He Chose Another Heir, Now He Wants Me Back novel · Chapter 23 of 24
Chapter 23: What the Families Decided
The old hall was packed again at noon.
Alessio sat on my left with his hand over mine, and on my right sat my mother in her carved chair.
Nico leaned on her knee, swinging his feet.
The old man struck the floor with his stick.
"The Families have met on two matters," he said. "Bring in Ruggero Bellandi."
They brought him up the aisle between four guards.
His wrist was in a splint, and his coat was gone.
He had spent six weeks in the cellar, and he walked with his chin up all the same.
"You will hear your sentence standing," said the old man.
"I stand where I choose."
"You stand where the hall puts you." The old man unrolled a paper. "For the death of the Don's brother, which you ordered and your driver carried out. For the needle in the bed of the Albani widow. For firing a weapon in this hall. The Families strip you of your name, your house, your book and your seat."
A murmur moved along the benches.
"You are not to be killed," the old man said. "The Don has asked that no more blood fall in this hall, and the Families grant it. You are exiled. You will leave this city tonight, and if you set foot in it again, any man of either Family may do what he likes."
Ruggero looked at Alessio.
For the first time, I saw something in his face besides contempt.
"You have your father's softness," he said.
"I have my brother's memory," said Alessio. "Take him out."
He went between the guards, and he did not look back.
The old man turned the page.
"The second matter. Livia Albani. Stand."
Livia stood from the bench where she had been sitting alone.
She wore the same black dress.
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