*Having a rather frigid look on his face he easily answers the question that supposed to be hard.*
Angel has been nothing but good to me so I would take more than a single bullet if I must, signorina. It would be an honorable death and the best thing for the famiglia. I would rather sacrifice myself than see her dead.
* As he answered to Marissa's question, he snaps with his fingers as it was a signal for bartender to fill his glass of wine. As the bartender approached, he lifted his empty glass awaiting bartender to fill it up. As his glass was filled, he sips his wine giving a sharp look towards Marissa*
*Marissa watches as the older gentleman refills her guests drink, Taking a sip of her own as it had just been topped off only a moment before.*
You would do this for My Angel? For the Famiglia? Can I expect the same of you should someone point a gun at my head?
*Setting her glass back down, she takes a butter knife and taps a second glass 3 times that has yet to be filled. Within seconds of the sounds echoing through the large dining room, a single door just to the left of the table opens as three carts, draped with a red cloth, are pushed in by 3 different butlers. Following them are two maids, dressed in what looks to be very expensive black silk dresses. On their heads are black and red maids head pieces, the frill at the bottom of their skirts and around the end of their short sleeves is red as well.
One of the butlers moves a cart just to the side of Marissa, the second rolls a matching cart down to Antonio, stopping just next to him, matching the first butlers position. A moment later, in unison, the two men lift matching large silver, intricately detailed covered trays , placing it in front of both Marissa and Antonio. Removing the lids, they both stand there waiting for any remarks the two may have.
Marissa doesn't even look at what has been set before her, waiting for Antonio to respond.*
*As the time was passing, Antonio felt hunger more and more. The butler that was near him lifted the trays. On the plate there was piece of meat, it's smell was getting to Antonio, he tried to resist the hunger as there was the question for him that was rather serious as the last one. He sniffed the meat whilst trying to concentrate on the question*
Si signorina, I would do it for -your- Angel, for our famiglia and for you as well. I know how important you are to Angel and I don't want Angel to be sad, seeing her sad makes me sad and I don't like being sad singorina. It is the worst condition one can have, even death is better than sadness, maybe I am not emotionally strong so I cannot handle being sad, who knows. With that being said, I think we should try this -specialty- of yours perhaps?
* After his last sentence, Antonio slowly and insensibly grabs a fork and knife trying not to be noticed. He tries looking at the Marissa, but the aromatic smell of the meat near him is irresistible and hard to ignore.*
*Marissa is actually shocked by such a statement of care for The woman she loves. Unable to resist smiling, the woman waves her hand, signaling the for two men to go, taking their carts with them. The third man standing by the cart he pushed into the dining room, looks through the different bottles of wine and even a few high end liquors before leaving as well, satisfied that everything was there that should be.
The two maids move to the the ends of the room, they stand just to the left of Marissa and the right of Antonio by the window, pulling long golden ropes that open the long curtains, revealing the brilliant green ocean, the lights of the back gardens, and barely visible, the Tridente Docks.*
If I didn't know any better, I'd say you had feelings for my Angel.
*She gives the man a smirk as she to, takes her knife and fork, slowly cutting into the large steak sitting before her.*
* Slowly taking his knife with his left hand and fork with his right one, he starts cutting his steak. Taking a first bite he slowly chews it while deeply enjoying it's taste. Antonio takes the second piece with his fork, grabs the small piece of meat and slowly separates it from the fork with his teeth. He makes brakes in order to talk to Marissa.*
Si... I mean no! No feelings just ehm... a friend signorina, just a friend. This steak is ehm.... absolutely beautiful. It's been a long time since I've ate something this good. Truly amazing. Is there anything else you wish to know singorina?
* He finishes his sentence, takes a piece of steak and starts chewing*
*Chuckling at his awkwardness, Marissa takes her fork and knife, cutting a few pieces off before lifting a piece to her mouth, pulling it off her fork with closed lips. After chewing the piece for a good minute, she swallows enjoying the meal she had specially prepared just for the occasion. Continuing with her meal, Marissa sits there in silence, not answering Antonio's question.
Finally, after ten minutes of silence, Marissa finishes her steak, snapping her fingers as the butler silently moves to her, filling the unused glass with chilled water.*
How would you like to sit on the council along side Angel and Myself?
*Asking the question as Antonio takes the last bite of his steak, she can't help but smirk at his reaction.*
* Antonio picks up the last piece of that steak, he then signalizes the butler to come and fill his empty glass with wine. The butler filled Antonio's glass of wine and stepped back soon after. Antonio drinks the whole thing at once while preparing to answer Marissa's question.*
Uh... signorina, it would be my pleasure to be there with Angel and you. Singorina, I'm... I'm honored...
* He leans back and starts staring at his empty plate.*
*Giving the man a somewhat respectful smile now, Rise takes her fork and knife, placing them on the plate. At the same time, the butler who makes a motion with his hand, signaling for the maids to clear their trays from the table. The young women do so, moving through the door to the left center of the table, while the older, silent gentleman holds the door for them.*
Sitting on the council will be no easy task, Antonio. Your job will be to advise Angel and myself on subjects of all types. Matters of trade, conflict... politics, mostly. However, you will also be counted on for less important matters that do not require the attention of myself, or Angel.
*The two maids return now, one pushing yet another cart, the other following behind quietly. The first maid, no older than 25, stops next to Rise. Rise waves her off, the Maid nodding before moving to Antonio.*
Sir, for dessert, we have Panna cotta made with Maltese rum created in one of the Bloodrose famiglias Breweries.
*She waits to here if he would like any, standing there with her hands together, properly awaiting his response. Rise on the other hand, snaps her fingers, pointing to a small bottle of what looks to be Bretonian ale on the end of the tray with all of the drinks. With a nod, the man takes the bottle, and a small glass from the tray, bringing it to Rise, pouring a small amount before setting it in front of her.*
I much prefer a drink after dinner rather than something sweet.
* Antonio wonders what to pick, after a few seconds he decides to take the same as Marissa did*
I will take the same signorina. Now, as you said, being a part of the Bloodrose council won't be an easy task I agree, but I think I will be able to handle it, I have my -ways- signorina.
* He raises his glass while waiting for the butler to come and fill it with Bretonian ale. The butler slowly approaches Antonio with a new bottle filling it up. Antonio again raises his glass and prepares for a toast*
For you, for Angel and for the Bloodroses!
* After his last sentence, they both raised their glasses and toasted*
*Raising her glass, the same as Antonio, she gives a nod before taking a sip. Rise looks out the window, then to the second, silent Maid.*
Gabriela, What time is it?
*The young maid jumps with a start, not having expected Marissa to call on her.*
Umm, I believe it to be right at 8 O'clock pm, Altezza.
*Smiling now, Rise looks to Antonio.*
What perfect timing this is, shall the two of us take a stroll? We have a large collection of Relic paintings from old earth as well as a few Items of interest from Around Sirius. I believe you will find them quite interesting.
![[Image: stDvDRX.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/stDvDRX.jpg)
![[Image: ylEJh39.png]](http://i.imgur.com/ylEJh39.png)