"Forgive me, my lady. This old servant is petty by nature. You don't beat the dog without checking who its master is. Since you hit me first, it's only fair I return the favor."
Gianna nodded. "Nana raised me from infancy. She is like a mother to me. For your lady to strike her is the same as insulting my elder." She placed one hand over her swollen belly, the gesture automatic, possessive. "She took a slap from your mistress, so now they're even. When the heir returns, we'll call the matter settled."
Nana Agata spat on the ground. The rosary beads around her neck clicked once as her fingers released them. "You were so pleased with yourself a moment ago, weren't you? Humiliating my lady like that. Now you'll kneel and pay your respects, and welcome her into the compound with the honor she's owed. From now on, you'll be sisters, nothing more."
Rosa snarled. "You? You're nothing. How dare you demand our lady kneel to anyone."
A soldier was already moving. His boot caught Rosa square in the chest and sent her sprawling across the pavement. Then he seized my wrist, dragged me in front of Gianna, and shoved me down. "Kneel."