An amused smile curled her lips, “And why didn’t you give it to them?â€?

“They would have imprisoned me for heresy. I don’t want to rot away in a cell.â€? Anso wondered at his fate.

“My father didn’t send La Inquisición after you. Some factions in the Curia would like you out of his hands. But papa has plans for you, that’s why you are here now. You could say that I’ve rescued you. Florence was crawling with agents.â€? She waved over one of the mohammedan crewmen, a hulking man with scars crossing his bronzed face.

“Mahmud! This man has not thanked me for saving his worthless life. If he does not now kiss my feet and address me properly, please bash his skull in.â€? The pleasure she took in this indignity was apparent in the sparkle in her eye. Mahmud watched as Anso knelt to the deck, blushing fiercely.

Lucrezia slipped off a silken slipper to reveal delicate, well manicured toes. “Don’t forget to say the words.â€?

“Thank you…â€? The monk mumbled as he kissed the feet of the pope’s daughter.

“Say my name.â€?