p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f65a4ff52e73f1616bacead853c2771b"br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /Glass clashing- falling the floor, em style="box-sizing: border-box;"shattering/em. The shards dispersed amongst the floor./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b69768a252b7beb7ebd929a0b552b3c4"Alcina whips her head around, not startled by the sound, but enraged knowing exactly who caused it. The maid who had dropped the glass, looked horrified while quickly scrambling to gather all of the broken pieces./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9423f5bd49f27399876b8497ec62bdd5""Is it truly so difficult to clean wine glasses without breaking any?" She interrogated the other woman in an enraged tone, sending chills down the other woman's spine, causing her to cower. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6ed4d4896d7312953604f860177561c""Of course not, my Lady... my hands just grew clumsy, forgive me?" The maid pleads./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f751e773c03cba87d4c020dc550530f7"Alcina inspected the woman up and down, her chin raised, peering down at the woman from the bridge of her nose, her expression softening only a little bit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="825dca4bbe89e1f3313d16a486d6aab6""Don't let it happen again, clean this up." She scowled, giving her command before moving to leave the room. Alcina's butler had her coat, gloves and hat prepared./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="306a5ceb4676077cc6c3e317786adf8c"A voice erupted from behind her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3255dda24f3d51efa7c40b05b20d24d1""Where are you going exactly?" Stefan's voice echoed through the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f46e6126d9f98bc81051f2e44b7cb455"Alcina rolled her eyes, slipping her arms into the sleeves of her coat, before turning to scrutinize the man who she preferred not to call her husband./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f517519a42d7080c6f77ef2235581bf""Let's not have this discussion, I will win. I may be your wife em style="box-sizing: border-box;"legally/em, but you do not and never will have em style="box-sizing: border-box;"any /empower to make my decisions for me." She then ominously approached him, inching near, slowly taking each step like an animal about to devour it's prey. Her heels clacked beneath her with each step she took./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fa09dccc2fbc78b83abf96c1f2dea024"Alcina wore a crimson dress, compressed at her waist, the skirt of her dress extended to her feet, black thin lace along the trim of her sleeves and at the hem of her skirt, her shoulders sheltered with attenuated, sheer fabric, showing the skin revealed underneath, lightly laying over her skin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d402d52537bbbb2b37884454fd9e3743""I am the one who makes decisions here, do not forget that it is my father's last name that you have. Not your own, therefore, I em style="box-sizing: border-box;"own /emyou." She says cheekily, smirking, knowing that she was the one with the power in this cold-hearted marriage she was trapped within. She then turned and walked away, sauntering towards her butler once more, grabbing her gloves and her matching crimson fan from him, her grin turning immediately into a cold stare the moment that she crossed through the archway, heading towards her carriage. She slipped on her lace and silk gloves, buttoning the fabric at her wrist. She placed her hat on top of her head as she strolled, quickly keeping her hand in place on the top of her head as a gust of wind almost made her hat fly off. The carriage driver opened the door for her, taking Alcina's hand in his, helping her into the carriage./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ded1ab2c9b6c2a2cbdc0e66d36517d65"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87682ffc7d368bbb2cd65665a5e31238"You were rushing around the back garden, Andreea and Marius assisted, assembling the seating area where you and the other ladies were to sit for tea. Luckily Ana had gone back to her room in town early that morning so you didn't have to worry about her being in the way or irritating you in any way. She may have been your cousin but you far from enjoyed her presence./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87a7b7373841c376a9f5d84d91149ede"You attempted to pick the absolute faultless spot for the occasion and you had finally decided, after much debate, to place the table and chairs beneath the tall oak tree in the back yard, it's massive branches casting a large shadow, perfect shade for the gathering you had planned. You wiped sweat from your forehead as you shifted the chairs, Andreea placing freshly picked flowers on display in the center of the table, on top of a beautiful white fabric table cloth. Your fingers gently caressed the fabric to get rid of any wrinkles. You wanted this to be perfect. Just the thought of Lady Dimitrescu coming to your house made your heart palpitate within your chest./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="86b6acec777ce83414a82437f779eab2""The tea, is it ready and warm? The finger sandwiches?" You asked, turning your attention towards Marius, your words spewing from your mouth quickly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ceb236b38caa940d42a4207e3276f22c"Marius held up his hands, trying to soothe your anxiety./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d006ca730b2a397107b8c6473e06664c""Everything is prepared, my Lady. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Patience /emis best in this situation, just take a breath." He insisted in a calm tone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8c6269dda8a59323e037a73de28c0449"You nodded your head, feeling Andreea placing a hand lightly against your shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a7ba7d26808a13cd6b3908c61413ff13""Let's get you washed up before your guests arrive." She requested and you inspected your surroundings, still observing before feeling Andreea tugging at your hand, peeling you away from the area. You let out a groan before following along with the other woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e3ebf1c6b9a1cc555075b9987b75730a"You glance back at Marius as you were ascending the steps from the path, onto the patio./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20ad1bb9ca27a7dd8f8832ee489b41f0""The paintings! Make sure the paintings are displayed!" You shouted before watching Marius leaving to fetch the paintings just like you had requested. You then turned away the last time before trailing after Andreea to your room to get freshened up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1069ffe1df84bb85e786e1559a4ace1d"You submerged yourself into the warm water, laving your face and body. Once cleaned and dried, pinched your cheeks, a rosy-red shade forming. Andreea gave you a confused expression as you emerged from the bathroom with a loose crepe colored dress that was brought together at the waist with a rosewood colored ribbon, wrapped around, tying in a neat bow right above your rear, placing a rose quartz colored sun hat, with fresh flowers delicately resting along the band and of the hat, following a cream silk ribbon. You noticed her expression but refrained from say a single word as you knew exactly why she was staring at you in such a way. You were supposed to still be in mourning. Of course, Andreea never spoke a word to you. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="555b84072fb8e030ead8bd2d429aa7a3"Arriving at the mirror, you stared at yourself for a moment, your eyes lingering over your figure in the gown before you slipped your delicate but slightly calloused hand, due to gardening, into your white, thin lace gloves. They were mostly for fashion than for essential reasons. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9889186e9e0ec769a01c20d5e8ab67bd"As you were placing the last hair pin into your sunhat, keeping it in place, you heard a carriage arriving. Your heart immediately hammering harder in your chest, was that even possible? Was it Lady Dimitrescu? Or was it one of the other ladies you had invited. You weren't sure if those women would even show up considering how you mouthed off to them the last time you saw them, but perhaps those women should learn better than to gossip, you knew them though. Those women had nothing better to do than to speak ill of those whom they were unfamiliar./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f8e52afcdf0a4f29382a76eab38fdf83"You rushed towards the window, your foot accidentally getting caught on your dress and you felt your heart sink as you toppled over to your knees. You had held your hat in place with your hand and laughed a bit, Andreea helping you to your feet. You then rested your hand against the glass window, your breath slightly fogging up the glass, that was when you saw her. You watched as the woman gracefully took the coachman's hand, helping her leave the carriage, incapable of removing your gaze from her. The way her dress was scrunched up by her waist as she emerged. The dress only hiked up high enough to see her shoes but you examined her, every inch. The way her hand was gently holding the other man's, her other hand holding onto her dress as she climbed out. There was no denying how attracted you felt towards this woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f02eeb234830043acf29d8d39f13c4a""Are you going to just stare at her through the window like the child outside of a candy shop? Or are you going to go greet the Lady." Andreea's voice interrupted your thoughts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc58cdea4a31cf06755f6d82f48aaaf8"Your eyes widened with the realization that Lady Dimitrescu was approaching your door now, taking gentle and smooth strides. Was this actually happening? You couldn't believe it. You quickly moved away from the window, holding your dress up some this time so you could prevent yourself from falling again. You hurriedly descended the stair case, panting as you heard Marius opening the entrance door for the other Lady. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dfb69297b74e86c3d1c709c2821a9c1b"Right as the door opened enough for her to be in view, you reached the foot of the stairs, slowing your movements immediately, making an attempt to control your breathing, your lungs burning as they needed more oxygen but you were determined to make it appear as though you didn't just run to the door to meet her, your hands started to shake as you were over exerting yourself a bit, but you took deep breathes to help mellow out your breaths./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="174f0180b21956f9e14ba0559b4348fe"Luckily your husband was gone on business for the day, leaving you the entire day with this woman, possibly the other women as well? You hoped otherwise, you truly wished to become more acquainted with Lady Dimitrescu, without anyone interfering./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6673f7e57b8ae18bf7d48bf143876c4c"You straightened your posture and moved a few more steps as the woman entered, her smell of perfume consuming your senses, bewitching you./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fff2fe26b06cc330839bca5c53eeae1d"Alcina took one step after the other, walking with such poise, towards you. You could see the corner of her lip tugging upward into a smirk./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d208eacb6628e7fec14614208d2d879""Lady Varon." She spoke, giving you a nod of acknowledgment, her voice mature and posh./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d4ab0f8b0c94f2c148be363de0322475""Please, call me (Y/N)" You spoke delicately, trying to control the shakiness of your breath, feeling a bit lightheaded due to your condition./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eeafb749b2fed8c793d090bd443832c5"You could feel as her eyes were scanning you up and down. Marius approached Lady Dimitrescu and offered to take her coat for her. Lady Dimitrescu complied and moved her arms out of the sleeves as Marius carefully removed it. As the coat was removed, your eyes looking her up and down at well, seeing the crimson dress she wore, tight at the waist. The dress fit her perfectly and you had a hard time peeling your eyes away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2a7d510a059aecacc48e7ffdb8094ee3""In that case, you may call me em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Alcina/em." She responded, pulling her hand fan out from her coat before wrapping the strap around her wrist. Your eyes watched as her long fingers wrapped around the closed fan, holding it in her grasp. Her eyes wandered not to you, but to your home. Her eyes seemed to be gathering in her surroundings. Her face held no expression and you grew a bit anxious, did she not like the décor? It was hard to read the woman. Stress overtaking your entire body now, worried that your hours of trying to make sure that everything was perfect, went to waste. You looked towards Marius seeing how even he seemed to be a bit nervous, holding Alcina's coat, before leaving to hang her coat on the rack./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07c8b0932933d7b2261720bc0db69a94""Charming home." She spoke simply before meeting your eyes with her own, maintaining that sophisticated and dominant expression. You were sure that everyone in the room could feel her magnificent and intimidating presence. She knew how important she was, she knew the power she had over people with her looks and integrity./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f960aad3d31167d4ec24106aac7e173f"You cleared your throat and nervously fiddled with your glove-covered digits, pushing your fingers in-between one another to make sure the gloves were secured on your hand./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a81d391b7f005a52814d9e294cbbaa34""You must be parched, please, follow me." You offered, gesturing your hand towards the other room which leads to the back patio. Alcina looked in the direction you pointed towards and nodded her head in agreement./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6cb86012e118eab64684003a1cd90318"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Alcina/em, her name was so exquisite, especially with the way she pronounced it, em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Al-chee-na/em. You then led the way, arriving at a set of glass doors, Andreea opened them for the both of you, feeling as a cool breeze lightly brushed over your skin. You glanced towards Alcina, seeing how the woman practically glowed, coming into the sunlight, watching her beautiful light eyes as they looked over the garden. You couldn't help but smile a bit as she admired your plants from a far./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0f712c3a472b7eaa03949070e1f879b9""Do you wish to see my garden?" You asked the taller woman kindly, watching as Alcina opened the fan she had hanging from her wrist by a simple ribbon, fanning herself, her delicate hand grasping the handle, the fan just slightly under her chin, allowing you to continue seeing her alluring features, and she gave a faint smile. She seemed pleased by the idea./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2037c1d54e262415267b29fcacd8134d"Alcina nodded, before following. You turned and walked down the stone steps, following the path towards the garden, hearing the woman's dress shuffle, her heels clicking against the stone behind you. As you approached the first plant, you slowed your movements and peered over your shoulder towards the other woman, watching how she walked gracefully, Her dress gently hugging and bunching around her waist with each step she took, the woman's devilishly beautiful features shaded due to Alcina's sunhat, her hair elegantly tucked underneath and pinned into a beautiful up-do. You couldn't help but admire how gorgeous she was. Her light and prepossessing eyes, reflecting in your own as you both made eye contact, your heart racing, you were afraid that it would escape from your chest, your entire body feeling the effects from this woman's ethereal presence. It felt as though your dress was tightening around you but in reality, you were feeling a sense of panic as she looked at you. You eyes glanced at her lips, your breath quickening, the whole world going silent. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f4d851729c1dc0bac3d92ebd408181ef"As your mind was taken hostage by her beautiful lips, eyes and face, Alcina seemed to have spoken. You hadn't realized it until you looked back up to her eyes and her smirk was gone, a cold expression appeared again, an eyebrow quirked up. You swallowed and you cleared your throat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="98317520bc7bfcbbe08d445c6888bfeb""Forgive me, what did you say?" You asked her, feeling like a complete fool in this moment, knowing you weren't really making a good impression on the woman. She did em style="box-sizing: border-box;"not /emseem pleased./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7fc73a8c2893a84bc198db24e0f6a519""I'm em style="box-sizing: border-box;"not /emone to repeat my words.-" She started, but saw your stressed expression. She sighed out before turning her attention towards your flowers and pointed towards the roses. "I told you the roses are quite remarkable." She spoke./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b65f6b2292912928e1116e0e0389872"You turned to look at the roses that were on display and you smiled, nodding a bit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1acb9f8872db440ce4f12e4bb585ac07""Thank you... it takes strenuous effort to take care of them in the recent weather but-" You were cut off by hearing the woman's steps as the grew closer to you. you felt her presence closing in on you. You slowly rotate your head towards the woman peaking over your shoulder, only to see that she was now merely inches from you, amusement on her lips, her presence completely consuming you. The smell of her perfume, each breath that she took, feeling as her breath caressed your skin with each exhale./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b9b1c66795cc59bd41e8932ff956b4af"You could feel as Alcina's hand gently brushed past your own, making her way to touch the flowers, her other hand making contact with your waist. The feeling of Alcina's hand on your hip was driving you mad, your body betraying you as you made made the attempt to stay calm and unaffected by her charms./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca6a27ee9b2480cd7e7613c5670e9fbf"Your eyes wandered from the other woman's beautiful, light eyes to her nice cheekbones, down to her lips. You wanted nothing more than to take her lips against yours, but you weren't sure if that was the best action to take in this moment, but it did feel right. Alcina smirked, you knew she was aware of the affect she had on you, it was obvious. She caressed the rose petals before moving past you, continuing down the path to look at the rest of the plants in your garden. The moment she moved past you, you let out a heavy breath in which you had no recollection of holding./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="943f6269aa93831491f1c9976398c470"You turn your head to watch as she walks away. Attempting to catch up with Alcina, your eyes fixed on the sway of the dark haired woman's waist. Alcina suddenly stops and turns back to look at you, your eyes widening, quickly readjusting your gaze onto the woman's face, you've been caught./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f2dc88808da3c52fb2100c7cea9e4993""There's no shame, my dear." Was she teasing you? She obviously was, there's no misreading this, right?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d3c02d520918e22abdb4e1ba2840dde"Blood rushed to your cheeks, seeing as the other woman simpered, looking pleased with herself. She was getting the reaction she wanted from you, and you knew it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="41b26f51b538cff3c27cd33edd0c8394"You surveyed the woman as she turned away, continuing to walk a few feet before stopping suddenly, her movements frozen. You approached her side, following her eyes to the plant your husband had brought home, the one from your dream a few days ago./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e880bace27ea82f1bd047e779b48cc3f"Alcina kept her eyes fixed, trying to observe the plant. "What's the name of that plant?" She asked, her lace glove-covered hand gesturing towards the shrub./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ea8ffffac82724eb5341f569290d2b0""That plant is called Nerium Oleander, my husband brought it home when he was gone on some out-of-town business." You told her truthfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a69cb8ebeb1aee24e3a56180caf91d8e"Even though you told her the truth, she still obtained a quizzical expression, which grew into concern. Her head shot towards you, all flirtatious expression gone. Only furrowed brows and a small frown remained, her eyes quickly looking over your face. Was there something wrong? You didn't understand what was getting to her, but no words were spoken./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b791fcc8df5577474f9be8f9b12bcd4a"Alcina was quick to look back towards the plant, moving away a bit, making distance from it. You immediately grew concerned and stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="90ec44c7ce5b93748888382f5005324b""Are you alright?" You asked her, genuinely concerned at this point./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b9fd08438d9a6689888aec7befce647f"Alcina opened her mouth to speak to you but before any words could emerge, Andreea announced her presence, walking up to you, a tray in her hands with two glasses of tea. Alcina, adjacent to the older woman, slowly reaches for the cup closest to her and you reached for yours. Alcina still seemed to be out of sorts however, taking a sip of her tea, glancing over to watch you as you drank your own./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="688a201a075c34e2f45a17e71c037c04""Let me know how you feel afterwards, Nicolae says the doctor requested for double the dosage." She says gently. You of course nodded your head gently, honestly having no hope in this 'medicine' at this point. You moved the cup to your lips once more, the feeling of the warm liquid coating your throat but something felt a bit off as it went down your throat, a bit of itchiness, irritation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0d8127ccba4a0ad9ab967eeca980be2e""Dosage of em style="box-sizing: border-box;"what/em, may I ask?" Alcina chimed in, tracing the rim of her glass with her thumb./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3c3185bb4b3f440cc05280f8b252d6d"Andreea gestured towards the Nerium Oleander. Alcina looked at the plant that Andreea was pointing to. "Lord Varon said the original dosage wasn't working to help Lady Varon get better." She informed the other woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3fc67892b0d494594a0c15a8867120bd""What em style="box-sizing: border-box;"exactly /emare her symptoms?" You didn't mind Alcina knowing as she seemed to genuinely care which was nice considering not many people did. You placed your hand against the collar of your dress, trying to see if that would help rid of the tightness against your throat, feeling as your head was beginning to tighten, pain beginning to course through and you placed your hand against your forehead./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9887cd913a6afb693dc9cc9fc8025c78""Nausea, low heart rate, weakness, vomiting, pain in her stomach-" Andreea started, getting interrupted by Alcina./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="88abd1e64c8be4c5434714a051a4b161""Are you alright?" Alcina asked, holding up her hand to silence the other woman before taking a step closer to you. You attempted to clear your throat, feeling as if it were closing up more, a heat forming on the skin of your throat, your brain starting to pound within your head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c9bbd8ec0f4bfe2a8052a26ec39d0496""Oh my... Your throat... It's turning em style="box-sizing: border-box;"red/em..." Andreea says in a bit of a panicked tone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e3256488f4a86930d1c0608d48ae4ae"Alcina placed her cup onto the tray Andreea had in her hands before taking yours away, making you confused as to what was happening, your brain going fuzzy, your eyesight beginning to blur, feeling sick to your stomach./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="57e6d32853865c0349606fdcf6487852"You could feel as Alcina approached you, but all the sounded around you began to muffle, feeling her hand touching your shoulder, gently grabbing your chin, lifting a bit to see your throat for herself. You soon felt as suddenly, you were growing weak at the knees, wobbling in attempt to keep your composure but you failed and felt as your knees started to give out beneath you. You reached out to grab Alcina, trying to have something or someone to help you stay standing, grasping at the other woman's dress./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="98ee92b3769570131124e00b1d5ca278"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="43fed913d73d56ad1857635a33cc6cac"Alcina witnessed as Lady Varon was growing weaker by the second. Feeling as the other woman grabbed her, pulling at her dress, she watched her start to fall to the ground. She gasped and quickly grabbed Lady Varon's arms, trying to keep the other woman from faltering completely to the ground, Alcina's hat getting knocked off in the process, her hair growing a bit loose now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6a15624f98f5db354177918ac8b6fee"Alcina heard as the other woman, Andreea, called for Lady Varon's Butler, Marius. Alcina tries to readjust the hold that she had on Lady Varon, gently wrapping an arm around her, from under her arm and the other one wrapping around the other side of her. Alcina was doing her absolute best, struggling as she wasn't sure if laying the woman down on the ground was the best decision in this moment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="849b3f49bb3652451115b1e7dfbc76d7"Alcina heard as another pair of footsteps approached, rushing towards them. She peered over her shoulder to see the other man, feeling as he swiftly picking up Lady Varon bridal style, taking her from Alcina's grasp. Andreea sat down the tray before rushing immediately to send for the doctor. This all happened so suddenly, Alcina was still trying her best to comprehend what just happened, but with all the information that she was given, it sounded as though this woman's husband was poisoning her. She saw how pale Lady Varon was but figured she was just feeling a little under the weather, but the situation turned out to be far more dangerous than she had thought. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96a7e6a7d46dba1ac6885a6580592c49"She watched as Marius hurried off in the distance with Lady Varon limb in his arms. She looked over towards where Andreea had placed down the tray and she slowly pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve before picking up the now empty cup of tea, that Lady Varon had just drank from. With her middle finger and her thumb, not wanting to get the contents on her fingers, she slowly brought the cup to her nose, taking a sniff before moving the cup away from herself without hesitation. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8044ceb3b7885bfaf81e598fda8858e"Kneeling down, Alcina was quick to pick up her hat that had been knocked off. She kept the cup in between her fingers, hurrying after Marius who had just reached the patio, walking up the steps before heading indoors. A handful of the skirt from Alcina's dress was clenched in her hand, which was simultaneously holding onto her hat, doing so to prevent herself from tripping as she rushed along the path, up the steps and into the building. Once passed the threshold, she watched Marius carefully laying Lady Varon down on the sofa, holding the woman's head as he did so for her whole body was limb. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="538ecbf1eaf11ab0ebe59bd6e152ccc9"Alcina assumed that Andreea and Marius both had to be mystified due to their expressions, the shock on both of their faces, the way they hurried to Lady Varon's aid./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d78b6ed859cb7764c89088b0d4fd9e5"Alcina approached Marius after he stood up, passing to him the cup that she had wrapped in her handkerchief. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c2e5eecf3c7d76fdb381255287b0f50""Smell it." She instructed him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d5eccc70a8bfe77d82d0ef04399a66f"Marius gave her a muddled expression, uncertain as to the purpose, alas he uncovered the teacup, his nose hovering, inhaling the scent. He furrowed his brows before focusing back on Alcina's face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc61edb2023b19a12fa2b5bd3b6f5e02""It's poison." Enlightening him on the situation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d2ec3bbae00d7a5346d4300353e6ea72"Alcina watched him gaping at her in astonishment. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07ef875430f74b74208481774a7c5b5d""That plant that Lord Varon returned with, is poison. I have seen this plant in Romania, where I am from. There is no mistaking this for medicine, unless you are ignorant to it. Lord Varon must have known, it is impossible for him to have had no clue." She educated the man, looking back to see Andreea looking at the both of them, listening in. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="59faa550ad0550791d4542aea6f84600""Th-The doctor... He's been sent for..." She says practically petrified in this moment, due to the information that she just overheard./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72d7656fe790351839c582afe5c8766a""What can we do?" Andreea asked, Marius also looking at Alcina, pleading for answers as she seemed to be the only one with experience with such a plant./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9637e850359a810d7c0eda5989dd8097""There is nothing to be done but wait for the doctor to arrive. It's unlikely he has an anecdote for such a poison. So her journey to recover will be a very painful one. This poison is what has been preventing her from recovering, in fact it's been slowly killing her." Alcina stated, looking at the woman laying on the sofa. She couldn't help but pity this woman. First her father passes away and now she is being poisoned by her own husband, proclaiming that the doctor had prescribed such a treatment. Alcina did not believe this to be true. Lord Varon seemed to be a man who lied straight through his teeth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c6650911612fd45ac59473fe0f20c10""I'll send for the authorities as well..." Andreea said quickly leaving the room to do just that. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca7bf4f8a6a6b6f8e95f9d4da0f07d3e""He's been poisoning her in small doses, gradually em style="box-sizing: border-box;"demolishing /emher internally." Alcina, spoke thoughtfully, mostly to herself, her jaw clenching in anger. How could men do such things to innocent women. Alcina had only met Lady Varon a little over a week ago and she could already tell that there was an innocence, a tenderness to this woman. Something that was rare to find, something that she found rather appealing. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4822e733b8886d2abdb8f2f663fc2ad""Whether he was aware of how dangerous doubling the dosage was, is still a mystery. But he won't be here to harm her anymore once the authorities hear about this." She says, her hand clenching around the fan which hung from her wrist, trying her best to control her boiling temper, which was a very strenuous reaction to control. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e2d53594ffd088648dc45704efb54a7c"They had no alternative but to stand by and wait for the doctor to arrive./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7ce43951839dc291c58b16f55cf3914c"If Alcina were to get her hands around that mans neck, she would strangle him and restrict him of his oxygen until he was but a lifeless corpse, no man should ever act in such a way. He would not get away with it, she'll make sure of that./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="985733fc5687a15bfe9f8008943a7e5d"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b69768a252b7beb7ebd929a0b552b3c4"Alcina whips her head around, not startled by the sound, but enraged knowing exactly who caused it. The maid who had dropped the glass, looked horrified while quickly scrambling to gather all of the broken pieces./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9423f5bd49f27399876b8497ec62bdd5""Is it truly so difficult to clean wine glasses without breaking any?" She interrogated the other woman in an enraged tone, sending chills down the other woman's spine, causing her to cower. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6ed4d4896d7312953604f860177561c""Of course not, my Lady... my hands just grew clumsy, forgive me?" The maid pleads./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f751e773c03cba87d4c020dc550530f7"Alcina inspected the woman up and down, her chin raised, peering down at the woman from the bridge of her nose, her expression softening only a little bit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="825dca4bbe89e1f3313d16a486d6aab6""Don't let it happen again, clean this up." She scowled, giving her command before moving to leave the room. Alcina's butler had her coat, gloves and hat prepared./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="306a5ceb4676077cc6c3e317786adf8c"A voice erupted from behind her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3255dda24f3d51efa7c40b05b20d24d1""Where are you going exactly?" Stefan's voice echoed through the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f46e6126d9f98bc81051f2e44b7cb455"Alcina rolled her eyes, slipping her arms into the sleeves of her coat, before turning to scrutinize the man who she preferred not to call her husband./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f517519a42d7080c6f77ef2235581bf""Let's not have this discussion, I will win. I may be your wife em style="box-sizing: border-box;"legally/em, but you do not and never will have em style="box-sizing: border-box;"any /empower to make my decisions for me." She then ominously approached him, inching near, slowly taking each step like an animal about to devour it's prey. Her heels clacked beneath her with each step she took./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fa09dccc2fbc78b83abf96c1f2dea024"Alcina wore a crimson dress, compressed at her waist, the skirt of her dress extended to her feet, black thin lace along the trim of her sleeves and at the hem of her skirt, her shoulders sheltered with attenuated, sheer fabric, showing the skin revealed underneath, lightly laying over her skin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d402d52537bbbb2b37884454fd9e3743""I am the one who makes decisions here, do not forget that it is my father's last name that you have. Not your own, therefore, I em style="box-sizing: border-box;"own /emyou." She says cheekily, smirking, knowing that she was the one with the power in this cold-hearted marriage she was trapped within. She then turned and walked away, sauntering towards her butler once more, grabbing her gloves and her matching crimson fan from him, her grin turning immediately into a cold stare the moment that she crossed through the archway, heading towards her carriage. She slipped on her lace and silk gloves, buttoning the fabric at her wrist. She placed her hat on top of her head as she strolled, quickly keeping her hand in place on the top of her head as a gust of wind almost made her hat fly off. The carriage driver opened the door for her, taking Alcina's hand in his, helping her into the carriage./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ded1ab2c9b6c2a2cbdc0e66d36517d65"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87682ffc7d368bbb2cd65665a5e31238"You were rushing around the back garden, Andreea and Marius assisted, assembling the seating area where you and the other ladies were to sit for tea. Luckily Ana had gone back to her room in town early that morning so you didn't have to worry about her being in the way or irritating you in any way. She may have been your cousin but you far from enjoyed her presence./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="87a7b7373841c376a9f5d84d91149ede"You attempted to pick the absolute faultless spot for the occasion and you had finally decided, after much debate, to place the table and chairs beneath the tall oak tree in the back yard, it's massive branches casting a large shadow, perfect shade for the gathering you had planned. You wiped sweat from your forehead as you shifted the chairs, Andreea placing freshly picked flowers on display in the center of the table, on top of a beautiful white fabric table cloth. Your fingers gently caressed the fabric to get rid of any wrinkles. You wanted this to be perfect. Just the thought of Lady Dimitrescu coming to your house made your heart palpitate within your chest./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="86b6acec777ce83414a82437f779eab2""The tea, is it ready and warm? The finger sandwiches?" You asked, turning your attention towards Marius, your words spewing from your mouth quickly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ceb236b38caa940d42a4207e3276f22c"Marius held up his hands, trying to soothe your anxiety./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d006ca730b2a397107b8c6473e06664c""Everything is prepared, my Lady. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Patience /emis best in this situation, just take a breath." He insisted in a calm tone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8c6269dda8a59323e037a73de28c0449"You nodded your head, feeling Andreea placing a hand lightly against your shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a7ba7d26808a13cd6b3908c61413ff13""Let's get you washed up before your guests arrive." She requested and you inspected your surroundings, still observing before feeling Andreea tugging at your hand, peeling you away from the area. You let out a groan before following along with the other woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e3ebf1c6b9a1cc555075b9987b75730a"You glance back at Marius as you were ascending the steps from the path, onto the patio./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20ad1bb9ca27a7dd8f8832ee489b41f0""The paintings! Make sure the paintings are displayed!" You shouted before watching Marius leaving to fetch the paintings just like you had requested. You then turned away the last time before trailing after Andreea to your room to get freshened up./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1069ffe1df84bb85e786e1559a4ace1d"You submerged yourself into the warm water, laving your face and body. Once cleaned and dried, pinched your cheeks, a rosy-red shade forming. Andreea gave you a confused expression as you emerged from the bathroom with a loose crepe colored dress that was brought together at the waist with a rosewood colored ribbon, wrapped around, tying in a neat bow right above your rear, placing a rose quartz colored sun hat, with fresh flowers delicately resting along the band and of the hat, following a cream silk ribbon. You noticed her expression but refrained from say a single word as you knew exactly why she was staring at you in such a way. You were supposed to still be in mourning. Of course, Andreea never spoke a word to you. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="555b84072fb8e030ead8bd2d429aa7a3"Arriving at the mirror, you stared at yourself for a moment, your eyes lingering over your figure in the gown before you slipped your delicate but slightly calloused hand, due to gardening, into your white, thin lace gloves. They were mostly for fashion than for essential reasons. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9889186e9e0ec769a01c20d5e8ab67bd"As you were placing the last hair pin into your sunhat, keeping it in place, you heard a carriage arriving. Your heart immediately hammering harder in your chest, was that even possible? Was it Lady Dimitrescu? Or was it one of the other ladies you had invited. You weren't sure if those women would even show up considering how you mouthed off to them the last time you saw them, but perhaps those women should learn better than to gossip, you knew them though. Those women had nothing better to do than to speak ill of those whom they were unfamiliar./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f8e52afcdf0a4f29382a76eab38fdf83"You rushed towards the window, your foot accidentally getting caught on your dress and you felt your heart sink as you toppled over to your knees. You had held your hat in place with your hand and laughed a bit, Andreea helping you to your feet. You then rested your hand against the glass window, your breath slightly fogging up the glass, that was when you saw her. You watched as the woman gracefully took the coachman's hand, helping her leave the carriage, incapable of removing your gaze from her. The way her dress was scrunched up by her waist as she emerged. The dress only hiked up high enough to see her shoes but you examined her, every inch. The way her hand was gently holding the other man's, her other hand holding onto her dress as she climbed out. There was no denying how attracted you felt towards this woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f02eeb234830043acf29d8d39f13c4a""Are you going to just stare at her through the window like the child outside of a candy shop? Or are you going to go greet the Lady." Andreea's voice interrupted your thoughts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc58cdea4a31cf06755f6d82f48aaaf8"Your eyes widened with the realization that Lady Dimitrescu was approaching your door now, taking gentle and smooth strides. Was this actually happening? You couldn't believe it. You quickly moved away from the window, holding your dress up some this time so you could prevent yourself from falling again. You hurriedly descended the stair case, panting as you heard Marius opening the entrance door for the other Lady. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dfb69297b74e86c3d1c709c2821a9c1b"Right as the door opened enough for her to be in view, you reached the foot of the stairs, slowing your movements immediately, making an attempt to control your breathing, your lungs burning as they needed more oxygen but you were determined to make it appear as though you didn't just run to the door to meet her, your hands started to shake as you were over exerting yourself a bit, but you took deep breathes to help mellow out your breaths./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="174f0180b21956f9e14ba0559b4348fe"Luckily your husband was gone on business for the day, leaving you the entire day with this woman, possibly the other women as well? You hoped otherwise, you truly wished to become more acquainted with Lady Dimitrescu, without anyone interfering./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6673f7e57b8ae18bf7d48bf143876c4c"You straightened your posture and moved a few more steps as the woman entered, her smell of perfume consuming your senses, bewitching you./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fff2fe26b06cc330839bca5c53eeae1d"Alcina took one step after the other, walking with such poise, towards you. You could see the corner of her lip tugging upward into a smirk./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d208eacb6628e7fec14614208d2d879""Lady Varon." She spoke, giving you a nod of acknowledgment, her voice mature and posh./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d4ab0f8b0c94f2c148be363de0322475""Please, call me (Y/N)" You spoke delicately, trying to control the shakiness of your breath, feeling a bit lightheaded due to your condition./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eeafb749b2fed8c793d090bd443832c5"You could feel as her eyes were scanning you up and down. Marius approached Lady Dimitrescu and offered to take her coat for her. Lady Dimitrescu complied and moved her arms out of the sleeves as Marius carefully removed it. As the coat was removed, your eyes looking her up and down at well, seeing the crimson dress she wore, tight at the waist. The dress fit her perfectly and you had a hard time peeling your eyes away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2a7d510a059aecacc48e7ffdb8094ee3""In that case, you may call me em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Alcina/em." She responded, pulling her hand fan out from her coat before wrapping the strap around her wrist. Your eyes watched as her long fingers wrapped around the closed fan, holding it in her grasp. Her eyes wandered not to you, but to your home. Her eyes seemed to be gathering in her surroundings. Her face held no expression and you grew a bit anxious, did she not like the décor? It was hard to read the woman. Stress overtaking your entire body now, worried that your hours of trying to make sure that everything was perfect, went to waste. You looked towards Marius seeing how even he seemed to be a bit nervous, holding Alcina's coat, before leaving to hang her coat on the rack./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07c8b0932933d7b2261720bc0db69a94""Charming home." She spoke simply before meeting your eyes with her own, maintaining that sophisticated and dominant expression. You were sure that everyone in the room could feel her magnificent and intimidating presence. She knew how important she was, she knew the power she had over people with her looks and integrity./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f960aad3d31167d4ec24106aac7e173f"You cleared your throat and nervously fiddled with your glove-covered digits, pushing your fingers in-between one another to make sure the gloves were secured on your hand./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a81d391b7f005a52814d9e294cbbaa34""You must be parched, please, follow me." You offered, gesturing your hand towards the other room which leads to the back patio. Alcina looked in the direction you pointed towards and nodded her head in agreement./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6cb86012e118eab64684003a1cd90318"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Alcina/em, her name was so exquisite, especially with the way she pronounced it, em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Al-chee-na/em. You then led the way, arriving at a set of glass doors, Andreea opened them for the both of you, feeling as a cool breeze lightly brushed over your skin. You glanced towards Alcina, seeing how the woman practically glowed, coming into the sunlight, watching her beautiful light eyes as they looked over the garden. You couldn't help but smile a bit as she admired your plants from a far./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0f712c3a472b7eaa03949070e1f879b9""Do you wish to see my garden?" You asked the taller woman kindly, watching as Alcina opened the fan she had hanging from her wrist by a simple ribbon, fanning herself, her delicate hand grasping the handle, the fan just slightly under her chin, allowing you to continue seeing her alluring features, and she gave a faint smile. She seemed pleased by the idea./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2037c1d54e262415267b29fcacd8134d"Alcina nodded, before following. You turned and walked down the stone steps, following the path towards the garden, hearing the woman's dress shuffle, her heels clicking against the stone behind you. As you approached the first plant, you slowed your movements and peered over your shoulder towards the other woman, watching how she walked gracefully, Her dress gently hugging and bunching around her waist with each step she took, the woman's devilishly beautiful features shaded due to Alcina's sunhat, her hair elegantly tucked underneath and pinned into a beautiful up-do. You couldn't help but admire how gorgeous she was. Her light and prepossessing eyes, reflecting in your own as you both made eye contact, your heart racing, you were afraid that it would escape from your chest, your entire body feeling the effects from this woman's ethereal presence. It felt as though your dress was tightening around you but in reality, you were feeling a sense of panic as she looked at you. You eyes glanced at her lips, your breath quickening, the whole world going silent. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f4d851729c1dc0bac3d92ebd408181ef"As your mind was taken hostage by her beautiful lips, eyes and face, Alcina seemed to have spoken. You hadn't realized it until you looked back up to her eyes and her smirk was gone, a cold expression appeared again, an eyebrow quirked up. You swallowed and you cleared your throat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="98317520bc7bfcbbe08d445c6888bfeb""Forgive me, what did you say?" You asked her, feeling like a complete fool in this moment, knowing you weren't really making a good impression on the woman. She did em style="box-sizing: border-box;"not /emseem pleased./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7fc73a8c2893a84bc198db24e0f6a519""I'm em style="box-sizing: border-box;"not /emone to repeat my words.-" She started, but saw your stressed expression. She sighed out before turning her attention towards your flowers and pointed towards the roses. "I told you the roses are quite remarkable." She spoke./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b65f6b2292912928e1116e0e0389872"You turned to look at the roses that were on display and you smiled, nodding a bit./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1acb9f8872db440ce4f12e4bb585ac07""Thank you... it takes strenuous effort to take care of them in the recent weather but-" You were cut off by hearing the woman's steps as the grew closer to you. you felt her presence closing in on you. You slowly rotate your head towards the woman peaking over your shoulder, only to see that she was now merely inches from you, amusement on her lips, her presence completely consuming you. The smell of her perfume, each breath that she took, feeling as her breath caressed your skin with each exhale./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b9b1c66795cc59bd41e8932ff956b4af"You could feel as Alcina's hand gently brushed past your own, making her way to touch the flowers, her other hand making contact with your waist. The feeling of Alcina's hand on your hip was driving you mad, your body betraying you as you made made the attempt to stay calm and unaffected by her charms./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca6a27ee9b2480cd7e7613c5670e9fbf"Your eyes wandered from the other woman's beautiful, light eyes to her nice cheekbones, down to her lips. You wanted nothing more than to take her lips against yours, but you weren't sure if that was the best action to take in this moment, but it did feel right. Alcina smirked, you knew she was aware of the affect she had on you, it was obvious. She caressed the rose petals before moving past you, continuing down the path to look at the rest of the plants in your garden. The moment she moved past you, you let out a heavy breath in which you had no recollection of holding./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="943f6269aa93831491f1c9976398c470"You turn your head to watch as she walks away. Attempting to catch up with Alcina, your eyes fixed on the sway of the dark haired woman's waist. Alcina suddenly stops and turns back to look at you, your eyes widening, quickly readjusting your gaze onto the woman's face, you've been caught./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f2dc88808da3c52fb2100c7cea9e4993""There's no shame, my dear." Was she teasing you? She obviously was, there's no misreading this, right?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9d3c02d520918e22abdb4e1ba2840dde"Blood rushed to your cheeks, seeing as the other woman simpered, looking pleased with herself. She was getting the reaction she wanted from you, and you knew it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="41b26f51b538cff3c27cd33edd0c8394"You surveyed the woman as she turned away, continuing to walk a few feet before stopping suddenly, her movements frozen. You approached her side, following her eyes to the plant your husband had brought home, the one from your dream a few days ago./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e880bace27ea82f1bd047e779b48cc3f"Alcina kept her eyes fixed, trying to observe the plant. "What's the name of that plant?" She asked, her lace glove-covered hand gesturing towards the shrub./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ea8ffffac82724eb5341f569290d2b0""That plant is called Nerium Oleander, my husband brought it home when he was gone on some out-of-town business." You told her truthfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a69cb8ebeb1aee24e3a56180caf91d8e"Even though you told her the truth, she still obtained a quizzical expression, which grew into concern. Her head shot towards you, all flirtatious expression gone. Only furrowed brows and a small frown remained, her eyes quickly looking over your face. Was there something wrong? You didn't understand what was getting to her, but no words were spoken./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b791fcc8df5577474f9be8f9b12bcd4a"Alcina was quick to look back towards the plant, moving away a bit, making distance from it. You immediately grew concerned and stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="90ec44c7ce5b93748888382f5005324b""Are you alright?" You asked her, genuinely concerned at this point./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b9fd08438d9a6689888aec7befce647f"Alcina opened her mouth to speak to you but before any words could emerge, Andreea announced her presence, walking up to you, a tray in her hands with two glasses of tea. Alcina, adjacent to the older woman, slowly reaches for the cup closest to her and you reached for yours. Alcina still seemed to be out of sorts however, taking a sip of her tea, glancing over to watch you as you drank your own./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="688a201a075c34e2f45a17e71c037c04""Let me know how you feel afterwards, Nicolae says the doctor requested for double the dosage." She says gently. You of course nodded your head gently, honestly having no hope in this 'medicine' at this point. You moved the cup to your lips once more, the feeling of the warm liquid coating your throat but something felt a bit off as it went down your throat, a bit of itchiness, irritation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0d8127ccba4a0ad9ab967eeca980be2e""Dosage of em style="box-sizing: border-box;"what/em, may I ask?" Alcina chimed in, tracing the rim of her glass with her thumb./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f3c3185bb4b3f440cc05280f8b252d6d"Andreea gestured towards the Nerium Oleander. Alcina looked at the plant that Andreea was pointing to. "Lord Varon said the original dosage wasn't working to help Lady Varon get better." She informed the other woman./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3fc67892b0d494594a0c15a8867120bd""What em style="box-sizing: border-box;"exactly /emare her symptoms?" You didn't mind Alcina knowing as she seemed to genuinely care which was nice considering not many people did. You placed your hand against the collar of your dress, trying to see if that would help rid of the tightness against your throat, feeling as your head was beginning to tighten, pain beginning to course through and you placed your hand against your forehead./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9887cd913a6afb693dc9cc9fc8025c78""Nausea, low heart rate, weakness, vomiting, pain in her stomach-" Andreea started, getting interrupted by Alcina./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="88abd1e64c8be4c5434714a051a4b161""Are you alright?" Alcina asked, holding up her hand to silence the other woman before taking a step closer to you. You attempted to clear your throat, feeling as if it were closing up more, a heat forming on the skin of your throat, your brain starting to pound within your head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c9bbd8ec0f4bfe2a8052a26ec39d0496""Oh my... Your throat... It's turning em style="box-sizing: border-box;"red/em..." Andreea says in a bit of a panicked tone./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7e3256488f4a86930d1c0608d48ae4ae"Alcina placed her cup onto the tray Andreea had in her hands before taking yours away, making you confused as to what was happening, your brain going fuzzy, your eyesight beginning to blur, feeling sick to your stomach./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="57e6d32853865c0349606fdcf6487852"You could feel as Alcina approached you, but all the sounded around you began to muffle, feeling her hand touching your shoulder, gently grabbing your chin, lifting a bit to see your throat for herself. You soon felt as suddenly, you were growing weak at the knees, wobbling in attempt to keep your composure but you failed and felt as your knees started to give out beneath you. You reached out to grab Alcina, trying to have something or someone to help you stay standing, grasping at the other woman's dress./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="98ee92b3769570131124e00b1d5ca278"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="43fed913d73d56ad1857635a33cc6cac"Alcina witnessed as Lady Varon was growing weaker by the second. Feeling as the other woman grabbed her, pulling at her dress, she watched her start to fall to the ground. She gasped and quickly grabbed Lady Varon's arms, trying to keep the other woman from faltering completely to the ground, Alcina's hat getting knocked off in the process, her hair growing a bit loose now./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a6a15624f98f5db354177918ac8b6fee"Alcina heard as the other woman, Andreea, called for Lady Varon's Butler, Marius. Alcina tries to readjust the hold that she had on Lady Varon, gently wrapping an arm around her, from under her arm and the other one wrapping around the other side of her. Alcina was doing her absolute best, struggling as she wasn't sure if laying the woman down on the ground was the best decision in this moment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="849b3f49bb3652451115b1e7dfbc76d7"Alcina heard as another pair of footsteps approached, rushing towards them. She peered over her shoulder to see the other man, feeling as he swiftly picking up Lady Varon bridal style, taking her from Alcina's grasp. Andreea sat down the tray before rushing immediately to send for the doctor. This all happened so suddenly, Alcina was still trying her best to comprehend what just happened, but with all the information that she was given, it sounded as though this woman's husband was poisoning her. She saw how pale Lady Varon was but figured she was just feeling a little under the weather, but the situation turned out to be far more dangerous than she had thought. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="96a7e6a7d46dba1ac6885a6580592c49"She watched as Marius hurried off in the distance with Lady Varon limb in his arms. She looked over towards where Andreea had placed down the tray and she slowly pulled out a handkerchief from her sleeve before picking up the now empty cup of tea, that Lady Varon had just drank from. With her middle finger and her thumb, not wanting to get the contents on her fingers, she slowly brought the cup to her nose, taking a sniff before moving the cup away from herself without hesitation. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8044ceb3b7885bfaf81e598fda8858e"Kneeling down, Alcina was quick to pick up her hat that had been knocked off. She kept the cup in between her fingers, hurrying after Marius who had just reached the patio, walking up the steps before heading indoors. A handful of the skirt from Alcina's dress was clenched in her hand, which was simultaneously holding onto her hat, doing so to prevent herself from tripping as she rushed along the path, up the steps and into the building. Once passed the threshold, she watched Marius carefully laying Lady Varon down on the sofa, holding the woman's head as he did so for her whole body was limb. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="538ecbf1eaf11ab0ebe59bd6e152ccc9"Alcina assumed that Andreea and Marius both had to be mystified due to their expressions, the shock on both of their faces, the way they hurried to Lady Varon's aid./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d78b6ed859cb7764c89088b0d4fd9e5"Alcina approached Marius after he stood up, passing to him the cup that she had wrapped in her handkerchief. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0c2e5eecf3c7d76fdb381255287b0f50""Smell it." She instructed him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6d5eccc70a8bfe77d82d0ef04399a66f"Marius gave her a muddled expression, uncertain as to the purpose, alas he uncovered the teacup, his nose hovering, inhaling the scent. He furrowed his brows before focusing back on Alcina's face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dc61edb2023b19a12fa2b5bd3b6f5e02""It's poison." Enlightening him on the situation./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d2ec3bbae00d7a5346d4300353e6ea72"Alcina watched him gaping at her in astonishment. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="07ef875430f74b74208481774a7c5b5d""That plant that Lord Varon returned with, is poison. I have seen this plant in Romania, where I am from. There is no mistaking this for medicine, unless you are ignorant to it. Lord Varon must have known, it is impossible for him to have had no clue." She educated the man, looking back to see Andreea looking at the both of them, listening in. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="59faa550ad0550791d4542aea6f84600""Th-The doctor... He's been sent for..." She says practically petrified in this moment, due to the information that she just overheard./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="72d7656fe790351839c582afe5c8766a""What can we do?" Andreea asked, Marius also looking at Alcina, pleading for answers as she seemed to be the only one with experience with such a plant./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9637e850359a810d7c0eda5989dd8097""There is nothing to be done but wait for the doctor to arrive. It's unlikely he has an anecdote for such a poison. So her journey to recover will be a very painful one. This poison is what has been preventing her from recovering, in fact it's been slowly killing her." Alcina stated, looking at the woman laying on the sofa. She couldn't help but pity this woman. First her father passes away and now she is being poisoned by her own husband, proclaiming that the doctor had prescribed such a treatment. Alcina did not believe this to be true. Lord Varon seemed to be a man who lied straight through his teeth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7c6650911612fd45ac59473fe0f20c10""I'll send for the authorities as well..." Andreea said quickly leaving the room to do just that. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ca7bf4f8a6a6b6f8e95f9d4da0f07d3e""He's been poisoning her in small doses, gradually em style="box-sizing: border-box;"demolishing /emher internally." Alcina, spoke thoughtfully, mostly to herself, her jaw clenching in anger. How could men do such things to innocent women. Alcina had only met Lady Varon a little over a week ago and she could already tell that there was an innocence, a tenderness to this woman. Something that was rare to find, something that she found rather appealing. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e4822e733b8886d2abdb8f2f663fc2ad""Whether he was aware of how dangerous doubling the dosage was, is still a mystery. But he won't be here to harm her anymore once the authorities hear about this." She says, her hand clenching around the fan which hung from her wrist, trying her best to control her boiling temper, which was a very strenuous reaction to control. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e2d53594ffd088648dc45704efb54a7c"They had no alternative but to stand by and wait for the doctor to arrive./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7ce43951839dc291c58b16f55cf3914c"If Alcina were to get her hands around that mans neck, she would strangle him and restrict him of his oxygen until he was but a lifeless corpse, no man should ever act in such a way. He would not get away with it, she'll make sure of that./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="985733fc5687a15bfe9f8008943a7e5d"❀❀❀/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p