Chapter Sixty-Three

Two weeks later...

The city of Verona,  experienced such an influx of visitors as had never been seen before. The traffic in the airports was so heavy that, people were beginning to wonder what was going on as the idyll destination of the past few weeks was Verona.  People from all parts of the world , were headed to Italy to witness the epoch wedding of the century—the wedding of Allessandro Rossi and Dr. Scarlet Montgomery.

Many of the visitors in Verona that weekend,  had never seen nor known the couple in question, but their surnames alone evoked such strong emotions in them that they had to come see for themselves what the social media had been all about.

For the business partners of both families, of course, they had to put in an appearance in order to maintain their relevance in the business world. It also meant forming new alliances and coming up with new business deals.

So, all the top businessmen in the world, whether invited or not, came to grace the wedding of Alless and Scarlet.

For the Red and Blue Moon Clans, scattered all over the world, their crowned prince and princess were about to wed, so they had to be there. 

All hotels in Verona were fully booked ahead of the wedding, and the city became a tourist attraction for the two weeks before the wedding. 

An urgent meeting of the elders of the two clans was called, and this time it took place in the conclave of Montegomery’s Mansion, presided over by the two kings, Leonardo and Antonio.

“The wedding of the Crowned Prince and Princess will be in two days. Leonardo began. A lot of people will be there. 

“People from all walks of life; friends and enemies, especially enemies.” Antonio chirped in.

“So security is our priority. Guardians!” Leonardo commanded. Diego and Edwardo stepped forward and bowed in one accord, each representing their clans.

“Your job is to maintain perfect security. There should be no glitch. Nothing, I mean nothing, should go wrong. Antonio sternly warned, his eyes glowing embers, just like Alless’ own.

“Marion! Edwardo! You are both in charge of the prince and princess. You must guard them with your life. Leaonardo commanded, and they kneeled while all the other elders stood and stretched their hands to the kneeling pair.

Antonio and Leornadao chanted some unintelligible words, meant to empower them for the task ahead. 

“You have now been transferred some of the powers of everyone in this room, so you are now more than capable of carrying out the task ahead of you.” Antonio said at the end of the chanting, and suddenly Marion and Edwardo’s eyes took on the colors of their rank—blood red, but Marion’s was tinged with amber, showing he was a member of the royal family of the Red Moon Clan.

“You are permitted to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to the Prince and Princess.” Antonio instructed.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Marion and Edwardo responded and gave a deep bow, standing to take up their positions beside their kings.

“Diego!” Leonardo called.

”Yes, Your Highness,” Diego responded, stepping forward.

“You are in charge of general security. Keep a lookout for any suspicious elements. I have a suspicion we may have unwanted visitors. I don’t know, but my instincts tell me we may experience somee troubles and you know I am never wrong.”

Leonardo said, looking at Diego with the look of a friend rather than a superior. Diego inclined his head, showing he understood.

“You may now be dismissed. We will reconvene after the wedding.

All the elders stood and bowed, leaving behind Marion, Edwardo, and Diego.

“Anything else, Papi?” Diego asked Leonardo.

“Yes, I forgot. Detail some of your best men for the twins; they must be protected at all times. Nothing can go wrong. Copy that; see you later.” 

The little talk between Leonardo and Edwardo had taken place in their minds, and no other person was able to hear or read what they talked about except they wanted others to hear or know what they talked about. 

Only Alless had the ability to read everyone’s mind, and it seemed like James had the same ability as  his father.

Antonio asked Edwardo to go to Alless, as he may need him. 

Edwardo bowed to the kings and left, taking Marion with him since they had the same responsibilities.

The two leaders of the two clans looked at each other, worry showing in their once handsome faces.

“I hope everything goes well. But I don’t know why this wedding is garnering so much attention. I suspect mischief somewhere. We did not publicize it so much, but I have received calls from all over the world.” Antonio  said.

“There sure is something fishy, but I pray our children will be safe. It’s too late to cancel this wedding; we can only go ahead." Leonardo said, looking resolute.

“There is something, however, that has been bothering me for years.” Antonio looked Leonardo in the eye and said,

Leonardo, surprised by the sudden change in the topic of discussion, looked at Antonio. 

“Yes? What do you want to know?''

"We have come so far in this lifetime, through tragedies and now joy in our children and our grandchildren. Apart from the tragedy of Alexander and Helena,I have always felt you have a personal vendetta against me.

It was not my fault our children fell in love, but why have you never liked me? What have I ever done to you, Leonardo? Why have you hated me for so long?”

Leonardo looked at Antonio, weary. “Let's let sleeping dogs lie, Antonio. I think everything is going well. For now, let's concentrate on our children’s wedding.” Leonardo said, about to leave the room. 

“Oh no, you don't, Leonardo. You have to tell me today.” Antonio insisted, blocking Leonardo’s way.

“You really want to know? Leonardo asked, looking at him. “Will you be able to take it?” Leonardo asked fiercely.

The heartache had never gone away. He could not forget and was he ready to finally air out his grieviances? To finally come to terms with his most painful past? Was he ready?