Authors Note: Thank you to everyone left comments or sent me feedback about the resumption of the story. Thank you also to Margaret who gave this a quick proofread for me. I hope you enjoy this chapter. ~ellie
*****
Peri woke up alone and wondered why Josh hadn’t woken her when he had risen. She stretched her aching body smiling at the long night she had endured and the exquisite highs of the painful pleasure he showered on her once they had arrived home. She lay there for a long moment feeling the ache of her body and letting herself enjoy the moment, knowing that this was possibly the last morning she would feel it for a long time.
Her mind went to the farm and the man who awaited her return. True to his word Joseph had allowed Josh and Peri to enjoy their holiday together unhindered by any restrictions inherent in the contract she had signed. He had taken them aside on Boxing Day to speak about plans he had for the following weeks that would affect them both. As a concession to Josh, he would allow her to return to this city with him a day early and return at midnight as the new year began.
Boxing day had been celebrated with historical tradition, and all the staff were given gift boxes containing a bonus for their services. Again Peri had been surprised by the women and men who served the family and their gratitude for their place in the household, and she was glad to have been there for the giving of these gifts before leaving.
Eager to have time alone with her before the start of her trial Josh and Peri had left the farm quickly following their discussion with Joseph. Dante had been unimpressed with her choice not to return with him declaring that he could reach Josh’s house before they could fly back and then drive from the airport to his home. His plan to race them, however, was curtailed by Joseph, who asked both him and Emilio to stay and meet with him that afternoon. They would return to the city the following day.
The last four days had been a whirlwind of activity as she spent time with Andie and Charles, went into the auction house to pack up the books and download all of the data she would need to continue her research onto the hard drives she had been given. She caught up with her friends and told them she had job researching for a family biography that meant she would be travelling for some time but would try to post on facebook to keep them updated.
Andie would let Josh deal with any of her mail and or bills until she returned and she transferred money into her mother’s mortgage account to ensure that she wouldn’t struggle unnecessarily in Peri’s absence. Her mind continued to wander over all that she had done trying to find something she has missed as she sat up and slipped from the bed to the bathroom.
They had arrived at the vineyards of Andreas and Marisol yesterday afternoon and had spent time with the older couple. Peri enjoyed being able to see the winery and cellars as they took her on a full tour of their home and the surrounding grounds in a small golf cart type vehicle. They had stayed for dinner but not lingered long enough for dessert as Josh eagerly took her back to the chalet they had shared on their first weekend away together.
Peri smiled remembering that weekend here and lifted a hand to her throat where that necklace lay once again. It wasn’t necessary now, she admitted, but she understood the symbolism of it far better now than she ever had at the time. She would exchange it for a collar of a different kind tonight. Feeling nervous and oddly vulnerable she sought out Josh, checking the deck and exterior of the small chalet.
Confused and disappointed by his absence, Peri went to find some breakfast and sit on the small deck to wait for him to return.
*****
“You need to know that being an outsider her trial will be much different to that of your sisters. She hasn’t grown up with the knowledge and respect for traditions and the old ways,” Andreas said gently watching his nephew carefully. “They will seek to break her and build her back up in the image of the perfect dutiful wife.
“She’s already perfect for me,” Josh said considering what the man was telling him. “Are you sure about this?” he asked trying to sort out the jumble of emotions that assailed him.
“Yes, your father and I have been contacting the international tables, to find precedents because it seems that even if an outsider became a wife here, she had already gone through the ordeals as a slave before being elevated to a status that meant she could marry. Had your father already named a successor it wouldn’t matter as much, I don’t believe,” Andreas explained.
“I have seven older brothers, and, at least, four of them have sons,” Josh laughed. “I am a long way from the chair.”
“Perhaps, but should that girl survive this ordeal and give you sons, then my bet would be on you to inherit the family. Particularly given her knowledge of, and interest in, the family history,” Andreas pushed his view.
“So what’s the alternative?” Josh pushed his hand through his hair and sat back to look at his Uncle. “Is there an alternative?”
“Let her go, send her away to find a normal life with a normal man. You couldn’t leave the family Josh even if you tried. It would be like losing the part of yourself that makes you the man you are,” Andreas gave him the hard truth.
“If I send her to this trial I may lose her anyway, even if I could get passed what she would have to do and endure, how could she ever forgive me?” Josh asked.
“If her love for you is such that she endured it all, how could you not embrace that and love her all the more for it? You disappoint me, Joshua,” Andreas’ voice was full of disapproval.
“I have shared everything I have ever had with the family. Peri is mine. Why shouldn’t I hate the thought of her giving herself to anyone else? I am the one she has promised to love and obey, me, not my entire extended family,” Josh said angrily.
“Then choose to let her go, send her away if that is how you feel. Because if you want any future life with her, then your love for each other has to be strong enough to overcome this and use it to strengthen your bond and position within the family. She will be a formidable woman if she can endure it all and only add to your reputation. You have been on the path to greatness since you were born. You have never put a foot out of place despite your sisters constant meddling in your life. This woman may bring you far more than love and happiness; she may bring you power and prestige.”
Andreas and Joseph were closer than any of their other siblings, and he had known since Josh had been born that his father had expected far more from the boy than he had from his other sons. When Andreas had been made the child’s godfather he was sure that the question of succession had just become a contest between his second son and his youngest.
“Even though she goes voluntarily she will be taken to the same place, Lucia went to, where Nik is now?” Josh still couldn’t wrap his head around what Andreas had told him. “Lucia has never been the same; it’s like the light inside her died.”
“She will, for the most part, be isolated from the ones seeking treatment or being punished but yes she will be in the facility,” Andreas nodded. “I understand your concerns, but Lucia’s case was different, as is Nik’s.”
“Wait here,” he said suddenly and left the room for a moment leaving Josh to go over his thoughts. The trial was no longer the easy test he had expected for Peri, where she would be at the farm, and he would be able to see her each weekend. Instead, she would spend the first weeks being indoctrinated by her father on traditional family law and then travel to the sitting of the chairs where she would be placed into the care of the Battaglia Table who ran the rehabilitation facility for the twelve families. While it housed the wayward children who dabbled in drugs or other substances, it also dealt with the punishment of anyone who had been seen to commit a crime against the family. Lucy and Nik were examples of that. Because it was not spoken about, the brothers assumed a dependency on alcohol or drugs had been Lucy’s crime. She had been a wild child during her adolescence and had rebelled against everything the family stood for until her parents had stepped in. Nik had been more devious hiding her sins behind a mask of family devotion. They each had earned their place at the facility. Peri’s only crime had been to love him.
“Marisol is going to keep Peri company, she will be wondering where you are,” Andreas announced entering the room. “You must have time to consider whether you will take her to your father now or send her away.”
“I love her,” Josh said sadly. “Sending her away would be too difficult, for both of us.”
“Then you must endure and forgive each other when it is over. It is the only way forward,” Andreas said gently. “If she is even half the woman you describe she will not be there long,” he reassured Josh.
“She is stronger than she looks, I am not sure they will break her so easily,” Josh said thoughtfully.
“She is intelligent though and will understand what is required unlike Nik, who will fight against the lessons she needs to learn,” he once again turned around Josh’s dark thoughts.
“It’s not the dark ages for God’s sake, why are we clinging to such archaic laws!” Josh ranted in frustration.
“The traditions and laws that constantly threaten to break the younger generations are exactly the things that hold all of the families together and helps us to prosper when the wedge between the wealthy and the middle class widens further than ever before. Think of the devastation to all of the people who rely on our families for work and shelter, charities who prosper through our largesse, should the tables begin to disintegrate because some laws seem archaic,” Andreas challenged.
“Even international law recognises change over time, why can’t we?” Josh was sounding petulant even to his ears.
“Feminism has never been entertained by any of the Twelve tables throughout the world. Are we chauvinists? Yes. Misogynistic? Perhaps, but it is our way, and the women we trust to rule the tables alongside us need to be beautiful, intelligent, loyal and respectful of our laws and traditions. If a woman wants to become part of our family, then she must prove herself worthy of us. Peri is an outsider, Josh. If you don’t want to have to share her, then let her go and pick a woman from one of the southern tables which have grown up respecting our laws and traditions.”
In a moment of clarity, he heard her voice in his head saying, “You won’t ever have to share my heart, that is yours alone.” He smiled then knowing that she had been right; she may obey and serve in a variety of ways but he possessed her heart, and that is why she had agreed to a trial in the first place. He suspected that was why his father had said he would oversee the trial himself because he had known that family law would demand more of an outsider.
“Okay I will accept what must happen, tell me all that you know, about the plans for Peri,” Josh sat up and poured himself another cup of coffee happy that Marisol had gone to Peri.
*****
“Hello Marisol,” Peri said warmly as she opened the door to the chalet.
“Hello dear, those men have been locked up in the study for ages, and I thought you might like to walk with me for a little while.” Marisol indicated the sunshine outside the chalet.
“I would like that, let me just put on some walking shoes,” she agreed and opened the door widely allowing Marisol to enter as she found her bag and pulled out a pair of jogging shoes.
“So how are you feeling about returning to the farm?” Marisol asked lightly despite the gravity of the subject.
“Nervous,” she admitted. “I mean I have an idea about what will happen, but it’s all just so strange, bizarre even.”
“Bizarre is a good word for it,” she laughed. “I can see how you would think that, though. I have always lived this life, so for me, the way young people live today seems a little bizarre.”
“I can see that,” Peri laughed as they walked out into the morning light. They began walking further up the hill that sat above the vineyards and house and chatting about her Christmas at the farm and how she had been tricked into singing at the festival. Marisol and Andreas had hosted a similar party for their neighbours and friends without the concert, instead bringing in a small choir to serenade the party goers.
To Peri’s surprise, the track ended in a Balinese style hut with a daybed and cushioned bamboo chairs. They sat and looked out over the view content to be silent for the moment.
“You must love him with all of your heart to accept the trial you are about to undertake,” Marisol broke the silence.
“I do. I have never met anyone like him. He makes me feel like I am more than I am like I could be anything. He makes me feel like nothing could ever hurt me as long as I have him in my life,” she tries to express how she felt adequately and gave up. “I love him more than I ever thought I could love another person, and if this is what he needs me to do so that we can have a life together, then I will agree to whatever the trial brings.”
“I am glad, he deserves a love like that, he has grown into a wonderful man,” she said wistfully. “Andreas and I love him as our own, and we want you to succeed so no matter what happens over the next few months, cocoon yourself in that love you feel and know he would not be separated from you if he didn’t have to be.”
“That sounds ominous,” Peri turned to look at the woman.
“Not at all,” Marisol laughed. “Bizarre as you called it, but not ominous. You are an outsider so our ways will test you more than most.”
“It’s a patriarchal society where the men dominate and the women, even the wives, serve the needs of the twelve patriarchs,” she said confidently. She had done enough research to know what the trial and her time in servitude would mean in general terms. She was prepared to put her feelings on equality away for the time being. When she wore the necklace Josh gave her she gave him total control over body and well-being, she would just be extending that to his father, and though she was nervous, she had come to terms with the strangeness of the situation.
“I see you have done some research,” Marisol said appreciatively. “Throughout history Patriarchs have been more prevalent than matriarchs, I quite enjoy the comparisons between the two.”
“I would imagine them to be quite opposite,” Peri seemed to consider the idea.
“Not at all, in the end, those that wield power rule in similar fashion. The difference is in what drives the two societies that differ. Patriarchal societies revere history and linear timelines. They are rational and slaves to reality. They have a dogma that that is based purely on reality and science. You’ve seen that at work recently no doubt,” she laughed again. “Matriarchal societies tend to revolve around cycles of time and the eternity of the universe. They are more driven by ritual and magic, beauty and art.”
“So you go with the left brain is masculine and the right brain is feminine theory,” Peri said enjoying the turn in the conversation. “The ancient Egyptians believed that a pharaoh could not rule without a balance of both the feminine and the masculine within one ruler. There is also the belief in the balance of yin and yang which perhaps is the ultimate goal for some Asian societies.”
“One could but hope, but I am not so optimistic,” Marisol rebutted her point, and the two women continued to debate the ideas of spirituality versus science within the bounds of patriarchs and matriarchs.
Time went by quick for them, and Marisol looked at her buzzing phone announcing that they had been summoned back to the house.
*****
Josh and Peri shared a late brunch with his Uncle and Aunt on the veranda at the rear of their house. It was a beautiful day with a steady breeze taking the edge off the summer heat.
“Let’s go for a walk down to the creek,” he suggested as they finished eating.
“I’d like that,” she said softly taking his hand as she stood from the table.
“We’ll be back for dinner,” Josh said, and then they walked from the table and down through the vineyards to the rainforest landscape that surrounded the property.
Peri loved walking through the sun dappled shade feeling immediately cooler in darker moist surroundings. She could hear the small creek bubbling over rocks well before they got there and Josh led her to some large logs that had been fashioned into a sitting area. She felt his hand tighten on her smaller one and met his gaze. She knew the look that met hers well. She had seen it often over the past few days. It was as if he was trying to imprint his possession of her onto her body, heart and mind.
“Undress for me,” he commanded.
She looked around even though she knew they were alone, seeking for signs of other people who may have inadvertently followed them. Slowly she unbuttoned her blouse revealing a nude lace bra. She slid the top down soft tanned arms before she loosened the skirt and stepped out of it. Feeling shy in the open like this she stood in her bra and panties and glanced up to see him watching her intently. He smiled raising an eyebrow she unfastened the bra, removing it along with the thong she wore. She trembled as she stood naked in the shady clearing, and he moved toward her.
His thumb slid down the side of her face, from cheekbone to jawline, to chin. He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her lower lip and she instinctively opened her mouth as he slid his thumb inside. She ran her tongue around it softly keeping her eyes on his face. He kissed her forehead before taking her hand and leading her to one of the logs in the clearing indicating she should sit down.
“Won’t there be splinters?” she inspected the log.
“Sit,” he commanded dismissing her concerns. She turned planning to sit, but he stopped her and seemed to think better of it. He picked up her skirt and laid it over the log, “There now sit straddling the log.”
Peri straddled the large log feeling Josh still fully clothed settle behind her and wrap his arms around her. His hands fondled her breasts, and his breath was hot as he kissed her shoulder and neck moving up to growl into her ear.
“You are mine now and forever, nothing that happens over the next few months will change that or how I feel about you,” his growl was low and soft but full of emotion. His hands tightened on her breasts squeezing them and bringing his fingers down to her nipples. His teeth grazed over her earlobe nipping at it as he pinched and twisted the hard pink buds of her nipples making her whimper loudly into the rustling rainforest.
Josh loved the sound of her whimpers and soft cries as he continued to play with her breasts roughly feeling her leaning back into his body and arching up as if pleading for more. She was the most incredible woman, and he loved her. He hated that he would have to deliver her to the trial tonight. His thoughts darkened, and he bit her neck wanting to leave a lasting mark on her for all to see.
“Stay exactly as you are,” he growled into her ear and stood to move from the log to stand directly in front of her. He watched her big beautiful breasts heaving with her ragged breath and the glistening lips of her open cunt telling of her enjoyment of his treatment of her. Looking around he walked to a nearby low tree and broke off a flexible branch swishing through the air several times before looking at her. His lip curled into a satisfied smile.
“Put your hands on the log behind you,” he commanded and watched as she leaned back arching her back and effectively pushing her breasts out toward him. He approached her and landed a well-aimed stroke on the soft skin under her breasts.
The lingering burn was more than she had experienced in the past as she struggled for two strokes before crying out into clearing startling some of the birdlife into flight. Josh though took his time creating a pattern of perfect symmetry upon the soft swaying globes of flesh. Moving to her he pulled her up into his arms kissing her deeply and laying her back on the log. He kissed over the angry red welts that lined her breasts before continuing down her body. He kissed down her body placing his hands on her thighs widening them even more to his view as his head dipped down to run his tongue over her glistening lips.
Parting her lips further with his thumbs he teased his tongue over her clit enjoying the sounds of her soft gasps and whimpers. He took his time letting her enjoy the sensations that assailed her before dipping his finger into her and curling it forward to run along the ridges of the surface there making her sounds of pleasure louder in the quiet clearing. He felt the telltale quivering of her thigh under his hand and reached up with it to grab a red lined breast roughly. His fingers and mouth worked in tempo, and he felt rather than saw the tensing of her muscles and her back arch as she came crying out into the trees.
Lifting his head he wiped his face across her belly and smiled seeing her loose-limbed and relaxed her eyes still closed. He stood and removed his pants settling himself back on top of her; the position was awkward and rather than the hard thrust he had intended, he slipped into her gently filling her and hearing her sigh with pleasure.
He loved everything about her at that moment, and the flicker of worry that she would return to him changed forever made him doubt the decisions he had made this morning. He could not bear to think of a life without her but to know that the very thing that could ensure their future happiness may be what breaks them apart threatened to engulf him. Propping himself up on an arm he gazed down at her, his fingers running down the side of her face and neck to her breast.
“I love you,” he murmured, “Never forget that.” Her eyes flickered open, and she looked back at him sensing his anxiety about their separation. She felt it too and as they moved together slowly and gently she had no words to express how she felt except to echo his thoughts.
“I love you too, forever,” she whispered and put her hand over the one that lay on her chest. “My heart will always belong to you, and only you,” she said breathlessly and melted into his deep kisses. He began to thrust into her harder, and she pulled her legs up rocking her hips to meet his as they sought out the pleasurable highs they had always enjoyed together.
They spent the hottest part of the day in the clearing, paddling and sitting in the shallow creek and making love again. Banishing thoughts of her impending departure from his mind Josh allowed time to stand still for them.
“It’s so beautiful here, like a magical forest that can keep the world at bay,” Peri said coming to sit beside him on the water’s edge.
“Zio would like us to make our family home here when we are married, it would be a long commute to work for me, but you could work from home if you wanted, if you still want to work, you won’t have to you know,” he grinned. “I like the idea of starting a family pretty soon.”
“Oh? I would never have guessed that,” she laughed and thought about Joshua’s huge family. “I guess we’ve had all this practise at making babies, we should see if we have the technique right.”
“Are you questioning my technique?” he chuckled. “Practise makes perfect, so perhaps we should try it again.”
“Shouldn’t we be thinking about going back?” She splashed cold water on him. “We’ve been here for hours, and they are expecting us this afternoon.”
“I brought you here so we would have time alone, before…” he couldn’t say the words and looked up as a small plane flew overhead at a low altitude. Glad for the interruption, they got dressed quietly and began the walk back to the chalet to shower and change for dinner.
“Would we live in the chalet if we made this our home? I mean it’s wonderful but not particularly family friendly.
“If we agree he will give us part of the property as a wedding gift so we could build a family home,” he chuckled, “Then he and Marisol would be close enough to spoil our children rotten. I think not having grandchildren is as hard as it was to know that they couldn’t have children of their own. They are both from such big families. I think sometimes they feel isolated out here.
“Then we should,” she agreed. “I love it here, and it will be nice to have them close by when you are at work. It will give me another lovely thing to think about while I am away from you. Building a home just the way we want it, with wide veranda’s and cosy, shady nooks here and there like in the rainforest itself.”
“Sounds like you have already thought about it,” he looked at her.
“Of course, I have thought about our future, where we will live, having children, everything,” she stopped and looked at him seriously. “Isn’t that why we are doing this? Why I am doing this?”
“Yes,” truthfully he hadn’t let himself think past the fact that he wanted a future with her to the details of it, but he could see in her face this was not what she needed to hear. “I’m just still celebrating that you said yes and thinking about our honeymoon. You know we men can’t multitask,” he chuckled making light of the situation.
“Maybe I did get a little far ahead of myself, but you are asking me to give up my freedom to make that honeymoon happen so I need to be thinking of all the wonderful things that will come at the end of it,” she said thoughtfully.
“I’m not enough of a prize?” he teased.
“You first and foremost, but the wedding, the home, the children all the things that can build on the love we have and create a full picture of our future. If I didn’t love you enough to picture that future, I have run away, just like the other girl.” She tried again to explain. “I need that picture in my head right now. Otherwise, I may lose my nerve.” Josh gathered her into his arms and held her tightly saying nothing for a long moment.
“I want you to know that whatever happens I will always love you, you are the one I have waited for, and I know how lucky I am that you are willing to go through all my family traditions and rituals for me,” he said in a low voice choked with feeling. “You are the love of my life, and I can’t imagine a future without you in it.”
They walked back up to the chalet and showered getting dressed the weight of what was happening bearing down on them both in different ways. There was a knock on the door and shrugging at Peri Josh went to answer it.
“Wah-Wah! Congratulations!” Maryanne burst through the door and began talking rapidly. “I always miss all the good family stuff, but I don’t mind missing what happened with Nik. Are you okay? Man that must have been a bad scene,” she paused for breath spotting, Peri. “My new sister! Oh, my god! Show me the ring,” she grabbed Peri’s hand and inspected the ring. “Josh always did have good taste. You did well Wah-Wah,” she said over her shoulder not letting go of Peri’s hand.
“Congratulations,” Lucia said as she followed Maryanne in a moment later. She kissed Josh on both cheeks and smiled. “I am so happy for you both.”
“Lucy, I am so glad to see you,” Josh picked her up in a bear hug. “Are you staying long, can we find a moment to talk later?”
“You’re as bad as Maryanne,” she laughed lightly and moved to hug Peri. “Congratulations and commiserations to you,” she smiled sadly as she released the woman. “The trial isn’t pleasant, and I won’t sugar-coat it like everyone else,” She said in a friendly way. “I probably know that better than most, but if love gives you wings, then you will fly through it.”
“Thanks, Lucy,” Peri returned the hug. “You’re the only one who hasn’t ignored the elephant in the room.”
“Yeah that’s not my style,” she chuckled. “I have decided we are going to be BFF’s because you’re about the bravest bitch I know aside of me.” Josh raised an eyebrow at his straight-talking sister. “Don’t look at me like that Josh, you know it’s true.”
“You’re not usually so laconic,” he chuckled.
“Dino’s on leave for the holidays,” she said as if that explained everything. “The man talks and swears like a sailor, it rubs off after a while.”
“Maybe because he is a sailor, duh?” Maryanne said making them all laugh. “He’s here too and Paulo so we came to bring you to the party.”
“Who is Paulo?” Josh furrowed his brow.
“My new boyfriend, gosh keep up will you,” she gave him a cheeky smile.
“Oh right, sorry, should have known that I guess,” Josh laughed. “Are you ready?” he asked Peri who nodded and moved to take his hand. Maryanne took his other hand, and he looked at Lucia apologetically, “Not enough hands sorry.”
“That’s okay I would rather hold her hand anyway,” she laughed again, and the four of them walked hand in hand back down the track to the main house. To Josh’s surprise, several of his other siblings were there as well, and an impromptu engagement party ensued ensuring that Peri and Josh’s last meal together was full of laughter and merriment.
“It’s a long story brother of mine, I already told you in a way. Best you read that novel you wheedled out of me,” Lucia said when Josh found a moment alone with her to ask about her time in the facility. Then she turned and went in search of Dante. Her dark and brooding brother was possibly the only one aside of Izabella that she had confided in about what had occurred all those years ago, and she wanted to tell him about the book and that she had given it to Josh.
She found Dante in surprisingly good humour talking quietly with Peri out on the deck. She watched to two of them together curiously before interrupting and asking to steal Dante away.
Peri wandered back inside to find Josh; this had been a lovely surprise, but as the time ticked away, she felt the need to be with him. Finding him talking to Ben, she smiled and went and burrowed under his arm so he would wrap it around her.
“It’s about that time,” She said quietly. “Do you think we could just sneak off without any fanfare, I am feeling a bit anxious,” she put her hand on her belly and looked up at him.
“I got you covered,” Ben said easily, “We’ll have another one of these in a couple of months to welcome you back,” he whispered and bent to kiss her cheek.
“Thanks, Ben,” she smiled glad he had not wished her luck or said the word goodbye.
*****
They sat closely together on the small family plane saying nothing. The Captains’ voice came over the speaker announcing that they were about to start a long descent and should be on the ground in fifteen minutes breaking their thoughts. Josh sat up untangling his arms from her and reached under the seat for a small box.
“I am not going to ask you if you are ready. I don’t think either of us ever would be,” he smiled and kissed her. “Thank you. Lucy is right you are brave and beautiful and the best thing to ever happen to me,” he said softly taking the soft leather collar from the box and wrapping it around her neck. The plane jolted over air pockets as it made it descent and Josh smiled. “Thank you for loving me this much.”
Peri placed her hand on his cheek and kissed him then. She had no words and even though she had met and talked about the trial with Joseph, Josh’s reaction to leaving her here seemed ominous, and her anxiousness only increased no matter how many times she told herself she had no need to be worried.
The plane touched down and taxied to a stop at the end of the runway rather than close to the gate of their home. Josh took her hand and led her from the plane crossing the small distance to where his father stood beside a second plane.
“I don’t understand,” Josh said from a few feet away gripping her hand tightly.
“It has been decided that she will undergo two weeks intensive training with the Battaglia before being presented to the Sitting. If she impresses that will be an end to it and she will return home with me and we can discuss whether she can return and serve the remainder of her time with you or here on the farm,” Joseph said without emotion. “It was the best of the alternatives on offer to an outsider,” he added letting a hint of softness colour his voice as he looked at his son. “I did my best to push pulling all credit due to our family.
“This will not be an easy task,” Josh said softly to Peri. “I understand what it entails, and I won’t stop you if you want to change your mind now.”
“Tell me you love me,” she said softly looking up into his worried face.
“Always and forever,” he kissed her lightly.
“Then this is what has to be,” she swallowed loudly and reached up to cup his cheek gently, “I love you more than that even.” She let go of his hand then and walked to stand by Joseph’s side.
“You may show her to her seat and prepare the flight for take-off,” Joseph instructed the two men who stood with him.
“I will remain to watch over her trial and ensure no harm comes to her,” Joseph reassured his son who watched her climb the steps and enter the plane. “Understand that my instruction technique is being called into question with a second daughter requiring rehabilitation.” He tried to explain. “The question of an outsider in our family as well has made the chairs suspicious.”
“I understand,” Josh said woodenly, his whole body tense.
“That is all I can ask, I will keep you informed of her progress,” Joseph turned and entered the plane himself leaving Josh alone on the tarmac. He watched the plane take off before wandering slowly up the tarmac to his home. He doubted that his mother was still awake, but maybe Carlo would have an open bottle of something at the ready to pour him a drink.
*****
“It will be a three-hour flight, I suggest you get some sleep, there is a bed at the back of the cabin,” Joseph pointed the way.
“Thank you, Sir,” Peri undid her seat belt and made her way to the rear of the plane seeing two bunks prepared for them. She noted that Joseph had turned his chair to watch her but made no move to follow her.
She closed her eyes and willed herself to sleep trying to block out the plane and everything that was happening to her. The past few nights with Josh and the several glasses of wine she had at the party helped her falling into a restless sleep, and she woke to find Joseph placing a heavy padded blanket over her and clicking it into unseen restraints.
“Sleep it is just a little turbulence he murmured and left her side. When next she woke the engines sounded loud and the plane touched down jolting her within the blanket cocoon that surrounded her. She lay where she was for long moments with her eyes closed feeling the last vestiges of sleep fall away and her anxiousness return.
She heard the pilots voice announce their arrival and the temperature in Canberra. At least, she knew where she was which was a bonus she hadn’t expected considering the secrecy around this family.
“Ah good, you are awake,” Joseph came to speak to her and undo the restraints that held her tightly to the bed. “It is only a short ride now to the place that will be your home for two weeks. I will be close by though you will more than likely not see me for the duration of your stay. I am impressed by your commitment to Joshua, and I hope you keep that firmly in your mind during the trial they ask of you here.”
“Yes, Sir,” Peri replied woodenly her nervousness heightened by his words rather than soothed.
“I believe you more than capable of surprising even the cynical trainers here of your commitment to becoming part of the family,” he smiled, “I am proud to be the one to introduce you to the family here as my future daughter.”
“You may use the bathroom to freshen up if you wish, you have some time until we alight,” he indicated a door behind them.
“Thank you, Sir,” Peri smiled and stood to move towards the door. Joseph watched her go considering the girl’s obvious anxiousness and her use of the word Sir. He would much rather she call him Papa as all of the children did but she had not earned that right yet. He was pleased that the Battaglia had been called on to see to her trial and felt a wave of protectiveness toward the young woman. He would not have wanted to be the one to turn her away if she had failed the trial.
Peri relieved her bladder and stood to look the mirror. She looked as tired as she felt and she rubbed her fingers over patches of her face trying to blend what was left of her makeup together and present a half decent face to her hosts. She laughed then imagining it to be like Andie’s boot camp, hosts was probably not the right word here. She fixed her hair as best she could without a brush or comb and stepped back out into the cabin.
“Let’s go and meet the Battaglia, you know of their table and the current leader from your research I assume?” Joseph said keeping his voice light and engaging her in conversation as they walked down to the waiting car.
“In all honesty, I have not looked into the other tables very much except the original table of twelve. I couldn’t tell you much more than the names of any except the Donati,” she said nervously.
“Ah then let me enlighten you as we travel,” Joseph said with a smile holding her door open for her. Climbing in beside her he took her hand in his. “The Battaglia come from a long line of warriors and even now most of the men have military careers. Whereas in our family and I would say most of the other families rank and responsibility relies on age and experience, we hold to the views of the younger son succeeding to the chair. The Battaglia leaders are determined by promotion through a military type of regime.”
“That’s unusual from what I have read of about the family so far,” Peri couldn’t help her curiosity and turned to look at Joseph as he spoke.
“They are an unusual family, but fiercely loyal and the best of the best regarding military prowess. Even the women of this family are treated differently and given some form of responsibility if they show promise,” Joseph chuckled.
“Surely there are many women who show promise in a whole range of ways,” Peri said before stopping to think about to whom she has just spoken.
“Yes, you are right. There are many including my beautiful girls who bring great value to our families,” he agreed. “The Battaglia run a facility for those who need help with addiction or other issues or concerns the family may have. Quite often the patients there may need the kinder gentler touch of a woman to help them recover. There was a beautiful young woman that was placed in the care of the men who ran the facility many years ago. Such was her power of persuasion and duplicity that she was able to come and go as she wished and to treat the facility like her personal palace and the Battaglia men as her servants. They struggled to regain their standing within the twelve after that flaw was discovered. The presence of both sexes in the facility has seen that such a thing would not happen again.”
“I understand what you meant now,” Peri gave a small nervous laugh. “I assume if I had any powers of persuasion, then they wouldn’t help me then during this trial.”
“Perhaps not but you have other qualities that will stand you in good stead,” he squeezed her hand. “It is a trial, meant to test your loyalty and commitment to our family values. In my eyes, you have already done that by agreeing to this so willingly. They will see that as well.”
The car slowed as it approached a tall guarded gate which opened slowly for them after a flashlight ran over the car and driver. They rolled slowly up the driveway gravel crunching under the wheels of the car. Peri looked out into the darkness trying to make out the tall building they approached. The car swung around to the right of the building and drove down further towards a group of townhouses that sat like a small village before another large building. It was difficult to make out the details of the houses in the darkness but as the car pulled up in front of one of the townhouses Peri smiled at the quaint, charming façade.
Joseph helped her from the car, and they walked toward the door seeing it opened by a young woman who bowed her head as they entered.
“It will be a pleasure to serve you during your stay here,” she said quietly. “I will show you to your rooms so you can sleep for a few hours before your meeting with the Commander.” She led the way upstairs and opened the door to Josephs room before taking Peri to hers. The girl faded away and left Peri to explore the austere room which took all of a minute.
Sighing she turned off the light and lay on the bed, she had little idea of what to expect here. Visions of all of the books she had read about sexual slavery, consorts and courtesans rolled through her head like a movie. She sat up and hugged her knees to her chest wondering once again what she was doing here; it was too strange, too bizarre. Every part of her brain told her to run away, to leave before it went any further. She shut her eyes and tried to picture Josh, his smile and his eyes the way he looked at her when they were alone. She took a deep breath and reminded herself of the future they had spoken about.
The darkness began to lighten outside the window, and she stood to go to the window to look out at the slowly approaching dawn. She saw a group of men leave the big house and jog out into the sounding land with precision. She followed their movements until they disappeared then she turned back to the small room. She needed some water, and she wondered if she would disturb anybody if she went down to look for a kitchen.
Peri opened her door and peeked out into the dark hall. She knew wandering around the dark was not a good idea. There was a small movement at the other end of the hallway and a small voice sounded in the darkness.
“How may I serve you Miss?” the girl who had showed them to their rooms asked.
“I was just going to get a drink of water if you could just tell me where the kitchen is I can get it,” Peri said quickly.
“It would be my pleasure,” the girl said and hurried off before Peri could stop her. Leaving her door open she went back into her room and stood at the window once again watching the sunrise feeling Josh’s absence already. The girl returned within minutes holding a small tray with a jug of water and glass. She placed it on the empty sideboard and withdrew closing the door behind her.
Peri tried to keep her mind off the unknown and concentrate on what she did know. She knew that family was a massive part of Josh’s life, and he couldn’t be complete without that. She knew that he wanted her to do this. She knew that she would be here at this place for two weeks before going to the Sitting with Joseph to be presented to the twelve. She knew that if she managed to impress here and at the Sitting, she would be allowed to complete the remainder of the trial back at the farm with Joseph working on the histories.
She stopped and thought about that. Two weeks intensive training and the rest of the time would be spent doing what she loved to do. Suddenly the trial seemed infinitely more achievable than it had before the news that she would be taken to this place tonight, instead of the farm. She returned to the bed and lay down again feeling better in the light of a new day. She managed to fall into a light doze for what seemed like minutes but was in fact close to an hour when she was finally woken by the soft voice and hands of the young woman who served the townhouse.
She led Peri to the bathroom to shower and change into a short toga-like dress. The girl offered help with her hair braiding it into an intricate style. She suggested she leave her face clean of make-up unless instructed otherwise. Peri then followed the girl down to the living area of the quaint little house where Joseph awaited her.
They ate a breakfast of bacon and egg frittata and crunchy slices of bread in virtual silence. Peri sipped at the water while Joseph drank strong black coffee. He tried to make small talk asking her how she slept and how she felt. There was little else to say, so Peri returned the questions politely and ate her breakfast regardless of the butterflies dancing her belly.
A tap on the door heralded their escort to the main house. Peri stood to smooth out the short toga dress and felt the weight of the collar around her neck more so than any time since Josh had placed it around her neck. The mantra in her head had shortened to “A future with Josh” and she said it over and over again as she walked quietly beside Joseph and their guide.
The big building that sat at the end of the townhouses seemed cold with its stark sandstone walls and white column that ran up to a portico roof two floors above them. She studied them as she mounted the stairs to distract herself. They were shown through the house which was neat but lacked the warmth of a home. Peri looked around for items of interest like those she had found in the homes of the Donati elders, but they seemed to be lacking. After waiting in a sparsely furnished anteroom for several minutes, they were shown into what appeared to be a library at a first glance.
“Hail Donati, Welcome to my Athenaeum,” a tall, muscular man stepped forward to greet them. He embraced Joseph in a manly hug and kissed both of his cheeks. “How have you been my brother?”
“Getting older by the day and feeling it,” Joseph laughed. “I see you are faring well,” he remarked.
“I have no choice, only the strong can lead,” he laughed humourlessly. “Men climb the ranks every day looking for a chink in the armour of an aging warrior. You are blessed not to have such political manoeuvring in your clan.”
“We all have our struggles,” Joseph said diplomatically. “As you well know.”
“Indeed,” the man nodded knowingly. “Nik has not taken well to her new surroundings, perhaps a visit from you will help her see the seriousness of her situation.”
“Perhaps but she is not my reason for being here at this time,” Joseph turned to Peri, who had been standing quietly listening to the men talk.
“Your request has made for interesting talks,” the man said ignoring Peri. “I believe we have determined a reasonable regime to prove the girl’s worth. It will be quite intensive and not an easy mission for her to undertake. Are you sure you wish to proceed?”
“I am,” Joseph said. “She comes from a good family and is intelligent. I believe she may surprise the cynics who distrust outsiders.”
“That will be determined in time,” the man said seriously. “at this point she is nothing to us, she will work with three of my men to determine her intelligence, integrity and passion. You may stay and observe, but you may not interfere at any time. She comes of her free will?”
“She does, she has signed the trial contract to me,” Joseph drew back his shoulders and stood taller. Peri sensed there was a battle of power occurring that she couldn’t quite get a handle on. “My son and my extended family believe her valuable and worthy of a place within the family. I will trust you with her well-being but should she be treated like a common street walker I will be most disappointed. She may mean little to you, but she deserves the respect of one favoured by the Donati Chair.” His voice had grown hard as he spoke.
“You come of your own free will?” The tall man looked at her then as if appraising her with a long hard look.
“Yes Sir,” Peri answered in a voice much stronger than she felt.
“This is your signature on the document Donati holds?” He asked in a short, clipped tone.
“Yes Sir,” Peri acknowledged after looking at the contract.
“I am the Commander of the Battaglia, and you will spend two weeks in my home under trial conditions. You will be given to the charge of three of my Marshalls, and you will obey them implicitly,” he said sternly, and three men stepped forward from their positions against the wall.
“Yes Commander,” Peri said unsure of herself and whether to use his title or not. He nodded and turned his attention back to Joseph, who had relaxed his stance once again.
“Marco, Nero and Francesco,” he introduced them. “You have heard my brother tell us that this girl has value to his table?”
“It is an unusual request,” Marco replied. “She is here, however, to prove her worth to the Twelve, not just one. The trial stands as it is but as a courtesy we have been mindful of the circumstance in our preparation.”
“That is all I can ask,” Joseph said stiffly. “I shall remain for the duration and observe on occasion,” He said making sure they understood he was not about to let them treat her as they would a commoner. “As for value to the twelve, I offer you this sample of her work to peruse for a few minutes.
“This is part of a large set of books?” Francesco asked.
“It will be as to whether I commission the completion of solely my family or the two books you hold for each family as her next task will be determined by the outcomes of the sitting,” he said meaningfully. He knew the look and feel of the books were equally as impressive as the information they contained.
“You completed these on your own merit?” Francesco addressed Peri directly.
“Joshua Donati held a great deal of family information, I merely refined, edited and added pertinent facts to what he had started. He is not responsible for the look and feel, but I am sure he can only improve those features,” she said quietly. “He is a talented publisher.”
“I know of him,” Francesco nodded but said nothing more.
“The girl has some skill, but we will judge her value to the Twelve,” Marco said with a tone that said he was unimpressed by Joseph’s offering.
“Your men would do well to remember that they speak to a chair of the Twelve,” Joseph’s voice did not change in tone or pitch, but the threat was evident. He faced Marco directly, “When you seek to judge others be careful lest you are judged through the same lens.”
“Francesco, you make take the girl to her quarters and induct her into her daily routine,” The commander instructed the oldest of the three men who stood with him.
“Commander,” Francesco bowed his head briefly in respect and escorted Peri from the large room. The men stayed silent until the door closed behind them.
“You may test her resolve to be here, but you will not test mine,” Joseph said in a dangerous voice. “I have shown my commitment to bringing the girl here but make no mistake; I will wait out weeks of endless debates and arguments over the girl, which I had hoped to avoid by bringing her here, rather than endure insults born from arrogance or ignorance.”
“I apologise for the poor choice of words,” Marco immediately responded. “I spoke only to show her the gravity of her situation here.”
“You said it to raise yourself above the Donati,” Joseph was livid. “That girl has a better idea of why the Twelve came together than you do.” He stared at the younger man judging him by his reaction. “Not only have you disrespected me but also your Commander, who you sought to speak for with that statement.” The man finally looked concerned that he had indeed overstepped his assignation. Turning to the commander, Joseph asked, “Was he dropped on his head at birth?”
“Perhaps, I will have to ask his mother,” The commander said with a perfectly straight face. “You are dismissed, we will speak about this later,” he said to the men who bowed their heads in respect and headed for the door.
“Your son?” Joseph ask.
“Yes,” he chuckled. “The youngest, he constantly seeks to prove himself. He asked to be part of this challenge. The decision to bring her here was swift, and we have worked hard to accommodate her special circumstances. I will impress upon them once again the uniqueness of the situation.”
“I appreciate that,” Joseph relaxed now they were alone. “Shall we talk about the details?”