#my beloved pazzy's character :]

[ingapotejtoo]

MY BOY KEYA HAD HIS FIRST APPEARANCE YESTERDAY AND I AM GOING CRAZY GOING INSANE

OH OH OH OH I CAN YELL ABOUT THE VOIDED DND CAMPAIGN HERE TOO

[alicent-archive]

Post a poll with 5 favourite characters and let others decide which is their favourite.

Thank you for the tag @vhagar-balerion-meraxes <3 <3 <3 !!!

@greenqueenhightower @aegonx @backjustforberena @veilguards @barbieaemond

@softlyforged @fatherforgivethem @wolfie-1221 @whitegownsandflowercrowns @emilykaldwen

@emiliosandozsequence @multiverse-of-multifandoms @noheteroexplanation @nonbinarylesbianherb

@very-straight-blog @cohen-stark @cadra @clytenmestra @heir-to-the-commander

@dr-aegon @stxrks @shivrcys @aemondstark @prince-aemond-targaryen

@redrosesandcharmingsouls @runningmunson @aemondtragaryen @saintirulan @saltywinteradult

@scaly-freaks @angelamcss

[maranzalla]

okay so after reading @sparrow-in-boots 's Cristina Vespucci post, here is my own post

Absolutely agree that the game's current treatment of Cristina is like, 0,001% of what could have been done with her. So here's what happens in the version of the ACII - ACB - ACR that lives in my head

Cristina is definitely Ezio's fiancee. They're engaged and have been engaged since they teens, when Lorenzo de' Medici brokered the alliance between the Auditore and Vespucci families which are, in-game, both Medici-adjacent

This works because we know Lorenzo spent a lot of time fixing marriages between Florentine nobility as a way to foster relations and keep friendly faces in powers. It also works nicely if you believe, like I do after speaking with @robin-in-the-library , that the Auditore were instrumental in ensuring the Medici / Rome connection and that they might have presented Clarice Orsini to Lorenzo in Rome

This also works because know the morning-after guard chase scene having basically 0 consequences beyond Giovanni chuckling works way better if it's just a matter of time before Ezio and Cristina officially tie the knot - sure it's a scandal or whatever, but if the contracts are signed and everything it's basically done

After the treason accusations, of course the Vespucci have to hastily cancel and not even Lorenzo can do or say anything - it just wouldn't do. In fact, it's all the Vespucci can do to avoid the accusation of being damaged goods

So Ezio has to leave Florence with the knowledge that he not only is leaving his beloved behind, he definitely destroyed all her chances of future stability with his connection

So Cristina is off Ezio's radar for years, let's say about until halfway the revenge Pazzi tally

One day you get a mission to kill a mid-level Templar goon and you do. Lo and behold, it's Cristina's husband! Much drama ensues when your once beloved fiancee sees you effectively ruining her life, again, by making her a widow.

This could play off twice : you thought you had ruined her life by disappearing, and you went and did it again by your actions. Much drama, much trauma, memory sequences getting fucked and having to be manually restored.

It's important at this part that her husband's death is not played as a rescue mission but rather as Ezio yet again destroying a loved one's peace of mind with his actions. Like he marred relations with his sister and mother by getting consumed in revenge and leaving them in Monteriggioni for years, he effectively lets the Templar / Assassin war claim what small measure of happiness Cristina had managed to build for herself

(It's important that her husband is not a cartoonishly evil Templar, just someone boring involved in middle-level fraud or something. She definitely has no idea what he actually does, but it's peaceful enough and she's content now)

So Ezio ruins her life, again.

At this point however Cristina must decide to take action herself for once. I would say she finds the legal artifice to gain power over her husband's fortune (he's rich, and it could be done at the time, it was just a hassle) and I really want it to be something that Paola and Teodora are taking care of, on the side. It's a crime that we get characters such as Paola and Teodora and have them do basically nothing for two games and a half-

This way, Cristina could become a financial power in her own right, like Grazia Nasi historically did. And she could act as a financial broker for the Brotherhood, perhaps by helping on the Monteriggionin venture, or by financing Claudia's brothel in Rome when Ezio refuses to.

This allows her to confront Ezio again, on equal footing this time. He's forced to acknowledge that he hurt her in many ways, but he's also forced to acknowledge how she grew and the choices she made (it's not as easy as saving the girl!) They can rekindle the relationship, but it's an on and off thing

(you can have Clay or any of the non-Desmond descendants be the result of this)

They stay friends all their life and Sofia often goes to tea there at Vespucci's to talk books.

Oh and this? This allows Cristina to namedrop her cousin Amerigo, this time only it can be spun as a plotline that actually makes sense. Perhaps she can use him to help the Assassin establish a presence in the early voyages to counter the undoubtedly fucked up shit that the Templars are pulling with the Spaniards

thanks! this was my "Fridging Cristina was stupid and a cop-out" post, hope you enjoyed it!

[minetteskvareninova]

Minette watches Medici, part 13 (Ties That Bind)

- Eating my words about this show getting better with a heaping dose of bologna sauce (sorry, I don’t know any Tuscan foods). At this rate, I am definitely not watching season 3.

- You know, for a show that hinges so much of its plot on renessaince accounting and record keeping, Medici: The Magnificent is remarkably bad at explaining renessaince accounting and record keeping... Like at this point I just have to roll with anything that the writing throws at me on this subject. The Pazzi bank owes the Medici, and they can collect said debt at any time? Sure, why not. The Medici bank controls the price of alum? Sounds fake, but whatever. Pope can just transfer his account to the Pazzi bank like that? I guess so. This shit’s gotta wait for people more knowledgeable of renessaince economics to debunk. I am just here for the characters and their drama, which... Well...

- Gotta say, of all the things to get right, I did not expect Galeazzo Sforza being a massive dick to be one them. I mean, he was a condottiero, these guys usually weren’t known for their kindness, humility or deft diplomatic touch. Though the whole “your daughter is a child bride???” thing was kinda hillarious when you remember Lorenzo’s sister Lucrezia was married off at 13 (she did actually start living with her husband at 18, but still).

- Speaking of, I actually liked Salviati’s little bluff towards Galeazzo. The man is a villain as cartoonish as old Pazzi, but you can’t deny he’s one clever bastard.

- Old Pazzi and his scheming to get Francesco back on his side actually wasn’t that bad, either, untill something that should at best slowly sow seeds of doubt in his mind made him turn on both Lorenzo and his beloved wife wholesale. And it was such an easy fix, too - just make Francesco already conflicted about Lorenzo’s attempts to undermine the Pazzi bank! Like, Francesco’s father wanted to bury the hatchet with the Medici, and now they are destroying his life’s work, even if it is for understandable reasons (that is, his shitty uncle was trying to destroy them first). His uncle’s manipulations would only feed his already existing doubts about cooperating with Lorenzo, so even if he didn’t believe old Pazzi (because why should he?!) Francesco would still end up turning on his friend. In fact, why not add his dissappointment from not getting Imola to the mix? We could have so much juicy drama stem from this, if only the writers could be a little clever about it! But no, that would risk making Lorenzo look bad, even if only from a certain point of view, and we can’t have that, so now we’re on a fast train to Misunderstandingland, my least favourite plot destination.

- Did I mention Lorenzo is a raging Gary Stu? Because he is. His speech about “true republic” at the start of the episode almost made me quit the show altogether. I wanted to get trough this part with a vodka bottle in hand, but I suspect there’s not enough alcohol on our good green mother Earth to dull my pain.

- Other subplots aren’t any better. Lorenzo’s relationship with Clarice is proving to be lamer by the minute, and Gugliermo with Bianca are sitting on their asses in the Medici mansion this whole time, apparently. The show threatens me by relationship development between Lorenzo and Giuliano when it shows Lorenzo’s frustration with that shitty aimless fratbro, but that fizzles out when he immediately turns to Francesco as a substitute brother. Francesco, who immediately betrays him for no fucking reason, except for the fact that Lorenzo apparently didn’t explain to him Novella was promised to Giuliano first.

- It was admittedly pretty funny to see Simonetta express frustration with the fact that Giuliano is, in fact, a shitty aimless fratbro, even if it didn’t really go anywhere. But then her husband starts suspecting Sandro of an affair with Simonetta, because... He used her as a model in a bunch of paintings the dude didn’t comission, I guess? Truly, noone in this show is safe from the effects of microdosing on stupid pills. On the other hand, it could lead to Giuliano and Simonetta breaking up, so that might not be so bad, aye?

[crownofdecitreadingrespectfully]

MISC. CHARACTERS FIC RECS

*NONE OF THESE FICS ARE MINE. I AM NOT A WRITER. I MADE THIS SO I CAN EASILY GO BACK AND REREAD. I SIMPLY THINK THESE ARE WORKS OF ART AND DESERVE MORE LOVE.

(my beloved writers, if you do not want your work here please message me and I will remove it -- p.s.  i love you and i hope you know how talented you are <3)

Sierra Six

Six days     pt.2    @whorbbit

Streetwise Hercules (Prequel to six days but can read alone or after)  @whorbbit

Addicted  @buckysred

The analyst   @dindjiarin

Suspicious Minds   @dindjiarin

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Officer K 

Interlinked    pt.2   @hederasgarden

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◇

Rhett Abbott 

Duality of man  @3tabbiesandalab

Old Cowboy Sayings  @3tabbiesandalab

Chicken Soup and Calamine Lotion  @3tabbiesandalab

he feels loved   @sebsxphia

try a little tenderness @lewmagoo​

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◇

Rafe Cameron 

The 7 times he realizes he loves you    @fandomtravels

Pretty boy   @amourology

she knows    @amourology

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◇

Chris Evans Characters 

Downshift (Motorcross! Ari Levinson)  @navybrat817

Lapper (Motorcross! Jake Jenson)  ^

Who loves you (Ari Levinson) @sweetsbfreex

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Tom Holland and Characters 

Cabin Confessions  @t-lostinworlds

Chemistry Under Candlelight  @waitimcomingtoo

Delicate  ^

isnt it romantic  ^

i remember that fight, 2:30  ^

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Roger Taylor! Ben Hardy

Misconstrued Masterlist    @theonewiththefanfics

The Miles In-between    ^

Hazardous Objects    ^

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Francesco Pazzi 

the wait   @justauthoring

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Derek Hale 

grinchwolf  @huntersanonymous

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

The Corinthian 

Nightmare   @dyns33

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Neteyam Sully 

One of us  @forever--darling​

The Hearts that bind us @loaksky

warm hands @loaksky

by the grace pt.2 @loaksky

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Joel Miller 

once again in your arms  @foli-vora

teacups @charnelhouse

Cold brownies @wonwoosthetic

Home @poeticbarnes

old soul  @softlyspector​

settled 

adjustments

failures 

still here  @sl-ut​

Never let me down again (read entire mini series)  @dindjiarin​

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Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill)

Invisible String Thread of Gold (pt2) @marwritesgood

Updated: 12/15/23

[bigpeepee]

Hannibal for the fandom ask 👀

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most) hannibal my beloved

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped) will

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave) inspector pazzi, mostly because i appreciate that they picked an italian actor and i didn't have to suffer through a terrible fake accent or horribly mispronounced italian words

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week) i wouldn't say she's obscure but i'm extremely gay for bella crawford

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave) francis dolarhyde. so what if he's batshit crazy, he was hot and deserved better

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason) mason verger, the "whatever reason" being that i want to see him suffer

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell) jack crawford. fucking bitch.

[send me a fandom]

[hubbytaeil]

hello! can u please do angst #6 from your prompt list for johnny?? maybe some enemies or fake dating ?! thanks <3

Johnny + #6 It’s a real shame nobody asked for your opinion

genre: kind of angst, reneissanse!au 

synopsis: an alternative universe in which reader is a Medici and Johnny is a Pazzi in 15th Century Florence. In case you didn’t know, Giovanni is the equivalent of John 

tw: mentions of blood and death

word count: 3k+ 

a/n: there i go again putting together two of my favourite things together aka Johnny and Italy so really this is pure self-indulgence. On top of that, this will be the last post I make. I’ve been thinking a lot, I’ve put two and two together and I understood that I’m about to enter the busiest period/year of my life, but that’s adulting right? Either way, it was fun to be here while it lasted, thank you for your support but I feel like I need to concentrate on getting my life together now. Remember to take care of yourself, nenétte says goodnight <3

It was a perfect night for a celebration; it seemed as though the whole city of Florence had gathered in the presence of the Corsini in their great villa. Music played gayly and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. You knew very well this was all your friend Matilde’s doing, her social gatherings were known to be the most entertaining throughout the republic. The reason of the celebration was unknown but the guests were having a splendid time. When you finally questioned Matilde about it, she just shrugged her shoulders.

“Must a lady always have an excuse for her to wish for good company and a good laugh?” she whispered in your ear so that she would not be heard by her older sisters.

“Oh, most certainly not. Yet, I am still rather perplexed on why the lady in question has to invite the entire city in her home to simply have a laugh.” you responded, holding her hand in a teasing manner.  

“We should enjoy ourselves for as long as we can, y/n. Just like your brothers always say, don’t they?” you nodded at Matilde’s statement, glancing over at your brother Lorenzo engaged in what seemed a heated conversation with one of the guests. You always regarded yourself to have had such a lucky disposition, having been born in one the most influential families of the peninsula. Yet, your true luck laid in the wonderful family members you had been blessed with. A young lady such as yourself could not have hoped for a better environment to grow up in, surrounded by illustrated artists who would always come in and out of your household, the toms of the library of your beloved father, God rest his soul, and, of course, the presence of your ever so outstanding siblings. Lorenzo noticed your gaze towards him and he saw how must’ve been lost inside your numerous thoughts. He shook his head slightly. Divertiti. Have fun, he mouthed. You smiled enthusiastically, remembering what such beautiful lines of wisdom you had found lying on his desk along the piles of scattered papers. You felt the need to share them with Matilde.

“As my dear brother would say, del domani non c’è certezza. Of tomorrow there’s no certainty.”

“And would your other dear brother say, sorella?” Giuliano intruded in your conversation but Matilde was not at all displeased. Giuliano had that effect on every lady (or lord), with his astonishing complexion and rather captivating character that at times could be considered rather bellicose.  

“Well in your case, you would just simply sneak away with the fairest lady here present and leave your younger siblings to watch out for themselves.” you affirmed, of course he couldn’t help but smirk at truthfulness of your words.

“Not this time, y/n. Tonight I’m very determined to protect you from the rapacious gazes of Florentine society. Mother’s orders.” Said Giuliano sternly, locking his arm with yours, leading you to dance and separating you from Matilde.  

“Is that so, Giuliano? Is any of the gentlemen here present organising some sort of coup against my character?” you implied, trying to veil your cheeky smile. As the music initiated, you let your brother guide you in the sea of people, hoping not to get the wrong steps and end up on someone’s feet, just like what happened last time with one of the Albizzi boys.  

“Not that I know of, no. But who knows what are these pompous bastards’ ways to smear our family.” your brother hissed when he got the chance to be close to your ear as he made you turn.

“You’d know better not to utter such profanities, messere.” you muttered, mocking your childhood governess which made Giuliano laugh silently as he positioned you both in line. You continued on dancing and you could feel your brother glaring at every gentleman whose turn was it to dance with you. Much to your determined protector’s surprise, you had never cared much for the company of men, therefore you were sure you could defend yourself in case of uncomfortable or inconvenient situations. You limited yourself to exchange the bare minimum of pleasantries, enough for you to be polite but not enough for them to justify any sort of pursuing. An equilibrium soon to be disrupted by a young man, all dressed in black, who you had never seen before, not at any of Matilde’s parties or in church or even in one your brothers’ company. The gentleman, who most definitely stood out for his imposing height, took your hand and led you forward. You had never felt intimidation in the presence of the opposite sex, as opposed to what all decent ladies are taught, and yet there was something about him that made you both fear and admire him, with his hair long and dark and his serious gaze.  

“Are you enjoying yourself, my lady?” his raucous voice filled your ears as he made you sway past him and back at his side. You tried to compose yourself.

“Most definitely, my lord. I reckon you are as well.”

“I am certainly, though it is rather unfortunate that no other lady can dance as well as you.” whispered the puzzling man, in the corner of your eye you saw a smirk. That must have been the dreaded coup Giuliano was worrying about. You were ashamed to admit that being charmed wasn’t as unpleasant as you had expected. You could’ve even get used to it if it meant looking into the stranger’s beautiful eyes and how they glowed under the candle lights. They irradiated a particular light, making anyone believe that they held some type of knowledge a common person could not aspire to.  

“It is the mere product of practice. Truth to be told, I find books more entertaining at times.” you took a step forward together, hand in hand.

“Is that so? And in what readings have you most interest?” you smirked at his question, holding in a chuckle, resulting in him frowning as he waited for your respond. He pulled you in and then you spun around him.

“I’m afraid if I told you, messere, you wouldn’t want to pay me such honouring compliments anymore.” You showed him your most endearing smile and he gladly reciprocated, staring at you attentively as you draw a circle around him.  

You were doleful to let go of his hand just to give it to another gentleman. Faster than you expected, the dance came to an end you were already anticipating to resume the conversation with your newest acquaintance. You felt silly in not having asked for his name. You spotted his eyes again the crowd and he was svelte to start making his way to you. But before he could reach you, you observed how his eyes shifted from you to something that was behind. His expression had darkened. You turned around to realise how that something was no other than a rather crossed Giuliano. The young man froze where he stood, meanwhile Giuliano was quick to grab you gently by the arm.  

“I most definitely have oppositions about your taste in men, y/n.” your brother grumbled, not taking his flaming eyes off the gentleman dressed in black.  

“I actually found him to be the most agreeable gentleman to dance with me tonight. What could your oppositions be, brother?” you glanced over at him once again, wearing a pleased smile. This time he didn’t even flinch, he had reassumed the initial austere expression. It set off a bitter taste in your mouth.  

“Do you really wish to know the reason of my oppositions?” Giuliano’s tone was strange. You knew he was hiding something from you. You nodded impatiently, only wanting to find out the dynamics of this sudden change of mood.  

Giuliano let your hand rest on his as he made his way to the unknown man with you at his side. Your heart sank in your chest once you were face to face yet again with the handsome stranger. What was your brother trying to do?

“Giuliano de’ Medici.” spoke the tall man. You were not surprised at him knowing who your brother was, but it didn’t explain at all why this was your first time seeing him.

“Giovanni de’ Pazzi.” responded Giuliano. Your throat ran dry at the sound of that name and your head was suddenly heavier.  

It couldn’t be. He was a Pazzi, but how was this possible? You had never seen him around any other person who carried such dreadful surname. All good dispositions towards the man changed in the blink of an eye. And all it took was a bloody name.

“Tell me Giovanni, how was England? It was quite a lengthy stay, wasn’t it?” Giuliano posed his question, but the usual tone of mockery was not trying to be hidden by any means.  

“It was indeed, lengthy enough for me to start calling myself John, like the locals did. But I have missed Florence very much.” John’s tone on the other hand was firm and poised, hard to believe he was a Pazzi if one didn’t notice the deadly spark in his dark eyes, the same spark you had mistaken for a sign of a respectable man.  

“May I present to you my sister, y/n de’ Medici?” the reveal of both of your identities had banished any sort of possible affection between you and John. There you stood face to face, a pernicious look in both of your eyes. You bowed never letting your gaze leave him, not interested in being polite, not to him or any member of his family.

“It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, madonna. I certainly look forward on having more conversations regarding our favourite lectures.” his devious smirk didn’t look as charming anymore, not when it reminded you of the odious man who was head of his family.

“I certainly do, messer Pazzi.” you responded with not even a drop of sincerity, you made sure the message was clear. You heard an unpleasant voice calling out John’s name. It was Francesco de’ Pazzi.

“If you’ll excuse me, my brother requires my presence.” John bowed elegantly and was swift to leave you and Giuliano alone. You squeezed your brother’s hand as tight as you could after John was far away enough.

“Say, what would you do without me, sorella?” Giuliano was glad in having succeeded in your mother’s plan but you felt deceived and most importantly, you felt uneasy having been so close to someone who despised your family so deeply. Though you were relieved in having been saved from stepping into the lion’s den.

“They should hang these Pazzis’ portraits around town so that decent young ladies don’t make the grave mistake of dancing with them.” you whispered bitterly.  

“You seemed quite glad in the moment; I’ve never seen you look at a man like that.” Giuliano teased you.  

“Do shut your mouth, and don’t mention this to anyone.” you warned him, your voice shaking thinking about John’s hand touching yours, about his eyes piercing through you like an arrow.

“Whatever for? Lorenzo always speaks of ending this rivalry once and for all. Perhaps, he’ll be happy to acquire a Pazzi as a brother-in-law.” Giuliano spoke with poison in his voice, since he clearly didn’t agree with his oldest sibling. Not to mention just weeks prior Francesco de’ Pazzi and Giuliano had been involved in a fight around the market place. Giuliano had a tumultuous character and it didn’t help the devilish rumours the Pazzi would spread about your family. You clang at Giuliano’s arm like you did when you were child.

“I shall never speak to a Pazzi ever again, let alone marry one. Just the mere thought makes my skin crawl.” had you and Giuliano been alone, you would’ve spat on the ground.

“Well, you’re in luck, I’d never let you commit such treason against our family, but must importantly, against me.” you both chuckled softly, hoping not be observed by anyone who would report what you were saying to the people involved.  

“I know you two are up to no good, whatever is going on?” Lorenzo approached you, assuming a concerned look.  

“Absolutely nothing, brother. I was just mentioning how all eyes seem to be on y/n this evening.” confidently answered Giuliano, tapping on the palm of your hand.  

-

The evening was far from being over. Though, unlike your brothers, you required fresh air from time to time during crowded banquets such as these. You asked Matilde to join you on one of the balconies but she kindly refused after Giuliano finally asked her to dance. Therefore, you made your way alone. You rested your palms on the reeling, breathing in and out, looking up at the sky and following the trail of stars.  

“You know, my uncle always says you Medici spend so much time looking up at the clouds that you forget what really matters.” a familiar voice sent a chill through your spine, making you shiver in result. You turned around to see John standing in between the pillars with a smug look on his face. Perhaps he thought he had conducted you into some trap. You pitied him.

“And my dear brother Lorenzo always say that you Pazzi waste all your great potential in going after what is out of your reach.” you replied severely, your back as straight as it could be. John snickered at your comeback. He looked rather dangerous with his face beaconed by the torches hanging on the wall, almost like Lucifer after having fallen from heaven. You had to admit, there was a hint of fear inside of you but shut it out as fast as you could.

“Have you been sent here to antagonise me?” you asked him since he hadn’t spoken.  

“You are a Medici indeed.” John affirmed almost to himself, observing your every feature. “But no, I hadn’t such intentions. Though I could, if you were inclined.” said John, taking a step towards you.

“You’d be wise not to antagonise the wrong person, messere. One may even get hurt.” you warned him, looking at him dead in the eye. You were not used to stepping down to anyone, you were proud and not ashamed of it. Thought you two seemed to share this particular trait. It was a silent quarrel.  

“Well, if that isn’t an inviting prospect.” John grinned, not taking your fervour seriously.

“So, you have come to antagonise me. I guess it runs in the family.” you raised your eyebrows in false surprise. “Did your uncle have to bring you back here all the way from England for this sole purpose?” you laughed in his face but his expression didn’t mutate. Yet his body seemed to tense up.  

“The reasons of my return certainly do not concern you, my lady. Furthermore, I gathered you were enjoying yourself mingling with a Pazzi. Now, that’s not a behaviour worth of a Medici, is it?” John scolded you and rage created a stinging sensation that spread throughout your body. You tightened your fists, to the point where they hurt, anything not to let wrath cloud your judgment.  

“I do not believe you are to be the best individual to judge what is worth of a Medici or not.” you stated as you commenced to circle around him.

“You have just returned to Florence and you are probably following your brother’s orders to please him. In that case, I wouldn’t blame you for your foolish provocative attempts.” you completed the circle as you said this.  

“but I would blame you if such behaviour had been deliberate. Oh, it would’ve been so unfair to me, messer Pazzi.” you affirmed, sarcastically raising the pitch of your voice. You stood once again face to face, far away from the brief moment of propensity that you two had shared hours prior. You weren’t sure if his lively eyes regarded you as a prey or as his equal. John contemplated you, his opponent, before breaking into a smile.  

“And what a pain it would be, y/n” You saw him move his hand preparing to reach for yours until he refrained himself “for you to know that I’ve been unfair to you.” John knew how to play this game very well indeed, whether he had learnt from his brother or anyone else in the family. Did he stop himself because in him there was enough decency left that didn’t make him want to compromise a young lady? Or perhaps did he want to prolong the fun he was having?  

“Your perseverance is admirable, Giovanni” you saw him wince at his real name being pronounced. “though too much of it could lead to dangerous outcomes.” your venomous threat didn’t make John retreat but you could see that he was impressed by it.  

“I certainly hope this fierceness of yours doesn’t get you into trouble, my lady.” he whispered.

“And it is a real shame no one has asked for your opinion in regard of my character, my lord.” you stared into each other's eyes like sword blades colliding. It was a tie.

“Y/n.” you heard Lorenzo calling your name, though it resounded like white noise in your ears. He informed you that it was time to leave. You looked over John’s shoulder and saw him looking rather preoccupied. You were glad that it wasn’t Giuliano or else he would’ve challenged John straight away after seeing you alone with him. You didn’t even bother bowing to John and you simply took heavy steps towards your brother.  

“Are you alright, y/n?” Lorenzo questioned, rubbing one of your shoulders.

“I’m feeling splendid, do not worry about me.” you reassured him. You glanced back at John whose expression was cryptic. You worried if that expression was going to haunt your dreams that night.

“Have a good night, madonna. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of other occasions to talk about Ovid.” John hinted at the conversation you had during the dance and it made you fume with both rage and humiliation. You saw your brother’s expression darken at John’s words but he remained calm, even if the grip he had on you said otherwise. You, on the other hand, were seeing red. It was beyond unfairness; it was absolutely evil. You pushed aside the fear of John spreading vicious rumours about you being promiscuous or loose solely based on that conversation.  

“There’ll be no need.” you affirmed, succeeding in keeping your voice stable. “I believe we have nothing more to say to each other. Have a good night.” and like that you stormed out alongside your brother, utterly infuriated at the state of wrath John had put you in.  

“You and Giuliano are going to be the death of me, you know that?” Lorenzo muttered in your ear after you two had reached the carriage.  

“I’m so sorry, brother.” you lowered your gaze.

“I believe you have done nothing to be sorry or ashamed for.” he made your raise your head and look in his eyes. “Furthermore, at your age I was way more reckless than you are right now.” he made you chuckle which slightly lifted your spirits. It didn’t shake off the feeling that you had made a terrible enemy that night. John eventually came to visit you in the first nightmare you had in years. One in which he was standing victorious over Giuliano’s lifeless body who laid on the altar of the Duomo, the holy cloth covered in his blood.

[therepublicofletters]

sorry if this is strange, but i love reading about how writers came up with their writings, so i wanted to ask you what inspired your novel, and when did you decide to write it? what was your initial thought about the novel, like did you think “hey that’d be cool to write” or was it more of a passing though that kept coming back? who was the first character you created and how did they come to you? what was it like writing the first chapter? the process is so interesting to me, i had to ask!

tI don’t think it’s strange at all!  I’m happy to talk about it~

I first came up with the idea about three or four years ago after reading a historical fiction book (Signora da Vinci by Robin Maxwell).  It really spurred me to find out more about the Renaissance and the Medici in general, and as I did, I read more and more historical fiction, and I was disappointed by most of it.  I set off to write my own version, one that I thought would be worthy of my beloved Giuliano - but I actually had a horrible plot, so I changed the plan a bit and decided to go with historical accuracy instead of the weird thing that I came up with.

Since all of the characters are real people, I sort of developed them as soon as I read about them for the first time - but Giuliano has always been there, since I started.  To be honest, he’s a bit idealized, but I feel like that’s the purpose of his character.  I’ve based him of historical accounts that I’ve read, but also how I imagine him.  The character that’s most my own, though, is probably Bianca de’ Medici (married to a Pazzi, a spy in a sense), because I’ve made a few details up about her.

I actually can’t remember writing the first chapter; I wrote so many horrible drafts before the one that I’m on now.  I remember that it was for NaNoWriMo, though, and I started first in first person and then completely changed my mind and went back and changed it to third person.  But when I restarted, it was a completely different experience because (it was two years later) I had more experience and more knowledge about the characters and what I wanted to do with them.