I placed her hand on my forearm and led her away from the dancers, toward the head table where my father sat with Giuseppe. Dad was beaming at me, clearly pleased with my choice of bride. I’d married his best friend’s daughter; why wouldn’t he be happy?

He had no idea about his consigliere’s treachery. It’d taken all of his strength to come downstairs for this reception. I wouldn’t deliver an emotional blow that might stop his failing heart.

We came to a stop across the table from my father and Giuseppe, and their attention immediately fixed on us. Giuseppe’s eyes blazed at the sight of his daughter at my side, but the older man made no other move to express his impotent rage. I’d bested him, and he would have to accept his new reality. One day soon, he would serve me, and Dante would be eliminated.

“Elenora, you look lovely.” Dad’s voice was weaker than ever, his breaths too shallow. He did his best to sit up straighter and study my pretty bride. “I’m so happy you’ve chosen to marry my son.”

I felt her fingers flex on my arm at my father’s choice of words. No, she hadn’t chosen this. But it hadn’t been my preference either.

Other than that small twitch of her hand, Nora’s appearance remained composed, the perfect image of a serene young woman who was happy with her fate. Unease stirred in my gut. No, I didn’t like this strange side of my new wife. She barely seemed to have a soul, much less a will of her own.

Had I done this to her?

“I’m disappointed that you eloped, Luca.” My father called my attention away from my concerns over Nora’s behavior. “Even if I am pleased with your choice of bride.”

His disappointment needled at me, but I kept my head held high. My father’s pride and acceptance meant everything to me, even if there was no love between us. He had strict expectations of me, and I’d worked for my entire life to meet every one of them. I’d been determined to earn my birthright, no matter the cost.

“I didn’t want to bother you with a big wedding,” I lied smoothly before shooting a sharp look at Nora’s father. “Giuseppe offered his daughter in marriage yesterday, and I didn’t want to wait. This way, you can see me married.”

Dad would witness the promise of the next generation, even if he wouldn’t survive long enough to one day meet my son. That would bring him some comfort on his deathbed. For all my father’s sins, I respected him, and he deserved a dignified end.