Carpathian 00 - The Scarletti Curse

bird stared at her, its beady eyes fixed on her face. She smiled. "You think I should find you a bit of food and reward you for alerting me? I am not that fond of you and your warnings." She stood up slowly, wincing as her muscles protested and her calf throbbed and burned. She stretched, a long, slow stretch, before reaching into the pocket of her skirt for the bread wrapped so carefully in Laurena's scarf. "You do not deserve this, but all the same…" Nicoletta tossed several chunks to the creature. The bird caught the pieces one by one in its sharp beak and devoured them. The bird continued to stare steadily at her, gave one squawk, then hopped down the beach several steps before taking to the air.
    Nicoletta's shoulders sagged, and she took her time walking back to the villaggio. Whatever trouble was coming would most likely be coming to find her there.
    She could feel the excitement in the air the moment she neared the settlement. People were washing, when it was not washing day, busily cleaning the narrow streets, sprucing up the homes. She waved halfheartedly to Ketsia but shook her head when the little girl eagerly signaled her to come and talk.
    Before she could enter the safety of her hut, Cristano confronted her, barring the doorway, cutting off her escape. His black hair was disheveled, and he looked a bit wild, breathing hard like a rampaging bull.
    His black eyes snapped at her. "Look at you, Nicoletta, running around barefoot in the hills! I have had enough of it. I have been very patient, but I can stand no more. I forbid this careless roaming of the hills like a madwoman. It is not safe, and it is most unseemly. You are making me the laughing stock of the villaggio. It is time for you to grow up and do as your betrothed instructs. I will insist the priest marry us immediately. I will inform Signorina Sigmora that we are to be wed."
    "Have you lost your mind, Cristano?" Nicoletta pushed at him. "Go puff your chest at one of the other girls. I will not have you ordering me about in such a way." She was small in comparison to his tall, muscular frame, but she defied him nonetheless. In truth, Cristano was handsome and bold. She had known him all her life and held some affection for him, but her fondness was that of a sister, a friend, not a wife. He knew he was handsome, knew the girls looked at him—all except Nicoletta. She lifted her chin haughtily at him. "I will always run barefoot and free in the hills, and no man shall dictate to me, Cristano. Certainly not you!"
    He yanked her close to him. "We shall see, Nicoletta. The elders know you need someone to take you in hand. I will seek their permission as I should have a long time ago." He dropped her arm and stalked off.
    Outraged, Nicoletta pushed her way inside, slamming the door shut with unnecessary force. "Cristano has lost his mind and needs assistance immediately. It is entirely possible he suffers from brain fever. I am not jesting."
    Maria Pia ignored her caustic comment and caught her arm. "Where have you been, Nicoletta? You have been gone all night! I was worried for your safety!"
    Nicoletta put her satchel carefully into the corner. "Did you tend to Lissandra's bambino?"
    "He is fine, strong and healthy, thanks to the good Madonna and your quick thinking. Aljandro, of course, said you were clumsy in the delivery to break the babe's shoulder. He says you also caused much pain to Lissandra. You must be careful, piccola. When a man is shamed and guilt-ridden, he often seeks to shift the blame."
    Nicoletta lifted her chin. "I do not care what he says." She waved a hand in dismissal. "Tell me what is happening. Why all the excitement?" She crossed to the window and stared out at the bustle of activity in Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    the village.
    Instead of answering immediately, Maria Pia began to heat soup for Nicoletta. "You must eat, bambina.
    I know that you have not eaten since you supped last night. Come sit down, and allow me to feed you."
    "What is it you do not want to say to me, Maria Pia? It is best to get it out in the open." Mechanically, Nicoletta put on clean clothes. "Just tell me. Do not make me wonder." Her fingers curled around the hem of her blouse. She already knew. It was the don; it could be no other. He was the reason her heart pounded and her mouth went dry and she was suddenly very, very afraid.
    Maria Pia remained stubbornly silent while she prepared the soup and