Mionetta Rizzo's Bedroom

Charlotte's eyes sparkled at the thought of such a dangerous, and of course entertaining feat. "Oh I cannot wait to see it! It shall be most awe-inspiring I'm sure!" She suddenly longed to be a part of something so raw and so free...

"Ah, perhaps you would inform my husband of your previous experience with children," she suggested, already knowing the story.

I felt Charlotte' s hand on my leg, I placed my hand on top of hers and squeezed it gently and looked her assuring her of my love.
I took a large drink of my ale and watched as the two spoke for a moment "So my lady your a performer? I was inquired you were a governess?" I said confused.

A servant brought a note and left

My lady Mionetta,
I'd like to see you in my Study Room as soon as possible

Richard Meyer
King of Bavaria

Mionetta spotted the letter under the door, yet turned her attention back to the couple.

She nodded, "I hope it shall be, if we could only meet our marks," she laughed.

Mionetta turned to Sir Knivert, "I am sorry to not have better clarified." Her eyes flashed open, "I am a singer and performer, and I was hoping to perhaps travel to England at some time to perhaps perform at court and further my career." She smiled, tucking a curl behind her ear, "I fear I cannot wholly pay my way to England, and so I would be most grateful if I could go back with the both of you, and aid in caring for the babe to repay you."

She smiled at the both of them. "I have six siblings, not counting myself-there is my eldest brother and sister, then me, then two little brothers, a girl, and a new baby girl," she nodded. She bit her lip, ashamed about the baby girl, whose father was different than the other children's and her own.
Netta sat up straight in her seat, "I helped in raising them all at a young age, and in my time at the school for girl's, we would often help the sisters in the orphanage nearby." She smiled at the memory, playing with the choker around her neck, "I have...always loved children," she smiled, "I cannot wait until I have my own, though I know I must," she laughed, "but I loved always to sing to the babies, or tell stories to the toddlers."

I listened as she spoke of her experiences with children although my mind was far from children at the moment. It had months since my wife had laid with me and all I could think was how perky her breasts looked and how fresh face she was. I quickly looked down when I saw Charlotte glance at me.

"Well those all sound like fine attributes my lady. I think you would make a great addition to our home once we get back to England."

Charlotte laughed. "I quite imagine, missing the wrong mark would be a disaster!"

Her ears perked up as she heard her say she needed her expenses paid. "Well of course, you shall have your needs met, and I am quite sure you will be greatly welcomed at the English court." She remembered what it was like to have little to no money, and not sure where she would dine.. in a fine palace kitchen one night or a tavern full of brawlers and prostitutes another.

She almost too late caught Anthony's glance at Mionetta, and instantly she felt as a huge elephant in comparison with the tiny-waisted Mionetta. "I quite agree with my husband, I think you may safely say you have the position if you like it." She forced a smile, ready to leave so she could lay down in her own rooms.

Mionetta could feel Sir Knivert's eyes on her, and she looked down timidly a moment though her fingers kept playing with the choker around her neck.

She nodded, giving a smile, "I hope I shall only be up to your expectations," she tilted her head. She tucked another curl behind her ear as she pursed her lips, "and of course, I do not wish to be a burden, and so, if at anytime there is a way...I shall hope to pay back your kindness," she nodded, praying her fame would grow at court and later in England.

Netta smiled, "then I thank you both for your time, and your kindness," she beamed. She took a sip from her goblet of Hypocras and rubbed her lips together, letting the overtly sweet wine stain her lips.

"Is there anything else you need know or wish to ask?" she blinked.

I took Charlotte' s hand in mine and squeezed it. "Um... I don't think so. I put all my trust trust in you my lady in caring for our child just as soon as he or she arrives." I said trying not to look at her too much as I already distracted too much by her.

She smiled kindly at Mionetta. "I told you it would not take much for him to agree with me!" She stood, a bit awkwardly, and smoothed out her dress. "I trust we will have the details worked out soon, and good luck on the performance.. fire is such a dangerous thing to play with." she said with meaning, yet she wore a sweet smile. "If you will excuse me, I need to rest a bit."

"I was a pleasure meeting you lady Rizzo. I look forward to more encounters in the future." I said and bowed my head. I then followed Charlotte out into the corridor. "Are you feeling alright my love? Do you wish for me to accompany you to your chambers?"

She gripped his hand as a wave of pain overtook her. "I think I should go back to my room...because I think the baby is on its way as we speak." She looked at him helplessly.

I looked at her frightened, nervous, so many emotions gushed over me. I then knew that I had to be there for her. I grasped her hand and picked her up and carried her to her chambers. "Don't worry my love everything will be alright, for this night you make us parents." I said as I rushed through the corridors and to her chambers.

Mionetta stood, giving a smile, "I thank you both for your time." She gave a curtsey, lowering her head and as she rose, she caught the bitter smile Charlotte gave her. She raised an eyebrow, yet smiled, holding her hands behind her back.

"Good day, Signora Knivert...Signor Knivert," she nodded. She glided to the door and opened it for them, and when it was closed she glided to the side of the room where a full length mirror stood.

She looked at her reflection, and began to brush her hair with her fingers. She stooped down and picked up the letter, reading it quickly as a slight pinge of fear went through her, and she gently placed it on her writing desk, gliding to the juggling clubs on the chair. She placed them in her hands and threw one in the air, throwing another as she began to juggle

Geoffrey came in Bavaria after a long travel. He was told to reach Neuschwanstein Castle to deliver an important message. He entered in the door and bowed deeply, noticing a young lady standing there

Forgive my intusion, my lady. I come from England. I don't know if this is the right room but...I'm looking for sir Anthony Knivert. I bring a message from His Majesty King Henry...

He said, still tired because of the travel

Netta turned around, startled, after she soothed the bodice of her gown down in the mirror. She noticed a man, and she recognized the accent as English.

She gave a nervous laugh, "you are not intruding, Signore."

She tilted her head, giving a curtsey. "I think you may find Sir Knivert in his wife, Charlotte's, chambers down the corridor," she smiled.

Geoffrey blushed because of embarassement

Oh...I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you, my lady. I...I leave immediately. Thank you..

He bowed respectfully at her and left quickly her room

Netta smiled, giving a laugh as she shook her head. "It is alright, signore," she tucked a curl behind her ear. She nodded, "good day."

Netta hurried into her bedchamber, looking around as she spotted the familiar remnants of the night before, where her acrobatic friends had surprised her with a small going away party, bringing in their juggling balls and instruments as well as Italian sweets and wines. She laughed as she spotted her friend Raul's undersleeve; after becoming rather intoxicated he insisted the room was too warm,and he began to tear his clothes away.

Yet she frowned quickly, upset at the king. She was sorry to have upset him, and yet angered that he presumed her to be some sort of whore. It seemed the only reason he had wanted to see her was to lie with her, and she hated the idea of men only wanting her for her body and for their own lusts.

Her thoughts were startled by a servant whom handed her a letter, claiming it was from her mother, and as they left the room, she quickly opened it, tearing some of the letter in the process.
It read:
My dear Mionetta,
I am having your sister Edwina write this letter, as I have read the letter you sent her.
I must say, Netta, I am very much upset at what it is you do. Do you mean to ruin all of your prospects? Need I remind you that we do not have the luxuries you wish we did, and that even with her ladyships aid, it can easily be removed, as we are miniscule people in the lives of the noble.
You are at a prosperous court, do not ruin your chances. Seize every oppurtunity you can, as I remind you that as you travel for your voice, you do not stay long, and ruin chances of marriage.
That being said, I must be the one to tell you that Cristobal has married one of your schoolmates, Liliana. I know this will hurt you, and yet I will hope it lets you recall, that you move so quickly and so very far away, away from any prospects of marriage.
Edwina has also told me of the king's advances to you, and though it pains me deeply to say this, I must also think of the family and of you. You have made it so much further than any of us and any of my children, and for that, I must say, that perhaps, if the king will give you favor, you should use your youth and beauty to your advantage.
You have only this one chance to help your family and to become the person you have wanted to be. I pray to God he watch over you, as I fear such oppurtunity must be taken.

Netta felt a warm tear come down her cheek as she pressed the letter to her chest, her breath quick as her nose turned red. A quiet sob escaped her throat as she imagined Cristobal with another woman, and for a moment she felt she would vomit. She ran over to a floor-vase, placing her hands around the mouth to prepare herself to vomit, when nothing came up. She stood for a moment, sniffing as the nausea continued and she threw the letter down.
She knew her mother was desperate, but not this desperate. Not so desperate as to imply that one of her own children should whore themselves out for the good of the family.
Netta wiped her nose, taking a shaky breath as she tried to think. She began to pace around the room, hitting her head lightly as she began to think. She paced for what felt like hours, and until her back was sore and feet slightly callused, and as she stopped and plopped down on the bed, placing her hand to her pain stricken heart, she came to what would seem her only conclusion...

~A note was sent to Mionetta's chamber~

Signorina Rizzo,

It is my pleasure to announce that we may prepare to leave for England. The carriage will be here tomorrow at 9 sharp so we may have an early start. I hope you are ready for all the adventures to have and new people to meet! A fresh beginning is always the best.

Lady Charlotte Knivert

The next morning she arrived at Mionetta's chamber, looking forward to the journey but knowing it would be hard to say goodbye to this palace once more.