Azzurra sat upon the throne, her presence still and unyielding, a storm cloaked in silence. The heavy doors of the hall swung open as Benedetto entered, followed closely by guards who dragged in Rinaldo and his two comrades men who had stolen Agnese’s innocence without remorse.

Agnese stood off to Azzurra’s right, her hands trembling as she fought to keep her tears at bay.

“What the hell is this madness?” Rinaldo barked, his voice laced with fury. Being a high-ranking guard, it ...