Her mind goes through all the possibilities as she watches Joshua saunter away. Stephanie or Ezio. Who else would even dare? It is a small comfort to know that neither of them would stand a chance of even harming Joshua, but he seems to have more enemies than she does here. Greater and stronger than the ones she made. Maybe in such instances, she can protect him instead. None would dare hurt her.

Lucrezia rises and runs to catch up, grabbing the back of his loose shirt as she peers at the hallway from behind him. This must be how Martha felt to see Lazarus rising from the dead, a mix of awe and trepidation, only she finds no urge to kneel and worship when this feels more like blasphemy. A castle with power over life and death. No matter, it serves her purpose today, smiling hesitantly and holding tighter to Joshua.

"Spike. I hope your lodging was satisfactory."