roberto vittoria "vito" // duca lorenzo orsini

She shrugged. “I was just trying to be nice and offer help if you need it.” It was nice to see that there isn’t much for him to bring along. The crew was not too kind that she had an additional person, so at least he didn’t bring too much that they had to store along with it.

She was about to leave him be when he started talking to her. It seemed like he wanted her to stay. When asked about her plans in Italy, she looked at him in confusion. Had he forgotten everything they had talked about when they met a few hours before? Her plans and purpose for travel were clearly explained. Still, she tried not to be too upset about it all. Her situation was unique and ever changing. It was easy to forget.

“I-I am not staying in Italy. The ship is merely stopping in Italy to gather supplies before we go onto France. I told them you are stopping there to deliver some garments to a merchant, which is why you are not joining us for the rest of the journey. I have a commission in France before travelling to England to receive my fate from my King. I maybe kept at court or asked to continue travelling or I might be dismissed at court. If I am no longer needed at court, I am not sure where I will go. I will probably try to set up a shop somewhere in the world, but I am not sure about that part yet.”

“Agh” Robbie signed with sadness and shock. Sure, they had talked about it and yet he was so excited about the proposal of staying in Italy that he somehow included her into his world. “Sorry” he smiled sadly, but his own imagination was running vividly. He was already dreaming of seeing his home, his nieces and nephews, his siblings and there was the prospect of possibility to redeem himself. To help Italy to win the war. 

“Well you are always welcome at my place, once I settle down.” He offered. Robbie still had no idea where his journey would take him. Sure, Naples first and then he was determined to join the resistance fight. His plan was already forming, Corsica seemed like an ideal place, but he still had a long way to go. “You can open a shop everywhere or perhaps my sister will love your work and employ you if they are not gonna cherish you in England.” 

Between losing everything from her childhood in a fire and all the travel for the Queen Mother, she didn’t have much in terms of belongings. She had a few gowns of her own, her sewing and designing materials, and her own collection of personal drawings that she did in her free time. That meant it was easy for her to pack her things and prepare everything to go. It had been a while since she had found a place to call home. Even English court never truly felt like home to her, despite it being where she lived for over 10 years. It made her realize it was truly about home being a place with people you cared about more than a place you live. Nothing taught her that more since her parents’ death.

As she went to the docks, she thought about what he said about the next chapter. His comment resonated with her in a new way. This next adventure might help her find the home she had been missing or so long. A home. A place that she felt that someone cared whether or not she was there. Perhaps she would even be lucky to find love somewhere. Suddenly, she was looking forward to this trip knowing the possibilities it might hold for her.

Hearing her name, she turned to see him and smiled back. It was nice to see a friendly face amidst all the drunks and scum of the world that they were there.  She nodded. “Yes. We are ready to begin our next adventure. My belongings are already on the ship, and they showed me what chambers you would be sharing as well. They are beside mine.” Neither of them were able to get their own chambers. They would be sharing chambers with several other people, but it was still nice enough. “Would you like me to help bring your things to your chambers?” she asked.

“Why would you do that?” He asked though he realised it was probably meant as a joke. Still, he had long forgotten how to be a king. He took his own luggage and carried it on the way. 

As they were dragging their few things around the halls, looking for a place to settle in, Robbie took in the smell of salt, water, vomit and rot. He almost gagged but he knew he had to get used to it. Sea travel, Robbie was never a fan though he had already had some sea journeys behind him. As they finally reached a relatively decent room (because it did not seem like their golden ticket would guarantee them better treatment as they were soon left to their own devices) he sat happily on the bed. 

“I can´t wait to be back home. I would have never guessed I would miss it, but I do. Still, it will never be the same, but aghhh” he stretched himself on dirty sheets filled with fleas “it will be home.” he smiled to himself. “What are you going to do when you are in Italy? You must taste our food of course, but apart from that? Are you planning to open your own shop?” He turned on the back to face her. 

Thankful for not only being taught French like most European royals, but also the constant practice she had using it in Monaco, Nora easily understood the man’s response. Unable to help her curiosty towards the currently unknown man, she first chooses to question his choice of language. “French? You’re clearly not from Sweden. Or Norway for that matter, as Norweigan and Swedish are mutually intelligable. Although one must suppose if you’re looking for an Italian ambassador, you must also be Italian, correct? You are near the ambassador, but I am more than willing to take you to him directly.”

Slowly, it dawned on her that the man did not recognise who she was, as he’d addressed her by ‘My Lady’. Rather than dispell this notion, she decided to play into it, hoping she may get more answers from the Italian man if he thought she was simply noble, instead of the possibility he would clam up if she admitted to who she was. Her distaste for the Swedish ownership of her own country had developed into almost hatred in the time spent in Monaco and near differeing opinions, along with the year she had spent in partial isolation, and she knew of the rumours of Italy’s rebellion.

Using her final middle name, hoping it would be obscure enough to not be caught even with the addition of her last name as there were a number of nobles with the same name, she introduces herself, “My name is Sofia Oldenburg. Who might you be?”

Lorenzo nodded. “Yes, French. I was hoping French would get me somewhere” he admitted with a smirk. As if he could master Swedish in a day. Intelligent he might be,but he was not that big of a genius. “Why such deduction, My Lady” he bowed, a bit irritated by the detective work she had just demonstrated. Did it really matter who he was? Was the security system up north so much better than in the rest of the world? Oh, the man hoped his clothes could get him anywhere. 

“Oldenburg?” He questioned her surname. Had he not heard that name before? He bowed before her, a bit deeper than before and put his own tone in check. “Your Highness. Excuse me for speaking so plainly.” though with Lorenzo, he always spoke plainly despite people´s ranks, but he knew that with his marriage coming, he should learn to be more ... respectful towards monarchs, considering his wife´s status. 

Unknowingly for Scotland, Valentina had plans to strip herself from the crown of Scotland, leaving it sorely for her son. Any of his uncles or Scottish cousins could be regents for Scotland, and perhaps, would gladly take it. No matter who she marries, where she travels to, she wanted to only be known as a Medici, one of the greatest influencer families that Europe had ever known. 

Of course, there lies a better opportunity for the past Prince and Valentina to unfold their romance once more, but Valentina had felt she had burned those bridges, unfortunately. Halvdan was a choice she didn’t want to consider anymore, as regardless, she would never be seen as their equal even though she was the Queen Consort. She desired power in her own unique way, but it was a lonely life and away from the people she had loved held dearly. These past few years have been trying, and Valentina was tired of being sad. No matter how much beauty she held, she was dark on the inside. Blackness. The woman who enjoyed loved and passion was no longer giving–nor receiving. It was against her better judgment. 

Though her turning away from Halvdan has not been official, but Lucrezia was made away and a discussion was to be in agreement of one of her daughters marrying Henry, and when they’re of age, will marry and Henry will be King. One of her daughters will be Queen. Isn’t that a blessing in disguise? Her name was shouted and chanted. But not as being a Stuart, but of a de Medici, and Valentina couldn’t help but bring a smile to her features. After many months, she had retired her armour. How much had she missed these exotic colourful gowns she had loved to flash and show off. And for a wedding, she was going to make sure to dress just as extravagant as their reunion. “Long live the Queen! And many years of happiness in her marriage!” The Queen shouted back.

He was exhausted and wanted to eat and sleep so badly, his legs kept him barely standing. Had they forgotten what if felt like to stand on a ground? Ater weeks on the sea? He felt numb, but his eyes were glued at the image in front oh im. Valentina de Medici. Where they both had started, they were now both going back. If he died today, he knew he would die a happy man and yet, despite exhaustion, despite danger, he felt like he was ready to conquer the world. There would never be a place in the sun for him, he was no longer king, a refugee, a coward, a persona non-grata. He was filled with happiness. Was God giving them a new chance? He watched the love of his life being welcomed with pride and while she was soaking in the air and love of her home, he was waiting patiently for their eyes to meet. For their lives to start and this time, he was not going to hold back. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to touch her, he wanted to ... Robbie blushed about his own thoughts. He wanted to have her, all of her.  But now the crowds had her and he could be as patient as he wanted, but the word was spreading by and more and more people were coming. He stood up to fight his way so close to her, he could touch her gowns. ‘Madona de Medici’ He bowed to her, his eyes meting her dark brown ones. His stomach tight, his body shivering. Was it possible to love her even more than before? Was it possible that they might be given another chance? 

even with the world at war around them, when she woke up, life simply felt wonderful. even her maids, surprised that they were to stay in naples for a week ( they didn’t even expect to stay a night, much less an entire week ), noticed that their queen had a slight bounce in her step, and a grin on her face. everything seemed to be falling into place. 

lucrezia received her breakfast in bed, attending to army reports and various inventories. as grueling as the numbers were, she took them with glee, like the blissful bride she was to be. it was then that she decided to write a letter to robbie. they had agreed not to contact each other while he was away, mostly for his safety but also so that he could fully cut ties with the throne that he had abdicated. she tried to ensure him that they could still keep in touch while he was away, but that required an intricate network of spies and messengers to which only a vittoria was privy. and that was the entire problem. but, with the news of her marriage, she would rather pay loads of florins to mercenaries to deliver this one letter. for she would rather have robbie hear it from her before he could hear it by word of mouth, wherever he was.

she sealed the letter carefully, then got up to get ready for the day. she dressed in a light blue gown that perhaps exposed a little more than she should have. ( she innocently used the excuse that it was a hot day, and that she expected to be outside and didn’t want to be uncomfortable during their tour. ) her maids were still brushing her hair at his knock.

“oh, darling,” she said, turning away from the looking glass and towards him. “you needn’t be so formal.” she motioned to her maids as they stepped back. she took hold of her parasol and her purse before approaching him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “i was hoping you didn’t forget about my little request. i suppose it’s no longer that so much an indulgence of my curiosity than a tour of my future home. our future home.”

Lorenzo was a little bit shocked by her familiarity. He yet had to get used to that, though it was rather a pleasant thing to get used to. A smile played on his lips. How long had he had butterflies when he saw a woman. A woman that was to be his wife. He came closer to her and put his hand on her waist. It came so naturally to him, as if they were always meant to be. But he did not dwell too much on philosophising about life when he drew her closer to him (yet still, he had no plans to feed the servants´ eyes with any private moments). “You look beautiful” he whispered the words into her ear. This, this woman he was going to court every day of his life. The rational Lorenzo was sure, he would have to work hard to earn her respect and love every day. How strange life was. 

“Are you ready to feast your eyes on our hometown?” Our and home town. They had yet to discuss the matter. “Or as I wish, I hope it will become” he stopped himself to take a breath. Was she going to move to Naples? The idea had come around the first time, but now maybe the things had changed and he knew that if anything he would have to move to the city she would choose as her capital. But he waited for her assurance. Maybe he was too quick, but wasn´t the decision to get married made in a minute? And somehow he already felt as it was the best one in his life. 

Upon receiving the Queen’s invitation to her wedding, Valentina was surprised and had to take a second glance at the names. One name she wasn’t familiar with, but what a social climb to be married off to the Queen! Upon arriving on the ship along with other royals who would be attended, it was like for only a little while, the war was forgotten. Valentina was blinded by a marriage she didn’t want and is still coming up with ways to get out of it. Sometimes, she had missed just being a Medici, and that was all she wanted. Going back to Italy, living the life she had wanted with Henry. Why was that so much to ask?

He wondered whether she would come. He could lie to himself but he knew very well where his prayers were last night. He was praying that he would see her again. As if he was sick, as if love was this sickness he could not shake off. He tried, he really, really did to live a life without her and now, when he was coming back to Italy, to see his baby sister married off again and when he was ready to join his brother-in-law`s resistance group, he wondered whether perhpas Lucrezia slipped a wedding invitation to the Scottish Queen. Out of respect? Out of diplomatic scheming? Or perhaps a little friendship? He had no idea whether Valentina and Lucrezia even had any form of friendship but somehow he naively hoped that perhaps Valentina could guide Lucrezia, help her, look after her. Not that his little sister needed it, she was not weak but she was a person and no matter how much Robbie tried to picture his life with tribes in Amazonian rain forest , he simply loved his family.  His skin toned, his face covered in facial hair, already silver fox. He looked better than ever, though tired, but a smile was playing on his face. Vito, Vito, Vito he had to remind himself of his new name before he set his feet on the Neapolitan ground. HOME, finally. He wandered the town, looking for a cheap accommodation, hoping that he would catch a glimpse of the Queen`s ship, but luck was on his side and as he was cooking the fish that he was given by the kind fisherman, she walked the aisle, everyone trying to do their best so that her feet did not touch the dirty ground of the harbour. The Medici girl was coming and no matter how much the Neapolitans despised anyone who wasn`t Neapolitan, she was the Queen. Glorious, beautiful. Many screamed, tried to touch he gowns and while Robbie was exhausted and barely standing he screamed with all the strength that he had left. ‘Valentina de Medici’ because that was who she really was, wasn`t she? Not the Stuart queen, not the future bride of the Norwegian emperor, but his beloved Valentina, the love of his life who he could not stop fighting for. 

Leaving the palace was quite a treat for Nora. She’d spent the past year stuck inside the castle due to the Swedish royality being unsure of her loyalty after spending so long in Western Europe, waiting to be wed to a man who died before their wedding day. She’d quite hoped to get out from under the thumb of her new owners by marrying into a family that hadn’t been overtaken yet, even if she wasn’t supposed to marry anyone actively fighting the Norweigans.

Lost in her own daydream about leaving the restrictive measures the new rulers have put her country over, she entirely missed the fact she was walking much faster than the person in front of her, and she pushed into them hard enough to push them to the floor. Before they could say anything, Nora attempted to apologise for her actions, “I’m ever so sorry for that. I was so busy watching the scenery that I did not pay quite enough attention to where I was walking. Do you require any help?”

He had never thought that Sweden could be their ally. Too close to Norway, geographically and as he thought culturally, but little birds were chirping that Norwegian empire was slowly cracking inside. Was Sweden ready to change sides? One could say too little too late, or that it was rather cunning of them to so suddenly turn their backs on their allies knowing very well that now they could win, but beggars can`t be choosers and if Lorenzo, the leader of the Italian Resistance could gain someone on his side, his morals could be shut for a moment. He was ready to fight for what he thought was right, though it might not always be a clean, moral fight. 

Walking the halls of the Swedish palace, looking for the Italian ambassador, he did not find himself entirely comfortable. The Duke had to travel incognito as his opinions on the Norwegian Empire were well known and despite the fact that he was in the Swedish palace, so obviously the enemy of the state, it was relatively easy to pass the guards. Who would have expected him to go so far? But perhaps his arrogance had no barriers.  And as the plans were being born, Lorenzo was pacing around, his nervousness growing {and he hated that} when a young woman bumped into him. ‘Pard...’ he started his apology, but her Swedish words were quicker. ‘No, I am just waiting, My Lady’ he said in French, hoping that the rules of lingua franca applied in the Swedish Court as well. He had no idea he was talking to a princess. ‘But perhaps’ he stopped her from leaving ‘am I even at the right place? I am looking for the Italian ambassador, Matteo Masucci.’ He tried his chances. 

She nodded. “It looks as if we are both starting new chapters here.” Alina looked back at the paper to remind herself. “At sunset.” Her eyes went to the sun. “That will be soon, but it seems we will have enough time to gather anything you would like to bring with you.”

A silent pact was made between the two of them. Gone was the judgement, both of them ready to start new chapters of their lives. He could only hope others were not that good with their memories to recognize him and his beard would grow just a bit more to cover his face enough. His skin was already getting tanned by the sun and as he was heading towards his camp to say goodbye to his comrades and taking one or two with him, as there were other volunteers to join the Italian Resistance while still working for the French Army, packing was nothing but bittersweet. He had grown to love this place, as much as one could love the place of pain, screams and death. But as always the closer to death you are, the more aware of what a gift life is, you are. 

Still, Robbie (or as he called himself, now Vito) woke up from his nap quite soon, anticipating the new adventure and he found the ship quickly. Guided by the hand of God or perhaps by impatience and the sound of the familiar language. He was heading home. 

It was easy to find Alina. The blonde hair among many of those who had long forgotten how to care about their looks. She looked like a blossoming flower in the slums of docks where beggars tested the mercy of rich merchants and drunk sailors. It was a smelly place and he thanked God that no sailor was yet drunk enough to make his way. “Alina” he yelled at her, accompanying his cry with help. He and two of his friends were standing next to the ship. “So, we have made it.” He smiled. “The new adventure is beginning.” And despite everything he had been through, there was still optimism. It was then, that the letter announcing his sister´s wedding reached him. She had to have spies and his adventure took a bigger turn than he had hoped to. After all, he didn´t need to look for the leader of the Resistance, he was going to be his brother-in-law. 

She smiled and nodded. “Considering your life until now, I understand why you  have never thought about life without a plan.” Her tone was sincere and free of judgement. She knew from her time at court that a royal’s life is planned and defined by birth. The next steps were made from those other than themselves until they were trained to believe the same practices. How would they know about a life with spontaneity? She didn’t blame him at all for not seeing that perspective until now.

“Perhaps. Italy has been wonderful, but there has been nothing specific that has happened here to keep me.” She dropped her smile. “I didn’t think he was a useless king.”

It was nice to be understood, to not be judged. 'Well, that is all behind me now. I am ready to start a new chapter. I hope you will find your peace as well' He admitted. 'When is the ship leaving?' The real question was still hanging in the air. He still thought about all the possibilities of her betraying him, but he knew he had to take this opportunity. 

At his question, all she could do was shrug. “I am not sure,” she admitted honestly. “I have spent so many years at court, but I have enjoyed the freedom of not being at court. When you are a servant there, you are always worried you will say the wrong thing or meet a royal in a foul mood who will be mad at you for no reason at all.” Her memory faded to the images of her childhood. “Perhaps it is time for me to return to a simple life away from court and offer my services to others. For now, I am simply waiting to see what happens. Something could happen in an instant that will change where I want to go in my life.”

He understood. There was no reason for her to know where her life was going. Not everyone had an aim, though once a heart knew what it wanted, making life decisions was easier. Robbie had never had a plan. Not until now. 'I have never thought about it that way.' He admitted, ashamed of himself. Sure, now he was nothing but a useless medic but he wasn`t he once one of them? Privileged? Taking everything for granted? But he was an ambassador, he lived among the Native Amazoniens. He knew what it meant being careful about your every word because it could cause you your head or didn`t he? He was a prince, a king, who would dare killing him?  ‘You are right. Maybe you could settle down in Italy. It is really lovely there, I promise and they have a really good queen since their useless king abdicated.’ 

She nodded as he talked about the Resistance. For all she knew, Italy had joined the Norwegian empire. Now she understood that they were fighting against it just like England was trying to do, but their attempts were more active and discreet at the same time. “For the last two years, the Queen Mother has been sending me to different royal courts to provide custom gowns for royals and nobility for a significantly smaller price than it would normally cost. I had been delayed in Germany for some time, and with everything that has happened with Norway recently, she asked me to finish my appointments she had already given and then to return to England. France is my last one, and once I return to England, the King will determine if we are able to continue this. If he says we cannot, I don’t think I will stay at court.”

He was not surprised that the vanity of the kings and queens could not be stopped even by war. People could be dying, their clothes and armours soaked in blood and yet the royalty still wanted to pretend that nothing was going on. The balls, the music. He stopped himself to check his feelings...no, he was sure he did not miss that hypocrisy.  Her life seemed like an opened book, just like his. ‘What will you do if you don`t go back to court life?’ He asked curious about his new friend. What an unlikely friendship.