For the next hour, we hash out details. Who marries whom, what dowries will be exchanged, how business interests will be divided. Through it all, I keep an eye on my sons. Lorenzo participates actively, asking intelligent questions and making astute observations. Ciro and Giovanni remain silent as instructed, but I can see them taking everything in.
Finally, Ronan leans back in his chair. "Well, I think we've made good progress. Cesare, your Lorenzo will marry my Daire. A fine match, if I do say so myself."
I nod, pleased. "Agreed. And for your son, Ronan, Daithi will marry?—"
"My daughter Odessa," Olezka interjects smoothly.
"Then I'll marry your daughter Mila, Olezka," Miller King inputs, sitting back with his arms crossed, looking unimpressed.
"Excellent," Olezka says with a sharp grin. "Then Danil will marry your eldest daughter, Cesare. Elisabetta."
Ciro's eyes narrow at Olezka's words, but he stays seated without a word.
"That ties every family to another. It's enough for now," I say, annoyed that the Kings only have to marry into the Russians, but it'll do.
Ronan nods. "I agree. Enough for now."
As the meeting concludes, I can see the weight of what's transpired settling on my sons' shoulders. Lorenzo appearscontemplative but composed, while Ciro and Giovanni exchange uneasy glances.
"Well, gentlemen," Ronan says, rising. "I believe we've accomplished what we set out to do today. Let's reconvene in a month to finalize details and set dates for ceremonies."
Murmurs of agreement as everyone begins filing out. I hang back, gesturing for my sons to do the same. Once we're alone, I turn to face them.
"You have questions," I state.
Lorenzo speaks first, voice measured. "Father, I understand the necessity of these arrangements, but are you certain this is the best course? Tying ourselves so closely to the other families could be risky if any were to betray us."
I nod, appreciating his strategic thinking. "It's a calculated risk, Lorenzo. But the benefits outweigh potential drawbacks. These marriages will create a web of alliances difficult for anyone to break without severe consequences."
Ciro clears his throat. "And what about Elisabetta? She's barely eighteen. Are we really going to force her into marriage with someone she doesn't know?"
I study Ciro carefully, noting concern in his eyes. It's the first time I've seen him show such open emotion about his sister.
"Elisabetta understands her duty to this family," I say firmly. "Just as you all do. This isn't about personal feelings; it's about securing our future."
Giovanni, who's been uncharacteristically quiet, finally speaks. "What about us, Father? Will we be expected to marry soon as well?"
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Not immediately, no. But yes, in time, you'll likely be called upon to make similar alliances. It's how our world works, boys. You've always known this."
The room falls silent as my sons absorb this information.
Finally, Lorenzo straightens his shoulders. "We understand, Father. We'll do what needs to be done for the family."
Ciro and Giovanni nod in agreement, though I can still see uncertainty in their eyes.
"Good," I say, feeling a mixture of pride and regret. "Now, let's head home. Your sisters will want to know what happened, and we need to prepare Elisabetta for what's coming."
As we make our way out of the hotel, my thoughts turn to Vittoria. How will she react to this news? Will she see it as a betrayal of the growing bond between her and my children? Or will she understand the necessity of it all?
"Cesare," Vittoria says later once we're in our room. "Do you have a date set for Elisabetta's wedding?"
I pause, studying her face carefully. She's been so much more open with me lately, but I can still see hesitation in her eyes.
"Not yet," I reply, moving to sit beside her on the edge of the bed. "We'll be meeting again in a month to finalize details and set dates. Why do you ask?"
Vittoria fidgets with the hem of her shirt, a habit I've noticed she turns to when she's nervous. "I was just thinking... Elisabetta is so young. Barely older than I was when we got married. I know this is how things work in our world, but I can't help worrying for her."
Her concern for my daughter touches me. Despite the rocky start between Vittoria and my children, she's grown to care for them deeply over the past month.
