The Next day, almost all of the clergy from the Italy assembled at the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Venezia traveled with her father's body. It was prepared in a red velvet robe and kept exposed for that day during the veneration of the faithful ceremony. Venezia, being the only family member belonging to the Pope was asked to give her lasting words and address the public. Sure, she had come prepared carefully of what she was going say at the ceremony, but when the moment came, her mind went completely blank.

She stood up, hiding what she was feeling from inside to the whole of Clergy and some Royals staring at her. After stepping up on the Church's podium, she gave a glance to her father's body and gave herself a minute to recollect her thoughts.

"Today, we stand in front of all ye faithful, the Christ, the lord himself to mourn our beloved Pope. I'm sure you all have different memories of him and for the world he was the Pope. But for me, he was my father." Venezia tried hard to content her feelings, but also letting it flow in front of the crowd. No matter what, all of a sudden the word 'father' brought so many emotions out of her. Maybe it was because she remembered all little personal bonding she got, or maybe it was because she thought of a father figure she never had. This feeling was so strange and new to her innocent soul. She really did despise him her whole life, but now that he was gone? She couldn't stop thinking about all the good memories of him, even if they were scarce. Death does that to you doesn't it? She continued.

"The memories we had, will only visit me in my dreams now. The days we laughed and cried together." Then she remembered saying the most important thing, for which she prepared herself for. "but, one thing he always did. he looked upto me" she lied. "He have always given me the knowledge of faith and protection. To value people like the shepherd values his sheep and never give up on believing in him as he is the lord, our savior. Father, I will forever hold on to you and your teachings. I love you."

As she got down of the podium, there was a weird feeling of disbelief. It was the peak of dishonesty, she not only lied to the crowd but also to herself and just because it was appropriate to the people, she said it. She hated herself, even if people loved her and saw her with empathy. What has she gotten herself into? She thought when she looked around and a series of guilt started flooding in her mind. Finally the Cardinal came and acknowledged her, giving a slight nod. Seeing the face of the Cardinal, her father's words appeared in her mind from their last meeting and she thought to herself. 'Welcome to politics!"

A/N: I just randomly saw this picture of this pretty dress on Pinterest, let's imagine she's wearing it on the day of this Memorial . hehe!

By the day break, lots of people from the clergy to the aristocrats crowded the porch outside Venezia's castle and the tea ceremony began. Venezia was getting inherently distressed and didn't want to go outside, to face more unknown annoying people. At this point of time, it was getting visible on Venezia's face that she didn't enjoy anyone's company and wanted to remain indoors and secluded. More so, the people outside now felt so uncomfortably fake. But also, with the fact that Venezia just couldn't stop thinking about what happened at Lucas's place which made Mark to end up in such a situation.

Contrary to her feelings, the social gathering outside was the perfect opportunity for her to know any towns gossips or perhaps get the information from the right people. She braced herself , giving a one last glance of herself in the mirror and went outside with her handmaiden Hannah by her side. Like a bride in a wedding, she was technically the center of attention in that social gathering but here the event was just the quite opposite. It was getting increasingly confusing and difficult for Venezia to look for the right person who might know Lucas closely. Unfortunately, the former Duchess of Windsor didn't happen to attend Pope's funeral. Venezia couldn't help but wonder, why? Isn't this such a great disrespect?

"Lady Alice!" Venezia politely called out to the most carefree and kind countess of Naples. Although she did not had much of knowledge about the aristocrats of the country but Lady Alice was famous for leading the gossip view around the town. It was like a business to her except that she was too carefree to even make it a proper business. She gave a jumpy turnaround to Venezia which even startled Venezia herself and she chuckled in embarrassment. "Care to join me for a tea?" She carefully invited only her from a group of well suspicious ladies and Duchesses. Venezia was well aware of the risk so she tried to cover up in front of them. "Maybe your lovely stories can give me a healthy distraction!"

"awh of-course" Alice accepted her invitation smoothly and Venezia gestured Hannah to prepare the tea room. 

The curtains were drawn open after days of mourning and inside she welcomed the Countess into a hall and they both settled down opposite to each other, sipping the tea in awkward silence. For Venezia's surprise, she has never heard Lady Alice staying silent before but why now? Oh maybe, she never knew Venezia before and of-course this was very unexpected. Before Venezia could try to make her feel comfortable by initiating the conversation, Alice broke the silence.

"Are you trying to interrogate me?"  

Venezia was left stunned by hearing such a sudden serious question. Seems like Lady Alice fell threatened by her company. She did had a hint of idea that Alice was suspicious about her and that she sees her differently now. Not that she was famous after running away with the Prince of Milan, but town's gossip never escapes Alice's ears.

"Pfft, no where did you get that idea from?" Venezia tried to lighten up the mood. "What now, I can't even hang around and talk to people randomly in order to soothe my sorrow?" She played the victim card. She never realized her subtle and witty attitude until now, which eventually got her impressed.

"Oh no honey, besides giving you my condolences, I am letting you know that I'm always there beside you. Whenever you need me!" Alice immediately leaned forward and squeezed Venezia's hand. Venezia was already so done with all the sympathy. Now that Alice has already asked such an awkward question, Venezia was unable to cut to the chase and come to point. She sighed, realizing that she had to roll the dice over and over.

"So, tell me how are things in Naples?"

After and hour and a half of random conversation, Venezia and Alice were now talking non stop and laughing together. Their postures changed and attitudes lightened. Practicing fake friendship worked wonders for Venezia and she finally came to the point.

"Wait, so how come the Duchess of Florence haven't attended the funeral?"

"Oh, haven't you heard?" Alice quickly replied

Venezia knitted her eyebrows when Alice asked.

"What? Where were you when Lucas and Grace got married?"

This was a lot to take in for Venezia. She recalled when Mark mentioned about Grace and how much he despised her by calling her 'sinister snake'. Also, a lot has happened when she went underground. She couldn't help but go under a cycle of thoughts. What happened to Mark after she left? If Lucas and Grace has gotten married, Mark wouldn't be in a very ugly position right now. And what if Mark got the knowledge of their wedding?

"Earth to Venezia?" Alice clicked her finger in front of Venezia's face which made her come back to the reality. "Can you remember now?" Alice tried to mock her over.

But, Venezia didn't seem to understand the joke. Instead she asked another serious question instantly. "When did this happen? When did they got married?"

Alice realized and gave the whole information, implying on her part time business. "The day or two after your beloved father's demise. I'm sure that might be a reason of them not attending the funeral. They just couldn't wait to postpone their marriage ceremony and now they're too embarrassed to join you at the funeral. I know it's heartbreaking to see that some people just don't seem to care-"

When Venezia heard Alice giving an explanation, she went on again on a serious of realizations and interrupted her blabbering immediately by turning around in front of her face and leaving the hall abruptly. This was definitely disrespectful for Lady Alice but Alice was too carefree to care about that. She definitely suspected that something serious was up and started doubting into conclusions about Venezia.

Venezia ran in haste out of the castle, grabbing her stallion in-front of the largely noticeable crowd. She kicked it furiously and rushed out, leaving a shocked crowd witnessing this.

It took two whole days for her to finally reach Florence and locate Lucas's manor. That night when Venezia reached was supposed to be Lucas's and Grace's wedding night. Unknown to that fact when witnessed their manor burning from a distance, she already knew it was pretty late.