War of Hearts || Reign

16- Mother And Daughter

July 19th, 1562

With Camilla with me, my plan was a little harder to execute, but I was determined to make it happen.

I gave the rider a note with where to go and sat silently in the carriage with Camilla. Camilla didn't ask anything but looked at me questioningly.

I ignored her gaze and fumbled with my necklace.

I had dressed in a simple green dress and had a cape and hat tied around my neck.

We had arrived at my destination and I got out "Wait here for me, I'll be there soon" I said to Camilla who also wanted to get out. She sat back in the carriage but I could feel her gaze into my back.

I was standing in front of a house. It was not big but enough for a family of ten.

I knocked on the door and prayed in my head that someone would respond. But when no one opened after a minute I walked away disappointed.

"Can I help you with anything?" A woman's voice asked, I turned hopefully to the house where a short woman was standing. She had chestnut colored hair and was thin.

I walked back "Hello madam, I'm looking for Ginevra, is she here?" I asked politely. The woman's gaze deviated. "She's not here," she said sternly.

"Oh where is she then? Is she in Florence?" The woman now looked angry "What is it you want?! What's your business with Ginevra?" she cried angrily.

I shrank back in shock. "I am her daughter" I stammered.

The woman's face immediately softened, "Bianca? Bianca De'Medici?" She said softly, "yes that's me, do you know me"

She nodded, tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm Giovanna, Your mother's younger sister. Please come in, dear" she made room at the door to let me in.

I stepped into the little house. It smelled musty and it was dirty, but I didn't show that I was disgusted by her house.

She cleaned a chair and motioned for me to take a seat.

"How are you Bianca?" she asked with a smile. "I'm doing very well, Aunt" I said smiling back.

"You are so beautiful, you look so much like Ginevra. Those lips and your dark eyes, just like your mother"

I looked away shyly "Is my mom around here?" I asked as I looked around. "She is dead"

"What" I said, startled, "she's dead, since when, how" I stammered.

Aunt Giovanna took my hand "She passed away three years ago. She was seriously ill and we didn't have the means to get better medicines. She was in so much pain in the months before her death, Bianca. As much as it hurts me, I'm glad she's dead now. She is finally pain free" she said with tears in her eyes "she talked about you every day. She even dreamed about you, she thought she would see you but unfortunately she couldn't live that long."

I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks. "My poor mother." I whispered.

I took a deep breath "How are you, are you well, do you need anything?" I asked. If I couldn't help my mother, I could at least help her sister. I'm sure my mom would be proud of me.

"No thanks, sweetheart. I don't need anything. My husband and I are happy and my daughter is doing well"

I smiled "a daughter?", "Yes, a sweet girl of 9 years. Her name is Luisa"

I smiled again and fumbled in the pocket of my dress. I took out a bag of money and pressed it into her hands. "Take this as a gift from me. Just use it for my niece. I would like to meet her sometime" I walked towards the door "if there is anything you should write to me. I'm staying in palazzo Pitti" I slipped out of the house and walked to the carriage where Camilla was anxiously waiting for me.

"We can go home again" I said smiling as I wiped the escaped tear from my cheek.

My mother might be gone, but I would do anything to make sure she was proud of me.