He rose from his chair to meet me and for a moment I couldn't see anyone else in the room. Count Arsago was indeed one of the most powerful patricians in Venetta. His hair turned silver-gray but black eyes were sparkling even brighter than the precious stones on his chest and fingers. He was known as a man of great intelligence, determination, and self-indulgence. Several ships, a luxurious mansion on the Grand Canal and huge lands in the Brenta valley belonged to him. And not just that – he also had estates far to the South, outside the Republic. The last was against the rules and if it anybody else had gotten this, the Council of Ten would go mad. But in the case of Arsago they had to turn a blind eye to it because of the fabulous sums of golden sequins he regularly spent on the city needs. Politics is delicate, to be sure.

I had never seen don Arsago face to face. I could only watch him at the distance during carnival processions. Conventual rules didn't restrict us from attending the festivals. Usually he was marching with a proud strut among the other Doge members with the crowed cheering and silver trumpets blaring. Now he was standing in front of me with his usual arrogant smile on a solid face.

And that brilliant man could be my mother's murderer...

My hands became icy-cold when I met his long sarcastic look. Fortunately, don Arsago stepped back to give way to a young man I hadn't noticed before. He looked exactly like his father – though he didn't possess a bit of don Arsago's pride and authority. Just as if he were the Count's reflection in a magic mirror that only reflects a good part of a person. That was his son, Enrique, who was supposed to be my future husband.

Enrique came closer and bowed to us making his dark shoulder-length locks fall on his face.

"Juliet, my dear! I'm so glad to see you again!"

His hazel eyes shone with joy. I forced a smile back. Here it was, the most difficult thing for today − to meet that true-loving gaze. From the first moment it was clear that Enrique was deeply in love with his bride. And what's worse, he was an honest and caring person and his thoughts were crystal-clear.

Just as Julie had described him.

No, I couldn't do that...

I was on the point of running away and fail my mission. Fortunately, don Arsago decided to step in. He tapped Enrique's shoulder and smiled at me and Ricardo.

"I beg your pardon. It seems that university didn't teach my unruly son any manners. He still doesn't know how to behave in front of a lady."

Enrique studied science at the University of Patava. When Julia's mother got fed up with her quiet life in the estate, she decided to visit one of the patavian parties. That's how Julia and Enrique met each other.

"Sincerity is not a fault, especially nowadays."

Quite startled, I looked around. That guard of my brother's was standing by the balcony doors. He didn't even bother to change his shabby black corduroy for something suitable. And now his plain coat looked ridiculous compared to blue velvet draperies and luxurious clothes of the guests.

What is he doing here? I was puzzled by the way he talked to don Arsago as if they were of equal title. He should have known his place – downstairs, with the other servants.

"Hope that you, senhorita, will forgive my son's extravagance. He's still young and had to wait for far too long," don Arsago said abruptly, and I had nothing but to bow my head.

The noise and sounds from The Grand Canal came in waves. Or maybe my ears were buzzing with worry. I didn't have to say a word during the conversation. It seemed that the men completely forgot about me, yet they were fighting about me. The Count insisted on an early wedding. Let's say, the following Sunday! Enrique kept respectfully silent, while Ricardo did his best to postpone the date using the mourning as an excuse.

"Poor Julia is so sad. She even refuses to go out."

Don Arsago gave me an icy-cold "damn these women's whims" look that made me shudder. Guess who came to the rescue?

"Senhors, is it proper for the signorita to listen to all these arguments?" the voice from the balcony said.

"Indeed," Ricardo seized the opportunity and gently pulled me toward the doors with a figure of frowning aunt Assunta at the doorway. We bowed and left, while the men started arguing again.

When we returned to my room, the maids were gone. The steaming tub was gone, too. Donna Assunta pushed me into the middle of the room and put her hands on her hips.

"Now, let's be honest, mia cara: who are you?"