I wake up once the sun is already high up in the sky, some locks of hair are sticking up and my whole face is puffy due to the turbulent night I had.
I remain seated, looking outside -Whats am I supposed to do again...?- My elderly servant knocks on the door before entering -You're up finally- the voice low and kind
I get up from the bed and wear some robe I find -I apologize... I should have woken up at the usual time and helped with the house, but I had a werid night yesterday- I sigh, remembering the meeting with that man -A letter came, some Lord wants your help today to chose clothes for the upcoming carnival-
At those words my face lights up -Finally some work again! We're gonna eat decent food this week- I shout while rushing out of the door, leaving my servant behind as I fly down the stairs and enter my late father's study.
I take the letter in the desk and read it "Upon noticing my fiance's interest in your unique way of clothing, I decided to make this charity and use your services. I'll wait for you in front of the Boutique xxx tomorrow's afternoon... Lord Banin"
At those word I jump in excitement -Yass! Finally honest money without having to lick those old men boots or having hands sneak inside my clothes!- I clasp the envelope close to me and spin around dreaming of a steaming hot soup for dinner
-Oh but wait, I'm already late!!!-.
...
I rush outside the house, still buttoning up my clothes, with a wide smile on my lips. I pass by some of the main routes and head to Rialto, crossing the main bridge with all of its small shops.
I stop midway and head to the side, almost running and clashing against the handrail -Woohoo!- I scream as the wind pick up and sends my hair flying in the air. The smell of the water invades my senses and blends in with the bustling sounds of the city... Shouts from the Gondoliers, kids running around with their new toys, girls gossiping as the fan themselves and waiters trying to grab new costumers. Some music also echoes down the venues and seagulls fly just pass my head, I laugh while holding down my head accessories for fear it might fly away.
I hear a book falling to the ground so I look to the side and freeze, a man stands unmoving just a few steps below me. He stares at me with wide teal eyes and a bit of a blush appears on his cheeks... His clothes are perfectly neat and black, he almost looks like a royal attending a funeral.
-I I is there something wrong?- I ask, confused about the situation, the man's gulps down and becomes serious while passing past me. I see him covering his mouth with one gloved hand while walking away, almost ashamed to
-The Duke of... Savoia?-
...
I reach the boutique in the San Marco neighborhood, where only the rich ones can shop into, and stroll around in search of the boutique. My eyes fall on the group of musicians from Florian, the young violinist has his back against the glass window while playing for the group of nobles enjoying their snacks on the soft couches.
Upon catching a glimpse of my reflection, I realize how much of an hungry dog I look like right now. I'm genuinely envious of those people, the food there seems to be the peak of all patisserie! No wonder it's so expensive.
-Ah I'm so hungry... But I couldn't eat any food today, those pastries I stole from yesterday's party will be our dinner at home- I sigh while bringing a hand to my stomach "Andemo da Florian", I wish I could say that too and try their hot chocolate... I lower my gaze and go back to walking around. My eyes state in the distance without focusing, The Golden Church enters my field of vision -All the luxury in this plaza, all the money these people have... Just a thousandth of it could fix my life forever- a black figure stands out in the mist of all that white and gold, staring at me in disbelief before rushing inside the Basilica.
-Was that The Duke again?- I wonder -Even just that man's handkerchief could help me go on for weeks if not months!- I shout like a looser, earning quite a few stares. I awkwardly run away and head to that damn boutique.
...
While inside the boutique, my thoughts are all going toward that Duke. Why wasn't he moving around by boat, but by foot like a peasant? How holy is that man? How much would his shoes cost? Does he pray all day? How many mansions does his family own? Does he feel emotions beside devotion? Well he was shocked before...
I find myself sighing by the window, my jaw resting on my palm -That man yesterday could have as well asked me to dance with the Doge for how hard this task is... Actually, now that I think about it, that old hag might be easier to seduce than the Duke-.
...
We finally reach the end of our shopping and leave the boutique, Lord Banin looks at me with an expression I can't quite grasp before snapping his fingers and one of his servants comes forward -Your payment- he says as the Butler hands me a few coins.
I look at the shining metal and count them -Sir... I don't intend to sound rude but... This isn't even close to half of what we agreed on- I whisper, knowing how much of a beggar I already look, counting coins in the richest neighborhood of the city -I never agreed to anything to begin with, I remember stating that I was just doing charity. I've been benevolent enough already, those in need should be thankful to those giving instead of arguing back-
I widen my eyes at his word -But Sir... I can barely buy a loaf of bread with this. I won't make it to the end of the week...!- I rise my voice a bit more and the Lord grabs my wirst -Try to yell and I'll end you- -Sir... Give me at least half of what we said before, please. I have a sick mother and a butler at home...- I try to resonate with him but he twists his eyebrows with a smirk -Then fire that butler if you're short on money no?-
-But he's old, he will die on a cold street without me...- his face becomes cold -That's none of my problem- he turns around and begins to leave, meanwhile a crowd of curious people formed around us... A figure in black appears outside the Basilica and looks in our direction, confused by the commotion. That's not what I should focus on now.
-Sir, please...! Be loyal to your word!- I shout, ignoring what little pride I have left. The Lord doesn't appreciate my doing and turns around to slap me on the face, then he grabs the few coins in my hand and leave.
Somehow my eyes search for that Duke again, he's looking at that Lord with a murderous expression "Ah... Too holy to let even trash like me be scammed and humiliated?" I almost feel moved by that stupid thought.
I look to the ground and turn around to leave, not knowing what to do after all this... How can I go back without having earned a single coin at the end of the day?
Just as I was about to give up, a hand appears before me -Uh?- I look up and see the beautiful man who's the owner of that hand -Hello dear shameless fellow- What kind of a greeting is that? -That was quite a show, wasn't it? I'm sorry for you honestly... I know what it feels like to be slapped in public like that haha! Come, I'll offer you something sweet to eat and cheer you up- he reaches out his hand more
-Are you...?-
-Yup, that's me...- says the man with dark messy hair tied in a low ponytail and icy eyes, he reveals one of the most dashing smiles I've ever seen and quite a few dimples apprese to each side if his mouth... That smile could lure in s while ship and send it crushing against the rocks -... I'm Giacomo Casanova, please to meet you-