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A small music box played a delicate melody, erasing the quietness of the room. The music was accompanied by glorious paintings and sculptures, with flowers occupying a crystal vase that was put on a small table with chairs. The bed was tucked in the corner of the room and separated from the rest of the area by thick curtains, simply to hide it from the eyes of the visitors. The whole room was prepared for it - to accommodate a quest, show of the fortune and exquisite taste of the owners. It was an another illusion that was scrapping almost every inch of the owners personality. And she was there - spread across the soft mattress, her mind elsewhere.
A quiet moan was cut in half, terrified that it will notify a wrong person. She bit her finger to help herself with the struggle as grabbing on the sheets was not enough anymore.
She remembered that night vividly, as she did with every time. Those moments were the only ones in which she felt like herself, like nothing had to be hidden under an illusion of a perfect heir. The music box may have been a gift from someone else, yet the only songs she put of it were from him - the only person which she could be her true self.
Her cape feel on the floor as she gasped for air. Her body was burning and even the cold of the night could help her, only seeing removing the clothes as the solution.
It didn't took long before her mind reached it's calmness and let her rest, leaving her worries for the upcoming day.
~~~~~~~~~~
-Have you spoke to them, or are you leaving it to spiral out of control?
The teal eyes meet with a set of blues, the owner of first's clearly catches drifting away.
-What do you mean? Spoke to who?
-Your family, grandfather to be exact. He sees you as a future of the Montellis, and I bet he wouldn't be happy if he found out about your little secret.
The shorter woman sighed, knowing that her friend was right. If her family found out she's secretly meeting with a Fool. The family may have been in a collaboration with them, but a relationship was a different story that no one wanted to allow to happen.
-I don't know if I can. He's not fitting the standards of a Consort that they created in their locked up brains. As a ally he's perfect for them, but they won't let him into the family. - Carlotta's brows furrowed, as the possible outcomes ran in her head.
-You should think about it through. You shouldn't leave him like that and your family should know that searching for a partner for you shouldn't be started. - Cantarella picked up the teacup and sipped the warm tea, letting it stay for a while on her mark, she always enjoyed the pleasure it brought.
-I couldn't care less about their opinions, it's him who hurting I want to avoid.
The rough yet soft fingers ran across her spine, gently dancing across her mark as the second hand swiftly removed her second heel. His knee pushed her legs apart even more, not letting her focus on fighting as he left a track of kisses on her neck.
~~~~~~~~~~
Another part and another disappointment. She swiftly moved across the ballroom, avoiding staying in one place for too long to not catch anyone's attention. She picked up a champagne glass and moved towards the exit - thankfully no one here was fond of the accommodations of the garden. She moved to it deepest corner, hoping for the music to quiet down.
There were times in which she could stand being on those parties - listening to the secrets and gossips among the participants. The information she couldn't grasp in any other way. But for last few months she started to despite them. She hated how fake everyone was, how disputes were moved under the carpet just to show of the new attire and connections. With every next even she spoke to lesser amount of people than the last, bringing it to the point in which she didn't start speaking to no one unless she was spoken to first.
-Everything’s okay? You seem off…
She raised her head to look at the owner of the soft voice. The golden orbs meet with the teal, worry and questions visible in them.
-Ah, didn't expect you there my dear partner. If I knew you were to arrive maybe I would have stayed longer.
Her companion sat on the bench next to her, their shoulder slouched and eyes rested, showing the weight of the recent events.
-You look… troubled. What was happening to you in those last few months…
-It’s been a lot… found out many thing about myself. And my family. - Rover’s gaze moved to the woman next to them. - I almost lost everything…
Carlotta's head fell. As she was struggling with such a mere thing as a relationship and her family, her close friend almost lost everything. She knew that they lacked memory, her friendship was strong enough to share that information. Something was telling her that those memories they found weren't as nice as she hoped.
-Here. - Carlotta patted her lap. - Rest and tell me everything that happened.
She smiled softly as Rover accepted her proposal and started the story.
~~~~~~~~~~
A loud sigh left her mouth as she grabbed onto the blue locks, pushing the head of their owner even deeper. She gasped as the tongue pushed into her harder and fingers curled inside of her. Her mind was fuzzy, unable to focus on any coherent thought.
Carlotta followed two women in front of her mindlessly. Her mind once again escaping to the events of the last night. She still couldn't believe that he came to see her after that party. It was clear that his main intention was just to talk to her, noticing her latest shift in personality, but she needed him to stop her from thinking about it all. She was tired of not knowing what to do next, both with the man and her family.
She raised her head and looked at two women if front of her. She was jealous. Cantarella was the head of her family so if she wanted to start seeing the Blessed Maiden it was her business and her alone. Sure they could gossip, but no one was stupid enough to do someone about it. And it wasn't like they were officially together - the taller woman was throwing hints all over, it just seemed like Cartethyia was oblivious to them.
-You think it's a good idea? Sword Acorus is not that of a popular flower. I don't think that planting it near the Tower of Unity is wise if we want to bring more people here.
-My dearest Lady, it's not always about the popularity but of the meaning as well, right Carlotta?
The short woman shook her head upon hearing her name. She looked at the pair in front of her, hoping that it will give her the hint of the track of the conversation.
-Cartethyia is convinced that planting Sword Acorus here is not a good idea, what do you think?
Opal wished she could have kissed Cantarella right here and now as a thank you.
-Well, they may not have be everyone's cup of tea but I think that they will fit here perfectly. You want to make Ragunnesi visit this place more, you need to fill it with object that re meaningful or connected. - Carlotta looked at the blonde’s confused face. - When I was younger it was a very common practice to give those flowers to children that wish to learn swordsmanship. They imitated the length of it perfectly and removed the ability to actually hurt someone to minimum.
Carlotta moved slowly and gracefully, absorbing the view and sunlight. Even without upcoming renovations it was an already beautiful place that would make everyone wish to stay here forever.
-As a Blessed Maiden you wield Haultir - a symbol of your power and strength. By planting those flowers around place you will give the youngest a possibility to start their training from a young age, even without a proper teacher.
Cartethyia thought deeply about the possibility, after all she wanted to make anyone feel invited and accepted.
-Very well they, I will plant them all around this place then! - She jumped slightly, looking around to point all the places she choose in her mind for future planting. - I wonder if they can grow up in different colours…
Carlotta giggles quietly as the other woman approached her.
-And tell me, how I could not fall for her? - A soft blush adored Cantarella’s cheeks. - She's just simply so passionate about all of this…
Carlotta smiled softly as she understood her friend's feelings. Watching someone you love showing such amount of passion and care into their goal was an amazing feeling, which reminded her about the quickly passing time.
-I will need to leave you two for today, Zani has asked me to supervise a transfer of an object that used to belong to the Order. Apparently it's a big deal and they want to put it in the vault for security.
The other woman only nodded her head and shouted to the third woman that was deeply invested into measuring the ground. She only waved for afar, too busy to move closer for proper goodbye.
~~~~~~~~
The object that had to be moved looked surprisingly normal. A golden orb with Order's symbols engraved onto it. If it wasn't for Phoebe, Carlotta already would have commanded to melt it down and turn into something else. Her dreams were quickly stolen from her upon finding out about it's true capabilities. According to the young Acolyte it forced the closest person to it to speak only truth, and answer every asked question. Even though the power could only be used after activating the object, there was no need to risk someone using it for their selfish needs.
-Um, I really want to thank you again Miss Carlotta, if it wasn't for your input I'm afraid that the family would never agreed to take it in…
-You shouldn't worry about that anymore Phoebe, the remaining of the Order, as well as members of the Montelli and Fasila families are bound to work together for shared future. Even if I would not have said anything, the object still would have been collected and secured.
The short blonde was about to continue the conversation as she was called upon by her sister. She only quickly excused herself and ran towards the group.
-Is everything alright Boss? You've been off for quite some time. I know I'm just an employee of Averado Vault, I still hope I can call you my friend.
-My apologise Zani, a lot has been going on and occupied my mind…
-Is everything fine then?
-I…I will manage, just need to figure some things before.
She felt a gentle squeeze in the palm of her hand as her mind returned. She looked at the man above her, his reassuring smile making one appear on her face as well. She really couldn't help but be happy whenever she was with him. Her smile softened as she reached her hand to caress his cheek, watching his head nuzzle into her palm, leaving a gentle kiss where his lips touched.
Zani looked at her leaving boss with curiosity and worry. She noticed some time ago that Carlotta started to be more absent with her mind and that she started to distance herself from the Montellis. She even brought it with her girlfriend, but it seemed like Phoebe was puzzled just like her. She couldn't help but sigh as she watched her boss turning from a calculating and sly person into someone who was making her existence known to everyone by simply walking to loud.
-I think it has something to do with Brant. - Zani turned towards the blonde next to her, her soft eyes more focused than usual. - I visited him recently and he looked kind of sad so I asked around. Turns out he and Carlotta has something going on, and they fought recently.
Zani took a deep breath upon new information. She long ago figured that something was going on. Not only thanks to her boss being more smiley and giggly than usual, but also by the way her sheets smelled like the sea and that her room always played songs composed by the Troupe of Fools. But that happiness was missing recently, replaced by furrowed brows and absence of mind.
-She needs to talk to all of them, before it goes too far…
~~~~~~~~~~
A pair of study heels echoed by the wood as their owner quickly stepped on the planks. The usual elegant attire was changed into something more simple and comfortable, yet still fitting the person's taste. The usual white dress was switched for a deep blue one that was more fitted and less accessorised, with long sleeves covering her hands. The long high heels were changed into sheer tights and sturdier boots. The hair that was usually let loose were now tied into a messy bun, a last-minute decision before leaving her room.
She moved further, greeting people she passed and patting young children on their heads. Every now and then she asked about Captain's whereabouts, disappointed to not receive any specific information. All she managed to find out was that he was somewhere there, and knowing him he for sure was helping out with another problem in the troupe. She admired his devotion to his role, putting the contract his was presented a couple years ago for them. If he agreed to proposed conditions, they would have lost their freedom to work as they wish. At first Carlotta couldn’t understand his decision but as more she thought about and spend time with the troupe, she started to get the grasp od the idea.
They wanted to exist as they wished - the outcasts that were abandoned by the society and sometimes even their own families. They choose to be here, on the terms they agreed on and change if the situation require it. By signing the contract with the Montelli family they would agree on things that would not change without a long discussion.
She hated her family because of that, that need of control. It was what created the rift between them and rest of the Ragunnesi. Fasilas brought fear by their actions and the way they raised their own, Montellis knew things that made others feel discomfort when facing one of them. She was no different - she sneaked and pretended just to gain the information she and family could use. She questioned their actions and yet she acted the same, if not worse.
Teal eyes looked into magenta, taking them whole before they ran out of time. She hated that feeling, being ignorant of their running out time until it was almost gone. She always wanted to saviour the most of it, taking all she could before returning to coldness of her family. They did took care of each other, but there were too many conditions, too easy to make an enemy. With him she could be herself, she was allowed to slip. With him and the others she was allowed her freedom and could leave perfectionism behind. She propped herself up on her elbows and looked through the window next to her bed. She watched as the sun slowly started disappearing behind Raguna’s landscape. She felt a gentle crease on her arm which made her turn her head back to the man next to her. Brant smiled softly as he left a soft kiss at the top of her head, his voice suppressed by her hair.
-I need to go my lady, it’s getting late and Roccia must be getting worried. I will see you soon. - With those words he kissed her deeply, his hands moving her closer to him. She melted into his lips, savouring that moment as it lasted.
Carlotta was getting further into her search as one of the troupe members ran by her and called for someone they looked for.
-Captain! There’s a problem with the equipment. One of the props stopped working and no one knows why. - One of the members approached Brant as he stood over some papers. His hair were dishevelled and his clothes wrinkled. The performance was tomorrow, yet closer they were getting the more problems appeared.
First echoes started their weird yet quick rebellion, then problem with materials for costumes and now broken prop. Brant was close to giving up and cancelling the show - the only reason why he still haven’t done it was the work others had put.
-What is the exact problem? Is it not working completely or is it a malfunction?
-One of the cannons is sometimes stuffing and doesn’t fire. It’s really hard to expect when it happens. - The man took down his hat and started squishing it. It was clear that he regretted coming to his captain given his current state.
-Your cannons are just modified weapons taken from the ships, I may be able to help. - The people around become quiet after seeing the short figure approaching them. - My family taught me the weapon craftsmanship so I it shouldn’t be hard for me to figure it out.
Carlotta’s eyes locked with the man in front of her, waiting for his approval. He looked at her in shock, wondering if he’s now imagining her after days of absence.
-Carlo… - Brant’s voice was quiet enough that one one could hear him.- Lady Carlotta it would be a pleasure if we could use you assistance.
She nodded and walked behind the troubled performer. After taking a couple of steps she turned back to the captain.
-After I finish can I talk to you? It’s rather important. - She could feel her cheeks redden slightly at her own words.
-Of course, I will be waiting at my tent.
Carlotta smiled again and continued walking. At the other side remaining members stared at their captain - trying to figure out the situation.
~~~~~~~~~~
After a quick maintenance check - and some not very lady-like words - Carlotta was finally getting back towards Brant’s tent. She could feel her hearth beating faster the close she got. She waited too long to have this conversation. She made him wait too long. Before she knew it she was standing in front of the tent. She hesitated for a second, fear unexpectedly taking over her, yet she didn’t budge. She knew what she needed to do and now was finally the time. Her hand grabbed the sturdy material as she picked it up to enter. She was here many times but it was first when it felt like it didn’t belong to its owner. His personal belongings were covered by various papers, costumes and unfinished props. One of the few things that laid uncovered was a white hat that was placed - or more likely dropped - on the ground. She picked it up carefully and flicked the dust from it. As she was satisfied she placed it on the nearby table and let a smile creep on her lips.
-Thanks, I don’t even remember when it get there… - Carlotta turned towards the man that appeared behind her. Now that she finally could look at him closer she noticed how tired he was.- That performance is really getting to me…
Brant sat on his bed, letting himself slouch slightly. Carlotta came closer to him and put her hands on his cheeks. She raised his head slightly and left a gentle kiss at the top of his forehead. The man smiled and let his head fell to the front, stopping after hitting her stomach. His hands hugged her and brought her closer, letting her warmth come to him. She stroked his hair and started humming a quiet melody she heard him play many times. They stayed in that familiar embrace, neither of them wanting to let go.
-I spoke with my grandfather. - Carlotta started after a while. - I’ve told him about us and set an ultimatum. I told him that he can disown me and let me be with you or approve of our relationship and keep me as the member of the family. He asked if I can make you sign the contract, but I told him no and to not bring it again as the answer will be always no. - Brant hugged her tightly as many emotions came through him. He was happy that she spoke to her family but worried about her future. - He wasn’t happy to hear my words but decided to drop it. He said that he’s proud of me, that I finally learned to stand up for myself and become my own person. That I’ve become more than Carlotta Montelli or “Opal”, that I’m finally just Carlotta, and that’s more he ever wanted form me. - Carlotta pushed herself slightly and raised Brant’s face to make him look at her. - He wants to keep me in the family and see you as soon as possible, to officially approve of our relationship.
Brant stood up quickly and picked up Carlotta to spin her around. She was so distant recently that he was getting more worried - it was keeping him up at night, not letting him focus on the preparations. They both stated laughing - happy to not sneak around anymore. He put her back down and started kissing her allover her face, making her giggle even more.
As they both calmed down they looked themselves in the eyes. Carlotta finally could leave all her worries behind - her grandfather accepted her and her lover could officially be hers - and no one could say otherwise. It was first time she felt that light, that happy. There was just one last thing she needed to say.
-Brant? - The man smiled at her more, happy to hear her speak his name. Letting her hand crease his cheek as she always did.
-Yes my lady?
-I love you.