I don't own anything, which makes me sad!
As soon as I had finished dressing in a simple green silk dress, there was a quiet knock at the door. I quickly tied a blue-green feather mask on, as custom in Bellezza for all unmarried women of 16 and older to wear, and whirled around to see who was at the door. Barbara opened the door and let in Luciano. He looked at her, the glanced at me, as if asking for permission. I giggled.
"You don't need to ask her; I'm right here", I smiled.
He smiled in return, and I was glad for this ridiculous mask to hide my blush. I don't know if it's that I haven't seen Luciano in a while, but I'm sure he didn't look as he looks now, so (if I should say) handsome. His glistening dark curls were tied back; his face planes were sharper, which held dark eyes that were lit with- amusement?
"Hello, Your Grace", he said seriously.
I scowled, "Don't call me that!"
He laughed. He knows exactly how much it bothers me when he is so formal; I always tell him I was his friend before I became Duchessa. In the corner of my eye, I noticed that Barbara quietly walking out of the room. She saw me looking and gave me a smile I wasn't too sure what to make of...
"I know, I know", he grinned.
Having him stand there, after I just was thinking that I missed him, suddenly sunk in. I took of my mask, stood up and hugged him. I don't know what possessed me, but I was completely mortified. I stepped away, a blush rising to my cheeks. And now I didn't have the mask on to hide it.
Luciano chuckled, "I'm glad to see you've missed me as much as I've missed you."
I looked up shocked to hear him say that, and saw him looking at me earnestly.
"Yes, well, I haven't seen you in a while." Why is my heart beating so fast, when his eyes met mine. "It's true", he said.
"So what's this visit all about? " I asked.
"What?! A friend can't just visit his friend, who just so happens to be the Duchessa, which I feel as if I hav-"
"Okay, I get the point!" I laughed. "It doesn't matter because I'm glad to see you, anyways."