War of Hearts || Reign

23-

August 24th, 1562

"We will miss you, Bianca" said Francesco as he climbed on his horse "You will have to visit us soon"

I smiled sadly "I will visit you as soon as possible, I promise" I turned to my father and hugged him tightly "I will miss you Father". "I will miss you too, my child" he said as he kissed my crown "My dear daughter"

I released myself from the embrace and walked over to Isabella who was standing next to the carriage "My dear sister" I said as I hugged her, she hugged me tight "I'm going to miss you Bianca, remember, rome is not far from here, I can always visit you if you want"

I nodded "I know and as soon as I get the chance I'll come to you, really" I broke free from the embrace and watched her get into the carriage.

"Have a nice trip" I said as I waved them off. I stopped until they were just a distant dot in the distance before I walked back to the palace.

I was now all alone in this unknown place. No friends, no family, only Ottavio and the Holy Father.

I walked to my bedrooms, the only place where I could be alone for a while, and sat behind my dressing table and looked at myself in the mirror.

I looked beautiful. My brown hair was spread in loose curls over my back and shoulders and was held back from my face by a white hair net.

But as beautiful as I looked, there was no hiding my sad expression.

I missed my old life. When I was young and living in France with my friends around me.

Even though I was far from my family at the time, they were the happiest years of my life, the happiest self.

I had had a future in my mind. A future with Francis. We would marry and have children and live happily ever after until we died and be together again in the after world.

Now when I thought of having a future with Ottavio, and children, I was disgusted.

Ottavio was not like Francis, he was cold and unpleasant. He didn't give me the love I deserved.

A maid came into the room and made a startled curtsy when she saw me sitting there. "Excuse me, Madonna, I didn't know you were here," she said with downcast eyes.

"It's all right, just do what you have to do" I said reassuringly. The maid nodded and started cleaning the room, even though it wasn't cluttered.

"What's your name?" I asked curiously. "Anna".

"Anna" I repeated. "What do you think of my husband?"

I saw Anna stiffen "Everything you say remains confidential" I said to reassure her. She relaxed herself a little and began to speak, "I've hated him since the day he forced himself on me. He is arrogant because he rules the papal armies, and he is brutal. He beats maids often enough for not doing what he wants and he often takes whores home to this sacred place."

I didn't say anything, but held out my hand to Anna who took it. "From now on you don't have to worry about him hitting you or forcing himself on you. Understood". She nodded and I let go of her hand. "I'm going to the library, if someone is looking for me tell me I went for a walk."

I walked down the hall toward the library. "Bianca!" Someone shouted from behind me, I saw Ottavio walking towards me.

"I have bad news, dear wife, but another battle threatens to come. I have to go south with the papal armies as soon as possible," he said.

I looked at him fake shocked "that's terrible, is there anything I can help you with before you leave?". Ottavio smiled briefly. "No thanks, I'm leaving already." He leaned over and kissed me on the mouth. "Stay safe" he said before walking on again.

I stopped and watched him walk down the hall.

I hoped he would die in battle.

Okay so I don't have a title for this chapter so if anyone has an idea it would be much appreciated.