Title: The Count's Secret
Author: meridian_rose
Artist: mella68
Fandom: Da Vinci's Demons
Characters/Pairings: Leonardo da Vinci/Girolamo Riario
Rating/Category: PG-13/Slash
Genre: romance, au: regency era
Word Count: 10324
Warnings author chooses not to warn
Summary: England, 1815 ; Embarrassed by the very public failure of his son's latest romantic liaison, Leonardo's father sent him on a trip to the New World, but now Leo returns to England with as much reckless enthusiasm as ever. Temporarily moving in with the de Medici household, Leo asks about the neighbouring estate, vacated by Lucrezia Donati after Leo broke off their engagement. Lucrezia's uncle has moved in, accompanied by his son, Count Girolamo Riario.
Vanessa and Nico try to warn Leo that Riario is ill company; never impolite, but not the gregarious type that Leo likes, and that there are rumours about Riario's time in Rome. Yet from the first time Leo lays eyes on Riario he's smitten.
Leo becomes determined to win Riario over. Even Leo's father can't complain if he marries a nobleman. But Riario is reluctant, rebuffing Leo's advances though it's obvious he feels the same attraction. Leo must uncover the secrets from Riario's past if they're to have a future together.
(a Regency AU in which social class is the only barrier to marriage, gender is irrelevant)
Link to fic master post: AO3Link to art master post: AO3For
smallfandombang round six. Please check out the gorgeous artwork provided by the talented artist.
Thanks to Tinamour for the beta.