Athena's Chamber

Charlotte passed her new lady's room and decided to check in on her. She was not one to be very formal and besides, if the girl was going to be serving her she wished for a camaraderie between them at least. She knocked and announced herself. "Madonna Athena, 'tis Countess Charlotte."

She smiled as she entered. "I hope you don't mind, and I hope I wasn't disturbing you. I think you will find that casualness is one of my favorite things. Only in public will I expect a more civilized air." She studied the girl, finding her very pretty and exotic looking. "I envy you. I remember my very first day here. I was just a child then, only twelve years old and completely in awe of the palazzo, of the city, of life itself. I hope you will truly enjoy your time here. Where is it that you hail from, Athena? What place do you call home?"

"I am sorry for the loss of your mother," she said quietly. "I lost mine too when I was younger. One day she left my family and never came back. For all I know she's either remarried, or at the bottom of the vast blue sea." Charlotte began to feel sad again so she squared her shoulders and smiled. "I'm pleased to hear you are Venetian through and through. You shall not, I hope, miss your bedroom-slash-prison. But tell me more of this young man you speak of. Was it love?"

This young woman had so much passion for life and Charlotte could truly relate and respect it. She imagined they would get on nicely. "This young man you speak of, is he still in Venice?" she asked, a glimmer of an idea in her head as to bringing the lovers together again.

"You are right on that," Charlotte smiled warmly. "We all do have pasts, but I have learned to be proud of mine." With a sympathetic look she nodded to Athena. "Why are you not with him, if I may ask? Why become lady in waiting to a foreign duchess whom even the Venetian people do not trust yet, rather than in the arms of your man, gallivanting across Europe?"

"It is a city that pulls you, isn't it?" she replied with an almost fierce eagerness. Her eyes sparkled a deep blue as she dwelled on Venice. "Do you really think there are no such things as miracles? Because sometimes that is what it takes for two to be together. I'm no nun, but I like to think a higher hand guides us all when we feel lost." A deep warm laugh from the pit of her belly came from Charlotte and she smiled at Athena like an old friend. "I'm glad you trust me. I will do all I can to keep that trust, since I feel that is something you don't give freely."

"No doubt inspiration will reach you here. I love to have all sorts of interesting and enlightened people here to visit. Artists, writers, scientists, all kinds. I love to be surrounded by people who take an interest in what the world has to teach us," she said with an excited voice, almost as if she was a child again. "I have a son from my previous marriage," Charlotte said with a hint of sadness in her voice. "His name is Henry, he is growing up so very quickly." Each day he looked more and more like his father.

Charlotte looked blankly at Athena then it struck her that she likely thought Charlotte was a widow. She softly smiled and shook her head. "Henry's father and I are divorced," she explained. "He is still growing accustomed to it, but I want my son to have a wonderful childhood, no matter what."

"Sometimes when I watch him play, he reminds me of his papa. He's rambunctious and loves to run, to swordfight with the wooden practice sword I bought him, and at other times he's quiet and thoughtful, lost in a book or asking questions about the universe. He'll make a great scholar someday, and when he's old enough.." Charlotte got quiet and teary eyed. "Forgive my sentimental state." she smiled.

Charlotte smiled as her tears dried and clasped Athena's hands. "You have a lot of heart. Never lose that. It's rare that I find a friend who understands. I hope you can make yourself at home here, and some comfort from your heartache."

Charlotte smiled and sighed as she stood, smoothing out her lightweight gown. "You do have a good heart, Aletta. And I believe you're strong enough to keep it hidden in circumstances that would otherwise leave you helpless."

Athena was touched by her compliment. It was true though she could actually defend herself and others. Actually I did have some fencing lessons. So me rest assured no one shall harm you either. You never know whom or who you might meet on the streets of Venice. She smiled as she stood after her mistress.

"Fencing lessons!" Charlotte repeated with awe. "Then I'm twice as lucky to have you with me. Are there any other surprises about you I should know?" She smiled.