As you approached the castle gates, the sun was hanging low in the sky. The air was getting colder and Lycan howls could be heard in the distance. Entering the castle quietly, you attempted to head back to the servants quarters so you could change back into your uniform and take your gifts to the Lady and her daughters. Before you could even start down the hallway, you heard the subtle buzzing of the daughters making their approach.
"Y/N, we wanted to apologize for attempting to scare you." Bela said as she gestured to her sisters. Daniela nudged Cassandra forward and smiled at the glare sent her way.
"I especially wanted to apologize for running my sickle across your face. I realize now that it was dangerous and could have potentially disfigured you." Cassandra huffed out as she looked at the floor. You were shocked that the girls would apologize to a mere servant like you, but you smiled kindly.
"Thank you for apologizing Misses, but it is unnecessary. I do have something for the three of you though." You said as you reached into the sack the Duke gave you and pulled out the box of teas. "I know the cold weather is coming and affects you in cruel ways. I was told this tea assists with deterring headaches and keeping warm." You held the box out and the girls stared at you as if you were handing them the sun.
"This is most kind of you Y/N." Bela said wide eyed. The girls had never received a gift from anyone, aside from their mother.
"Now I feel even more bad for trying to scare you." Daniela said as she looked over the box.
"I thought this gift could help us become friends. I know that we shouldn't be friends due to the difference in status, what with me being a servant." You explained as you shyly scratched the back of your head. This perplexed the girls even further, you were a mortal human and you wanted THEIR friendship?
"This is a rather noble idea Y/N." Lady Dimitrescu said as she entered the foyer. You quickly bowed and cursed yourself for not being quicker to change.
"My Lady, I do not mean to overstep." You said quietly as she approached closer. Though you couldn't be sure of it, you could've sworn the Lady's lips twitched into a frown.
"Nonsense Y/N, I think it would be good for the girls to have a friend. So long as it doesn't interfere with your duties, I see no reason why the four of you can't spend time together during your off time." Alcina said encouragingly. You smiled and bowed in thanks, then quickly reached back into your sack for the Lady's gift.
"I got this for you as well, My Lady. Thank you for allowing me the day off and permission to leave the castle." You said as you handed over the broach. Alcina and the girls stared at the beautiful crystal broach, the vibrant purple of the perfectly preserved flower seeming to glow brightly in the foyer. Alcina tried to think of the last gift she had received, but she could only think of Mother Miranda gifting her the girls.
"It is so pretty Mother." Daniela cheerfully expressed.
"Indeed it is, this is a beautiful gift Y/N. However did you afford it?" Alcina asked in shock. She did give her servants a meager wage so that they may get any necessities that were not in the castle, but this exquisite trinket would surely have cost a small fortune.
"Oh I had saved up a tidy sum of lei for emergencies before working here, My Lady. The Duke was kind enough to offer me a bargain of sorts in exchange for information on how my day was going." You said shyly. Though your anger with your parents had burned off, you still did not want the Lady to know of the rude comments your father had drunkenly spewed. As curious as the Lady was as to why the Duke would want such information, Alcina decided to let it slide; he would share what he found with her at the Council meeting tomorrow.
"I see, well thank you for the gorgeous and thoughtful gifts Y/N. I'm sure you are starving, I believe the cook made a hearty stew to help stave off the cold tonight. I trust that you will be on time to work hard tomorrow." Alcina said with a warm smile. "Come girls, we have our own meal to attend."
You bowed once more and bid the Lady and her daughters a good evening. Instead of heading back to your bunk in the servants quarters, you headed towards the kitchens. The scent of the stew was heavenly and your stomach started salivating itself. The cook gave you a warm smile as she handed you a bowl and a chunk of bread. A few of the other maids gave you a skeptical look, news of your day out of the castle had spread quickly through the other servants. You tried to ignore the stares the best you could, not wanting to hear any unnecessary judgement.
"Y/N, have a good day off?" Floriana, the head maid, asked with a sneer. She was older by at least two decades, but still worked with the fear induced hurry that most of the other servants did.
"Yes Floriana, I did miss my work however. Will my duties tomorrow be the same as they were supposed to be today?" You asked plainly, not wanting to provoke the older woman.
"You will be tasked with cleaning Miss Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela's rooms on top of your usual duties." She said smugly. As head maid, no one could question extra tasks she gave to the others. You knew this was some type of superiority complex she felt, but you just nodded in acceptance of your fate. Many of the other maids that had been tasked to clean the daughters' rooms had claimed it was a horrific experience, due to the girls' constant scare attempts.
"Very well, I should head to bed then. Have a good rest of your evening Floriana." You said nicely as you washed your bowl and made your way to your bed. Floriana scowled, hoping you'd give even a small complaint. Once you were in the servants quarters, you quickly changed and put away your new books, wondering if you'd have a break in your seemingly busy day to start reading. Sighing softly, you closed your eyes and slipped into a dreamless sleep.
"Mother, are you going to wear your pretty new broach?" Daniela asked as she sipped her glass of blood infused wine. They had just finished their meal and were enjoying the quality family time. Bela and Cassandra looked at Alcina expectantly, curiosity gleaming in their mischievous eyes.
"I do believe I will. It is a beautiful and thoughtful gift and you know how much I love orchids." Alcina answered thoughtfully, sipping her own glass of blood. The Lady was still surprised that you were so kind and willing to give her and her daughters without hoping to gain anything.
"You really want us to befriend this human, Mother?" Cassandra asked suddenly. Alcina raised an eyebrow at the impertinent question and gestured for her middle child to continue. "I'm just confused Mother. This servant seems to have no self preservation, her offer of friendship could be a clever trap." She continued, her tone slightly elevated showing her mistrust. Bela grabbed her sister's hand comfortingly and turned to her mother.
"It is odd that this servant, one who originally started working for the castle in exchange for her family's protection from the Lycans, is trying to form some type of bond. As your oldest I will follow your orders, but not at the possible detriment to my younger sisters." Bela said, sending a small affectionate smile across the table to Daniela.
Alcina sighed and contemplated her daughters' concerns. She could understand the mistrust of Cassandra and the precaution of Bela, yet Daniela was remaining oddly silent. She turned to Daniela, brow still arched quizzically. "You're being oddly quiet about this, what do you think Daniela?"
"I think we should do it. This human intrigues me, she clearly bears us no ill will. I mean hell, she brought us a tea to help us during the winter, not even the other Lords will bring us gifts when they visit." Daniela openly pondered. "If Bela is so concerned for our safety, then maybe she should schedule times for us to be around Y/N. Obviously it won't be like one on one encounters, safety in numbers and all that jazz, but it'll allow us to keep control of the situation until deemed safe. This will also allow Cassandra to figure out ifY/N is trustworthy, though I think she is since she's been here for roughly a month and hasn't broken a single rule. Regardless of the rules and stipulations, I want to make a friend who isn't terrified of me." She concluded as she finished her wine. To say that her mother and sisters were in shock at her moment of reasonable thought was an understatement. Alcina smiled warmly at her youngest daughter, proud that she use her brain for something that wasn't a torture scheme.
"That was very well put Dani, did you hit your head or something?" Cassandra asked teasingly. Daniela sent a rather disturbing look of innocence back at her older sister and laughed in response.
"I'm with Cass on this one, who knew you had a brain in there after all these years?" Bela added with a wicked grin on her face.
"Girls, you know better than to tease each other in my presence." Alcina chastised with her own smirk. All three daughters sheepishly looked down before bursting in laughter. "Well now that I have heard all of your thoughts and concerns, I will agree with Daniela's plan. Bela will set meeting times with Y/N, pending her schedule, and you will use your own judgement to determine her trustworthiness. I am in favor of you girls having a friendship with her, but I will not force it." She said softly. The girls stood from their places around the table and hugged their mother, basking in the safety they felt in her arms. The trio then bid their mother goodnight and flew off to their rooms, leaving Alcina alone to contemplate her own confusion surrounding you.
Waking early the next morning, you quickly donned a fresh uniform and set off to your duties for the day. The two parlors on the first floor only required some light dusting, as they were only used when the Duke or other Lords visited the castle. Once you finished, you saw the sun was starting to break through the morning clouds. You took off towards the kitchens to get a small cup of coffee, thanking the cook for having it ready for you. Seeing as you were the only other servant in the room, you assisted the cook getting the morning meals prepped for the others. Normally you'd also assist with getting the meals for the Lady and her daughters, but with your extra duties that task had fallen to another maid. Floriana and the senior maids entered the kitchen as you were starting to exit, all wearing superior smirks and silently laughing at your extra work. You just gave them a warm smile and bid them good morning, smirking once you were out the door. You knew your reaction was not the one they were hoping for and robbing them of that satisfaction gave you your own sense of superiority.
Making your way to the private chambers, you noted that the air was subtly warmer compared to the rest of the castle. You attributed this to the constitution of the girls and assumed that there was a particular way to ensure this was only active during the winter months. Knocking softly on Miss Bela's door you waited for her to address you and entered quietly.
"Good morning Miss Bela." You said with a soft smile. Bela looked up from her desk surprised to see you instead of the usual maid. "I'm here to tidy your room today, do you have any particular requests before I start?"
"I just ask that any papers pertaining to the wine exports be left in a neat pile on this desk. Y/N, you normally work in the kitchens, why are you cleaning our rooms today?" Bela asked tentatively.
"Floriana assigned me yours and your sisters' rooms today, along with my other duties. I'm sorry if this displeases you, but I will do my best work." You said with your head bowed. Bela took a moment to study you, making a mental note to ask her mother if she had requested this change in your duties.
"I see, if you'd like you can go let Cassandra and Daniela know that you're cleaning their rooms this morning." Bela said rather dismissively.
"Of course Miss Bela." You said as you moved down the hall to Cassandra's room. Before you could even knock, Cassandra burst through her doors.
"Alright Sofia, I kinda had a midnight snack so there's a few more bloodstains than usual. You might wanna get started on that as soon as -" Cassandra stopped abruptly as she noticed you were bowing before her.
"Good morning Miss Cassandra, I am cleaning your room today. Aside from the bloodstains, do you have any other explicit instructions for cleaning your room?" You asked politely. Cassandra stared at you in disbelief, before scoffing and heading down the hall.
"Make sure you polish the knives and leave them on the table." She called out over her shoulder. You then crossed the hall and knocked on Daniela's door.
"Good morning Y/N." Daniela said cheerfully as she opened the door. You were slightly taken aback by the friendlier attitude of the youngest daughter, but smiled back warmly.
"Good morning Miss Daniela, I am to clean your room today. Do you have any explicit instructions for how you would like your room?" You said while still smiling. You had hoped the way the sisters reacted to you this morning wasn't going to be indicative as to how they were taking the revelation of your hope for friendship.
"Nope, the room isn't even that messy. Sorry about Cass and her messy room." Daniela said with a smile as she rushed down the hall. "Hopefully we can hang out soon." She called back over her shoulder. You couldn't help but feel warm at the admission and cheerfully smiled as you moved to strip and remake the bed.
"Mother! Don't you think this is a little much?" Cassandra yelled as she flew into the dining hall. Alcina merely raised an eyebrow at the brashness of her middle child. Bela and Daniela entered a moment after, Bela looking mortified that her sister would act so recklessly.
"Cassandra, I will forgive this behavior for now. I must ask what the issue is this morning." Alcina said in a measured tone. She would be leaving shortly after breakfast to attend the council meeting and didn't need her headache starting this early.
"Y/N is cleaning our rooms this morning. I understand you want us to befriend the human, but having her be our first contact in the morning isn't okay." Cassandra said with a pout. The news of your duties changing came as a surprise to Alcina, she had not mentioned to Floriana that this was to happen. Bela noticed her mother's shock at this news and decided to speak up.
"Y/N informed me that Floriana instructed her to clean our rooms today, on top of her normal duties." Bela chimed in before her mother could say a word.
"I see. I'll deal with Floriana when I return from the council meeting. While I am gone, I ask that the three of you act with the dignity of being a Lady of House Dimitrescu." Alcina said curtly. She didn't mean to come off cross with her daughters, but she felt her headache already setting in. She quickly downed her morning blood tea a
nd made her way to the Cave Church. The girls silently waved her farewell and set to their own breakfast, hoping their mother would be in a better mood once she returned.
Upon her arrival to the Cave Church, Alcina took a deep calming breath. The only real member of the council she despised was that fool Heisneberg. Moreau was a bumbling, incompetant, and disfigured shell of a man; nothing she'd ever think to be a real threat. Alcina's thoughts then turned to Donna Beneviento and her doll Angie. Donna was the one person on this council that she genuinely enjoyed having in her presence. The young woman typically kept quietly to herself, often finding herself not fully comprehending what was being talked about. Alcina's heart went out to the poor woman, losing her family at a young age and being left alone until Mother Miranda offered her salvation. Donna had come to the castle a few times at Alcina's behest and had a lovely portrait of her and Angie painted by Bela. Angie was rather energetic, but Alcina rather enjoyed the dolls' antics especially when they were at the expense of Heisenberg.
"Hi there Big Lady!" Angie called out as she noticed Alcina's hat tip into the inner chamber. As Alcina straightened to her full height, she saw that Donna and Angie were the only ones there, Angie seated on Donn's lap as always.
"Hello Angie and hello to you too Donna." Alcina said softly as to not startle Donna. "I was wondering if you two would like to join me at the castle after this, the girls and I would simply love to have your company." She said with a charming smile.
"That sounds great Big Lady, I haven't gotten to play with the Troublemaking Trio in a while! Do you think Donna will get to see Gorgeous?" Angie asked excitedly.
"Hush Angie." Donna said rather flustered. Alcina stared at the pair feeling rather confused. Before she could get clarification, Heisenberg burst into the room with several Lycans snarling in tow. Alcina didn't try to cover her disgust at the filthy creatures that Heisenberg miraculously had control over. Moreau came shuffling in shortly after and the four lords stood in front of their chairs awaiting their leader.
Mother Miranda strode in rather gracefully, even the Lycans had quieted in her presence. "Welcome my children, let us start this council meeting." Miranda said in a rather joyous tone as the four lords took their seats. "I'm sure you are all wondering why I have called for this meeting. It pertains to all these years of research finally coming to fruition. I believe I have finally found the perfect vessel to resurrect my daughter Eva." She continued. Alcina was shocked to hear that all these years of research weren't in vain.
"And where is this supposed perfect vessel?" Heisenberg asked in disbelief. The man was sitting with his legs over one of the arms of his chair and poking the handle of his hammer making it tilt back. Alcina crossed her arms and glared at the uncultured fool. If it wasn't for the fact he was able to "control" the Lycans, Alcina was certain Mother Miranda would have killed him.
"As you know I have been rather absent from the village for the past few months, that is because this new vessel is still an infant and I needed to infiltrate the family. I will be bringing this vessel back to the village with me tomorrow. When I return we will begin the preparations for Eva to take over the infant's body." Miranda explained. The four lords listened intently, but were unsure how they truly felt about this.
"Mother Miranda, what of the child's family?" Alcina asked. It was highly unlikely the family was going to give up the child willingly.
"They won't be a problem. Now I want the rest of the village inhabitants removed before tomorrow evening, when we will conduct the ceremony." Miranda assured the much taller woman.
"I'm sorry, but can we get back to the part about how you want us to kill the rest of the villagers?" Heisenberg asked as he jumped up from his chair.
"Is this what you truly wish for Mother?" Moreau asked timidly.
"Silence!" Mother Miranda yelled as her wings unfurled. "The village will be purged fully, as required for the ceremony. Now go, I will return in the morning." Mother Miranda dismissed them and left the Cave Church.
"Well this is quite the predicament." Donna mused softly. Though she did her part in experimenting on the villagers, she didn't like killing people so callously.
"I agree, but we must do as Mother commands." Moreau added as he wrung his hands.
"No one asked for your opinion ugly!" Angie shouted as she flew out of Donna's arms.
"Shut up all of you!" Heisenberg shouted. "I don't agree with the senseless slaughter, but it's not like we can ignore a direct order from Miranda. You have any ideas Big D?" Heisenberg asked as he looked at Alcina.
"Don't call me that again, or that hammer is going to be shoved so far inside of you that I will wield you as a scepter." Alcian growled out as she rubbed at her headache. "We all need the villagers for various reasons, perhaps we send word to the homes under our protection to hide out in the mountain caves until the ceremony is over. Then we help them rebuild and regain their trust, making them view us as their true salvation." Alcina offered. While she would normally never disobey Mother Miranda, she would not deprive herself and her daughters of their main source of sustenance.
"Fine, Moreau and I will tell the protected houses to leave tonight, anyone left here come morning will be devoured by the Lycans." Heisenberg said as he ushered for the deformed man to follow him and his Lycans out into the village.
"Come Donna and Angie, we have some plans to finalize at the castle. Perhaps I will be able to meet this "Gorgeous" you are so interested in." Alcina teased the young woman and led her back to the castle.