Hello everyone! Thanks for reading the last chapter. Finally the party begins! The Dimitrescus' are enjoying themselves with the dancing, singing and a very special treat from one of Alcina's clients, but will it last? Hope you guys enjoy!
The music from the orchestra continued to play as groups of people shuffled around. Many lingered in the Main Hall while an even greater amount were down in the Hall of Four dancing. Servants kept going back and forth serving the guests, some already collapsing from exhaustion and forced to be dragged back to the kitchen to take a break.
The four Dimitrescus' had then arrived at the top of the stairs. The orchestra had stopped playing. The rooms falling completely silent. All eyes on the four spell-binding figures above them.
Anya standing by began by announcing each one. Starting with Lady Dimitrescu herself. Next went Bela; Cassandra and lastly Daniela. Once they had been announced to the crowd, they entered into the mass and started to commerce.
Daniela sticking close to Bela while their Mother ventured off to speak with an older man with an 'adorable mustache', as Daniela had commented. Then there was Cassandra who was seated with a group of three young women. The sight had surprised both Daniela and Bela, especially at the sound of the group laughing with their sister.
"She is a natural…"
"Who would have thought that," Bela said. "I guess she is like Mother that way."
"I wonder what they are talking about?"
"I do not care to know," Bela said, plucking up a glass of wine from a servant going by and taking a sip.
"Why are you not talking?" Daniela asked.
"Why aren't you?" Bela said, smiling.
Daniela shrugged, she did not have an answer for her sister and started to eye around at the people again, when she spotted three young men staring right at them.
"Yuck, man-blood," Daniela whispered.
"What?" Bela said.
"Them," Daniela pointed. "They are staring at us."
"Well, perhaps they are too shy to come over and say hello," Bela said, drinking a larger gulp of her wine before setting it down. "Let's go over and be courteous hosts."
"What?!" Daniela said. "B-Bela, wait!"
Bela was not listening. Approaching the three young men she guessed to be in their mid-twenties, she curtsied to them and in return they bowed to her.
"Good evening, gentlemen, I am Bela Dimitrescu. The eldest daughter of Lady Alcina Dimitrescu," she said, motioning to Daniela and introducing her to them.
"It is a pleasure, Miss Bela, my name is Colin. Would you do me the honor of joining me in this next dance?" he inquired, offering out his hand to her with a friendly smile.
"I would love to," Bela said, being led down to the other room and leaving Daniela awkwardly standing there.
"Miss Daniela?"
She looked at the blonde haired man named, Everett.
"Would you care to—"
"Mother!" Daniela fled before he could finish his sentence, dodging and weaving around guests in her mad dash for Alcina.
Alcina stood straight up out of her seat, ready to rip open the throat of whomever it was who had distressed her Daniela. Her child was completely panicked and now clinging next to her, eyeing around at the guests like they were poisonous reptiles.
"I take it this is your youngest?" a Baroness Clarissa said.
"Yes, Daniela is her name," Alcina said, managing to get Daniela to take a seat and distract her with some food.
"Beautiful just like her mother. I have also noticed your middle daughter, Cassandra, has already become well acquainted with the gifts I have brought for them."
"Indeed," Alcina said, glancing over at the group. Cassandra laughing with the three girls who were so very lively and pretty. They having no idea the Baroness, a longtime client of Alcina's, had brought them to their deaths. "A thoughtful gift. I will make sure my daughters each thank you before you go."
"'Gift?'" that grabbed Daniela's attention, looking at her mother curiously. "May I have mine now, Mother?"
Alcina chuckled.
"Later, dearest, you have already had something to eat. We would not want you spoiling your appetite with an upset stomach."
"Yes, Mother," Daniela said, disappointed.
The Baroness continued to talk with Alcina, which started to become rather tiresome. Her thoughts drifting.
'Funny how things never seem to change no matter the era. I recall this happening when I was a little girl. Going with my mother to outings and hearing the same thing from different people. Then of course when Josie and Helena were born and now in this very moment. Humans are so predictable. They are all sheep. A merry-go-round with the same events only different players. How truly boring…,' she thought, turning her focus over to Daniela, who had managed to keep herself spotless while she kept eating with her focus on the three blood bags. No doubt she was afraid Cassandra would steal all of them for herself. 'But not us. No, we are something else entirely, are we not?'
Daniela suddenly looked at her as if she had heard her thoughts and smiled knowingly. She, too, having just as much sense to know these creatures were insignificant…
After a while Alcina excused herself from the Baroness. Walking up to Cassandra and pulling her aside to explain the 'gifts'.
"Yes, Mother, I will be sure to just take one…" she eyed the brunette she had been speaking to the majority of the time. The one named Tammy.
"Be sure you leave the others for Bela and Daniela."
"Yes, yes," Cassandra said, walking back over to the group.
"Do you think she will listen?" Daniela said with worry. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to have one of the blood bags.
"Do not fear. Cassandra knows better than to disobey me… Speaking of which." She was eyeing around the room. "Where has Bela gotten to?"
"She is dancing with a stupid man thing, or a stupid young man thing…" Daniela scratched her head, trying to figure out the more appropriate label.
"What?!" Alcina said, the information about Bela dancing with a young man did not put Alcina in a sociable mood after that.
She stormed right to the stairs leading down to the dancers, pinpointing Bela immediately. Her blonde hair and blue dress unmistakable.
"Mother?" Daniela said quietly, watching her continue to storm right down the stairs and directly out on the dancefloor.
Somehow Alcina had managed to get by all the couples without causing a major accident.
Bela noticing her mother straight away, quickly pulled away from Colin a little out of breath.
"Hello, Mother," she said, observing Colin turning and staring up at Alcina with horror.
"L-Lady Dimitrescu…"
"I am stepping in," she said, not asking.
Colin withdrew and quickly removed himself. Not daring to interject.
"Really Mother?" Bela said.
"What do you think you are doing with him? Dancing with that riff-raff?" Alcina snapped, placing a firm hold on Bela's waist and her opposite hand.
"I was just playing. I wanted to see how well a man-thing could dance and he was rather good."
A visible vein protruded near Alcina's temple at that, raising her head haughtily as she spun Bela about the room, forcing other couples to move off the dancefloor to give them space.
"Ha! I could tell he was a poor dancer before he even started," Alcina said.
"Then I shall be much more wary of who I choose next time," Bela said, biting down on her lip to keep from giggling. Her mother's jealousy so painfully clear it was impossible not to find it amusing.
"If you truly wanted to dance, you should have asked me first. I would have steered you to a better partner."
"Mother, you do not approve of anyone but yourself," Bela said.
Alcina pursed her lips, dipping Bela for a split second before she hoisted her up into the air, lowering her just enough so they were staring at one another face to face.
Bela resting both her hands on her mother's shoulders, could see the adoring look in her eyes. The possessiveness and protectiveness as both her mother and partner.
"I have and will always love you like no other. You are mine in every way. There is no other who is more worthy than I."
"Yes, Mother," Bela said, leaning forward and pecking her lips. "You are the only one."
Alcina's lips tugged up into a small smile, placing a kiss of her own to Bela's lips before she set her down and finished the dance with a series of twirls. The audience cheered and applauded the two, while Daniela ran up to her sister and mother with shining eyes.
"That was wonderful!" Daniela acclaimed. "Will you dance with me next, Mother?"
"Yes, dearest," Alcina said, offering out her hand for Daniela to take and leading her out to the floor. The next song was just starting. All the couples facing one another and either curtsying or bowing to their partner before they started.
Bela watched from the side, taking another tall glass of wine suddenly turned back in the direction of the Main Hall. She could sense Cassandra was walking up the stairs and she was not alone. Inhaling sharply, Bela could smell a young woman with her.
Rather than disturb her mother and sister, Daniela giggling joyfully as their mother dipped her and then pulled her back up, she decided to go and investigate herself. Up the stairs she went unnoticed by most of the guests, continuing to follow her sister and the girl.
{-}
They both had entered into the Hall of Joy and in the direction of the library. Of course once Bela got to the library neither were in there. It was then did she hear the faint music of a piano playing.
'Cassandra can play the piano?' Bela was perplexed, now entering into the Opera Hall, she peered over the balcony and could not believe her eyes.
Below seated at the piano was a female servant and dancing was Cassandra with the girl. She was in her twenties at least. Wearing a pretty dark blue dress that would glimmer if the light hit it just right. Her brown hair that was pinned up had begun to loosen as Cassandra continued to pirouette them about the room.
Never had Bela ever thought she would see this side of Cassandra. Once again she was reminded of their mother. Not only was she the huntress, but like Mother she was the seductress, too. The brunette was staring straight into Cassandra's eyes with a smile. She was completely enraptured by Cassandra.
"What do you think of the castle, Tam?"
Bela could hear Cassandra speak up.
"Enchanting," she said, adding. "And don't call me that, 'Cassy'."
Cassandra giggled, suddenly leaning forward and placing a kiss to her neck.
Tammy did not put up a resistance. Leaning up against Cassandra and releasing a light moan as she pecked and nipped at her swan-like neck. How beautiful it was. Making Bela yearn to bite into it. So elegant and fragile.
The blonde closed her eyes, breathing unevenly at the sight. Her bloodlust starting to overtake her and threaten to make her do something truly regretful.
Suddenly Tammy whimpered.
Bela opened her eyes and watched as Cassandra made a small laceration to her neck and locked her lips over the wound.
"Cassandra." Tammy wrapped her arms around Cassandra's shoulders and pulled her in closer.
"Oh gods… Cassandra! Stop!"
Cassandra's head whipped right up to the balcony. Blood staining her lips and a little bit of her chin.
"Ah, Bela, care for a morsel?" she tittered. "I hate to tell you this one belongs to me… there are two others back in the Main Hall that you can pick from. A gift from a friend of Mother's."
Bela did not believe a word of this. Not trusting Cassandra as far as she could throw her.
Cassandra shrugged at her.
"Go and ask Mother yourself if you do not believe me."
"Cassandra!"
"Bela," Cassandra said smoothly. "Do you honestly believe I would be so stupid and hijack someone? I may not be book smart like Daniela, or a know-it-all like you, but at least I have common sense. I would never disobey Mother. Never."
Bela stared at her sister. Her words taking her aback. All this time Bela was always the one protecting Daniela from her stupid; impulsive decisions. She, and even herself admittingly, believed themselves to be goddesses. Invincible. Immune to any injury, but sadly that was not the case. After Cassandra being wounded by that mortal, it made her and Daniela see they could be hurt. The reality of that was truly frightening.
Cassandra glancing back down at Tammy who had started to moan, she licked her stained lips and dipped her face back to her neck. Sucking at the blood feverishly. Biting and tearing at her flesh until Tammy went limp. Her arms hanging loosely by her sides, but that was not the end of Cassandra's meal. Dropping Tammy's corpse to the floor, Cassandra walked straight up to the female maid at the piano and slit her throat. The maid dead before she had even registered what happened, Cassandra motioned for Bela to join her.
Bela bared her teeth.
"I swear Cassandra if this is a lie…"
"It is not a lie. Now have a bite before it goes cold."
Despite her feelings Bela could not resist. She was starving. Her stomach roaring like a tiger. The smell of the blood weighing heavily in the air made her ravenous. She walked up to the corpse slumped over the piano, pulled her back up into a sitting position and sank her teeth into her neck. Tearing deeper into her flesh to get more of the blood.
"Careful, Bela, let's not get any blood on that dress of yours," Cassandra chuckled, moving in to have the rest of the feast as Bela backed away. The blood awakening her senses to triple of what they had been, she could hear every little thing. From each individual speaking in the Main Hall to the rats scurrying in the walls. Scents, too, were just as potent. "I am going back to the party, will you join me?"
"Why not, though I fear Mother will force me to dance."
"Not to worry. I am sure Daniela will keep her occupied all night."
Cassandra rolled her eyes, following her sister out of the Opera Hall and back towards the Main Hall.
Just as Bela had predicted, Daniela and Alcina had concluded a third dance in a row. The child had so much energy while Alcina… well.
"Let us take a break, dearest."
"Okay!" she skipped merrily beside her mother as they walked back up to the Main Hall.
Alcina snatching a tall glass of wine from one of the maidens walking around with a tray, she sipped at it and cast her attention towards the stairs.
"What have they been up to?"
Daniela noticed them, too, waved to Bela- who smiled at her. Cassandra; however, was attempting to hide from Alcina. Worried her mother would inquire her for a dance next. Thankfully that did not happen, but rather a round of applause rose up. All looking to Alcina and chanting:
"Sing! Sing! Sing!"
"And what shall I sing?" Alcina teased, smiling at them all. "A duet, perhaps?" her eyes fell right to Bela, who had gone very pale. It was her turn to try and hide, but Cassandra held her firmly. Not about to let her sister go. A chance to see her sister completely embarrassed in front of so many people, like she would pass that chance up! "Come, Bela, just as we have been practicing." She offered out her hand to her eldest, who did not take it right away.
"I-I cannot, Mother. I am not ready."
"You are ready, and the only way to confirm this is by putting all that training to the test. I will be right there with you."
Bela sighed, her cheeks burning red as she followed her mother part way up the stairs. There they stood on the little island and overlooked the audience below. Bela looked about ready to pass out, or rather materialize to the nursery. Her stomach was in knots. Her mind racing with fear. She could not do this! It was simply impossible. She had not had enough practice! How could her mother think she was ready for this?!
"Breathe." Alcina had not released her child's hand, glancing down at her with a smile and then a nod. "Sing with me. Feel my air. Follow the rhythm of my voice and heart."
"Yes, Mother," Bela said, squeezing her mother's hand back and staring straight at the chandelier. It helped a little not having to look down at the mass and then her mother's euphonious voice broke the silence. A gentle melody picking up from the orchestra below. The balance of the music and Alcina's voice was perfect. The sound was like listening to a gentle stream flowing. Birds twittering about in the sky. The wind whistling gently by.
'Sing.' Bela heard her mother's voice speak in her mind. 'Sing for me.'
Bela closed her eyes and took another breath in before she began. Gentle at first and steadily growing louder as her confidence began to peak. Soon she was in tune with her mother.
"They compliment one another beautifully," Daniela overhead a woman comment. Many others whispering their approval to whomever was standing next to them.
Her eyes glistened with happy tears. Her mother and sister singing like goddesses. She did not want this moment to end. To just bottle it up and seal it away forever.
"Not bad, Queen B. Not bad at all."
Daniela could not believe she had heard Cassandra say that, looking over at her sister, who was smiling up at them.
The two continued their song for the next three minutes, well, Bela did. Alcina having stopped singing, beamed proudly at her eldest. The poor child had her eyes closed and was singing her heart out. So enveloped in the music, she had lost all sense of where she was and to whom she was singing to. The child always claimed she had no ear for music. No passion, but here she stood. Just like Alcina herself, her child adored the musical arts.
The orchestra ended on a soft note, which made Bela open her eyes and realize where she was. She turned to her mother accusingly.
"Mother!" she was cut off by the crowd below clapping and cheering in acclaim for her.
Alcina laughed joyfully, leaning forward and pecking her child on the lips.
"I told you I would make a singer of you."
"That was diabolical!" Bela said. "I would even go so far and wager that you and Cassandra had plotted that to happen."
"No, I did it on a mere whim to prove my point to you," she hummed, dabbing her on the nose. "And I was correct, was I not?"
"Indeed," Bela said, still unhappy by her mother's action.
"The new star of the show. Come, I think you have earned yourself a rest."
Daniela ran straight to Bela and embraced her. Tears now flowing down her cheeks.
"Dani? What is the matter with you?"
"That was beautiful, Bela. You were magnificent."
"Thank you, Sister," Bela said, looking to Cassandra, who gave her a swift nod of acknowledgment before she turned away to hide.
"Ohh, Cassandraaa." Alcina said in a sing-song voice.
Cassandra bolted, but got nowhere.
Alcina fully prepared for this, snatched her child before she could take one more step.
"Mother, please. I do not feel very well. My feet hurt. Look! Daniela wishes to dance with you." Cassandra was throwing out as many excuses to get out of dancing as she could, but Alcina heard none of it. Firmly escorting her middle child back down to the Hall of Four, while Bela and Daniela snickered at her.
"She is hopeless," Daniela said, watching their mother and Cassandra curtsy to one another before they began to dance.
"She enjoys it just as much as she enjoys claiming how much she despises it."
"That sounds like a riddle."
"Cassandra is a riddle," Bela said, having snatched another glass of wine and drinking it down in one gulp.
"What do you mean?"
Bela watched Cassandra spin about and then dipped, a smile glued to her lips as all this was occurring. Her attention focused straight on their mother.
"Do you see how she looks at Mother. Cassandra may seem uncaring when it comes to wanting affection, but deep down she wants Mother's approval more than either of us. It is what drives her. What is at the core of her being. She pushes herself harder to gain Mother's attention. Not to mention when she acts out and whines about doing things. It is all for Mother. She loves us all passionately on the one hand, but on the other she sees the two of us as her rivals. That is when the confliction within her heart and soul collides. A war that will rage on in her until she decides which side will win."
"Wow, that is confusing."
"As I said, Cassandra is a riddle."
Daniela rested her head against Bela's shoulder, taking one of her hands into her own.
"I hope she chooses the love side rather than hate."
Bela kissed her head, the two continuing to watch as Cassandra and Alcina started their second dance.