On Tuesday we were already at work in Maranello. Of course, Carlos was with me, in my apartment, and now it was his turn to stay longer in my home. It was still strange to me how we got here, but in some weird way I liked his presence. We had our little moments when we'd come back from a long day at the Scuderia HQ and we'd both make a light dinner, watch a movie, me sleeping on his lap, exhausted from all the stress of the last few days or just spending time together. Sainz used to hug me tightly, tenderly, with a special warmth that I rarely felt. His eyes sparkled, spontaneously showed bursts of tenderness and kissed me, caressed me, tickled me, making me laugh like a little child. At one point, I began to wonder if I had lied to myself that Charles was the one for me, when in reality it was... Carlos?

On Wednesday we celebrated the Le Mans victory in Maranello. Our teammates take a tour through the the whole of Maranello with the flags, on their cars. It was a wonderful moment that I couldn't help but be in awe of. I was proud of our team's accomplishments and actually couldn't wait for us to be on the podium one day and to see both boys happy.

But we didn't stay long in Italy - at the end of the week Carlos and I appeared at an event organized by our sponsors Vista Jet in Madrid. Carlos insisted that I slowly start to get used to public appearances and attending events, photo shoots, small advertising events organized by our sponsors. As a person gaining more and more popularity from my infamous performance in Spain that started it all and the articles that have recently started to be written about me, as well as my apparent presence at his sister's wedding, Sainz wanted to help me fit in in his world. Of course, he was worried about the reaction of the bosses, the fans, practically everyone around him except his parents, and he kept saying how he had to protect me and figure out some way to keep me out of the limelight long enough. But I was getting used to his way of life, to being together, but not obsessively demonstrating our relationship, even hiding it in our own way. At this point in public we behaved like close friends who are together for fun, nothing serious between them, but when we were alone Carlos was the most caring and kind person, showering me with kisses, using every moment to caress and hug me, making me to forget about everything around me. I can't deny that Spain was a beautiful country and Madrid a fabulous city so I could easily get used to spending my time there.

#

On the day of the event, Carlos again called the seamstress who worked on my dress for his sister's wedding to provide me with an outfit for the occasion. While he was busy working on his body at the gym, I spent most of the morning in his apartment trying on dress after dress. Ever since the Spanish Grand Prix, I've been in the gym with him almost non-stop, but this time I had to miss out. And because I was bored without him, I couldn't hold back and posted a story of the clothes pole titled "Something big tonight" for close friends only, and by noon I had already received hundreds of messages from Kika and a few other close friends of mine asking what I'm getting ready for. But one of the messages caught my attention and I couldn't help but respond.

It was from Charles. In response to my story, he had sent a picture of himself running through the streets of his city, with headphones on a cable, and as a message he had written "Obviously need your 007 emergency kit 😆 ". A smile immediately crossed my face and I told him that he would need an M7 subscription with the frequency of losing his belongings. We both exchanged some more flirty messages like we used to. He even helped me choose an outfit for the evening - against my wishes and the demands of his teammate, Leclerc settled on a burgundy jumpsuit with a bare back, wide teardrop sleeves and a gold belt around the waist. I trusted him with the choice, since I had no time and no idea what to wear. If it were up to me, I'd still be standing in front of the post and wondering between the green lace dress or the jumpsuit with the feathers on the sleeves. Along the way, I found out that Charles would also be at an official event that day, along with Lorenzo... And that his two brothers kept talking about how quiet their lives had been since I'd been out of their company. It was a little strange that he was the one giving me these words, but that was a characteristic of Charles - painfully honest. Before we finished chatting, I sent his two brothers greetings, kisses and hugs and had to leave my phone to charge while I got my hair, makeup and outfit ready.

#

Sainz and I were living between Spain and Italy, as right after the event and a short visit to his parents, we went back to my home country again... And we spent a few wonderful days in Milan, where I also met Kika and Pierre. It felt quite strange, meeting Charles's best friend, with my unofficially confirmed boyfriend Carlos. But they didn't seem to judge me. And I hadn't done anything to be condemned for. But as if on purpose, Pierre decided on that particular day to call Charles on FaceTime while the four of us were at lunch and Leclerc at his cousin's go-kart race. Gasly did this under the pretext of wanting to convey greetings from his beloved teammates, and I wanted to kill him for it. And Carlos in a really delicate way showed to Charles that now I am "his" when he put his hand on mine on the table and intertwined our fingers. At this moment I wanted to sink in the ground from shame, but anyways... I survived.

#

On Tuesday, the week of the Austrian Grand Prix, the boys completed a 100 km filming run at Fiorano. Sainz drove in the morning the standard Ferrari spec initially with few differences but then took the track with a different front wing to . And in the afternoon Leclerc took over, with a slightly different floor along with few changes on the front end of the car. These improvements would be unveiled during the Austrian Grand Prix and I was extremely excited because both cars looked satisfactory enough for my standards. I wanted to see our boys on the podium, I wanted to experience the joy again, to celebrate. But the excitement was not only caused by the upcoming weekend, but also by the fact that I saw Charles again after a long time away from each other. I can't hide that I was really happy for him. It was only then that I felt how much I really missed him, even though we used to send several messages every day, and mostly at night, when we both obviously couldn't sleep.

Wednesday came and Carlos and I walked in Modena, and had dinner under the stars in a small restaurant, just the two of us. It was so romantic, considering the fact that we were both excited and hotly discussing the upcoming weekend. And on Thursday morning, thanks to Vista Jet, we flew to Austria and arrived safely in Spielberg and as soon as we checked into the hotel we went to the track.

I was delighted by the romantic view of the town near which the track was located. The small cozy houses, the alpine landscapes, the beauty of the squares, paved alleys and small gardens. I was so glad to once again have the opportunity to touch such a place, and constantly as we traveled, I held Sainz's hand and pointed out the window, shouting excitedly. But I was interrupted by the ringing of my phone and had to look away of the window. Charles called me on video chat to ask if I was going to get to work soon. I don't know if he was trying to find out if I was with Carlos or not, but he definitely got the information he wanted, as several times while we were talking, Carlos would sneer and clear his throat quietly, or say something to Rupert, but clearly enough to his voice be heard.

#

Before Sainz's press conference, we both decided to do a tour of the track to get to know it better. But the weekend hadn't started yet, and the problems were already upon us. The mechanics were trying to take apart the rear wing of Charles' car and it was causing them great difficulty. At first, I stood on the sidelines and watched, and Carlos was "signaling" me to go with him, while Leclerc sat undisturbed in the car. But after a long time, seeing that these brainless creatures could not manage something so simple, I decided to intervene and sent Sainz to make his tour alone. I noticed the photographers gathering and quickly got the rest of the pit crew to form a wall in front of the car, then I crouched down next to the mechanics and started working on the car with them.

And as if with my intervention something happened and the wing almost just fell into my hands. The mechanics were delighted, so was Leclerc, and I was shocked. And at that moment I looked at the bracelet on my arm for the first time since we were in Barcelona, ​​again I had that feeling of an invisible presence here and I must admit I was a little scared.

Towards the end of Media Day, the two boys were sitting in the hospitality cafe talking, and I decided to take a very surprising move even for myself.

I approached them timidly and greeted them with a slight wave and a smile. They looked at me with undisguised reverie in their eyes, as if they were seeing a mythical creature before them. Their reaction embarrassed me, but I mustered enough courage to speak to them nonetheless. Mio Dio, why did I react in this way, given that until recently one of us lived together almost continuously, and the other recently slept in the same bed.

- Guys, the day here is coming to an end... - I began uncertainly. - Do you want to go for a walk around the town?

- Yes, Muñeca, let's just finish here and... - Carlos started, but I cut him off.

- I mean together - I said, my heart racing.

I shot a quick glance at Charles who smiled widely and turned to his teammate with a shrug. Carlos wasn't thrilled with my offer, but he stood up and winked at me.

- Anything for my princess...

- Okay, I'll wait for you in an hour in front of the turnstiles - I laughed and rubbed my hands nervously. - See you guys soon!

I quickly turned my back on them and headed for the hospitality when I heard Leclerc's voice behind me:

- See you soon, principessa!

And with a quick glance over my shoulder, I noticed Charles smugly leaning back in his chair, chewing his gum. I shuddered, then literally ran away.

#

After an hour I found myself in the back seat of a large VW that Carlos had re-hired for our outing. As the town was too small, Charles had suggested that we visit something more interesting to get us moving, namely - Riegersburg Castle, which was an hour and a half away from us. Carlos was driving, Charles was guiding and I was sitting in the back seat watching them have fun. Leclerc was vibing as always to every tune he heard on the radio while Sainz was constantly roasting him about something. I stood quietly and occasionally laughed at their jokes because I didn't want to spoil their few happy moments together. And when we arrived in Riegersburg I was delighted by the huge castle that appeared before my eyes. The beautiful fort was on top of a rocky hill with lots of greenery, which we obviously had to climb up to. I understand that both boys liked to climb, but I didn't do it often and now I was probably going to make myself look as a fool.

- Well, well, where did Charles take us? - I asked, putting on my glasses as the sun was still shining brightly.

- In a very nice place - he replied with a little smirk. - This basalt castle was built on a now dormant ancient volcano, and more precisely on the petrified remains of its molten interior. And you know? It is owned by the princely family of Liechtenstein.

- Oh, so the prince is taking us to a princely palace? - I laughed and walked forward.

- Along with my acquaintance with Prince Albert, perhaps I have the opportunity to move in these environments, darling! - Leclerc called after me.

- Charles, I didn't know you were so into castles - Carlos said in a playful tone.

- This one in particular piqued my interest - said the Monegasque, and the two boys caught up with me, slowly walking down the path leading to the castle.

- Why so? - I asked confused.

- Its story is very interesting - explained Leclerc. - Until the 3rd century, the region was under the influence of the Roman Empire, then the Bavarians and Hungarians invaded, and one of the most important owners of this place was Countess Elizabeth... Forgive me, Catherine Elisabeth von Wechsler, because she finished the castle and did one of the healthiest in the country.

- And how far from our modern times does this happen? - Carlos asked, casually coming closer to me, and wrapping his arm around my waist.

- 1653, as the lady had 3 marriages and one daughter, who then married a certain Count Purgstol and the Purgstol family lived here until 1800, and in 1822 it became the property of Johann Joseph von Lichtenstein – explained the Monegasque and his gaze fixed on Carlos' touch.

- And during these 20 years? - I asked looking around the area, moving away from Sainz.

- There is not much information, but I heard that it was the residence of some Venetian nobleman... - Charles shrugged, and my heart skipped a beat.

- Ve-ve-Venetian noble - I stuttered, rubbing my heart's area as I felt a slight ache from the sudden stress.

The boys stopped and looked at me in surprise, then suddenly worried expressions appeared on their faces.

- Yes, darling, why does it bothers you? - Leclerc asked, stepping forward.

Suddenly my legs went weak and I almost fell, but Carlos was faster and managed to catch me around the waist again.

- Muñeca, are you okay? - he whispered, wrapping me tightly. - You turned pale.

- The heat - I exhaled heavily and waved at myself with my hand. - It's from the heat...

Charles quickly reached into my bag and handed me the water bottle I was carrying.

- Are you sure it's from the heat? - Leclerc asked his question and looked reproachfully at Sainz as I dried my bottle.

- Yes! - I confirmed and pushed both of them away from me. - Let's go up. I'm okay now!

I walked forward on the path, and a cold sweat broke out on my back, as I immediately started playing with the bracelet on my arm. Obviously, I had another meeting with Chess Player coming up and I couldn't wait to make it happen... Thanks again Charles.

I entered the castle with bated breath and a fast beating heart. I knew that the owner of my ruby ​​bracelet had once lived here, and I had the feeling that his presence was still in this place. I looked at the portraits hanging on the walls, walked around the rooms of the castle - spacious huge spaces with high ceilings with frescoes with biblical motifs, Renaissance architecture and aristocratic furnishings. Charles and Carlos walked behind me and admired the interior, but I paid them no attention. I was completely absorbed in searching for that feeling I always had when a piece of the "Petit Beauté" necklace was nearby.

In the center of a huge hall, resembling the traditional ballrooms of those times, there was a grand white piano with gold ornaments on the body. Charles and Carlos immediately ran to the piano and began to examine it, the Monegasque taking the greatest interest in it.

I used the moment they were distracted by this to climb the nearby curved wooden staircase that creaked under my feet, giving off that mystique of old homes that usually made people cringe. I boldly stepped forward as if an invisible force was guiding me in the direction I was walking. Then, on the wall next to one of the rooms I noticed a portrait of a young lady with a Venetian mask. When I looked more closely, I recognized the lady from my dream that started this whole adventure. The same clothes, the same mask, the same figure... The same place - Venice, on the night of Carnival, February 21, 1784. I gasped in surprise and felt the warm breeze behind me. Here it is. What I was looking for.

I looked around carefully - the boys were still downstairs, I could even hear the soft click of the keys Charles was probably pressing. This seemed like a good opportunity to get out of their presence and I took it.

I quietly opened the door to the room and entered - it turned out to be the master bedroom. A huge four poster bed with golden covers was placed in the center of the room, illuminated by the light pouring in through the large French windows. Beside the bed were small oak cabinets inlaid with gold, and at the other end of the room another door. I headed straight for it as my inner voice told me to.

When I crossed the threshold of the door, which was surprisingly not locked, I found myself in a large room - a closet. On the shelves were neatly folded and arranged various shirts, waistcoats, and on the upper shelves - tricorn hats. I approached and looked at all the uniforms, tailcoats and coats that were hanging on hangers. My attention was drawn to one particular tailcoat and I pulled it out, patting it lightly from the dust. My heart skipped a beat. The same one Charles was wearing the night he came to dine at Sainz's.

At that moment, something seemed to flash from the pocket of the garment and I automatically reached into it, pulling out a small white letter envelope. A few tears rolled down my cheek when I read the initials C.P. I no longer had any doubts that Chess Player was related to me... Probably to Charles as well. The front of the envelope had some notes drawn on it and that immediately gave me an idea of ​​where the ruby ​​I was looking for could be.

I heard a noise from the next room, I wiped my tears and quickly hid the letter in my bag, then put my tailcoat back on and hurried out of the closet.

Opening the door, I almost hit Carlos on the head as he bent down to study the design of the round lock handle.

- Lissa, what on earth are you doing there?! - he shouted in fear. - You could have killed me!

- Don't be so over dramatic - I rolled my eyes. - I was just going to put you to sleep for a few minutes.

- Yes, Carlos, you're going to have to get used to the fact that Lisa walks into any room that has an open door - Charles said in a slightly mocking tone, sending me a barely visible air kiss.

- And the rooms whose doors are closed, I open them with a kick - I replied snidely.

- Is your kick that strong, darling? - Charles laughed.

- I guarantee you that if you continue with this tone a little longer, you will answer the question yourself - I stuttered.

- Hey, do you want us to be more humane and not engage in gratuitous physical self-harm? - Sainz intervened, and I looked at him sternly.

- I didn't know you were such a big pacifist, Carlos - I mumbled through my teeth. - Well, anyway, I don't want to get my hands dirty with Leclerc. Therefore, the physical self-torture is postponed for another day.

- Thank goodness! - the Monegasque feigned and laughed.

- It's not guaranteed that something won't happen at the hotel - I said quietly and clapped my hands. - Okay, I think it's time to go!

- But we haven't looked at it yet... - Sainz began, and I cut him off.

- Since when are you interested in castles, Carlos? - I turned to him, raising my eyebrows.

Carlos paused, obviously shocked at my sudden rudeness, then smiled slightly and said:

- As you say, princess!

I sighed heavily and shook my head, then looked over at Charles who was smirking at me. I bit my lip and quickly left the room, embarrassed by what had happened, the two boys running after me. We went back down to the great hall and I immediately headed for the piano that my two friends had been exploring so far. And just in front, above where the sheet music was placed, in the center of the crown of a golden drawing of a tree, shone a small red ruby. I knew this was it now I just had to find a way to get it out of there.

- Lissie, what is this sudden interest in the piano? - asked Charles, who was the first to agree to me.

- Why? - I raised my eyebrows in surprise. - Can't I admire this wonderful instrument?

- Do you want to hear it? - he asked with a smile.

At that moment there was a noise behind us as if something fell on the ground. We turned to see one of the knight's suits of armor displayed by the door of the hall, scattered across the marble floor and Carlos trying to assemble its components.

- Cabrón, what did you do? - Charles shouted at him and ran to help him.

- That thing seemed to just attack me when I tried to enter the hall - replied the Spaniard indignantly.

Leclerc began to laugh, and I shuddered. Chess was obviously playing in my favor and trying to help me, so I had no time to waste. I turned to the piano and grabbed a ruby. It didn't cost me much - I easily ripped it from where it was attached and put it in my bag before anyone saw me.

At that time the keepers of the castle joined our "company" to find out what the fuss was about, and I went to the boys and thanks to my perfect German skills, we managed to get away without a fine or arrest for violating the integrity of the cultural heritage ... Nothing that I had already violated it. So I forced them to go and almost ran out of the castle. I couldn't wait to read Chess' letter to Petit Beauté.

Notes:  Hello guys! I missed you a lot! I am so so sorry for being missing for so long, but duties were calling me, taking all my time and I could barely reach my computer to find a time and write. 

Anyways, here I am, with the new chapter. Hope you like it  - give a star/comment if so and hear the external link. I promise for a moooore interesting  and longer chapter next time aaaand love ya guys! <3

Happy Charles pole and hopefully, it will be a good Ferrari day today! 

LOVE YA! <3

N16XOXOXO