Page 10 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“Really? I love to read.” She leans forward slightly, curiosity piqued. “What do you like to read?”

Oh, this is getting better by the second.

Leo hesitates for the briefest of moments, a slight falter in his confident demeanor. “You know… the usual… the more obscure stuff. I’m a big fan of… Italian writers.”

She raises an eyebrow, her interest deepening. “Really? Italian literature is fascinating. I actually have a degree in English and European literature.” She smiles, excitement bubbling in her voice. “What Italian author do you like the most?”

Leo clears his throat, his eyes glancing toward me, a silent plea for help. “Well, you know, uh… the one who talks about power… and ruling.”

Her smile widens. “Machiavelli, perhaps?”

“Yes, exactly!” His voice carries a false note of triumph. “Machiavelli’s—uh—insights on power are, you know, really something.”

I glance at my phone, wishing I could record this moment.

“It is better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both,” she says softly, her gaze holding a mix of curiosity and challenge. “What do you think?” She recites the quote with a smile, and now I understand why the name Nora suits her so well. When she smiles like that, she’s truly a light.

A sudden silence falls, stretching long enough for her to realize Leo isn’t going to continue. Even our fathers are looking at them now, my father’s expression shifting from puzzlement to irritation.

Leo looks uncertain, but before the awkwardness can settle, I decide to speak for the first time, my voice calm and controlled.

“‘The ends justify the means.’” I continue the famous line fromThe Prince, my eyes meeting hers as I finish the quote smoothly, as if the words have been ready on my tongue.

She turns her smile toward me, and something strange stirs in my stomach—something like nausea. It’s uncomfortable, and yet I don’t want it to stop.

“So,” she says, her voice softer now, “you knowThe Prince?”

I look at her for a long moment before answering, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “Better than most,” I add, finishing with another Machiavellian quote: “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.”

Her eyes linger on mine, and for a moment, the world outside this room fades into the background. There’s a connection here, something neither of us expected. And as I watch the play of emotions on her face, I realize that this dinner has just become far more intriguing than I ever anticipated.

My father clears his throat, breaking the tension. “Well, who doesn’t like Machiavelli? Time for dessert.” He gestures to the butler, who promptly begins serving the cake and coffee.

As the plates are placed in front of us, my father wastes no time. “Nora, I’m so glad to add such a gem to our family crown. Now tell us, which of my sons are you choosing to be your husband?”

Her father practically beams with excitement, his gaze darting between Leo and her. Nora nods, but I notice a subtle change in her complexion—she’s paler now, as all eyes, including mine, are fixed on her.

“Come on, sweetheart, you can say it,” her father encourages, his voice filled with anticipation.

I can’t help but sigh, my gaze drifting back to my phone on the table. I’m itching to leave, knowing these extra seconds of dramatic tension are a waste of time and, frankly?—

“Rafaele.”

My head jerks up at the sound of my name, but she’s looking down at her cake. Did I imagine this?

I quickly glance around the table. My brother looks shocked, my father’s expression shifts from anticipation to annoyance, and her father—well, he looks justifiably horrified.

“Excuse me?” My voice comes out harsher than I intended.

Leo, still processing what he just heard, points at himself. “My name is Leo,” he says as if she somehow missed that crucial detail.

She looks up, her expression resolute. “I know.”

Leo’s finger swings toward me, his confusion deepening. “Thisis Rafaele.”

She nods again, more firmly this time. “Yes, I know.”

The room falls into a stunned silence. For the first time tonight, it feels like the ground beneath us has shifted. My father’s displeasure is palpable, and Leo, for once, is speechless. I study Nora’s face, searching for any sign of hesitation, but all I find is quiet determination.

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