It was impossible to miss her awe as she walked into the Sala Rossa. The room is designed to create a sense of occasion but against its splendor, in her ordinary clothes, she was cast adrift. I chose the venue as a display of my wealth and power. I kept Violetta in the dark about what was happening to show her I control her life now.
My intention was to make a point but I'm the one who learned a lesson. This woman will stand by my side for the rest of our lives. If I want her to be my queen, I need to treat her like one.
She should have had a designer dress, flowers, a cake. She should have been able to invite her family and friends. If I was a better man I'd have considered all of that before the wedding,but I wanted to get her name on the marriage certificate with as little fuss as possible.
"Is there anyone you need to tell about our marriage?" I address her back as she stares out of the window. "Your mother, perhaps?"
Violetta turns. "I will at some point."
"You aren't close?"
"Not really. I mean, we love each other, but since I left home it hasn't been the same."
I don't probe. If she wanted to tell me more, she would.
"We'll go to see my mother this weekend."
Suddenly interested in the conversation again, Violetta comes to join me on the sofa.
"Your mother lives in Rome, right?"
"A little outside of the city. She prefers the quiet of the countryside these days."
At some point before we visit I'll have to explain to her about my mother's fragile condition and how she came to be that way, but our wedding night is not the time.
"And you have another brother?"
"Gabriele," I confirm. As usual when I say his name, a pang of longing hits me squarely in the chest. "He lives in Rome."
"Will we visit him also?"
I shake my head. "My brother's not the most sociable."
Thankfully, Violetta leaves it at that. She gestures toward the platter of food on the table.
"It was nice of Lina to do this."
"It's her job."
"Still, she went to some effort and it's a shame to let it go to waste."
"I'll message Tomasz." Taking my phone from my pocket, I open my messaging app. "He can take the rest down to the guards."
"That's generous of you."
I nod. "It isn't the sort of gesture I'd usually make. They'll think you're turning me soft."
Violetta laughs. "I doubt it."
When I've sent the message, I get up from my seat and hold a hand out to Violetta.
"Shall we go upstairs?" Tonight I want to give her a choice in what we do. I owe it to her after that sham of a wedding.
She shakes her head. "Not yet. I'd like to... uh, could we go for a swim?"
The tentative way she asks is adorable.
"You want to swim?"
