Infinite Devotion Read Free

his chair away from the table, and even though I’m only halfway through my meal, I realize he wants me to follow him.
    Adriana’s told me much of what’s expected of women on their wedding night, and since I’ve attended many of my father’s parties‌—‌rich with Rome’s finest courtesans‌—‌sex is not something that intimidates me. Giovanni sits back on his bed and watches me undress by the fire. Even though he’s the widower, he’s the one who’s shaking. He fumbles at every occasion for me that night, just as he fumbled to kiss my hand. I lie there playing my part, hoping Father will think of something soon.
    ∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
    Six months later, Cesare and Father arrive for dinner, as they have every few weeks since I’ve been here. Giovanni’s been away on a campaign for months, and I happily have the place to myself.
    Cesare begins at dinner. “This isn’t simply a visit tonight, dear sister.” He swallows. “We have word Giovanni’s on his way back tonight, and we think it’s a good opportunity to speak to him about your annulment.”
    My heart leaps at the idea.
    “I think the only way we can annul your marriage is via”—my father inhales a burp but continues—“non-consummation.”
    I’m dumbfounded; my expression makes them both laugh.
    Father turns to me with a sudden, serious face. “You didn’t consummate the marriage, did you?”
    “You didn’t tell me not to…” By the way they breakout in laughter, I know they’re joking.
    “Lucrezia, after Cesare gets through terrorizing him, he’ll agree to anything.” They’re laughing so hard, Cesare’s holding his sides.
    “Impotence!” Cesare blurts out. “We’ll get him to declare impotency!”
    As much as I want a better marriage, I feel somewhat sorry for what Giovanni has ahead of him. Even though he’s boring and unimportant, my stomach twists as I imagine what I’m going to have to publicly lie about at my father’s demand.
    Giovanni walks in, already angry from hearing Cesare and my father are here upon his return. He looks even more nervous than usual and doesn’t even take his coat off when he enters the dining room.
    I go to him at once and kiss him on his cheek.
    “So glad you are home and well.” But he doesn’t hear me.
    Cesare gives a fake smile and remains seated. “Yes, brother, so glad you are well.”
    My father extends his hand, and Giovanni, after an awkward moment of hesitation, kisses his ring. Giovanni then sits down stiffly next to Father, who’s seated in Giovanni’s seat at the head of the table.
    “Giovanni, I sense you’re unnerved at our unexpected visit, and I want to put all your concerns to rest by coming out with my proposition.” As Father says this, Cesare gets up and moves his chair to the other side of Giovanni. Giovanni tenses in his seat.
    My father laces the fingers of both hands, pushes back his large form, and sends a serious look to Giovanni. “Your pope requests you sign an annulment—”
    “I will never sign an annulment!” He jumps up from his chair, spilling his glass. “You signed a contract with me. Lucrezia’s my wife .”
    Cesare and Father only become calmer with his outburst.
    Cesare says, “Wouldn’t you rather a wife that loves you?”
    Giovanni looks at me. “I love her, and even if it isn’t reciprocated, we’re husband and wife under God.”
    My father raises one eyebrow and narrows the other eye. “Will you risk your life for it?”
    “Are you threatening me?”
    “No, I’m informing you,” he replies with a strange smile.
    Giovanni glares at me. “You say nothing, Lucrezia?”
    I glance down and shake my head.
    “The devil’s wearing the papal crown.” Giovanni turns and walks back out of the house.
    “That went well.” Cesare starts laughing.
    My father exhales loudly. “This might be harder than I thought.”

Chapter 5
    Giovanni flees, and under the pretenses I now know, an annulment is going to be