I need to preface this to say please do not feel offended by the twisted affection that Delphine has for Dio in this fic, but after watching the series over and over...I really feel that the series sort of hinted in a subtle way that Delphine had a very unusual feeling towards Dio..whether this was because of her "God complex" therefore only Dio was her "equal" because of their shared bloodline or simply because she was just really wicked and power hungry therefore needing to control everything in Prester, including her brother who she viewed as a mere tool to ruling all of Prester omnipotently, I'll leave for you to decide. After all beyond the total control of the Guild thing and hunting for Exile, her motives concerning Dio are a complex puzzle to understand and open to interpretation.
The Lady Delphine
A History of the Rebellion as told by her Servant Cicada
It was many years ago that I swore an oath to House Elaclaire as guardian and protector of Lady Delphine. She was just a young girl of twelve and I a newly appointed guard of 19 who knew from the beginning that her destiny was to one day lead the guild. Graf Hamilton, was the Guild Regent who watched over her and her brother, Lord Dio. He ensured that they were well cared for and educated properly, never understanding that the spoiled, willful girl he harbored, plotted secretly for his death.
I watched her with interest since she never ceased to amaze me with her sharp wit and petulant nature. She is breathtaking. Each year that passed she grew even more beautiful and she used it to torture me. She knew my weakness. She understood from the very beginning that I was enchanted by her. I could not help myself, although I tried to resist. I was surrounded by Lady Delphine's presence constantly and when she sought out my adulation on whim I willingly gave it to her without thought.
I was her personal servant, and she made sure that I understood that fact constantly. I did not mind since my placement allowed me to spend all my time with her. I knew that what I yearned for would never be since she was a noble, but my love for her never waned. It is for this reason that I strove to be the best companion and personal guard that was possible. I fulfilled her every request and became her most trusted accomplice.
She could be cruel when the mood struck her. There were many times when she would smile sweetly at me only to scold me. I would bear the brunt of her fury if something had not occurred as she saw fit. I only knew of one person whom she considered as precious as herself, and that was the young Lord Dio. She indulged his every whim and desire as if he were her personal pet. Delphine made it a point to ensure that Dio was happy and that he understood that she was the reason for that happiness. She reveled in his adulation and affection when Dio told her that she was his most favored of all. She was completely content when the small Lord only paid attention to her alone. Lady Delphine's world consisted of Lord Dio. "Cicada, isn't he adorable. How I love cute things! I know he will grow up to be beautiful, and I will ensure that he love's and adore's me alone. Dearest Dio, little does he know of the grand future that lays ahead. I have chosen him as my successor for only he is worthy enough to stand alongside me. Only those with the pure blood of House Elaclaire flowing within them will be worthy of being handed down the Guild secrets. These fools running the Guild on my behalf have disgraced my honor by placating those insignificant insects who live below the clouds. When I am ready I will make them all pay dearly for their lack of vision and insight. I will make the guild all powerful and those who pledge their allegiance to me will be rewarded with the miraculous future." She would say such things with such certainty that I never doubted that it would not be so. Her frail frame clutching her genetic rose creations close to her body as if her very life depended on them.
I could not help but notice how Delphine lashed out at everyone around her if Dio became distracted by others or when the one of the Regents interrupted their time together. Her wrath knew no bounds.
"How dare Graf and Marius try to take Dio from me. We barely spend time together. They insist on handing Dio over to a common Governess of their chosing. He will forget me, Cicada, what can a child of two possibly remember. I will kill them! I will kill them all for their insufferable meddling! Delphine would scream furiously.
"My lady, the young Lord could never forget the one closest to him. Even if you do not see him at all times, your presence is not easily forgotten. You are his sister after all. Say the word Lady Delphine and I will amass your army." I responded sincerely," You are the Maestro, although the Regents withhold your title until you are deemed of age, you need only say the word your supporters will follow you."
"You are so loyal to me Cicada. Next to Dio, I will raise you above all others in the Guild for your constant pledge of loyalty. However, I must insist that you control your pathetic pantings towards me. Don't think that I haven't noticed they way you look at me. Your feelings are unwarranted and however blameless you are for feeling that way, they do much to discredit you in the eyes of the Regents. Cicada, you must understand that you will be instrumental in carrying out my wishes as my most trusted servant. Do not give the Regents a reason to suspect my motives. She stated matter of factly once her temper had subsided. "I have decided to wait until I participate in the Trial of Agoon. Then, once I demonstrate my true skill I will assume my place as Maestro of the Guild where everyone will swear their oath of allegiance to me alone."
"That is two years away My Lady will you be able to wait that long." I asked her.
"I have planned it so. I have already told the Regents of my intention to partake of the Trial at fourteen. They cannot stop me Cicada. It is my inherent right. Anyone who refuses to take the oath and pledge their allegiance to me betrays the Guild. I will give you, Cicada, the honor of restoring my name to its rightful place as Maestro. Any who oppose me will be die in their futile attempt." She turned to face the window and sat quietly meditating silently. Her long white hair swayed softly she placed her roses on her lap and adjusted her headdress and hair ornaments.
"As you wish, My Lady." I said deferentially with a bow wishing that I could reach out and take away her loneliness.
"Cicada,"she sighed,"when I am ruler I will surround myself with only adorable and beautiful things just like Dio and myself. If only you were not a servant, than perhaps we could, but look at how silly I am being, after all, no one will be able to compare with my dearest Dio when he is grown, not even you. Dio will grow to be beautiful, and only I will partake of that rare bloom when it is ready and matured." Her deep blue eyes and heart shaped face turned slightly from the window and she looked directly into my eyes, "Even so, you are striking for someone who is lowborn. That is why you will always serve me, Cicada. You have been very useful." Her sudden outburst causing a red flush to spread across her cheeks. She quickly managed to attempt to hide it by turning her face away from me but it was too late.
My body shook with emotion, it the first time My Lady ever admitted any type of feeling that suggested it was more than a master/servant relationship.