Carnevale (#Wattys2015)

Chapter 8

Almost a month after Cinzia's disappearance, a letter was delivered to the Boriello's doorstep. A letter that would bring all of Venice to a screeching standstill. The letter was very simply addressed "To the Boriello's" and read:

To the Boriello's,

Firstly, thank you to Pietro, for allowing me to deceive your family and friends.

Sofia and Nico

I am not your cousin. I am not related to you in anyway, other than having lived with you for a very joyful two weeks. I realise that I may have caused a lot of inconveniences towards the two of you, and I will explain everything in just a moment. Before I do so, you mustn't hate me for what I have done, and simply realise that I did what I had to.

To say that my childhood had been easy would be a gross understatement.

While I was growing up, I never had to ask for anything, everything I needed or could've wanted was already at me side, the moment I realised I wanted it. My parent's servants waited on me hand and foot and I had my own waiting lady. My father was not ruler of the town we lived in but he was very high up, right hand man to Frances of Lorraine and although our home was in Florence, he was often away on business.

When I was nine, my mother died of measles. For six years my father and I survived, until a plot to overthrow the Grand Duke of Tuscany was discovered and a little over a month ago, my father was thrown into jail.

Before I was born, your father Pietro had organised an opera show in Florence. My father and mother adored going to the Opera, and at that very show, our parents met. They were fast friends and promised each other any favour. So, when my father was placed in custody, he requested that I live with you, at least until I could return safely. From that moment came a flood of lies, spun around me in protection so no one could find out my last name.

If I am to set things right, you will have to realise that my real name is very well known. In one of the many operas your parents created, Bonicatto was one of the lesser characters and was also used as a codename between our families.

Please give my most profound apologies to Angelique and all of the people I met while in Venice.

I am so very sorry for my game of deceptions and I hope you can find it in you to forgive me.

My name is Cinzia Binasco and I lie to the ones I love.