Venice Vampyr (Venice Vampyr #1)

Tenderini.”
    Dozens of heads snapped in their direction, and the collective gasps traveled through the crowd, like a ripple on the water’s surface when disturbed by a pebble. Just as he’d expected, Massimo had already spread the news about Isabella’s ruin. Just as well. This way, Raphael could undermine his credibility.
    Keeping Isabella close by his side, he made his way down the stairs and waded into the mass of people whose curious and doubting stares followed them. His goal was single-minded: they needed to see the Doge. His authority alone would silence their wagging tongues. Merely announcing one’s marriage wasn’t sufficient in this case. They had to prove it.
    As they approached the place where the Doge sat on his throne to hold audience, they were stopped by one of his attendants. Raphael looked past him and caught the Doge’s eye. The man waved toward him, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
    “Let them pass.”
    Raphael bowed in front of the older man and noticed how Isabella fell into a deep curtsy. From where the Doge sat, he must be able to see deep into Isabella’s neckline and get more than a glimpse of her ample bosom. Raphael took her hand and pulled her up.
    “Your Excellency,” he greeted the powerful man, who would help them restore Isabella’s reputation. “May I introduce my wife and—”
    “No introduction is necessary. I caught your name well enough as you entered.” Then his eyes settled on Isabella. “Nasty things have been said about you, Signora.”
    “All untrue,” Raphael offered.
    The Doge gave him an impatient glare. “I addressed your wife, if she is indeed your wife.”
    Raphael held his tongue and squeezed Isabella’s arm in reassurance.
    “Your Excellency, all rumors are untrue, and I’m certain no harm was intended. However, it merely appears that the person who spread those rumors was misinformed about my status,” Isabella said.
    “And would you care to correct this misunderstanding now?”
    “Indeed. My wedding to Signore di Santori took place yesterday, and it appears the notices I was planning to have delivered to Venetian society have been delayed. I will make sure my personal attendant makes haste.” Her voice was steady now, and only Raphael could feel the light tremble in her body. He tried to soothe it by gently stroking her arm.
    “And you have proof that such a wedding took place? I hope you don’t mind my being a little cynical, but as you can imagine, once a claim has been made, it is up to me to verify it.”
    Isabella nodded. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
    Raphael reached into his pocket and handed her a folded piece of paper. She smiled at him when she took it. Then she looked back at the Doge, who motioned her to approach.
    When the man took the paper from Isabella’s hands, Raphael could fairly hear her heart pounding. She wouldn’t have to worry about anything. The ceremony as well as the priest had been genuine. The only thing he’d manipulated with his powers of persuasion was the date on the wedding certificate.
    When the priest had signed and dated it, Raphael had sent his suggestions into the man’s mind and made him write a different date: one day earlier. That way, Massimo couldn’t claim they’d only gotten married after he’d discovered them in Isabella’s bedchamber. They could claim that Massimo had intruded the morning after their wedding night. The scandal would be all his.
    After many long seconds, the Doge looked up and rose from his chair. He nodded to one of his attendants, who pounded a long staff onto the floor to ask for silence in the hall. The chatter of the crowd subsided.
    “My dear friends, I would like you to join me in congratulating Signore and Signora di Santori on their recent nuptials.”
    Gasps went through the crowd yet again, but before any kind of cheer could break out, a man pushed through. Raphael recognized him immediately: Massimo.
    “That’s not possible!” he cried as he rushed toward them.
    “Are you calling me a liar?” the Doge asked, his voice tight and threatening.
    Instantly, Massimo bowed. “Of course not, your Excellency.” Then he straightened. “I am merely saying it appears rather sudden. And as a close relative, I was not informed.” He glared at Isabella, and Raphael tightened his grip around her arm to pull her closer.
    “You are informed now,” was the Doge’s reply before he turned. “Dismissed.” The man had clearly lost interest.
    When