Paring: A bit of Ezio Auditore X Reader
Characters: Reader, Ezio Auditore, Lorenzo Medici. OC’s: Signore Rosetti. Pietro Rosetti, Francesca Rosetti.
Another day, another guest.
“How long will they keep us waiting?!”
Standing in the courtyard on a warm summer day waiting for the guests to arrive, you wondered who you would be entertaining this time. Your husband, a tall man with silver hair, standing next to you in garish clothing of red and wearing all the seals of his different offices, stood impatiently as he always did. He never liked to be kept waiting for any length of time, but there were things that even he couldn’t control, much to his disappointment.
On your right stood your husbands two children, both from his first marriage and both older than you. His son Pietro, a tall, thin, and dour looking young man with dark hair stood wearing garments much like his father. Pietro was cold with you, but he was cold with all others, so it mattered little to you.
Next to him was Francesca, the younger of the two and the apple of her father’s eye. Francesca was dark haired and dark tempered, much like her father, and much like Pietro, resented your presence in the household.
Both regarded you as little more than a well to do Jezebel who had wormed their way into their noble house. Little did it matter to them that your marriage to their father was nothing more than an arrangement between your two families, something that they themselves were destined for, no matter how much they might tell themselves otherwise.
Both resented you even though it was because of your father’s money that they could still wear such resplendent clothes and still live in such a vast Villa, one of the largest in Venezia. But that would never endear them to you, nothing would.
As you stood silently, resplendent in a new gown of green and gold, wearing your wedding jewels, you did your best to ignore your husbands’ inpatient words. In the beginning, you had tried to sooth him, only to learn that doing so only irritated him more. The man was impossible to please.
Finally, the tension was broken by the sounds of the gate opening. Standing up straight and folding your hands in front of you, you took sight of three men riding in on horseback. Two of them, one dark haired, one blonde wore dark garments and capes bearing 5 circles and 3 Fleur de Lis, the sigil of the Medici family.
The third, wearing strange white and red robes, with his hood up,also wearing a Medici cape followed behind them. Along with his robes, he also wore several pieces of armor and a strange looking device on his arm. Even with all the unique fashions in Venezia, he stood out.
As all three dismounted and handed the horses reins to the grooms, your husband called out “Welcome Gentlemen.” In a faux pleseant voice he reserved for those he wished to earn favor with. Knowing that these men were Medici explained a lot and it also made you hopeful that all the preparations that you had spent the last week on would be successful, for if they were, it would be your problem to deal with.
The dark haired older gentleman, who you quickly recognized as Lorenzo de Medici, stepped forward first, shaking your husbands hand and giving him a slight smile and a polite greeting. You had not seen Signore Medici in several years, but he quickly recognized you and greeted you warmly.
“Signora Rosseti, you are as lovely as the dawn. May I present my son, Piero” He said, gesturing to the blonde hair gentleman next to him. You had never met Piero formally before, but he greeted you just as warmly as his father had, which as you could see from the corner of your eye, irritated your step-children.
“Signore and Signora Rosseti, may I also present my companion, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.” At his introduction, Ezio lowered his hood, showing his handsome face and smiled brightly at his hosts.
Your eyes went wide. The Auditore were as well known to the people of Firenze as the Medicis were and it had only been a few years past since the day that Ezio’s father and brothers were publically executed. Shortly after that Ezio himself had vanished, leaving many to wonder, including you, what had become of him.
Taking your hand and bringing it to his lips for a kiss, speaking in that smooth, deep voice of his “Hello Signora Rosetti, I do hope you havent forgotten me.”
That smile. The one that had charmed everyone woman in Firenze, including you. Despite yourself, you couldnt help but blush a bit.
“No, Signore Auditore, I have not.”
After a few more introductions, your husband lead everyone inside for a tour of the Villa. Signore Medici walked side by side, with your husband. His son Piero went to offer his arm to you when Francesca, eager to show you up, took it for herself.
Not carring for her rudeness, you started to say something. But knowing your husband would excuse the behavior of his favorite, you let it go. Ezio noticed this and quickly offered his arm to you. Grateful for a bit of kindness, you took it.
Following your husband close behind, you said little as he pontificated about the Rosetti family. More than once you fought the urge to roll your eyes as he spoke of the family as if they were the next coming of Christ himself. Ezio himself, though polite didnt seem impressed either. Insted he focused on you and the two of you made polite inquires about the others family.
After a bit, Pietro spoke up in a bit of a bored voice and said “Father, perhaps we should move onto the study and onto business. Surely Signore Medici didnt come here for a family lesson.”
“Perhaps we should. Francesca, please keep our dear guest Piero company.” Your husband ordered.
“Yes, and perhaps our dear mother..” Pietro spoke sneering,“Perhaps she can show Signore Auditore her project.” Ezio glared at Pietro for the way he spoke it you, but he kept his tone civil.
“What project is this, Signora?”
“It’s nothing.” You said, though it pained you a bit to speak those words.
“Oh you should see it, Signore. Mother is quite proud of it.” Pietro snorted. Ezio made a mental note to speak with him later.
“I would be honored if you would show me, Signora.” Ezio replied, flashing his charming smile again, which in turn, made Pietro look even more disdainful.
While your husband led Signore Medici and Pietro away and Francesca all but pulled Piero towards the garden, you led Ezio away towards a private room. As you led him along the way, you took note of more of the details of his robes, including a strange insignia at his waist.
“How long have you been in Venezia, Signore?” You asked.
“Will you be staying long?”
“For the time being. It depends on how long my business here takes.” He explained, already planning to stay a bit longer now that he knew you were here.
“I did not expect to see you today Signora.” Ezio spoke softly. “Have you been with the Rosetti’s long?”
Knowing that all of the families servants listened in at all times, you did your best to be diplomatic.
“They are like many of their kind.”
“I take it they are not the most warm.” Ezio ventured, recalling the disrespect he had witnessed.
“No they are not. But such is my lot.” You spoke sadly, recalling how your welcome into the family had been anything but warm.
“So what is you project?”
Reaching a door, you opened it and led Ezio inside a large room. Looking around he saw along three of the walls were rows and rows of books and scrolls. Along with the books, there was a tall desk and a stool. Walking into the center of the room, Ezio smiled in wonder. Very few people he knew had books, and even less had as many as you had in this room.
“Here it is, my library.” You said a bit shyly, hoping Ezio wouldnt judge you.
“How did you talk your husband into this? I didnt think he was a man of letters.”
“He isnt. And none of the others are. But one thing he is though is prideful. He will do anything that he thinks makes him look richer. And few things make a man look richer than having things that most cant afford.” You noted, crossing your arms.
“Ive not seen so many books in one place. Where did you find all of these?”
“Some in shops. Some I sent for.” You explained as you stood by the desk. Watching Ezio as he took one of the books and opened it, you were surprised to see him interested. Before you had shown guests the library and many of them, though polite about it, you could tell they didnt understand why someone like you, a wealthy noblewoman would have a project like this.
“My friend Leonardo would be in awe of this.” Ezio said smiling. “What are they all about?”
Still surprised that Ezio was truly intrested you said “Some are about history, some are about medicine. If I am honest, anytime I would find books in a shop, I would just buy them up.”
“What made you want to create this?” He asked, honestly curious, putting the book back and reaching for another to examine.
“I like to read. I always have. And I was of the mind that if my dowry was to go to the house and those inside, I wanted at least one thing for myself. That and...”
Ezio looked up at you expectantly
“That and I like to learn. And as long as I have the means to teach myself something, Im going to. No matter what others might think.”
“Even if others dont approve?”
“That’s the thing Signore, all men say they want an educated wife. That is, they want her educated enough to make themselves look good. A woman doesnt lose the ability to learn once she marries, despite what they might think. I certainly did not.” You replied, a tad sharp.
Having gotten it out, you looked to Ezio and waited for the usual disapproving look. To your surprise, there was none. If anything, Ezio looked at your admirably. He always knew you to be a very intellegent and beautiful woman and to see you put together something like this, he couldnt help but approve.
Looking back to the books he asked, “Which one is your favorite?”
“My favorite?”
That was easy for you. Walking over to the closest shelf, you pulled a rather thick book and set it on the desk. Joining you at the desk, Ezio waited patiently as you opened it.
“Decameron” He whispered the title.
“Do you know it?” You asked.
“Ive heard of it. Ive heard some of the stories in it may not be....suitable.” Ezio teased lightly.
“Suitable for whom, Signore?” You smiled lightly. “Besides, Ive read things less savory than this.”
“Have you? And where would a lady such as your self read such stories?” Ezio smirked, wondering where you were going with this.
Before you could answer, a loud sound rang through the house.
“That means dinner will be served soon, so we must prepare.” You explained as you closed the book. “Will you be joining us for dinner Signore?”
“If the Mistress of the House wishes me to do so.” Ezio answered smiling.
“Then perhaps we should prepare.” You said, putting the book away and leading Ezio out of the library. Watching you walk back to your chambers to prepare, Ezio smiled at the sight of you, still as witty and beautiful as the day he last saw you all those years ago. He had been truthful in that he didnt know how long he would be in Venezia, but for the moment, nothing could convince him to leave the city.
Before Ezio went to find Signore Medici and his son, he spotted Pietro walking towards his own chambers. There was still plenty of time before the meal, plenty of time to teach someone some manners.
