Chapter Eighty-Four: Assassination

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

22nd of July 1535 - Château de Fontainebleau, France

Clasping her hands in prayer, the Duchess of Orléans bowed her head trying to block out the blessings that were being reaped upon the Queen of France. 

Her lips moving quickly as she pleaded with the Lord to grant her an heir for her husband. Surely, he understood that if he wished for Henri to be King of France that he would need heirs. 

Catherine knew that there were those around her that whispered of having her marriage annulled and having her cast off to a nunnery much like the Spanish Infanta that had disgraced herself in England. 

Her ladies told her of those who whispered that the Duke had married the wrong Medici, that if he had married Clarice then perhaps, he would have as many children now as the Duke of Bedford. 

When the news that Clarice had finally been delivered of a son for her husband, Catherine had broken several vases in her rooms and screamed until she could no more. 

Now there had been another blow, one much closer to home that Catherine could not ignore even if she wished to. 

Opening her eyes and looking in front of her, Catherine glared at the back of the head that was seated before her; she gritted her teeth as she wondered why God would do this to her. 

There had been whispers for weeks that Elisabeth of Hesse was with child, her spies informing her that the Queen had not bled since she had arrived in France. 

Now there was no denying that Elisabeth was with child, her belly had rounded out in the last month or so and there was no hiding the expanding bump that was making itself known. 

The royal physicians guessed that the babe would arrived sometime before end of the year and there were high hopes that the child would be another son to further secure the line of succession. 

Catherine gritted her teeth, her hands forming into fists as she thought about how easily everyone else seemed to fall pregnant while she struggled especially with a husband who could barely look at her. 

Even now he was focused on his mistress who was seated not far from him despite the disparity in their rank.

Getting to her feet as the priest brought mass to an end, Elisabeth of Hesse could not contain her smile as she moved to thank him before she rested a hand on her growing bump and moved towards the back of the chapel. 

Her head held high as she moved and she was nodded her head at those that she recognised in the gathering, she had been working hard since her arrival to win the approval of the French people. 

If she was not doing charitable acts for those less fortunate that herself, then Elisabeth was learning the ropes from her beloved sister-in-law; she was so very grateful to Marguerite of Navarre for her help. 

The Queen of Navarre had taken the time to allow Elisabeth to grow into her position, she explained things carefully to her and showed great patience in allowing Elisabeth to shadow her while she attended council meetings. 

Marguerite followed behind her sister-in-law in the procession, her arm linked with her eldest nephew and she was relieved that Elisabeth had proven herself of fertile stock. 

The news of her pregnancy was given as another sign of God blessing the French cause in Italy, especially now with Charles expected to leave the line of succession when they took Naples. 

The Dauphin was still a very single man, although he was learning every day for the role that he would one day occupy while there was no sign of Catherine giving Henri an heir anytime soon. 

Perhaps it was time to intervene especially when people continued to bring to her attention that he spent most of his time and money on Diane de Poitiers. 

Catherine watched Elisabeth and the rest of the court leave the chapel, her eyes narrowing and she knew that one day she would be seated in such a position of power. 

Her brother would help her when he could, she knew that Alessandro was eager to see her succeed especially given his position as the Duke of Florence. 

It was in his favour that she remain in her position, married to the second in line to the French throne and he encouraged her in his letters to do whatever necessary to remove the obstacles in her way.

***

22nd of July 1535 - Florence, Duchy of Florence

The celebrations for the Duke of Florence's birthday had lasted a week with no expense spared despite the worsening conditions of those less fortunate than himself. 

From jousts to banquets, there had been no stopping the celebrations even when riots broke out across the city and the poor starved to death in the streets. 

Alessandro had even commissioned a state for the gardens to be built, he wished for it to displace him in a good light and to stand amongst the statues of those who had come before him. 

He wished to take his place in the grand halls where paintings of his forefathers stood; he often found himself staring at the paintings of his great grandfather and his great, great grandfather. 

A small part of him wondered what they would make of his reign, surely, they would be proud of him for everything that he had done; he had brought greatness back to the family after they had fallen so far. 

"You seem distracted," Lorenzino mused wrapping an arm around Alessandro's shoulders and bringing him close, a smile painted on his face and his dark locks moving in the slight breeze that filled the courtyard. 

The music from the main banquet hall could be heard throughout the Palace and Lorenzino was surprised that Alessandro had wandered away from the festivities. 

Even with no expense being spared and the wine cellars being raided almost every night that week, Alessandro had outdone himself with this evenings entertainment. 

The rich of Florence had been well entertained and Lorenzino had felt a pang of jealously as he had watched Alessandro with those, he deemed worthy to spend time with him and take part in the celebrations. 

"I have missed your presence cousin, you have been absent as of late. There is much busy for us to discuss," Alessandro stated, he put an arm around Lorenzino's waist and ruffled the other man's dark locks. 

He looked at Lorenzino trying to see what had plagued his dear cousin in the last few days, he had hated not having him to turn to especially in such dark times. 

"I have been busy ensuring peace inside the city," Lorenzino replied not giving anything away, he dared not tell Alessandro anything more less he reveal too much and give away his changing allegiance. 

Instead, he moved to walk alongside Alessandro, leading him back together the celebrations that seemed to have only grown since he had stepped out into the courtyard. 

There were many people inside and the ale was flowing, Lorenzino had no doubts that this would certainly be a night that none of them would ever forget. 

"Your Grace I have a gift for you," Lorenzino whispered into his cousin's ear, his eyes darting about the room and he was pleased to see that Cosimo had done as he had been instructed. 

There was much to be done this evening and they both had their parts to play, if everything went well then, they would both be rewarded and Lorenzino knew that Ippolito would forever be indebted to them for what they did here. 

"Caterina Soderini has agreed to meet with you in private," Lorenzino whispered, his eyes flickering towards the woman in question that he knew that Alessandro had converted for a while now. 

He had often told Lorenzino about how he had craved her, especially given his own marriage and the young age of his wife; it would be awhile before he could sire any children from here. 

Alessandro stared at Lorenzino in awe, his eyes widening and he turned to look at the woman in question; he had longed to feel her warmth around him and a smile from her that stoked something inside of him that he had forgotten. 

"You jest," Alessandro stated he looked at Lorenzino, he dared not believe that such a beauty would wish to spend the night with him especially when she barely looked his way. 

Even when he spent time with Taddea, who had fathered a child with and had another one on the way; he had never felt complete, he adored his mistress who had made him a father but he longed for the touch of another. 

He looked back towards Caterina, their eyes locking in a moment and he offered her a kind smile which caused her to blush and look away. 

Perhaps Lorenzino had convinced her to meet with him behind her husband's back especially on the beautiful night of his birthday. 

***

Stepping into Lorenzino's apartments, Alessandro could hardly believe his luck that Caterina had agreed to meet him for a night of passion. 

He had longed for a moment like this with her and he could not believe that she had agreed to meet with him even if he had been forced to come to the poorly kept apartments that Lorenzino held. 

His noses wrinkled slightly at the state of the main room, it was nothing like his own lodgings and he was forever grateful that he had the Medici Palace to call home at this time. 

He had left his wife behind to arrange the cleaning of their home, the celebrants had gotten a little out of hand and Alessandro was rather annoyed by the mess that they had made. 

It was important that everything was kept perfect, nothing could seem out of place nor could he allow things to look poverty stricken. 

He had an imagine that he had to protect, he was the Duke of Florence and he had married the daughter of an Emperor; it was through him that Florence would flourish. 

"You are early cousin, I am surprised that your wife was not suspicious," Lorenzino teased, he moved to hand a goblet of ale to his cousin and he had to admit that he had never seen him so nervous before. 

It was strange especially considering how confident the other man often appeared, it sort of reminded Lorenzino of the man that his cousin and friend had been before he had risen in power. 

Lorenzino did not recognise the man that Alessandro had become, he truly did miss the times that they had shared together and the trouble that they had caused. 

However, there was no ignoring the mess that Alessandro was making or the cruelty that he had displayed since he had become Duke of Florence; he could still see Alessandro hacking down the peasants that had rioted against him after church. 

"I have to fetch Catrina, she is waiting not far from here for my signal," Lorenzino stated looking towards the door, his heart pounded in his chest and his hands felt sweaty as he glanced back at Alessandro. 

It was time to put the plan in motion and he knew once he had stepped out of the door then there was no coming back. 

Setting down his own ale, Lorenzino moved quickly across the room towards the door before he lost his nerve; he knew that he could not afford to screw this up especially when everything that he wanted was in reach.

"Lorenzino... thank you," Alessandro called after him, he knew that he had not been the kindest to his cousin especially after everything that Lorenzino had done for him. 

He had made promises that had had not kept, he had turned his back on one of the few people that he had always had his back even when he had nothing to his name. 

Lorenzino paused with his hand on the door, his shoulders tense as he looked back at Alessandro, an unknown emotion in his eyes as he stared at Alessandro.

There was silence for a moment as the two men stared between them, Alessandro wasn't sure what it was but he couldn't shake the feeling that Lorenzino was up to something; he could only watch as Lorenzino turned away from him and disappeared out of the door. 

Moving to sit down on the couch, Alessandro leaned back and placed his arms on the back; he had dismissed his guards when he had arrived not wishing for them to draw too much attention to him. 

The last thing that he wanted to do was scare Caterina away especially when he was hopeful of making her, his next mistress especially since Taddea was heavily pregnant. 

Alessandro blinked a couple of times, his eye lids feeling heavily and he struggled to keep them open as he waited for Lorenzino to return. 

The minutes seemed to tick by and Alessandro's head drooped as his eyes slowly slide closed, he jerked slightly as he tried to stay awake. 

He glanced around the darkening room and he frowned wondering why Lorenzino had not set out more candles, the place could use a bit of lighting and maybe a few paintings to decorate the walls. 

Sliding down the couch, Alessandro closed his eyes knowing that he would hear Lorenzino return; he was hopeful that they would return soon since they were taking their time. 

His mind started to drift and slowly he fell asleep completely unaware of what was about to happen, the alcohol and the excitement of the evening finally catching up with him. 

Light snores filled the room as Alessandro slept, completely oblivious of the world around him or the door to the apartment slowly opening. 

Silently stepping into the room, Lorenzino held his breath as he looked at the sleeping form of his cousin; he almost felt guilty for what they were about to do.

The last thing that he had wanted was for Alessandro to wake up. His servant followed him into the room and glanced at him, when they had been tasked with this duty; it was not the easiest task to be handed but it needed to be done. 

Piero di Giovannabate truly believed that Alessandro needed to be dealt with, he could not be allowed to live especially given the damage that he was doing to the city that Piero loved with all his heart. 

There was no way that the city would ever get peace if Alessandro was left alive, he had to die and Ippolito would pay them handsomely for his head. 

It was a necessary evil that they had to do, they had to deal with the one link to the Emperor and the corrupt Pope in Rome before anything good to come to the city. 

The two men moved silently, doing everything that they could to not to make a noise; they soon stood over the sleeping man, who seemed oblivious to the danger that he was in. 

Drawing his sword, Lorenzino nodded to Piero as the other man produced his dagger; the two of them hold their breathes as Alessandro moved in his sleep. 

Raising his sword over his head, Lorenzino paused for one last moment and prayed that God would forgive him for what he was about to do. 

It was only then that he stabbed Alessandro, the other man jerking away as both blades pierced him and he stared up groggily at his attackers. 

Alessandro punched Piero in the stomach as he shoved himself to his feet, his right hand reaching for his sword to protect himself while Lorenzino pulled out his own dagger and plunged it into his side. 

A look of betrayal forming on Alessandro's face as he stared into Lorenzino's eyes, his legs feeling heavy as he realised what was happening and Lorenzino pulled his dagger out of him. 

It was then that Piero struck, he grabbed onto Alessandro's long hair and pulled it back before he reached forward and slit his throat. 

A garbling noise escaped Alessandro as his eyes continued to stare at Lorenzino, he slumped forward into Lorenzino's arms before he dropped to the floor. 

***

Standing at the gates of Florence, Cosimo held his breath as he waited for the signal from one of his guards; there was no going back now and soon he knew the people of Florence would thank him for what he had done. 

It had taken a lot of work and he glanced down at the unconscious guards that slept soundly unaware of what was happening. 

He had brought them ale from the celebrations, slipping a sleeping draught into the ale that he had procured just for this reason; he had no idea how long they had before they woke up.

Finally, after what felt like an age, the guard that he had stationed just down the street to keep watch gave the signal that Cosimo had been waiting for. 

He walked over to the lever to open the gates to the city, his hand rested on the lever for a moment; his eyes closed and he prayed that this would work and that Lorenzino had managed to keep his end of the bargain and kill Alessandro.

Pulling the lever and flinched at the sound that the gate chains made as they slowly started to move; he swiftly moved to the stairs of the gate house and looked down. 

He was just in time to see the English and French soldiers start to enter the city, every one of them armed as they marched into the city. 

The Medici banner held high as they moved, there was no doubts who had sent them here and Cosimo was sure that it would not be long before Ippolito rode into the city to celebrate his victory.

From what Cosimo had heard, his pregnant wife was in attendance and there were high hopes that Lady Mary would be delivered within the city. 

Cosimo made no move to stop the army from entering the city, he could only watch and he hoped that Ippolito would not break his promise; there was one last thing he had to do to ensure his end of the bargain.

Cosimo moved down the steps of the guard house, he knew that his next move must be in secret; he had spoken in depth with Ippolito about what needed to be done. 

It was not long before the city awoke to the army marching through the streets, people watching them as they moved towards the Medici Palace and soon there could be cheers heard when they realised that they had come to overthrow Alessandro.

The people of Florence held no love for their former Duke; they were eager to see his downfall after everything he had put them through in the last few months.


You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net