Cory pointed it out to her. "That's it. Medici Castello."
Madison's mouth dropped open, as the impressive house at Bel Rosso was dwarfed in comparison to this grand castle. They all exited the cars and Shade issued instructions about being greeted. She clung to Cory's hand, as she tried to look around the estate and followed his lead as they approached the entrance.
Shade took Kate by the arm, and held Lorenzo's hand. He issued instructions to the crowd. "Listen up. Kate and I will enter first with Lorenzo, followed by Cory and Madison, then Luca and Shannon. All of your luggage will be taken to your respective rooms. We are home now, and I want everyone to have a wonderful trip. We shall have a princess when we return."
Turning to look at Madison, he smiled. "Welcome to Castello, Madison. Cory is familiar with the routine. He will walk you through the protocol and introduce you to the staff. Now, let’s get inside before they break down the front door and drag us in."
Antonio, the newly appointed majordomo who’d replaced Gi when he moved to the States, swung the massive door open to greet them. He bowed reverently to Shade and Kate. "Master, my lady."
Shade slapped him on the back. "Antonio. Good to see you. We will have a house full, si? Two mortals, so make sure we have plenty of food in the kitchen."
Shade led the group into the massive grand foyer, where the house staff was lined up in their uniforms to greet them. Lorenzo squirmed free so he could run ahead. He loved coming to Castello and greeting the staff, where he became the center of everyone's attention.
Madison was overwhelmed by the size of the greeting hall, the height of the ceilings, the massive chandeliers, and the grand staircase in marble. The staff all responded to Shade, as they each bowed and called him master, and they kissed Kate's hand. She knew they were a king and queen, but in Virginia she’d seen no evidence of any royal protocol. Cory was introducing her, but the faces became a blur as they each shook her hand and welcomed her. She noticed they were all very tall, even the women.
Lorenzo was being picked up and told how much he’d grown, as he was passed from staff member to staff member. It was a whirlwind of greetings that was making Madison’s head spin.
Shade suddenly spoke up, commanding attention, as he called select staff from the line. "Carlos, you will be assigned to see to the needs of Luca and Shannon. I know Luca will not need much from you, but Shannon is mortal, so be sure she is taken care of, si?"
Carlos stepped forward, letting them know their luggage would be brought to their room and scurried off.
"Cezare, you will resume your responsibilities to my son, Cory, and Rosa, I am assigning you to Madison. She is also mortal, and this is her first trip here. They will have Hyde as their protector, but make sure she wants for nothing, si?"
Rosa bowed to Madison and hurried off up the stairs. Madison turned to Cory. "I'll have my own maid?"
Cory laughed and said, "Get used to it."
Shade made his way through the house staff, each of them important in his life. As they finally made their way to the end of the line, Marco stepped forward as they hugged and beat each other on the back. Shade greeted his friend. "Good to see you, brother. We have a full house this time around."
Marco laughed. "I can’t believe that old leather ass of yours can still manage to make bambinos. Everything here is under control. But don’t expect to see much of me. Terri is here, and we have some time to make up for."
Shade slapped his back. "Well, I am going to need Theresa for the birthing, so you better get in your time while you can."
Marco turned to Kate. "My Queen, you look beautiful as ever. Congratulations on the coming birth of our princess. As always, I am at your disposal for any of your needs." He bowed slightly and raised his eyes, grinning at her, his voice a bit softer. "Grazie for not killing my oldest and dearest brother yet."
Kate returned his smile. "Oh, I think he has a few good years left yet." She turned and pulled Cory and Madison close as she addressed Marco once more. "Please welcome Madison. This is her first visit to Castello, please try not to scare her."
Turning to Madison, Kate slid her arm around the young girl’s waist and she could feel that she trembled with excitement. "Madison, this grizzly old warrior is Marco. Now, he's going to try to come off like a bad-ass, but trust me, he’s easily tamed."
Shade laughed in the background at Kate’s introduction.
Marco scrunched up his rugged, worn face. "Ah yes, our beloved queen is home once again. I think I have missed that ribbing."
He turned to Shade and growled before turning back to Madison and bowing slightly. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Madison. I am Second-in-Command of all Medici warriors here in Florence. I am at your service, and I’ve been instructed that Hyde is to be your personal protector. Hyde is one of our best."
He looked at the young girl, feeling her excitement and slight trepidation, and watched as Cory hovered close, protecting her. Greeting Cory, he pulled him into a tight hug and slapped him on the back. Turning to leave, Marco called out to Shade, “I’ll catch up with you later, but if you think your ass can handle a real warrior workout, come on out to the field later."
Shade stood with his hands on his hips, his chest puffed out, his legs spread. "You are on, you old goat."
Kate looked at Madison and spoke softly, "Some things never change."
Madison was amused by the verbal sparring between the two men as Kate put her at ease.
Kate placed her hand on the young girl’s back. "Now, go with Rosa and Cezare. They’ll get you settled. I told them to put you in Cory's room, but if you'd like your own room, I can have your things moved."
Madison shook her head. "No, Cory's room will be fine. I think I'd feel lost in here if I were by myself."
Kate nodded. "I know this is surreal. Just get settled, take a bath, let the staff know what you'd like to eat, and get some sleep. Tomorrow, Cory can show you the rest of Castello, and you have a few weeks to sightsee in Florence and all of Tuscany. Shade controls Tuscany, and in Europe, the territories of the vampires are more strictly guarded, so unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit other parts of Italy while you’re here, unless specifically invited by that master. Cory understands the protocol, so just follow his lead. Be sure to pick out a gown for the celebration of Sophia's birth. Cory can take you to the proper shops, and the bills will be sent here."
Kate kissed the young girl on the forehead. "Have fun, Madison. You and Cory will be on your own schedule while you're here. Luca and Shannon have their own agenda, and I’ll be sequestered here until the birth. Shade will take Lorenzo to the camp as much as possible, to prepare him for when he’ll come here permanently to train. So, just enjoy your time. When the baby is ready to be born, everyone will come back to Castello. Until then, enjoy yourselves."
Rosa stepped up behind Madison and Cory, and with a slight curtsy, she announced, “Your room is ready."
Cory placed his arm protectively around Madison's shoulder as they followed Rosa back up the grand stairs. Madison looked over her shoulder at the crowd of people still assembled in the foyer, all laughing and talking. She leaned in to Cory as he guided her up the steps. "Oh my god, Cory. This is crazy!"