1.
Even today I can't believe how in a single afternoon my life changed.
It was the 8th of April one thousand five hundred and forty-two, I was walking with my nurse and some ladies-in-waiting through the streets of Florence, when, suddenly, she heard a strong commotion coming from the Piazza della Signoria; escorted by the nurse I decided to go and see what it was. Two men were dueling, I recognized only one, Cosimo De Medici, a young bachelor from one of the most important families in all of Florence, immensely handsome and intelligent but with a great temper. Everyone knew him, and everyone admired him, especially the feminine side, as many women, of all ages, were desperate to get his attention. Of course, I would have had no chance to talk to him because, even if I was of noble lineage,
my family and the de'Medici have been going on for generations to create discord in the city for the simple pleasure of wanting to impose dominion over each other, and thus declare, once and for all, a single family at the head of Florence; yes, I am a Pazzi, Sofia Lavinia Margherita Pazzi, second child of Massimo and Angiolina Pazzi, sister of Lorenzo Pazzi, known as one of the most beautiful young women in Florence, who a few months ago was spotted in the Bardini gardens in Florence conversing with a man of intellect, to my detriment I was trying to gain entry into the university and be able to attend classes regularly, but of course being a woman this was not possible.
"Nanny, we should stop them"
"Oh Madame Sofia, don't get involved in matters that don't concern you, you could get hurt and surely your father wouldn't be happy to know that his daughter was closely associated with a de Medici" I sighed "Dear Nurse, have you ever thought that they are
good people, and that in reality, in addition to the feud between our families, a union of solidarity could be born, to preserve control and well-being for our entire Florence?"
"Mandamina

you are a great dreamer; since you were in diapers I immediately understood that you were different from your brother; you have a big and generous heart but this could be a disadvantage, because someone could take advantage of it and you could feel bad." I smiled and hugged her, since she was a child she had been a point of reference for me, better than my mother, who kept telling me to stay straight and composed, not to talk about politics or cultural interests because they were "not suitable for a woman of my position"
The fight soon ended in victory for Cosimo, the other man barely escaping running from multiple wounds.
The maids and the nurse left me to talk to other women of their acquaintance unknown to me; I took the opportunity to go and speak to de'Medici
"You have been clever my lord"
The man turned around, and I could swear, he looked shocked, but shortly after a smile was created on his face, as if he was happy with what he had in front of him.
"I have the honor of speaking to Madame Sofia Pazzi, thank you but it wouldn't be risky to speak to me, I think your father would be against it" "He won't be able to decide
forever what I have to do, and I certainly don't mind making new acquaintances and creating new friendships, even if risky and then if there wasn't some risk it wouldn't be fun" "
You are more interesting than I thought, it's fascinating and intriguing"
"I should take it as a compliment even if I admit that you offended me initially."
He smiled "You are not only beautiful but also intelligent, now I know why you wanted to enter university."-
In the distance I heard the nurse shouting my name, I turned and smiled at him "I'm sorry but I should go now, it was a great pleasure get to know you Cosimo, goodbye"
I started to leave but he took my arm "When will I be able to see you again?"
"Destiny will tell us, I'm sure the future will preserve other meetings for us. Here I am, goodbye and good luck"
I ran towards the nurse and the handmaids, with a smile still on my face.
We soon got home, I changed my clothes, took a bath and went down to the dining room. Inside were my parents and my brother
"I heard that today there was a fight between Giovanni Alighieri and Cosimo de'Medici. I have no doubt that poor Alighieri was offended by that donkey de' Medici, always looking for trouble."
"I think he did well. took offense and maintained that the de' Medicis are good." "
You would say that's not true."
I shook my head, got up from the table "Sit down now miss"
I didn't listen to her: "How can you say such things about people you don't even know. They are nice people, and they sure know what it means to have respect, just like you. Can't you understand that they could be humble and kind people, you are so blinded by this continuous impulse to want to gain dominion in Florence that you don't even see the beautiful things that surround you, you must end this war once and for all, for your own good and that of Florence" "How dare you speak like that to your father,
row in your room. Nurse accompany her and see that she doesn't run away"
I ran away from the room in a rage; he opened the doors and I sat down on my scribe, took pen and paper and started writing a letter:
Dear Cosimo,
now I can only confide in you more, because I trust you.
Today, when you were intent on tinkering with your weapons, I saw in you courage and tenacity, but also the passion that a man feels for his family. I believe you are good people and I hope, in your heart, that I have made an equally impressive impression, and that all those lack of criticism have been reversed, placing a single ideal in you.
I hope with all my heart that one day, our families can live in prosperity and peace, thus ending centuries of oppression and warfare in our beloved city.
Now I'd better go. I greet you,
always your Sofia.
Having finished the letter, I took it to the wet nurse, ordering her to deliver it as soon as possible by her own hands. Perhaps with our help it will be possible once and for all to put an end to the raids and raise the white flag; time was running out, however, and sooner or later a single power would arrive in Florence.