Chapter 6 - The Promise on the WaterThe evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky over Lake Michigan in sweeping tapestries of rose, gold, and deep sapphire.
Leo stepped up to our table carrying a silver tray holding two crystal glasses of vintage champagne and a small cup of apple juice for baby Leo.
"For Don Lorenzo, Donna Clara, and Young Prince Leo," Leo smiled warmly, offering a respectful bow before stepping back toward the guests.
I picked up the crystal glasses, handing one to Lorenzo, clinking my glass gently against his under the warm twilight sky.
"To the mother who gave my body its purpose back," I toasted softly, my hazel eyes fixed entirely on his face.
"To the queen who rules my heart and protects my blood," Lorenzo smiled back, taking a slow, unhurried sip of the rich, sweet wine.
He set his glass down, wrapping his broad arm securely around my waist, holding me and eight-month-old Leo close against his solid frame as the cool night breeze rustled through the oak trees.
"Look at the water, Clara," Lorenzo murmured into my hair. "It's calm."
"It's calm because we're home, Lorenzo," I whispered back, leaning my head comfortably against his broad shoulder, feeling his heart beat strong and steady beneath his suit.
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There were no abusive ex-boyfriends lurking on stairs. There were no fake nurses poisoning bottles in dark rooms. There were no tears swallowed in quiet pantries.
The grieving, lonely maid was dead forever. The sovereign matriarch had claimed her throne.
