Chapter 74. Missed Me?

The house had gone too quiet.

Margherita sat on the edge of her bed, her legs tucked beneath her, staring at the thin pattern of rain sliding down the window. No one had come to tell her anything. No voices downstairs, no footsteps, no laughter. Only the muted hum of the storm and the slow ticking of the clock on her nightstand.

She checked the clock. Nearly dinner. Normally, Rosa would’ve called by now.

A knock startled her. She jumped to her feet just as the door creaked open. Rosa slipped inside, carrying a tray with dinner and tea.

Margherita frowned. “You didn’t have to bring that up. I could’ve—”

Rosa cut her off gently. “Ezio said you should stay in your room tonight.” She set the tray down on the nightstand, avoiding her eyes.

Margherita stared at her. “Rosa… what’s going on?”

The older woman hesitated, smoothing her apron with nervous fingers. “I don’t know. He didn’t tell me much. Just—he’s tense, that’s all. Something’s got him wo