Chapter 75 La Casa
Alessias POV
His words hit me like a sledgehammer and I stagger back Alex reaches for me steadying me against his frame. Cursing under his breath “ Stupido”
“Did he just say Welcome home ,The lost princess of La Casa to me or am I hearing things ?
Me princess?
Mezza,La casa :My home ?
My heart sinks like stone
The guide's head is still down ,One hand presses on his chest like he believes he is greeting an actual royal. “Alex” I whisper softly my voice barely audible over the roaring in my ears. He steps forward placing a hand on the small of my back. “I am right here with you, Cara mia”he murmurs gently. His tone is calm but his shoulders give him away as they are set in a straight line . Luca says something in Italian under his breath and I can't make it out while Angelicas gasps .Her fingers shaky as she clutches her bag.
The guide finally straightens. His hood has shifted a bit enough for me to see his eys icy blue the color of Antarctica and it has an old ancient look that makes my skin prickle uneasily.
“You have nothing to fear aprincess, this is your destiny” he says “and La Casa has been patiently waiting”
Annoyance raises its ugly head and I snap “But I never asked anyone to wait . I Know nothing about - .” I pause my voice is shaky towards the end as humiliation burns my cheeks . He lowers his head once again , cool calm and collected. “One does not get to choose their destinies it is written in the stars , it just arrives” I gulp hard as my throat tightens.
“So tell me what do they want with me?” the question rushes out as if forced.
“The coven will explain everything when you stand in their midst” he replied “But I can assure you they all felt your awakening and feel your prescence more acutely now”
Angelica takes a breath and luca places a hand across her shoulders calming her instantly. Hmmm something seems to have shifted between them. Sighing,I take a step back resting my body more firmly into Alex's "Alex I am not ready for this" I whisper "I still do not know who or what exactly I am." The guide fixes his eyes on my "Do not worry you will , and your coven will teach you"
I shake my head furiously
“I do not”
“I can not”
“I didnt want-”
Alex turns me around gently stopping my confused tirade "Cara mia , just take deep breaths"
His hands run up and down my arms warmth filling me slowly "I am not their lost princess I whisper determinedky I am a Maid from sicily ,I do not-"
"It is what it is" the Guide says from behind me "Whether you want to be the lost princess or not , that is what you are,Your blood signifies it"
My heart twists painfully in my chest
That word again
My blood
Alex stiffens "that is enough ,lets be on our way"
The guide bows in acceptance. “Yes Mr Ferrini as you wish the vehicles are waiting outside" facing the entrance, I spot two tinted black suvs waiting by the curb. Waiting patiently, For us ,My pulse is roaring loudly in my ears agin . Fear ,apprehension and curiousity filling my mind .
Angelica comes forward hesitantly she reaches a hand to me but Luca pulls her back with a slight shake of his head .I look at her as she stares at me with a mixture of shock , fear and perhaps a bit of guilt .I scoff I am not upset with her I dont think she knew I think she thought I was just one of the coven witches. Not a bloody lost princess. Alex uses his hand to turn my face pressing his forehead to mine
“We will face whatever comes together,step by step ,you are not alone this I promise you”
The guide shifts beside us adjusting his cloak to cover most of his face once more as he walks ahead of us.
“We can begin our journey to La casa” He says without turning to face me “they are eagerly waiting for her”
My breath hitches in my chest
Eagerly waiting
Will they want to claim me
Make me join them that is something I didn't bargain for. My thoughts flash to Mama which means she was a princess too. What could have possibly led you to leave your family and everything you hold dear ?Alex's fingers tighten on mine jostling me out of my thoughts.
“Alessia , we move” I look at the glass double doors at the waiting cars outside. My feet feel heavy like they are glued to the marble floor .But I turn to him as I slowly reluctantly nod .He squeezes my hand once more and guides me forward .The glass door slides open and cold frigid air rushed in .The guides standing by the vehicles waiting patiently turned slightly towards us watching our approach
“Alex” I grip his arms tighter as we appeoach the cars. “Always stay near me , remember I am here with you. You will never have to face them alone”
I nod once more my throat tightening again this time for a whole different reason. His support, it almost grounds me.
Almost
We reach the car and he opens the door before we can enter the guide stops me half way ,His voive drops low almost reverent
“La casa has waited a long time for your return,Today your path reopens”
My pulse roars loudly ,Yes, from the looks of it My whole life!
Swallowning hard Alex slips into the car quielty and I follow him in .Quieting the hundreds of questions filling my mind .The guide shuts the door and settles in the front passenger seat.
The car starts to pull out of the curb pressing my head to the window I watch as the hotel slowly disappears behind us and my truth settles deep in my chest .We cannot turn back -