, might I ask?"

  "They belonged to Fee. Cory worked very hard to have them ready in time. I asked if it was too much to ask of him and he said not at all, he needed to stay busy. It was the best way I could think to honor her. Is it okay? I can change if it doesn't please you."

  Finishing tying his boot, he went to her, taking her in his arms and hugging her tight. "No, I think Fiamma would love it, to be honest. She always wore red leathers when she was kicking warrior ass. She loved you, you know that, right? She admired you so damn much, Kate. I am going to miss her."

  Kate relaxed into him, allowing herself to be enveloped in his embrace. "When we had the coronation in Florence, and the warriors pledged to me, it felt like, well...like ceremony. I couldn’t imagine we’d actually go to battle, that warriors would give their lives. That Fee would give her life. This makes what we have so much more precious. We have an obligation to them, to all of them. I understand it all now, Castello, and Bel Rosso. These places must thrive because of the blood that was spilled. We owe them that. I understand Lorenzo's role, and why he’s so important to his people. He carries the legacy of all those that came before him, that fought before him.”

  He rocked with her in his arms as she held Lorenzo. Cory tapped on the door and peeped in.

  "Come in, Cory, we are about ready to go." Leaning down, he kissed bel softly, and smiled. "Sometimes, it takes loss to appreciate the gain, mi amore. It never gets easier." Turning, he faced Cory. "If we are ready, we should get to the camp. It will be quiet. It is a time for reflection, memories and honoring Fiamma. Music will be playing throughout. We sit together, as the familia she served. She devoted her life to the Medici, she died for the Medici. So, remember her with great respect.”

  He took Kate by the arm and led her down the long road to the camp. He was ready to let Fiamma go now. His strength was around him. As they walked inside, the candles provided a soft, flickering light to the many warriors. With the exception of the music playing low in the background, there was no sound.

  He walked them through the open double doors, and just for a moment, let Kate and Cory take in what was before them. He knew it must be hard for them to witness Fiamma laid out before them in front of the large room. Leaning down, he whispered in Kate's ear. "Are you ready, mi amore?"

  Kate felt a catch in her throat as she saw Fiamma, the sword held on her chest, the candles casting shadows as the music played. She felt her knees go weak as Shade steadied her, and Cory took Lorenzo from her arms. She steadied herself. She was their queen, and she must be strong for them. She owed them that. "I’m ready, lover."

  He whispered softly, "Everyone here loved her very much, just as we did. The roses are just inside the door, as yo
u requested. Take one if you wish to lay it atop her body."

  Turning to Cory, he took Lorenzo in his arms. "Come on, little warrior, time to honor one of our own."

  Looping his arm through Kate's, he paused as she selected a red rose, and he watched as Cory did the same. He walked them down the aisle to the three seats waiting for them in the front row, next to Marco and Theresa. Shade motioned for Cory to sit beside Marco. He got Kate in her seat as he took the aisle seat.

  Luca and Shannon followed behind them. Luca gathered a rose but advised Shannon she’d not be allowed to approach the body and place a rose. Shannon nodded. She didn’t know Fiamma well and felt honored and overwhelmed she’d even been allowed in their inner circle. She was the only mortal in attendance, and the only one, other than the baby, that was not dressed in leathers. She hooked her arm around Luca's as he led her to their seats behind Kate and Shade.

  Shade sat staring straight ahead, as memories of Fee played out in his head; the battles, the laughs, the way she’d cock her head at him when she was teasing him. Her life had been full, and she was loved by many. He remembered the first time he saw her. She came to the camp in Florence, still a young girl, and he’d had no intentions of training her, her flaming hair like a target. She was quick to change his mind. She had what it took, and she worked twice as hard as the males to prove to him she could do this.

  The warriors sat in silence, each with their own memories, when without any announcement, they began to come forward, carrying a single rose, and placing it on the catafalque around her body. He watched as Aislynn came forward, blood tears on her cheeks. Fiamma had been a great influence on this young warrior. She laid the rose across the sword and knelt down on one knee. She stayed kneeling for some time. When she rose, her body was shaking but she held her head up high and walked back to her seat. Shade sat motionless, nothing showing on his face. He was their master and today, they relied on him to be strong.

  Kate watched as the warriors filed past them. Some she knew by name, some she only recognized their faces, and others, she’d never seen before. They all knew Fiamma, fought beside her, shared centuries together, long before Kate had been born. She squeezed her eyes shut tight.

  Shade felt Kate’s pain vibrate through him, and he squeezed her hand. Marco stood and took Theresa's arm, leading her to Fiamma. They both stood arm in arm, their backs to Shade, and he saw Theresa tremble and heard her sob. Marco took her in his arms and comforted her. Theresa walked back to her seat and Marco knelt on one knee, placing his hand atop Fiamma’s.

  Shade sat quietly as he watched the warriors come and go. He felt a hand squeeze his shoulder and he looked up to see Jacks. She laid the rose atop Fiamma’s body, standing a long time looking at her. Jacks held something in her hand, and Shade watched as she attached a brooch to Fiamma's leathers. She kissed her cheek and spoke softly to her sister-in-arms, but her voice carried in the quiet room. "Goodbye, sister. Fly with honor and glory. Ti amo."

  Jacks didn’t kneel but turned and stopped at Shade’s seat before returning to her own and whispered to him, "Grazie, master."

  Kate watched her return and nod to Shade, acknowledging him, but ignoring her. Kate huffed, some things never changed, and she'd always keep an eye on that one.

  Shade sat and watched the procession of warriors, as Raven and Skelk paid their homage. Marcello was among the last to approach her. Shade saw him as he knelt before her. He knew Marcello was the closest to Fiamma. She’d been beside him since day one. When Marcello took his seat, he saw Marco turn to him and nod. It was time. The warriors had shown their respect. He nodded back, and Theresa stood and took Lorenzo from Kate.

  Shade took Kate by the hand and nodded for Cory to follow him as well. Walking to the catafalque that held Fiamma, he whispered to his oldest son. "Cory, please pay your respects to Fiamma, then return to your seat."

  Cory stepped forward and placed the rose on her body and knelt down on one knee for a moment or two. Shade was so proud of him. He honored her well and although Cory wasn’t a warrior, he’d made himself invaluable to the warriors in his own way. Once Cory was seated, Shade turned to Kate. "It is your turn to say goodbye to our beloved Fee. Take as long as you wish, mi amore."

  Kate knelt beside her, laying her head against the catafalque. She couldn’t believe this lifeless body wouldn’t rise up, laugh at them all, like it had been some prank she played. She fought back the tears. She felt the need to show strength to those that had come to honor her. She raised her head and looked upon Fiamma's pale face. Kate spoke to her, and in the unnaturally still silence of the room, her voice carried to all of them.

  “Of all that kneel before you, I’m the one that has known you for the shortest time. And yet, it was for the life I lead that you sacrificed your own. My dear sister, with the generous heart, I make a pledge to you now, to be worthy of your sacrifice. My children will know your name. They will know the life they enjoy comes from you, and the others who fell before you." Kate stood and placed the rose across Fee's breast. "I am your humble servant, and the servant of all in the Medici coven. You have honored me, and I will not fail you."

  Kate turned and faced the room of warriors. "I will not fail any of you. I pledge to you now, as you have pledged to me. None who die for Medici will ever die in vain. Shade will fight. I will fight. Our children will fight. And we will always prevail. Per sempre Medici."

  The warriors repeated back to her in unison, “Per sempre Medici.”

  Shade felt the tears well in his eyes as his queen stepped forth, assuming the full mantel of her position. His pride was immense in spite of his sorrow, and he knew Fiamma felt her presence and her words in the spirit realm. He kissed her softly, whispering against her lips, "Ti amo, my queen."

  He took her hand and led her back to her seat while Shade remained standing. Down the center aisle approached six warriors, all cloaked in black velvet robes, hoods over their heads. They approached the catafalque and stood to one side. The music stopped and the room was enveloped in silence. The hooded figures began a chant in their ancient language, which the warriors all recognized as “Immortal Memory.”

  Marco joined Shade as they each took their place on either side of the catafalque at Fiamma’s feet.

  As the warriors chanted, their voices echoing in the large space, Shade moved to her side. He gently removed each of her hands from her sword. He kissed her sword and held it high in the air, honoring her skills as a warrior. He looked directly at Marcello and locked eyes with him. Marcello stood and approached as Shade lowered the sword and placed it in his hands. "Guard this sword of our fallen sister."

  Marcello knelt with the sword in his hands and repeated the same process of kissing the sword and raising it above his head before returning to his seat with Fiamma’s sword clutched to his heart.

  Shade returned to the foot of the catafalque where he and Marco each picked up the folded shroud that lay at her feet. Walking slowly to the head of the catafalque, the bright red shroud unfolded, covering Fiamma’s body from head to toe. The Medici crest, hand embroidered on the shroud, lay over her chest.

  Marco returned to his seat as Shade positioned himself behind the catafalque, so he now faced the congregation. The black robed warriors began a more traditional song in Latin, “Vide Cor Meum”, and the sound was beautiful and haunting.

  Shade pulled back the shroud from Fiamma’s face and leaned down, kissing each cheek and then her forehead.

  "Addio mia sorella. You have honored us greatly. Now fly free. Your mission is completed in this realm, but you are forever Medici."

  Placing his hand on her forehead, he raised his eyes to the ceiling and summoned her spirit to be released. The candles flickered wildly, some of them blowing out, leaving the room dimly lit and quiet but for the voices singing.

  He felt her spirit lift and release as her shroud covered body rose into the air. The shroud fell gently to the table, her body now gone, turned to ash. Shade lowered his head and dropp
ed to one knee. She was gone.

  141

  As routines were restored and life was getting back to normal, Marco was preparing to return to Florence. He and Shade made a final inspection of the barracks. Shade would miss having his brother-in-arms around. It was good to see him here at Bel Rosso, but he knew Marco's home would always be Florence.

  "So, I am guessing you are taking off for home tonight." Shade slapped him on the back. "Come on, let’s walk outside, I need a smoke!"

  As they stepped out onto the training field, things were still quiet. Many of the warriors were still healing, and he’d been rearranging the assignments for those able to resume their duties. The warriors that had been assigned to the Dead House with Theo the night of the battle were the only ones to remain unscathed.

  Shade had assigned Raven back to California for a few weeks to give him time to finish up there. He was well aware of the budding relationship with Mica. Raven had served him well during the battle, and he deserved a little time to relax and rejoin his partner.

  Shade lit up a cigarette before tossing the pack to Marco. He took a long deep drag and then coughed, holding his side and wincing. Marco caught the pack with one hand and lit up, but he didn’t miss Shade’s response to pain.

  "You know, brother, I have no words to thank you for all you have done for me. Without you, I would have been fucked from here to hell. Grazie, for staying with Kate when I was in Paris." Shade looked down and scuffed the muddy ground with his boot. Marco stared back at him.

  "Hell, you know I always have your back. But let’s face it. Your queen saved our asses in this battle. There’s no way we could have taken on Max’s numbers without her. You feeling any better? You can’t handle battle like you used too, you need to let the young punks take charge now, just lead them. You have a lot at stake. Little one needs your guidance. You are much like your old man, whether you want to admit it or not. He would never back away either.”