I pried her hands from around my neck and left for the north to be with José.

As we rode through the rolling hills of the northern Italian countryside, the messenger grumbled, “The rebel camp is no place for a woman.”

“I can assure you I have seen far worse.”

The young man looked at me sideways. The gray early light obscured his features. “My commander is going to have my head.”

“Don’t worry about your commander. I’ll personally see to it that you are properly rewarded for your efforts.”

The scoff coming from his direction told me that he didn’t believe me. I paid him no mind as I turned my attention to the fairy tale cottages that we passed. This land was truly as beautiful as José had promised. In my time here, I began to see why he loved it so much.

When night fell, my companion grew nervous. “Madam, it’s not safe. We should find an inn for the night.”

“Don’t be silly. You said the camp is in the mountains? We’ll easily make it there before dawn.”

“There could be thieves. Most definitely wolves.” The boy shuddered. “Madam, I must implore you.”

I turned my horse to face him. “We all must grow up sometime, young man. Now, show me where the camp is and maybe you can be worthy of that stubble you call a beard.”

He rode on without a word. The moon was high and clear, leading our way.

The men had taken shelter in an abandoned castle. Half of the building had crumbled, stone scattered everywhere as the earth attempted to reclaim it. Many of them were in tents dotted among the ruins. I rode through looking for José’s tent, watching as men came out to see who this strange woman was.

“Anita? Anita, what are you doing here?” I looked down from my horse at Paolo. His shirt was partially unbuttoned, his suspenders hanging from his waist, his face only half-shaved.

I hoisted myself from my horse. “Paolo!” I was relieved to see him. “Where is my husband?”

“He has a room in the tower, but I didn’t intend for you to come here.”

“What did you expect when you told me he was sick?”

I started to walk past him, but he grabbed me by the elbow and hissed in my ear. “No one knows that I sent word to you.”

I placed my hand on his. “And they won’t.” It went without saying. I was a woman and therefore not wanted on a military campaign regardless of who I was married to.

As I walked through the crumbling building, I removed my gloves and riding cloak, tossing them to the side. Medici stood up from a table. “Madam, what are you doing here?”

“My husband. Where is he?”

“Mrs. Garibaldi, this is no place for a lady.”

“I can assure you, Mr. Medici, I have seen worse. I ask you again, where is my husband?”

His lip twitched. He closed his eyes for a moment, composing himself. “This way.” He led me through the common area and up the stairs. I pushed past Medici as he opened the door to José’s room. Instantly I was hit with a warm breeze that smelled of sweat and sick. “Who has been tending to him?”