I watch Michael and Leonardo play inside the snow. I didn’t think that Michael would be so good with Leonardo but he has surprised me. All Leonardo talks about when he is with me is his brother Michael. I feel a slight smile grace my lips.

The two are playing in the snow.

I just wrap myself up into my blanket and watch them. I might have joined them but I have to watch out for the child. I wonder if mother ever felt this way when she was carrying me. It is an oddly comforting feeling.

“You seem to be in a good mood.” I look back to see Francesca walking towards me. My mood drops like a plateau. She sits down next to me and starts watching Michael and Leonardo. “They seem to get along.”

“Naturally they get along, they are family.” Which means no room for you, do you understand? I am his official wife, not you.

“Can we call a truce? I have given up on Michael, it was but a childish infatuation.” I don’t know why but I am grinning from ear to ear. This is exactly what I want to hear. I will not share with you, he is mine. “You do not have to smile that much.”

“Oh, but I do have to. This is the third best thing to happen all year.”

“Third?”

“Yes, the first was my marriage. Second, my pregnancy.” I swear that I am singing the words. Francesca just laughs at me. While I understand that I am acting absurd I cannot help myself. I simply frown in response. I did not think it funny but I am glad she found some humor in it.

“He seems happier.”

“He does?” I look at her. I don’t really understand what she is talking about. While our relationship is better than what it was at the start of our marriage I wouldn’t say that he seems happier in my opinion.

“Excuse me but I seem to be talking too much.” She says before growing silent. I just think back to the past year. I guess he has smiled more recently than he did when we first got married but he hasn’t really smiled all that much.

I guess I just attributed that to him hating me.

“Brother Michael, can you show me your swordsmanship?” I nearly jump up at Leonardo’s request. Father and mother haven’t officially condoned him learning swordsmanship and he is still young to begin using a sword.

“Would you like to watch me duel Matteo?”

“Was he the one who won the tournament?”

“Yes, he did win.” Michael laughs and Leonardo just enthusiastically nods his head in response. Matteo steps out of line and walks inside. “Very well, it has been a while since I have done a one on one duel.”

I follow Michael as he gets prepared for the duel. He doesn’t seem the least bit worried but I can’t help to think that it is a stupid idea. Why must he put himself in unnecessary risk when it could be avoided.

“You worried?”

“Yes, I think you are an idiot for doing this even if you possess the imperial sigil.” I tell him my honest thoughts. He just turns around and smiles at me. His confidence seems to have gotten lost on its way to me.

“Then you won’t like the news I am about to give you.”

Huh?” I frown at his reply. Why would I not like the information he is about to tell me? Is this actually more dangerous than I think it is? I simply thought that this was a one on one.

“Matteo is one of the few people who have a chance to beat me. I give his odds a one in ten chance. Rather good odds if you ask me.” I am a tad bit mad about the way he is saying this. Blunted weapons could still harm and he is telling me that his opponent has the chance of winning. “What? Did you think that victory was assured, I hate to say this but it never is. Even a one in a hundred chance is still a chance. No matter how slim.”

“Please, be careful.” He doesn’t say anything but walks into the ring. I watch as they start the match. Matteo’s sword comes close to Michael but never manages to find him. In contrast each movement of Michael’s sword seems well placed and efficient.

Perhaps I am being biased. The first match ends swiftly in Michael’s favor. The second match Michael began talking about minor points of swordsmanship. The information seemed to interest Leonardo but I could have cared less.

“We shall call it quits here, did this interest you?”

“You were super cool. I could hardly follow what was happening, is it easier to follow in the heat of the moment?”

“No, if anything it is harder. Split second decisions are vital and without instinct you are doomed to fail.” I can imagine how looking from the outside can give one a unique view on things.

I look over Michael to ensure that he is fine.

“What are you going to do if I go to war?”

“Pray every single day that you come back unharmed.” I want to smile at him but I know that he is going to have to go to war.