Infinite Devotion (Infinite Series, Book 2) Read online

  INFINITE DEVOTION

  The Second Book of the Infinite Series

  L.E. Waters

  Published by Rock Castle Publishing

  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © L.E. Waters, 2012

  Cover by S. Frost Designs

  e-book formatting by Guido Henkel

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The heart can think of no devotion

  Greater than being shore to ocean -

  Holding the curve of one position,

  Counting an endless repetition.

  ~Robert Frost

  I dedicate this book to the shores of my life

  Foreword

  I researched the time periods portrayed in my books and pulled many of my ideas from historic events. When I involve historical people in my books, I try to portray them accurately but take fictional liberty with conversations, timelines, and mysteries—filling in the details absent from written record. The reader must remember that this is, first and foremost, historical fantasy fiction. I maintained a sense of magical realism throughout and hope the reader will take such leaps of imagination with me, assured that there is fundamental support underneath this novel but keeping an open mind to enjoy the story envisioned.

  If there are any doubts as to the accuracy or plausibility of story lines, please visit my website,www.infiniteseries.net, where I dedicated a whole section to a bibliography and more detailed research behind this fictional piece just for those who might enjoy reading further about these cultures, events, and people.

  In regards to the spiritual/religious aspect of this book, it is not meant to come across as non-fiction. This is how I perceived heaven to be in an artistic sense and hope there are readers out there who will consider it enough for the simple enjoyment of storytelling.

  If at any time, you should find yourself confused with so many intricate character histories, I have provided a helpful chart that tracks each character’s traits and progression at the end of each life. It is there to use at any point to enhance the reader’s experience. I would love to take this moment to thank you for reading this novel, and if you could take a moment to review my book where you purchased it, I would be extremely appreciative. Reviews are essential to independent authors like me and even one or two comments can do wonders for my series’ exposure.

  Fifth Life

  The Pope’s Pawn

  Chapter 1

  Pulling aside the burgundy velvet curtains, I peer down among the thick crowd surging below. The heavy August air creeps in through the open window, providing no relief for us inside. The Vatican square is in all its glory below, despite the heat, and I watch for the procession to come around under our balcony of the Palazzo Santa Maria.

  “Lucrezia! Lucrezia! Over here! Your father is coming down this way!”

  I fly to Adriana’s side and stretch out over the railing to see his tall, massive form standing out among all others, with his hooked nose and full mouth beneath the heavy papal crown—his jeweled hand waving to his people.

  “All of Italy has come to see your father elected!” Giulia squeals.

  “There—the Borgia symbol!” Adriana points at the fountain.

  A magnificent fountain, specially made for today, of a giant and powerful bull with one stream from its forehead that flows with red wine. Even though I’m sad to leave our happy place in Spain, I feel great things are going to come of our move to Rome.

  The door to our chamber is thrown open, and my older brothers Cesare and Juan run to me.

  “Lucrezia! You’re here!” Juan shouts as he reaches me first.

  Cesare practically pulls him off, trying to give me his hug next. The music starts up behind us, and Adriana opens the balcony doors wide to let the charming melody in. Juan pushes Cesare aside, takes me in his arms, and we giggle as we practice our courtly dances around the expansive tapestry-covered room. Cesare grabs Guilia up and follows us around the room. It’s so nice to be together again, since I haven’t seen them in months. Juan turns to Cesare, tapping his shoulder to cut in, and even though Juan doesn’t want to yield, I let go and take Cesare's hands.

  As we dance off, I have a hard time figuring out which brother is more handsome. Both are tall and well built, but Juan has a finer and more delicate face—Juan the poet. Cesare has more powerful facial features, high cheekbones, and a large but perfectly straight nose—Cesare the warrior. Peering into Juan’s indigo eyes is like falling into a deep pool, and Cesare’s amber eyes are the fire that warms you after. With only one year between them and both on the verge of manhood, it’s hard to say whose look is more intriguing.

  Out of breath, Juan decides to stop and falls down into a gold brocade chair near the fireplace. “Lucrezia and Giulia, how lovely you both are,” Juan says with a sweet smile between catching his breath.

  Giulia and I look at each other and blush. Little did they know we’d been standing in front of our dressing mirrors all day primping and trying on all of our dresses for the momentous occasion. I’ve stayed with the beautiful and good-natured Guilia the last few months, but I have everything I love dearest to me now in one place: Adriana, who is like a mother to me; Guilia the sister I never had; my exciting brothers; and most important of all, my father.

  Shortly after the private door that leads directly to St. Peter’s opens, my father’s procession spills into the room. My father, still wearing the papal crown and gown, holds his arms out to me and embraces me tightly. He also looks to Giulia and gives her an equally warm hug.

  He reaches to give Adriana a kiss. “Cousin, so nice to see you’ve arrived well.”

  She bows to him instead. “His Holiness, Alexander the Sixth, was very generous with our more than adequate quarters.”

  He smiles proudly at hearing his newly appointed name being said out loud. When she comes up, he still gives her the kiss he intended.

  “Come with me to dine tonight. I want Giulia and Lucrezia at my side.” He turns and looks us both up and down, hesitating a little longer on Guilia’s fine form. “I have two angels dining with me tonight.” He guides us both through the door into St. Peter’s.

  I’m seated in the huge and lavishly decorated dining room. My attention is drawn to the glistening of all the silver and gold pieces strategically placed around the long table. Besides our family all on one side, there are cardinals and noblemen dining with us.

  During our first course, Father turns to me. “Lucrezia, given our new circumstances from my election, I feel it would be in our best interest to cancel yet another of your betrothals.”

  I’m relieved, hoping it will at least delay a few more months.

  Cesare explains to me, “Now that we’re here, it’s more advantage
ous to choose someone who can be of more use to us in Rome.”

  “Giovanni Sforza, Lord of Pesaro,” Father says more for Cesare to hear than me.

  Cesare scoffs loudly. “Sforza? He’s a minor prince. I’m sure you can find a greater alliance now from your new position.”

  “I think he’ll be much help to us with his ties to Milan.” Father pauses to chew and dabs his mouth with his napkin. “I may be pope, but we’ve still far to go.”

  Cesare nods, considering this. “What is the dowry?”

  “Thirty-one thousand ducats. I talked Sforza down from fifty thousand.” He smiles in delight and stuffs his mouth full. He rests one elbow on the table, and his silk sleeve slides down his arm, exposing a childhood scar running from his wrist to his elbow.

  “Lucrezia, he will suit you well. Though he’s already a widower, I hear he’s quite handsome.”

  “I care not what he looks like, Father. I could marry a chair if it’s most helpful for our family position.” They nod happily. “That and the agreement that I’ll have a year in Rome before I have to go live with him.”

  Twelve is a very early age to marry, and Father promised that he’ll require me to stay in the Vatican one more year before the marriage is consummated.

  “A Borgia through and through, always negotiating, just like I taught you.” He smiles with his slate-blue eyes squinting.

  Pushing away from his empty plate, Father points at me and says, “Lucrezia, get your brothers to dance with you and Giulia. It’ll please me to see you all dance, but my Lucrezia dances on air.”

  After many dances and a rich dessert, Father takes us back through our private door. As he closes the door behind him, he pats it. Thick gold rings clank against the hard wood. “I had this put in so I can come and visit my most precious girls anytime, day”—and then he looks at Guilia—“and night.”

  Knowing my place, I give him another kiss and say, “Good-night.” Walking to my room, I hear Giulia scream in delight as they spin into her abode together and shut the door. I’ve grown accustomed to my father’s lusty behavior and know Giulia is much adored by him. It’s the reason he allows Giulia to come live with me, and I’m just as happy to have a good friend. I shut my door and try not to think on it any longer.

  Chapter 2

  “Lucrezia, you’ll not believe it.” Juan smiles and runs for the carriage I’m waiting in, basking in June sunshine. He’s opulently dressed in gold cloth with embroidered pearls and a large chain of balas rubies and pearls around his neck. Juan always liked to indulge in luxuries of status.

  “What is the delay?” I sent a few of my attendants inside St. Peter’s to see what is holding up my entry into the church. My maids are busy fanning me with feathered fans to keep me from sweating.

  “Procida, your last betrothed, came to Rome this morning upon hearing of your wedding to claim you as his bride. He made a huge stir inside the Vatican, saying that the King of Spain arranged the marriage, and he was promised.”

  “How is Father handling the situation?” I ask as I reach out to touch his alluring chain of jewels.

  “Do you like it? It’s worth one hundred fifty thousand ducats.” He smiles with one side of his mouth and one eyebrow raised.

  I gasp jealously but continue, “And Father?”

  “He and Cesare are meeting with him as we speak. They’re going to have to pay him a condotta so he’ll leave.”

  “Can I go inside, then?”

  “No, Father doesn’t want Procida to see you like this because he might rather turn down the condotta.” He laughs and points, as the attendants are coming back, waving me in. “Looks like Procida has given up on you after all.”

  He puts his arm out to help me down as my maids help lift the hems of my silk gown and robe off the ground. I’m ushered into a side room and wait yet again. I ask for a mirror and check that the golden brocade gown is free from dirt and wrinkles. I point for the maids to fix the jeweled headpiece and make sure it’s straight.

  Cesare enters and whistles. “Breathtaking in every way, dear sister. Sforza will fight to take you home tonight.”

  “What is the delay now? I saw the whole court was filled with guests!”

  “You can’t imagine. Sforza, your soon-to-be fool of a husband, is trying to delay the wedding. His astrologer has given him bad tiding to this day, and Sforza wanted to wait until tomorrow, since it would be happier among the stars.” He takes his velvet hat off to fix his thick brown hair. “The pope is not pleased.”

  Cesare, although dressed handsomely in a red velvet jacket and gold chain, is much more subdued than the extravagant Juan.

  Just as he says this, Guilia comes running. “It’s time! Lucrezia, follow me.”

  Guilia, with her hazel eyes and long reddish hair down to her feet, dressed in my colors of mulberry and gold, leads me out and down the court where I see Giovanni Sforza waiting with my father and a few other cardinals. The room’s filled with the smiling faces of Roman barons, bishops, and noble men and women. As I draw near, I see Sforza for the first time, and I’m slightly taken aback with how much older he looks. I immediately feel nervous in his presence but try to focus on the task ahead. He has thick brown hair, a full beard, and brown, slightly beady eyes. He is fashionably dressed in a long, Turkish-style robe of gold, adorned with the Gonzaga gold chain. Handsome enough.

  We’re asked to kneel at Father’s feet, and he holds a naked sword above our bowed heads and pronounces us married.

  Chapter 3

  “The year went fast,” I say to Guilia as I wipe away my tears. I’m packing the trousseau that Father bought.

  “Oh, you shouldn’t be crying with all these beautiful things to wear.” Guilia picks up a purple velvet dress with gold threading.

  “I wish you could come with me.”

  She picks up her handkerchief and dabs her eyes. “Your father wants me to stay in Rome,” is all she has to say, and I know he’ll never let her out of his sight. People in Rome are calling her Christ’s Bride. My father makes no attempt to hide their relationship.

  “I understand.” And I did.

  She nods sadly in agreement and then points to the most expensive dress my father purchased that is hanging on the door. “I’ve never seen a dress so rich!”

  “It cost Father fifteen thousand ducats!”

  She walks over and runs her hands down the embroidered pearls and jewels like it’s an exotic animal. “I would go anywhere if I had a dress like this to go in.”

  Maybe she’s right; maybe I should think myself blessed to have the things I have.

  “I’ll miss you and my family terribly.”

  “Well, at least Juan has already left for Granada, so it’s only your father and Cesare to miss, and Cesare’s in a terrible mood since your father gave Juan the dukedom over him.”

  Cesare has been reclusive and fuming for the last few months. Being the oldest, it is a slap in the face to be so overlooked.

  “Guilia, so nice to see you noticed.” Cesare snuck into the room behind her, and she looks worried. He picks up a cap off the gilded chair and sits.

  “She was just trying to make me feel less distraught at leaving.”

  Guilia nods, embarrassed.

  “It’s fine.” He doesn’t seem convinced. “If I had been made Duke of Gandia, I certainly wouldn’t have demanded such extravagant outfitting. Do you know the master goldsmith is still making his jewelry for the wedding, and it happened months ago?”

  He’s been talking like this since the dukedom was announced. I try to take his mind off Juan yet again.

  “Tell me again about Giovanni Sforza.” I say with a snide smile.

  He lights up. “Oh, you’re in for a thrill. Father has married you to one of the drabbest men I’ve ever met. Not only does he walk in like a shaking, nervous mouse, but he stands in front of you with nothing to say. He nods drolly at every word while his eyes are darting about the room looking for ghosts.”

  Even though
he’s described him so many times, we all still have a laugh.

  “He came to court last week to speak with Father, and I’m convinced he’s a spy for Milan. A poor spy, at that, but a spy nonetheless.”

  “Strange how Father married me because of Sforza’s ties to Milan, and now he’s at odds with them. It’s only benefitting Sforza now.”

  Cesare smiles at this. “You’re the only lady I know that can understand such things. Paring it right down to the bone.”

  Father comes in, and we stand up to bow at his entrance, but he gestures for us to sit as he always does. He comes and hugs me at once.

  “I wish I could dissolve this useless marriage so you wouldn’t have to leave.” He smiles, and his eyes roll back as he remembers something. “Do you know what he wrote to me last week?” I know he’s going to continue, even if we’d already known. “After hearing about my agreement with the King of Naples, enemy of the state of Milan, Giovanni asked me which he should stay devoted to: our contractual agreement or his illustrious state of Milan!” He’s getting louder and laughing through his story. “I answered plainly, ‘our agreement.’” He keeps laughing.

  Cesare speaks. “Sforza’s a total waste of Lucrezia’s talents, with no political advantages.”

  “Yes, I know. It was a mistake,” he says as he takes my shoulders and looks in my eyes. “I’ll figure something out. A way to dissolve it without risking our future.”

  I know he will, and it makes it easier to leave knowing it won’t be long before I can come back. No matter how bad Sforza is, I know I can put up a good front. The servants come in for the last of my bags. I throw my cloak on, and Adrianna and Guilia kiss me good-bye in my room as Father and Cesare walk me down to the envoy waiting outside. Father fixes a tight smile that holds back his tears, and Cesare gives me a strong hug and walks away before I even get in my coach.