Chapter CXV: The Doors of the Past  

Standing there, embraced, I felt Cesare lose his balance, so I helped him to the bed to rest. I wanted to leave the room and return to my simple quarters that I had chosen after my friends from Wallachia had left, but something stopped me... or rather, someone...

"A-Antonio... You know, could you stay with me a little longer?" Cesare said, tearfully gripping my hand tightly.

It seems he needs me more than he'd like to show. Although I swore I would no longer have feelings for him, I must break my vow as I've done so many times before. Hmm, I don't think it will hurt if I stay with him for one night, but I cannot allow myself to fall into his trap again. So, I decided to sit in the chair beside the bed.

"Please don't let go of my hand. If you want to save me, do this for me... I need someone beside me."

"Relax, everything will be alright. Go to sleep, I'm not going anywhere."