Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

"You should have come with me - part of me misses it even though I've just come back,"he replied.

"Besides I'm back now..."

She turned to him and looked at his dark eyes.

"Wll you promise me that you will never leave me alone again? Because you know I can do stupid things when I am left alone."

He leaned over to her and cupped her cheek in his hand,"Never, sis - not while I can help it."

She took her chair closer to him and she whispered.

"I hope so.."

He smiled and took another gulp of wine.

She took the last sip from her wine.

"Margaret got married last week by the way. She is very happy. What are you planning to do when you come acrossher? It is impossible for you not to see her because you know she is my lady in waiting."

He finished his wine with a shrug and stared into the empty cup, feeling on edge when Alfonsina spoke of Margaret.

"She's married now...to who?"he questioned, a little absent minded.

She raised her eyebrow.

"I don't know.. And do you care?"

He glanced up and shook his head,"Not a jot. No...not a jot..."

She kept looking at him.

"Good then."

He shifted in his chair and cleared his throat,"How are your children? When can I see them?"

When Cesare mentioned abot his nephews Alfonsina smiled widely.

"They are really good and growing up. They will be happy to see you , you can see them tomorrow. They must be sleeping right now."

He grinned with affection,"They should go to Italy soon - I'm sure they would love it."

She nodded to show she was agreeing with him.

"Yes you are right. They always ask me everything about it. I miss Genoa also so much.."

He laughed,"It's not changed at all since we were young. One day we shall go back, I promise."

He glanced around the room,"What are Anthony's plans for you?"

She smiled soflty.

"It's good to hear that."

Then she thought for a while. Should she tell him that they spent a night together? Alfonsina was sure that if she told that Cesar would think the other thing too. Then she started to talk.

"He apologized to me and he really was trying this time. I forgave him Cesare.. But of course it doesn't mean I'll experience somethings with him. We just spent a night together then he is gone again. I haven't heard from him since that day I guess he wanted to marry me. This was his plan for me."

Cesare groaned and rolled his eyes. He was angry with Anthony - how could he corrupt such a beauty in his sister? Although when he looked at her his eyes softened,"You know...you know that he could not be capable of marrying you - he couldn't handle you, I fear,"he replied with a bit of a smirk.

She smiled playfully.

"You know my dear brother.. No man apart from you can handle me."

Then she sighed.

"When I was a child I always dreamt of having an husband just like you. I guess I can't find a man like you."

He smirked,"I doubt many are like I."

He glanced at her sincerely,"And...I doubt you should wish for a man thus."

She smiled and looked down.

"I don't know what I should do anymore. My loneliness is driving me crazy. I am sure that many of people at court are talking behind my back about this."

He stood up and walked until he was behind her, he rested his hands on her shoulders and replied,"Worry not about their whispers - you and I know the truth."

Her body shievered. She closed her eyes and smiled.

"Do we really? Tell me the truth Cesare.."

He bent over and kissed her head,"We are family - we love each other..."

She was moving her hand inside his hand.

"How much do you love me? Does family love have a limit?"

He laughed,"No, sis. I could love no-one more than you."