How a Dimitrescu Heart Beats
Chapter 4 - Promises
Yellow eyes peered across that of the eldest Dimitrescu, Bela. The blonde woman was approaching a gathering of people, in a large luxurious room, talking and enjoying everyone's company, as if Lady Dimitrescu was hosting a party. It seemed like a pleasant atmosphere, the group talking, beautiful music playing, just a harmonious and relaxed scene before the blonde woman. For it contained a beautiful moment, involving the blonde woman watching in mysterious fashion her sisters and mother, as well as the other members of the family, Aunt Donna and Bela's niece Angie, Uncle Moreau, and Uncle Heisenberg deep in conversation with of all people, Anton Raddu. The brown haired, tall, blue eyed man who saved Bela from drowning, made pleasant conversation, and showed his artwork.
As the family was all talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. All of a sudden a cackling voice happened to appear in a shadow form, as it surrounded Bela's family and Anton in a giant dark cloud encircling everyone screaming in terror. Bela became frozen as well with terror, and walked towards, making all attempts to stop this scary entity, but could no longer advance, as shadowy, smokey chains snapped around her wrists preventing Bela from trying to save the family and Anton from this devilish creature. She even attempted to call for her insects to transform, but it was futile, nothing would work or allow her to break free.
Bela couldn't help but scream and show utter panic at whatever was attacking everyone she cared about, in which the shadow appeared before her face, continuing to laugh at her speaking in a harsh tone, "You want to save these people? Don't waste your breath. You'll never amount to anything to them, you're a failure, a weakling, and soon you will be shown why you cannot save what you didn't deserve, monster!"
And with that, Bela now screaming, tears flowing like a waterfall, watched in horror as the shadowy being encircled her terrified family. Eyes blinded with a heavy flow of tears, the blonde woman was desperate, and shouting, "Please stop it, I love them, don't hurt them, leave them alone."
The shadow merely ignored her, and began to shapeshift it's shadow into that of a massive hand, as it tightened it's black grip, laughing maniacally around the family for what seemed like seconds. Until the screams and cries stopped.
Then just like that, the shadow creature disappeared just in the blink of an eye, along with a blackened smokey bind around the blonde Dimitrescu. Everything seemingly became a state of silence, as all the smoke around faded, but left a gruelling sight before Bela. She was now witness to the mass of the bodies of her sisters, mother, aunt and uncles laying across the floor covered in white fog, unconscious and unmoving.
Sniffling and wiping her swollen eyes, the eldest Dimitrescu approached ever so cautiously around the horrifying moment, speaking in a shaking voice while attempting to wake the bodies ever slightly, praying for someone to come to.
"C-Cass, D-D-Dani, M-M-M-Mother, A-A-A-A-Anyone??"
All of a sudden, the blonde woman was snapped out of her attention to her downed family, a male voice beckoned the woman, "Bela!"
With tears glistening in the blonde's deep yellow eyes, Bela turned to face a wide eyed Anton Raddu, showing emotions in his face of shock, sadness, and fear staring deeply into the eldest Dimitrescu as if meaning to be saying something very important, "B-Bela...I."
Before having a chance to complete his words, the shadowy creature reappeared behind Anton, and revealed in his smokey hands a handgun, while glancing at Bela with deep red eyes, in which one developed into a shade of blue for a split second, but turned back to its original colour.
Before the blonde woman could attempt to warn or make any action to save the man before her, the shadow creature grinned, with sharpened white fangs showing, and pulled the trigger of the gun to the back of Anton's head with a deafening bang.
Bela could only scream, "NO" before watching the gruesome sight of Anton's brains and blood spewn across, as his body dropped hard to the ground.
The blonde Dimitrescu could only gasp, and cover her mouth with both her hands, feeling another round of tears approaching, and shaking from head to toe hard in terror.
The shadow creature then glanced with red eyes towards Bela, before grinning maliciously in her direction, and with that launched itself at the terrified blonde woman.
--
Castle Dimitrescu
Romania
Early September 1940
A loud scream echoed into an empty room, as Bela snapped her head up from her massive sized, maroon coloured blankets covered in large amounts of sweat, in her maple oak wooden framed bed.
The blonde rose rapidly, breathing heavily, her golden orbs wide eyed as she glanced around her room just waking up from such an eerie but frightening nightmare, muttering to herself,
"Just a dream….just a bad dream." With that she brought her bare hands towards her face, sweat pouring down her tattooed brow as she covered her eyes, beginning to rub her palms over her pale face, groaning, and then going into deep thought…
What was that nightmare about? Do my sisters and family still consider me a failure? I thought we got past all that. Was it some kind of message? I'm not sure I want to know. And why was that man….Anton is my dream? What was he gonna say? I wonder how he is doing lately...I do long to see his return, that smile, those alluring blue eyes, handsome face.
A warm smile began to creep onto Bela's face, as dreamily went into those thoughts, but was snapped to by a knocking at her door.
Removing her palms from her hands, wiped her sweaty head, sniffled, and hollered at the direction of the door, "Come in."
With that, the door opened and in strode the chambermaid, Elena Benzar. The green eyed woman looked at Bela a little confused, but gave a pleasant smile greeting the blonde woman, "Good morning Lady Bela."
"Good morning Elena, please come in, how are you this morning, what time is it?" responded Bela with a warm smile.
The short brown haired girl entered formally into the eldest Dimirescu's room before making her way towards the large dark blue coloured curtains, pulling them open and responding, "I am very well my lady, it's just after eight 'o clock this wonderful sunny morning. The countess has requested me to see you and ask you to join her and the other ladies for breakfast in the dining hall."
With rays of the bright morning sun, it felt like it was blinding Bela, who quickly brought a hand towards her face to block the golden colours penetrating her amber orbs. She then watched Elena proceed to her large wardrobe, opening the door, and looking back at the eldest Dimitrescu, to which Bela responded, "I'll have the usual black dress, please Elena, let my mother and sisters know I'll be down in a few minutes. Thank you."
With that the chambermaid returned a soft smile, bowed and went out of Bela's bedroom, closing the door softly.
The blonde woman pulled the covers off, while scratching her black flower tattoo temple, yawned, stretched making a cracking sound in her lower back. Bela then approached her large vanity while wearing a white silk nightgown, and stared into her mirror for a minute, before beginning to brush and tidy her golden blonde hair. Upon completion of this task, she looked down towards her beautiful necklace, with a crimson coloured red pendant in the centre, before bringing it up to attach to her neck.
All of a sudden, she looked into the mirror and saw the same shadowy entity appear behind her, with what looked like a large blade, grinning with huge white fangs and red eyes. Bringing Bela into such terror, wide yellow eyed glance, and turn quickly around to see no such sight, as the frightened blonde Dimitrescu held onto her table.
Breathing heavy and fast, Bela couldn't help but look around, eyes scanning every position of her vastly large bedroom, only to hear absolute silence.
Muttering quietly, "What is wrong with me?"
--
After a few moments of silence, and deep thought. Bela had gotten dressed into her usual black robed dress, with hood down showing her beautiful blonde hair with locks, came down stairs and was approaching the kitchen, hearing the loud voices of her sisters, Cassandra and Daniela. Thankfully the voices were not angry or negative like what Bela had heard and faced recently.
Entering the kitchen, the brunette and redhead Dimitrescu sisters were seated beside each other in conversation, around a fair sized wooden dining table, covered with various meats and fruits. At the head was Bela's mother, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu. There sat in the large chair, the 9'6 woman, wearing her favourite while silked low chested cut dress with the black roses attached to the left of around her shoulder, though not brandishing her usual wide hat this morning but allowing her dark black curly hair free, sipping a small cup of tea.
Bela entered to the smiles of her sister Daniela and Alcina, approaching towards her mother, Cassandra gave her sister an annoyed look before speaking up,
"Well glad to see sleeping beauty, get her ass out of bed finally. I was just about to start to eat the table."
Bela merely ignored that sarcastic comment, while Alcina gave a glare of daggered yellow eyes disapproving of the brunette's words towards the blonde Dimitrescu. Alcina knew that vulgarity wasn't something impossible to hear from her middle child, Cassandra, but pushed her usually to keep such words to herself, especially as the family gathered together for meals to maintain the formality and mannerable approach she wished upon her daughters.
The brunette narrowed her eyes to the table at that moment, while Bela walked up to Alcina, and gave a light peck on the cheek, speaking softly "Good morning mother." Alcina responded with a warmth of emotion back at her blonde daughter, "Good morning dearest, how are you this morning?" as Bela walked to her seat at the table and sat down.
"I am doing alright mother." Giving a slight but nervous smile, as she felt some unease and nervousness. Her thoughts running around her terrifying dream. Pondering what it was all about.
Alcina couldn't help but give a quizzical look at Bela, before continuing to enjoy her tea. They all continued to enjoy their meal together, between laughs and warm moments together as a family. Still the blonde dimitrescu couldn't help but feel tense, didn't eat all that much, and at one point went into a strong stare leaving her hot blooded tea on the table before her. Lady Dimitrescu couldn't help but look very concerned.
Finally breaking the conversation after some time, Alcina spoke, "Well girls, what have you planned for today."
Daniela, the redheaded Dimitrescu was first to pop up excitedly, "I think I will go to the opera room, and continue practicing that little piece called, Moonlight Sonata. Oh mother, I would be so happy if you'd come by this evening and I can give you a small performance."
Alcina smiled towards the youngest Dimitrescu, "Of course sweetheart, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
At that point, Cassandra gave an annoyed scoff, bringing her hand to pinching her nose, "Oh for crying out loud we don't need to hear your boring Bach music crap."
Daniela snapped towards Cassandra with a mere sarcastic gesture, "That's Beethoven idiot...don't hate such a talented artist before you" while waving a little finger in the hair with a click of her tongue.
Both Bela and Alcina, chuckled at that moment between the two sisters. Alcina then glanced towards Cassandra asking, "You have anything better planned dear?" To which the middle Dimitrescu responded with, "Well definitely not wasting time on playing some boring piano." Paused for a moment before looking towards Bela, saying "I'll probably make my way to the armoury, might actually do some sparring but need a partner. Care to join me sis?"
But the eldest Dimitrescu, was visibly uneasy towards something, merely staring at her beverage in front of her, while seeing her hands beginning to rub her dress nervously. Cassandra looked visibly concerned, before reaching over to place a hand on Bela's shoulder giving her sister a puzzled look, "Hey anyone home in there?"
Bela snapped to, merely glancing with her yellow orbs to her sisters and answered, visibly tense to all at the table but tried to give an honest smile "I'd be happy to join you, but maybe later Cass."
Both Cassandra and Alcina looked unconvinced, but to break the silence after a moment, Lady Dimitrescu stood up from the table, "Well girls, I'm sure you all have your plans for today, I must make my way to my study to prepare for the Duke's meeting and his deliveries today. Bela, would you like to join me and give me a hand with some of my duties?"
The blonde woman glanced towards her mother for a second, before looking back towards her sisters as asking for permission.
Daniela responded excitedly, while glancing back at her blonde sister, "Don't worry about me, I've got my day planned." Cassandra responded giving Bela an assured look while her hand was placed on the blonde woman's shoulder, "It's okay, help mother out, I'll see you later nerd."
Bela then looked back to Alcina with a sombre look, "I'll come help you mother, you go ahead I'll be right up."
Alcina smiled warmly back, before leaving the dining hall, ducking her massive form under the large open door towards the staircase.
The eldest Dimitrescu stood up from the dining table, and proceeded to exit the hall before glancing back at her sisters and gave a small wave before leaving the two girls at the table.
As Bela continued to the staircase, all of a sudden everything froze at that moment, the entire hall went dark, and the fog came back with the terrifying sight of her mother, Lady Dimitrescu on the floor unconscious, blood all around the floor. The shadow figure appeared once again, laughing loudly, with a menacing grin, then pointed at the downed body, speaking "You failed Bela, you are nothing but an absolute failure, and you will never be able to protect your family from me."
The blonde woman could only stare, mouth agape, shaking all over, "Leave her alone, Leave me alone, STOP!!!!" As she ducked down, covering her arms over her terrified form, beginning to softly sob.
At that moment, all went back to normal, the figure disappeared with all the fog. Bela lifted her shaking body, standing back up, looking across the entire hall with her terrified golden eyes. Breathing heavily, but slowing finally into deep thought..
What the hell is happening to me? I'm not a failure, I will forever protect my mother, my sisters, my family, everyone I care about…
With that, she straightened her black dress out, and opened the door to the study, to prepare for the day.
--
Raddu Farm
Romania
Early September 1940
Morning came quite fast, as Anton Raddu was already pulling the covers off him and leaving his bed, and began to dress for the day. The man had selected a thin white shirt, grey pants, and brown boots.
The night before was not an easy night to rest. Between racing, getting medicine for his sick Aunt Ester, and picking a very agitated sister in Lasi. Beyond that, there was the false hope that the aunt would even take the medicine that the Duke had provided to Anton.
Lucille had run into the house that night, hoping to find tons of food on the table that Ester had made, but was deeply saddened to see her sick, not being able to get out of bed the whole day. Everyone was beside themselves. Thankfully, aunt Ester ended up taking the medicine as well as some herbal tea before resting, despite being well after midnight.
But through the night, Anton had a difficult time catching sleep outside of his worry if his aunt would be okay. But his mind drifted excitedly towards a potential meeting with that blonde haired, beautiful, yellow coloured eye girl he met at her family's property by a lake, Bela.
Though his mind wandered all the way into the morning, he couldn't help but feel nervous…
Is she going to be there? Is she even going to want to see me? She did seem visibly upset the day we met, but I thought we got a little more comfortable around each other. Well let's see what today brings….
As morning approached, Anton grabbed his coat to step out the door onto the Raddu farm, and the morning dew rose across the beautiful landscape. The most beautiful sunrise appeared, as the man looked and mesmerized how it's golden colour reminded Anton of Bela's striking, incredible features, her blonde hair and those alluring yellow eyes.
The weather for the day felt unusually humid, although these parts of Romania could experience such warm weather, it was rather unusual at this early in September that Anton thought. But the brown haired Raddu stood waiting excitedly but also felt a surge of tiredness, he cursed himself for Anton should have got much more sleep to prepare for the first day on the job, working for all people, the Duke. Someone who got a job with a man of that stature, should be ever thanking the heavens, for it wasn't something to be taken lightly as the large man generally worked by himself. "Why me? Why did he pick me? What's all special about me?" muttered Anton quietly to himself.
The man's confusion was snapped to, when appearing onto the road approaching the house, was the large carriage with two horses, and in the seat sat the overly large man, the Duke wearing his usual blue vest, beige shirt, grey pants all that barely fit the mammoth sized business man. Puffing on a cigar, addressed Anton with a wave of his massive hand,
"Good morning Mr. Raddu. Are we ready for today already? I appreciate your optimism to start work. We are sure to have an eventful day."
Anton smiled warmly, before approaching the carriage and bring himself up on a seat addressing the Merchant, "Good morning Mr. Duke sir. It is a beautiful morning. Agreed it should be most interesting." The man's thoughts dwelling towards the blonde Dimitrescu as he glanced in the castle's direction, grinning.
Almost as if the Duke could read the man's thoughts, smiled and removed his cigar, "Well we mustn't keep the customers waiting, shall we?" With that Anton gave a quick nod, and the carriage harness snapped by the Merchant, started to make the horses move away from the property and proceed with the deliveries for the day.
Most of the morning, small farms were visited near the village and various supplies, foods, and other various merchandise were delivered. Trades, loans, and sales completed with the most excellent accuracy. Anton couldn't help but be astounded with everything the Duke possessed in his vast inventory.
As the morning grew later, and sun was high with the heat growing more intense, the eldest Raddu sibling couldn't help but feel quite excited as he knew the time was inching towards his hopeful second meeting with the blonde Dimitrescu, going through his mind how he'd behave, what he'd say, so many joyful emotions, like he was a child in a vast candy store.
However, the carriage turned down a road away from the village and Castle Dimitrescu. Anton couldn't help but frown, and light a cigarette blowing it in a frustrated manner. The Duke glanced beside him to notice the brown haired man's reaction, before speaking, "Ahh Mr. Radu, we have one of my most important customers down this road we just need to stop at, as you know it is not wise to leave the customer waiting."
Anton could only nod, smoke, and sigh as the journey carried them quite the distance from the village.
After it seemed like forever, the two began to pass a fair sized forest to the side of the road, suddenly a feeling of unease rumbled in Anton's stomach as his blue eyes widened for what appeared upon clearing the forest area.
The sight was as it was, but badly damaged, scolded, and discoloured frames of a fair sized farmhouse across a fair sized field, that Anton felt overwhelmed in a sense of emotions.
Anton looked to the Duke, who gave a sombre, but sympathetic look and asked, "Please Mr. Duke, can we stop for a minute." At that the large carriage came to a stop beside the desolate property.
The man disembarked from the carriage right away, and began a slow walk towards the burned house, slowly wiping the sweat from his brow, as the sun shone down brightly, bringing such heat.
Finally approaching the heavily damaged farm house, with no door. Anton, now wide eyed, mouth slightly open, brought his hands to his hips as he surveyed the scene unfolding before him.
Around the man, were mounds of blackened dirt, broken glass, heavily damaged wood frames, like that of a war zone. But his blue eyes spotted something amongst the mess, as he approached and picked up a rather small silver, framed picture and brought it to his face.
Hearing a loud crunching sound behind, Anton paid no attention to the approach of the Duke from behind him, as he stared contently into what was that of a small picture, of a black and white photo covered in dirt, showing a fair sized family. The man spoke softly in a question form without facing the large man presently behind while smoking his cigar.
"Would you like to hear a story Mr. Duke?" Upon which the oversized man merely nodded.
Anton began, "Once upon a time, there was a boy who lived in a wonderful place, who had everything his heart could ever dream of. He felt nothing would ever touch him, he had love, family, friends, freedom."
Feeling a tear form in one of his eyes.
"Then one day, the boy had everything from his life taken, but people who saw nothing but to let the world burn. And from that point, the boy was changed, looking for a sense of purpose, but felt it was impossible to find that happily ever after, no matter where he turned."
At that point, the Duke approached slowly, placing his large hand on Anton's shoulder, softly muttering "Perhaps you are destined to find that happily ever after soon then Mr. Raddu." Giving Anton a sympathetic glare with his very small eyes.
Upon which, Anton dropped the picture amongst the rubble, and returned with the Duke back to the carriage and carried on.
After a few moments, the two men were approaching a fair sized town, but also saw a sight before them that put Anton into cautious mode. The man spotted what was a seemingly checkpoint, guarded by three armed men with a small guard shack and barrier. The setup was blocking the carriage's access into the town, upon which Anton gave the Duke a questionable look, which he spoke up, "Those are the Russians Mr. Raddu. They have been in our country since June now. I am afraid I have had little connection or interaction with them, as generally my customers will decide to pick my merchandise away from them. They are not an easy bunch to bargain with, however we shall see what we can do..perhaps they will be intrigued by my merchandise I possess, everyone does have a price" grinned the large man. To which Anton could only nod
The carriage began to approach only a few yards from the guards, upon which a fairly tall older man with a long mustache, wearing his dark green helmet and beige uniform held his hand up and approached while holding his rifle. To his side another youngest man, wearing a small cap, eating an apple watching the carriage approach but didn't seem as interested as the tall older soldier was taking in.
Anton brought the two horses to a halt, stopping the carriage. He climbed down and approached the tall, old soldier who looked at the eldest Raddu sibling.
Speaking calmly and pleasantly to the guard, Anton said, "Good afternoon gentlemen, we are entering the town, my employer has a very important delivery to complete."
The older Russian guard glanced Anton up and down before his face turned to that of anger, and spoke in a slow, deep, tone full of suspicion "Do you now? Do you have a pass to come to this side of the border….boy?"
Anton could only glare puzzlingly at the Russian soldier, before turning to look back at the Duke, his expression of we don't have a pass do we, so what do we do now Mr. Duke?
The blue eyed Raddu, just shook his head before speaking up calmly, "As I spoke my good sir, we have a very important delivery, I am sorry we do have a pass nor do I have my passport on me, but if you will just let me."
At that point, the Russian soldier while holding his rifle shoved Anton back a foot, before speaking annoyingly at the man, "You know the law boy, you must have a pass to enter this side of the border, turn your little ass around before I get more angry."
Anton, shocked, merely chuckled mockingly at the soldier, as if not taking the seriousness of the situation. Approached the Russian man again, speaking calmly,
"I'm sorry my friend, we just need to make one delivery to the merchant's important customer. We will not be long, and if you wish you can accompany us."
The soldier, now becoming seriously angered walked slowly up to Anton's face now mere inches, that the blue eyed man began to frown, feeling the angering breath that smelled of alcohol, before speaking very angrily, eyes turned into daggers before shocking the eldest Raddu with something he did not expect, or want to receive.
"I said….get lost….now. But if you want to deliver something, deliver this back to your fat ass boss."
With that the Russian soldier took his rifle and launched his weapon into Anton's lower gut with a loud, "OOF" coming from the blue eyed man, then was on the receiving end of the rifle coming across his face. The attack caused Anton to fall to the ground hard, puffing and catching his breath.
Anton had been in fights in the past, but never had felt this immense pain. His gut felt like it was on fire, and he brought his hand towards his mouth, patting his lip and noticing it bleeding. At this point, Anton felt such anger in him, and prepared to get back up and attack the Russian soldier who hurt him with his rifle.
The man spat blood onto the dirt road, before getting back up and glaring down with his blue eyes into the Russian guard. All of a sudden, the Duke approached from behind, and grabbed Anton on the shoulder with a massive hand to stop him from agitating the soldier any further.
"Mr. Raddu, please I can speak to my customer, and arrange for a pickup at another time. It is an important delivery, but can be forgiven, we have another important delivery, and the day is growing late" as the large man grinned, snapping Anton out his anger.
The blue eyed man, merely turned to give a hardened stare at an even longer stare with the old Russian soldier, before wiping his mouth of blood and turning back to the carriage.
After a moment, the carriage turned around from the military checkpoint, and headed in the opposite direction. After a few moments, Anton, taking a handkerchief, wiped blood dripping slightly from his lip. The man spoke up, looking at the Duke with an apologetic look, "I'm truly sorry what happened back there Mr. Duke, I'm just sick of those bastards, having any claim to this country, I'll make sure that will never happen again."
The duke merely chuckled slightly, grinning from ear to ear, "You have much of your father's defiance in you Mr. Raddu, but do not worry it is a trait that during times like these, can become very beneficial."
Anton gave the man a shocked stare, as his blue eyes widened, "You knew my father?"
The large man glanced back at the man beside him, for a second, before, "I did a great deal of my business with him. He was truly a pleasant man, good hearted, kind, and very enthusiastic to do business with."
A look to the ground for a second, as Anton was feeling confusion, then sadness as his thoughts went back to that unfortunate day…
Father never mentioned about dealings with the Duke….When did this happen, I don't ever recall seeing him at our home...this has been an eventful day.
A voice spoke up with words that snapped Anton's attention widely towards the moment he had hoped for through the entire day.
"Well Mr. Raddu, it is late in the morning, and we are now going to be making our way to the Dimitrescu home. We have it as our last delivery for today, and I have matters to discuss with Lady Dimitrescu."
Almost jumping out his seat in celebration, Anton could only look to the distance, smiling from ear to ear, the chance was coming to be. Another potential encounter with that incredible beautiful blonde woman, Bela.
--
Castle Dimitrescu
Romania
Early September 1940
Much of the morning saw a large amount of ledgers and other accounting books being completed. But the atmosphere was somewhat relaxed, for if it was only Bela just in the study room, she might never be able to complete anything, just feeling so tense and nervous all morning.
Thankfully Alcina Dimitrescu, the blonde woman's mother was in the study room assisting and writing notes in some other books. There shere warmth of her voice and presence was enough to ease any of the Dimitrescu children, during tense moments, and this was sure enough one that Bela could never be thankful enough.
After a few moments, Alcina looked and gave a warm smile at the eldest Dimitrescu sibling before bringing her hand on top of the blonde hair and giving a light kiss on the side of her cheek, on her head as she seemed so focused on making notes in one of the books. Finally, Bela looked into her mother's eyes nervously.
"Have I done something wrong, mother?"
Alcina could only stare softly into her eldest daughter's eyes, with a warm smile speaking quietly,
"Nothing Bela, you have never done anything wrong my sweet ladybug. And yet something is clearly bothering you, I saw it at the dining table this morning. Please dear, you can tell your mother."
Bela finally placed the pencil in her pale hand down, softly on the large book in front of her, before looking down at the book. Softly speaking, with tension felt in her shoulders,
"I..I just had a bad dream last night, mother, I'll be okay."
Lady Dimitrescu gave a slight frown, utterly unconvinced, took action by placing a soft hand cupping her daughter's chin bringing it slowly to look into her deep yellow eyes, seeking truth and softly spoke.
"Bela Dimitrescu, we don't lie in this house. If you don't tell me what is bothering you, I can not help you."
The blonde woman, clearly in such unease, couldn't help but go into deep thoughts….
What do I tell my mother? I did have a bad dream. But what was it about? Everyone I care about was dying. And that man thing...no that man, Anton was in my dream too...oh my God, mother can't know about him and how he came onto the property, I didn't slice him to bits, I let him live...I spoke with him...I felt his touch on my skin….those warm blue eyes, gorgeous physique, incredible personality….no if mother heard about this, she would consider me a failure, a weakling...I will say nothing….
At that moment, Bela was saved by the sound of clopping horse steps and onto the stone path leading up to the Dimitrescu home. To which, the blonde woman got up from her seat at the large desk in the study, and approached the window quickly.
The sight before Bela, was that of both confusion and somehow even excitement. For what the blonde Dimitrescu saw, was the Duke's carriage, with the Duke's large form in one seat, and a brown haired, blue eyed, handsome tall man that Bela could recognize from anywhere, Anton Raddu.
As if nearly wanting to break the window, the blonde woman held her patience, merely staring with her yellow eyes out onto the sight of the Duke's carriage approaching and coming to a stop at the front of the property.
Finally speaking, but not facing Lady Dimitrescu, with a hint of excitement.
"Mother, the Duke has just arrived. The supply delivery no doubt, he…..he has an assistant?"
The golden haired woman couldn't help but feel a large grin form on her mouth, as she watched intensely the dreamy looking man step down from the Duke's carriage. Bela thought such warm, comfortable thoughts, and felt like her insects were tickling her entire stomach insides. Stil, the blonde woman couldn't help but tilt her head, looking puzzlingly at the sight on her front doorstep practically, into thoughts…..
Anton? Why is Anton here? And with the Duke? Is he working for him? He looks so handsome, and what a wonderful thing to help the Duke of all people. I'd like to see him...oh my how do I look? Is my hair okay? Okay….stop Bela, breathe, maybe he needs help….that's it.
All of a sudden, Bela got an idea. As the blonde woman looked towards her mother and spoke, "Mother, perhaps I should take down the manifest, to ensure everything is as it should be and accurate. We don't want anything left out or lost."
Alcine merely glanced at her daughter, before smiling softly and responded, "An excellent idea my darling daughter, you are too good to me. Proceed downstairs, and let the Duke know to please meet me in my tea room, as we have business matters to discuss."
The blonde woman couldn't keep herself at her mother's permission, Bela nodded at Alcina, smiling warmly and responding with, "Yes mother." Before making her way in quick fashion to the door of the private study. Then opening it, before turning to her mother one more time, smiling, and shapeshifting into her insect form and flying out the room and down the hall towards the front door. Alcina chuckling to herself, and selecting her cigarette holder and attaching a cigarette, lighting and blowing thick clouds of smoke into the air.
--
It had been a true sight for sore eyes, although Anton had seen the towers from the distance from either his uncle's farm, or even that fateful day at the lake when he first met….her….Bela.
The blue eyed man couldn't help but scan his eyes across the majestic, massive, but spectacular building that was Castle Dimitrescu. Anton's thoughts going deep..
Such a beautiful looking home, so vast, so intricate, hello Bela, hope you are well, I wonder what you are up to on this beautiful day.
His thoughts interrupted, as the Duke approached raising both his massive hands and widening them as if trying to embrace the massive mansion in front of the two, speaking, "And here we are Mr. Raddu, Castle Dimirescu, home of one of the four lords. We must wait now for one of the castle's denizens to see us, before we proceed with our delivery."
Anton merely nodded, as he glanced up again admiring the gorgeous property with his blue eyes scanning all before him. He pondered, how it would look if he could take upon him to paint the castle closer, but he knew he would never be able to unless he saw Bela.
But his thoughts were interrupted, by a small form of blowflies, starting to fly around the eldest Raddu sibling's face. Frowning and confused, he started to swing at the mass of insects flying in his face, not so much to attack, but to almost block his ability to advance anywhere on the Dimitrescu property.
Becoming concerned, Anton attempted to pull back, but was surprised from behind by another massive form of the creatures, which did a most surprising thing. They started to...laugh, a light playful giggle came from the black swarm that appeared behind him, while it was holding a small clipboard.
Anton became initially confused, as his blue eyes widened in shock watching the insects come together and form a complete human shape, to his wide grin, he watched Bela Dimtrescu form in front of him, her golden eyes piercing his as she smiled widely and greeted both patrons.
"Good afternoon Mr. Duke and to you sir" as she playfully laughed while holding the manifest in her gloved hands.
The Duke smiled warmly at the blonde Dimitrescu, waving his massive hand as his response, before speaking,
"Hello lady Bela, you are looking most wonderful today, I hope you are well, I would like you to meet my assistant, Mr. Anton Raddu. And Mr. Raddu, this is Lady Dimitrescu's daughter, Bela."
The eldest Dimtrescu, smiled back while looking with piercing golden eyes into the assistant's deep blue eyes. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Raddu."
Anton snapped out his trance, eyeing the beautiful blonde woman, responding with a most warm smile, "Pleased to meet you B...my lady" as he blushed in embarrassment.
Bela merely giggled at that moment, loving the sincerity in his soothing voice. Before returning her attention to the duke, "I am here to assist with the count of the deliveries, my mother has requested you to conduct your business with her in the tea room."
The Duke smiled warmly, "Thank you lady Bela, I will proceed with meeting with Lady Dimitrescu to discuss our matters. Mr. Raddu please proceed with the unloading, I shall return later. If you require anything further, please see to lady Bela. I am pleased to see you again my dear."
And with that, the Duke proceeded to walk his large form into the castle's front door, leaving the two outside in the warm, humid air.
As the moments went, Anton proceeded to unload a number of crates and barrels off the back of the carriage. Every so often, glancing at Bela with a most attractive smile while she tried to focus, maintaining count of the delivery, but she couldn't help but glance, blush, and wink playfully back at the blue eyed man.
The eldest Dimitrescu, could not help but feel a sense of ease, and warmth inside of her watching this most attractive man work in the heat with sweat coming down his face, seeing his muscles, body, and blood pump into such work. This man was an absolute dream boat to Bela's yellow eyes.
As the amount of boxes, crates, and barrels were finished being unloaded and placed into a storage building by the castle. Anton returned back to the carriage, before going into the back of it, while looking quickly at Bela's direction for a second, who was focused on writing something on her clipboard.
The eldest Raddu sibling, went into the vast large carriage's rear, upon seeing various types of merchandise, medicine, food, and came across a small but beautiful pink rose. At that point, Anton decided to select it to give as a small gift to the blonde Dimitrescu.
Approaching silently, snuck up while Bela was focused on writing and checking to make sure the entire load of supplies was accounted for. Tapped the blonde woman lightly with the end of the beautiful flower on her golden blonde hair, making her raise her head to being faced with such a gorgeous looking present.
Bela couldn't help but blush but smiling wide, with a soft sight muttering, "Oh my...Mr. Raddu, what are you doing?"
Anton couldn't help himself, and replied in a very soothing warm voice, "If I may, a beautiful flower for a most beautiful woman." Bela almost fainted in the show of affection, as she put her clipboard down, and accepted the pink rose from the brown eyed man.
The blonde Dimitrescu then brought it to her nose, inhaling the wonderful fragrance, and blushed lightly, before bringing her amber orbs into the man's deep blue ones. Anton stared for a moment, before speaking again, "You know there are a lot of flowers in a man's life, but there is truly only one rose."
Bela gushed at this sight of affection, and flirting, before speaking up almost stuttering, "Well….it looks like everything is delivered okay."
The man cleared his throat, before speaking "Yes, everything is taken care of, and my boss is now with the countess. Looks like I'm on a break, would you care to join me for a walk Bela?"
The eldest Dimitrescu then replied, softly "I would love to."
After a few moments, the two were walking side by side, then Anton heard some beautiful melody from an opened window, being played softly. "Someone really likes to play Beethoven."
Bela, staring at her gorgeous pink rose, snapped out of her trance and replied, "That would be my youngest sister, Daniela. She really loves playing piano, and is getting much better at it, her latest piece Moonlight Sonata, looks like me and my sisters and mother are in for quite the performance tonight."
All of a sudden, a loud off key was heard from an open window, by the opera hall, upon which was followed by the redhead Dimitrescu, cursing loudly, "Fuck! Oops, erm...I mean oops."
Both Anton and Bela began laughing softly to themselves, finally the blonde woman piping up, "It's a work in progress as you can see."
The man could only shrug, replying softly "Everyone starts somewhere you know."
After a minute, Bela went from feeling relaxed, to a little nervous, a deep thought went through the blonde's mind…
Oh my god, he saw me in my insect form. I hope I didn't scare him when I did that. Ugh how stupid I am for doing that. But he gave me this gorgeous pink rose as a gift. He must really like me, I have to say….I'm really liking him...I should be careful though…
Bela decided to risk her most important question, as she continued to run her gloved hands over the pink petals of the flower in her hand, then bringing her golden eyes to look at Anton's blue eyes, "Anton….I must ask you something important."
At that point the man directed all attention, penetrating Bela's yellow eyes with his deep blue gaze, stopping his walk at the same time as the blonde woman, giving a puzzled expression, "Of course, ask me anything you want to."
Bela gave a sigh, then spoke softly, "When you saw my….form happen, were you frightened?"
Giving the most sincere, pleading yellow eyes, Anton already knew how he felt at that moment and now, answering without hesitation, "I was not frightened at all, I find it extraordinary that you can do that...I've heard things from the villagers as you no doubt know, but no that was amazing, thought remind me to never carry a fly swatter at home again."
Bela couldn't help but laugh softly, then a little louder at his joke, playfully slapping his arm with the pink rose in her black gloved hand, then while smiling looked back into Anton's blue eyes.
"You did not feel scared? I don't understand, everyone in the village thinks it's terrifying...that they think all the time that were monsters...to be as you said titled and hated for eternity."
Never is Bela's wildest imagination, did she expect anyone to never consider her a monster, or to not be frightened by her insect shapeshifting form, most would either run or attack.
While in that deep thought, Anton brought his one hand towards Bela's gloved hand, speaking softly, "I don't think anyone can be a monster, who embraces beautiful flowers, who loves their family, who just carries such...warmth about them."
Bela couldn't help but look to the side, not facing Anton feeling slightly embarrassed and turning slightly red across her pale face, shrugged. "I guess you can say that we are birds of a different feather."
Anton replied immediately, giving a joyous expression, "Some birds are quite beautiful."
The blonde merely blushed, before speaking with a tense look, "Some birds can also be deadly."
The man, not bothered by that comment, replied still grinning, "But they have their reasons, some for foraging for food or some to protect their young or selves."
Bela merely nodded slowly at Anton's point, before the two continued to walk. A minute of silence developed between the two, before Bela began to simmer her through her thoughts….
He doesn't know the whole story around me...my family….I think I will tell him.
While playing with the rose in her fingers, Bela finally huffed a nervous sigh, and spoke while looking all around at the scenery, her eyes hiding something painful that Anton was dying to see what was wrong…
"Anton, you seem like a very nice man, and I am pleased you decided to join me but you must hear me out. There are things about me, my sisters, my mother that well you probably have heard from the other villagers and what not. We have done many evil, vile, cruel things to people….many ways we have even been called vampiric beings...I'm sure you've heard those interesting tales as well?"
The man merely shook his head, before giving a lightful response, "I've heard these things from these idiotic villagers, and yes I've heard that they have even called you vampires as well for your blood drinking, but I don't chose to believe them, you see that was my point from our last meeting….people who tend to title and hate can cause such animosity without choosing to use their head and their heart when getting to know someone."
Bela looking back at Anton deeply, sadness in her eyes, and beginning to water with tears but made a sigh and responded with,
"I appreciate your kind words Anton, but the reality is that...I...and my sisters and mother have a condition that requires us to consume human flesh and drink large amounts of blood to live, to sustain ourselves. We can in fact consume things you eat too for nutrients, proteins, and the other things to make up a healthy metabolism, but generally the things we need to live, for sustenance, isn't something….normal people require."
Anton gave a shocked look, and nodded, before the blonde Dimitrescu continued, "The condition isn't anything fatal like a cancer or disease, but it can lead to it if we don't have the ability to sustain our condition requiring these….unusual things. They do come with helpful things, they enhanced many of my abilities that would be considered inhuman, the ability to heal from injuries quicker than most, move very quickly, and provide me with a lot of strength to do things many other strong humans would break their back trying to do."
Breathing a sigh, and continuing to stare at the ground, while walking, Anton asked softly, "And the insects you can turn into?"
Letting out a small chuckle, "Oh those, hmm, well I don't know how they came to be a part of me. I do know they are quite fascinating, aren't they. I do know however, they, as part of me, cannot work with the very cold temperatures, and tend to go into a hibernation-like mode, but many just simply die off, therefore I cannot sustain myself with cold temperatures."
The man chuckled back softly, "Ahh, but nobody likes the cold anyway, you're not missing much with these Romanian winters."
Bela giggled, "Yes..but with these harsh Romanian winters, it forces me and my sisters to be stuck in the castle, until the season changes...otherwise it could end us. So we try to make the most of it, but there are times we fight, argue, say heartbreaking things….that happened the day we met, and I had a bad fight, and then saw myself as not amounting as much of a big sister to my family."
Within moments, the walk brought the two to the edge of the Dimitrescu property, as Anton and Bela looked out into the serene atmosphere with the sparkling lake, lush grass, extravagantly tall trees, and smell of pine, green vegetation, and spring water. Both looked wide eyed, before the man smiled and spoke softly "Don't places like this bring back the most pleasant memories."
Bela looked towards Anton, her gaze pierced by the man's blue eyes, causing her to blush brightly, and replying with, "Very pleasant ones."
They two then continued to walk towards the sparkling lake, down a set of damaged stone steps.
But the moment was interrupted, as the blonde woman looked at the ground before feeling a need to continue her conversation, "The sad truth, is that through requiring all this sustenance, all the humans we have eaten, or drained for blood, look as what it has came to, people despise us, hate us, and even…...have tried to harm us."
At that point, Bela led Anton down the dirt path to an area on the grass where they proceeded to sit. The blonde woman brought herself to bring a story, one she has not told to anyone but her sisters, staring with her golden eyes at the lake.
"A few years ago, me, my sisters Casandra and Daniela were outside, enjoying each other's company, laughing and talking, just enjoying the day. Daniela spotted some pretty wild flowers on the ground, and went to go collect them. The moment was just so surreal, the peace and quiet. Then the moment happened."
The eldest Dimitrescu's face hardened into anger, frowning deepling, her teeth grinding, "Three man things, came onto our property. Daniela wasn't paying attention, two were approaching her from behind armed with these rifles, one split from the group. Me and Cassandra immediately materialized into our insect form….and took the two men out..throats slit, blood oozing everywhere, as they grabbed their necks, their eyes full of terror, and my sister Cassandra laughing, while holding the one man, just placing her mouth around the slit throat, drinking. Daniela was laughing too, and all I could do was smirk at this show of sadism."
Continuing, with eyes beginning to water, "While we were relishing the kill, one hunter that I should've seen and stopped, took a position somewhere close to us. He fired two shots at Daniela, who had no idea what happened till she was hit, couldn't even swarm to dodge the bullets in time. One hitting Daniela in her leg and other in her shoulder. The scream she made, the tears she had coming out of those innocent eyes. And what I did after."
Anton couldn't help but feel such horrible feelings and his blue eyes focused at the tense, shivering form of this blonde woman who has endured much, she too has had an unfortunate day.
Bela still continued, while a tear dropped down her pale face, "Cassandra ran to her aid, whilst I turned into my insect form, took out this." As the blonde woman pulled from under her skirt, a razor sharp sickle.
With an emotional voice, "I found that man thing, my insects attacked first, penetrating his skin, and then I showed up….I was so fucking angry, and slashed and slashed and slashed at the man. Screaming "You stupid man thing." And continued until I was covered in his blood, guts, and fear. I couldn't even breathe right, then I looked back at my sisters. Cassandra was laughing, but Daniela, whose wounds healed quickly just looked at me...almost saddened. And all I could do was look at my sickle and then my hands, covered in...the man's fear, blood, and also my shame, that I didn't react fast enough, I didn't be the smart sister, the big sister, I didn't stop the third hunter. I made a promise to myself from that day, never again will anyone I love get hurt."
Anton then surprised Bela, by putting an arm around her shoulder. Bela looked directly with her glossy yellow eyes, before wiping her eyes, Anton just gave a warm smile, before softly responding,
"But you see Bela, that's what makes you not a monster, because you care deeply for your sister, your family. A monster doesn't show those things, your heart is pure, determined, and you didn't know those man things were gonna come into your lives and try to take them. You were able to save the ones you love. I wish I had that chance, when I had one day, long ago, I wish I could forget, and prevent."
The blonde Dimitrescu smiled back, tilted her head, her eyes looking puzzled, softly speaking, "What happened to your loved ones?"
Anton cleared his throat, before going into his shirt pocket and pulling out a cigarette, then lighting it, blowing thin smoke in front of him, removing his arm over Bela's shoulder. The blonde Dimitrescu, let out what sounded like a disappointed sigh.
Proceeding to tell this mysterious but amazingly gorgeous woman the most tragic day of his life, he had spoken about that unfortunate day with the Duke, but more in a story form, even though he suspected the Duke knew of the Raddu's family story.
Anton spoke up, "What happened to my loved ones eh. Well, I didn't lose them all, thank mother Miranda for that one. I still have my siblings, my youngest brother Victor, somewhere in Europe fighting a war, and the middle one my dear sister Lucille. And I do live with my aunt and uncle. But….I lost my family some years ago."
Bela looked into the man with her yellow eyes wide in curiosity, "Oh you have siblings too? That's nice, but your brother is fighting in the war? I hope he's okay."
Anton looked back at Bela, while smoking, "He wrote to me and my uncle, seems to be doing fine, enlisted in the German army, stationed somewhere in France. Then my sister Lucille, so full of life, laughter and love, I know sounds a lot like your youngest, Daniela, was it? She's also looking for work but may not have to since I decided to help out the Duke, still I know she'll wanna find something to do."
Bela smiled at that, but her expression went to that of curiosity, but did not want to upset the man beside her trying to pry what happened to his family. Anton, while still smoking, looked at the blonde Dimitescu, not missing a beat, smiled and said, "Would you like to hear about what happened?"
The eldest Dimitrescu merely nodded slowly, before Anton spoke softly, "It doesn't upset me to talk about it...actually it's something I do believe needs to be done."
Continuing, "Well, before I came to the village to my uncle and aunt who have a nice farm. But a good couple years back, when I was younger, there was me, my sister Lucille, and Victor. We three lived with my parents, who had a very large beautiful farm. I've been a farm boy most of my life. But the life I had, was truly something Bela, my parents were incredible people who lived off the land and loved everyone."
Blowing thin smoke, Anton spoke, "Then came the most tragic event ever. My father got into a fight with some other group of men, Hungarian I believe that were armed, and trying to claim our land, livestock and lives. It actually occurred over a number of days, but finally one where me, my sister and brother were outside enjoying a beautiful day like today, the men returned. My father spotted them from far away, and took me and my siblings to speak privately. He said for all of us to run into the woods, and if anything happened to wait till it gets dark, and run for our lives to our uncle's home."
The man's deep blue eyes narrowed from watching the lake, to watching the ground, speaking again "The men showed up, they demanded my father's farm and all the property around. He refused, arguing. One of the men, the leader, became so angry, he…..s--shot my father. My mother came out in hysterics, and that man thing as, you'd put it, shot my mother. Lucille screamed loudly, Victor had his mouth agape, and I couldn't help but stare. The noise caused the group who killed my parents to look our way ...so we ran not waiting for it to get dark."
Continuing, with a soft emotionless voice, while Bela just stared but had a black gloved hand covering her mouth, "We ran...ran..and ran till it was dark and ended up in another woods. That night, of course we barely slept, and poor little Lucille just cried and cried and cried, while Victor held her. By morning, she couldn't cry any longer, her mind went absolutely blank. We continued out of the woods to another small town before reaching this village and my uncle's farm. We were so hungry, but had no money. There was a market set up, and one sold various different breads. Victor decided to steal two loafs for us to eat, and came up with a bold plan he did, for us to distract the owner, while he snuck in. We did that, but the owner, a large Jewish man, didn't pay attention to us for so long, saw Victor steal the bread, became quite angry and chased him into a small alley. We were terrified for our brother, and feared he was going to kill him. Instead the owner approached our scared brother, removed his belt, and all we could watch and hear as he grabbed that young man was crack...crack….crack. He lashed Victor across the hands and arms. Then walked away while giving us a hardened stare...we dropped the bread and ran, showing up at our uncle's farm by mid-day. Exhausted, traumatized, and just starving, we slept for days. It took years for us to get through that day. Lucille finally made it through and was able to recover to become her cheerful self. Victor though, became angry a lot, he was good, but just so angry, didn't like the farm life, moved to Germany...as for me...I decided to travel, took up sketching as a means of putting all my emotions in what I draw and how I feel. I made a promise that I will ensure nobody ever would get hurt again that I care about."
Upon conclusion of this story, Bela was surprised and sympathetic towards Anton during this painful emotional moment, but brought herself to remove her black gloves, and brought a pale hand with darkened nails to wipe the tear on the man's face. Looking with her piercing yellow eyes into Anton's saddened blue eyed expression spoke,
"You're a good man, Anton Raddu, and I'm sorry you lost your parents. Those people are just stupid men, with no love for life."
And with that Bela brought her face to the side of Anton's face, placing a soft kiss with her darkened lips on his cheek, causing the man to blush lightly.
But the eldest Dimitrescu did not back away, but merely paused her position as the two looked eyes, inches apart, feeling the warmth and softness of each other's breath. Staring intensely, Anton and Bela's faces inched closer and closer and closer, and it happened.
The experience for both was like tons and tons of explosives and fireworks exploding in their minds, as the two had never experienced such an event with anyone before. Sure Anton had experience with many women in his travels in Europe, but had never gotten this close. As for Bela, the same, as the family generally were repulsed by men, despite she had seen many handsome young men, but never experienced the joy of this moment.
The passion, desire, lust, warmth of Anton Raddu and Bela Dimitrescu locking lips into each slowly, but growing more hungry for each other, both brought their hands to cup eachother's faces. Bela, then went to lightly nibble on the man's lower lip.
After, what seemed like an eternity in the passionate moment, saw the two break the passionate kiss, before backing away slowly, opening each other's eyes slowly, smiling..
Anton, first speaking up "I've never done that with anyone before." Bela responded softly, "I haven't either, but everyone as you say starts somewhere." Giggling at that moment, smile brightly.
At then, the man spoke and stood up offering a hand to the blonde woman, "I guess we should head back, your mother and my boss are probably almost done with the meetings, shall we?"
Bela grinned softly, "Agreed," then took Anton's hand, as the two had their hands entwined, the blonde placing her head on the man's shoulder returning in the direction of the castle.
Finished with their approach, and at the front of the large mansion, the massive door opened, as the Duke came out grinning just seeing a finishing sight of the two happy couple break the hands being held with each other. "Well I see that Mr. Raddu has completed the unloading, and provided some nice company to Lady Bela."
Anton, blushed brightly before a chuckled response, "Yes everything is done sir, my lady was very pleasant company indeed."
A light giggle escaped Bela, as she watched with strong, passionate yellow eyes as the two got back on their carriage and smiled with a wave, watching the carriage leave the Dimitrescu property down the road and fade away.
Upon the end of that, Bela finally turned around, looking at her pink rose, smelling it once again, and slowly returned into the home.
But once, the blonde Dimitrescu entered the home...the moment went black and dark, fog arose, and the shadowy figure grabbed Bela by the throat, gripping tightly, as she screamed, her eyes filled with ceaseless terror. The creature then threw the eldest Dimitrescu into the house's cold tile floor.
With her wide yellow eyes, her black gloved hand grabbed at her throat but saw her mother, sisters, and even the chambermaid, Elena across the floor, blood everywhere. Bela brought herself to turn around and face a sharp tooth grinned male looking shadowy creature, as it leaned down and looked into the terrified yellow eyes with it's dark red ones, laughing, "Judgement day is coming for you Bela, you the family failure can stop nothing of it. All you want to protect will die."
And at that moment, the shadowy creature disappeared with the fog, and the scene of death all around as well. Leaving Bela, shaken, and afraid of what is coming, alone in the main foyer of Castle Dimitrescu.
Authors Notes:
-Sorry all this chapter, I was excited to do this chapter lots, but had little time between work, family, and other stuff. I got it done, hope you like it.
-The hallucinations that Bela is facing are happening for a reason...more will come :)
-As always, thank you everyone for subs, kudos, and comments, I will respond to what I can.