Once we step inside the cafè, dozens of eyes move in our direction... But honestly, I couldn't care less. All the people inside know who I am and seeing me walk behind that man made everything worse, maybe for once I wasn't the most concerning person in the room.
We seat down at a little table by the window, I show my back to the door and face the other man who rests his elbows on the table, placeing his chins over the hands while looking at me with a smile -What would you fancy to order?- I stop looking at the ceiling in awe and meet his gaze -I've never been here, I don't even know what they serve beside hot chocolate...-
He laughs softly then snaps his fingers -A menù please!- his charming smile enchants the ladies around us, making them hide their faces behind the feathery fans. Giacomo Casanova is the definition of seduction, a youthful freshness with that something that speaks of a quick love meant to forget about one's life for a night.
A summer romance would be the perfect definition... Passionate intercourses, fun moments, sparkling emotions that will soon end and leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth.
Well, it's still a better expirince than having to deal with a failure like me. I wouldn't even be able to provide someone with a good night on relief.
...
A finger appears and pushes down the menù, his smiling face reveals itself behind the elegant pages -So? What would you like? Don't be shy and order even the most expensive thing- I wonder if this is his way of flirting too -Aren't I bothering you? They say you come here to meet with your lovers...-
He rise his chin from the palm and the laughs -Then won't you be my lover for today to make up for it?- -Eh?!- I blush and look away
He looks toward the door, smirking, then looks at me again -I'm just joking haha! Your reactions are so cute. Anyway, today's my rest day so no hooking up- his words makes even my ears turn red, I've heard much worse from those old men at the parties but I've classified those behaviors as disgusting, meanwhile this man is the clear opposite... He's just having fun and doesn't actually mean to bother me.
-By the way, I recommend their signature hot chocolate with a hint of mint cream! I've been asking for that beverage since forever... I hope they will listen to my advice and add it to the menù one day instead of just calling it "a weird mix for a weird person, that nobody will ever love". I still wonder If they meant the drink or me with that haha! Oh and with that I always eat some Turinese Gianduja dessert, I'm a bit of a sweet tooth-
-What's Gianduja...?- he gasps at my words and grabs my hands -Oh dear, you must have lived a very hard and poor life... I'm so sorry for you- he sobs.
...
After some time he finally decides to get back to the tricky topic I've been trying to avoid -So, what actually happened with Lord Banin?-
-Well... I've been offering my help with chosing clothes to the people I met at recent parties, you probably know my situation. Well, Lord Banin hired me and we settled on a price but at the end of it all he wouldn't give me even half of it... Leaving me unable to buy a bit of food for my family. The shameless Lords do give me money from time to time, but I have to used them all to buy medicines so...-
-I understand, sorry for making you talk about it- he says with a serious expression for once -I will seduce his finance and make them break their engagement- he looks somewhere in the hall while speaking to me
-What?!- I widen my eyes, shocked at how he could talk so casually of such a matter -Sir, please don't do anything like that! Even less for trash like me!- I stand up shouting and earn quite a few stares. Casanova burst out laughing -Ah it's been ages since I've had so much fun! Hahaha! You're a good one my dear- in the mist of his laugh, his eyes turns to one side with a scary light in them before focusing back on me.
He reaches one hand and places in on top of mine, caressing it tenderly -Still, I want to help you- he whispers with a soft voice
-Sir, is this one of your tactic for seduction...?- I find him looking away again -I've noticed you looking at someone and playing a caring role with me...- I turn around and follow his eyes, freezing once I see who he was eyeing.
The Duke of Savoia stares at him with clenched fists, one cup of coffee resting on the table, untouched. After noticing me he calmly goes back to his own affrais.
I take my hand back from beneath the other man's one, looking down -I'm sorry for standing in between you two, I didn't mean to stop you from finding a lover... But please refrain from using me to make others jealous, it won't work and only make you look bad- I whisper
The man in front of me looks at me confused, as if he didn't believe my words -Lover...? With that saint? Who the heck would ever look at him? You got it all wrong dear, I simply hold a grudge against him that's all- I would like to know more but decide to not inquire further.
...
I spend the rest of the day strolling around untill it's time for another party, one where no luck comes my way except for some extra money earned by those who had fun ridiculing me... So after some time I just leave, I'm not really able to play dumb and let them step on me today... I can't be my usual eccentric self so I just sneak some food in a box and leave.
Once home I place the box on the table and head out again in the deep of the night...
After some time I hear a voice while walking with my head popped down -You're not going to seduce him like this-
-Uh?- I look to the side and see that half man with crossed arms, his back against one street light and the eyes straight at mines -There's not much time left before the carnival starts-
-I know but...- the man moves swiftly toward me, looking almost feline, and soon after he's bowing down on me with a finger on my lips -Shhh... No buts- his voice seems rushed as he leans on me -Do you even know how to seduce a man? It's not the same as catching a lady's attention and earn some money thanks to your clothing's preferences... Nor is it a skill that Casanova can teach you. You're not trying to have some fun with a frivolous Lord, do I have to remind you who your target is?- his voice comes out in breaths
My blank expression betrays me, I know how to rile up some drunk peoples at a mundane party.... But someone who not only owns the power of a King, but he's also as holy as the pope... I doubt so.
-Shall I teach you?- he smirks and little fangs come out at the side of his mouth, making me gulp down anxious -N n no! I'll manage just fine!- I shout pushing him away
-Oh really?- he comes from behind, pushing by back against his chest. With one hand on my chin he turns my head up to face him above me... His hand slides down my exposed neck and down my side untill it grabs by waist -I'm looking forward to your performance- he kicks his lips and disappear.