Thanks for reading everyone! A much sadder chapter with the final farewell to Lady Daciana, and a new chapter for Alcina begins.

The doctor was perplexed by what was ailing Lady Daciana. After giving her two sedatives, she was finally lying in bed calmly, though her breaths were still heavy and she continued to run a high fever.

Phoebe remained in the room with her mistress. Wiping away the sweat and keeping her cooled down with wet rags. Her chest constricted at the sight of her strong mistress. She had been well and now this… she could not understand what had happened to her. How she had fallen ill so quickly. Could she have eaten something the other day? No. Phoebe doubted that. And then the sound of the gun going off. Had someone entered the house and attacked her? No. Again that did not seem possible. Someone would have seen them…

Her thoughts then went to Alcina. The child was still out with the young Stanislav. How would she explain to her what was happening with Lady Daciana? Tears spilled down her cheeks, dabbing them away with the end of her apron.

"P-Phoebe…" Lady Daciana's voice sounded so weak and hoarse.

"My lady?" Phoebe jumped at the sound of her calling.

"W-water, please."

Phoebe grabbed the glass and filled it in the bathroom sink. She returned in a second, helping to raise Lady Daciana's head in order for her to take small sips.

"There, my lady, you are going to be just fine."

Lady Daciana winced, opening her eyes a fraction to look at her.

"With you by my side, I know I will recover…" her face then pinched in pain, closing her eyes again as a wave of it overcame her. She released a moan to keep the scream from bursting forth, a single tear trailing down from her left eye as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Alcina..."

{…}

Alcina came to a halt as she and Fredric had just approached his car. A dreadful feeling had taken hold of her. The pain so great in her chest, she had started to feel dizzy.

"Alcina?" Fredric said, reaching out in preparation to catch her.

"I-I am sorry," she said to him. "Can you take me home?"

"Of course, are you feeling all right?"

She gave him a nod; however, she was not feeling at all well. Something was happening. Something terrible.

The drive back to the manor felt like a month's journey for her. She kept staring out the window. Wishing she could see the top of the manor already. Finally her home had come within eyesight. She did not even wait for Fredric to open the door for her. She sprinted straight to the manor, throwing open the double doors and startling the two guards.

"Miss Alcina!"

"Where is my mother?"

Both guards looked to one another, clearly hoping the other was going to explain.

Alcina cursed under her breath as she stormed by them without waiting, Fredric walking into the manor behind her and was forced to wait by the two guards. His green eyes trained on Alcina with worry as she ascended the stairs and disappeared from his sight.

Alcina had never felt such a chill as she walked the familiar hall. The walls seeming to close in around her as she neared her mother's chamber. What was this feeling? Why did she sense such dread?

She stopped in front of the door, observing her hand shaking violently upon reaching for the doorknob. She gripped her wrist to steady herself and then pushed the door open.

Within she spied her mother in her bed with the lights out and the curtain drawn. She entered inside quietly, freezing as a figure stood up from the other side of the bed.

"Miss Alcina."

"Phoebe?" she whispered. "What is going on?"

Phoebe held up her hand for silence, motioning for Alcina to step out of the room with her. Alcina did not move, staring directly at her unmoving Mother.

"Miss Alcina, please."

Alcina looked at Phoebe with anger; however, it all drained out of her at the sight of tears in her eyes. Alcina exited the room again, waiting with growing impatience for Phoebe to explain.

"The doctor came to check on her earlier. We are not sure what is wrong with her, but the doctor has given her sedatives to ease the pain."

"What happened?"

"We do not know," Phoebe said. "Someone had claimed to hear a gunshot from the study. We all went running up and found your mother on the floor."

"She did not try to harm herself, did she?" Alcina said in alarm.

"No, Miss Alcina. Your mother would never do such a thing. She has been unable to speak clearly on the matter. She has spoken very little to me unless it is water she requires," Phoebe said, taking Alcina's hand and squeezing it.

How cold they felt.

"She has been calling for you," Phoebe added.

"How can I help her?"

"Just sit with her. The doctor will return in the next hour to check on her."

"All right," Alcina said, her stomach in knots. "Fredric is downstairs. Please take care of him for me, and tell him I am sorry I rushed off like I did."

"I will, Miss," Phoebe said, patting her hand before turning away.

Alcina reentered the room and took up the seat Phoebe had been occupying. She sat staring at her mother for a length of time. Telling her about the day she and Fredric had had.

"He is such a gentleman, Mother," Alcina said. "I know how much you do not like me interacting with him, but he has turned out to be a wonderful friend."

Her mother remained still and silent.

Alcina felt her chest constrict, reaching out and touching her mother's wrist. She felt cold and clammy.

She could not find the words to speak. Every time she went to say more, her throat was constricted by emotions. She continued to repeat over and over again that her mother would be fine. She was in no danger and would come out of this like any other cold or flu.

Alcina remained with her mother for a few more hours. The doctor having come and given her more medicine.

"I am glad to see her fever is dropping," he said. "Her pulse is still a little high, but that will return to normal soon."

"What is wrong with her?" Alcina asked.

"It is hard to say. It could be the flu or even a nasty strain of allergies. I do not think it is food poisoning, but I will not rule that out."

"So she will recover?" Alcina said.

"Yes," the doctor said. "She will be fine."

Alcina sat back in her seat. All the stress leaving her in a state of exhaustion.

"Thank you."

"Call me if anything seems to be making a turn in the opposite direction."

"I will," Alcina said, smiling over at Phoebe who entered the room once the doctor left the room. "He said she will be just fine."

"That is wonderful! Oh thank God," Phoebe said, unable to help herself and give Alcina a small hug.

"I will remain in here with her," Alcina said. "Just in case she wakes up and needs something."

"Very well, Miss," Phoebe said.

The night wore on. Alcina falling in and out of sleep in the chair, she was awoken to the sound of her mother groaning. She stood straight up and went to her side. Her mother was shaking uncontrollably.

"Mother?"

Her mother did not open her eyes as she kept shaking.

Alcina ran out of the room and straight to the study. She called the doctor, which required her to call him three times before he answered his phone.

"Please hurry!" she slammed the phone down and ran straight back to her mother's side. She had calmed now, but she was once again sweating. Her breathing uneven. "The doctor is coming, Mother. Just hold on." She raked her fingers through her matted hair.

"A-Alci…" she gasped, her mouth agape as she struggled to take in air.

"I am h-here, Mama," Alcina choked. "I am here."

Journal Entry:

The doctor cannot make head nor tail of what has afflicted my mother. She is now suffering from seizures. Unbeknownst to me the night I had called the doctor she had suffered a stroke. It has been four days' now and she remains the same, though she has opened her eyes and spoken to me. Her words slurred and sometimes she cannot find the words.

I remain by her side as much as I can while trying to take on more duties with the business. I know what I must do, but I am frightened. The reality of me sitting behind my mother's desk. To be taking charge of where she should be… I know this is what she has been preparing me for, but I still need her. I need her guiding hand.

Alcina stopped writing as a knock sounded at the door. She closed the journal and bid the person entry.

"Phoebe?"

"Lunch is ready," she said.

"I do not feel much like eating."

"Please try," Phoebe encouraged her.

There was no point in arguing. She was far too exhausted to do that. So she followed Phoebe downstairs and forced herself to eat the food served to her.

"Is there anything else you would like, my lady?"

"Do not call me that," Alcina whispered.

"My lady?" he said confused.

"Do not call me that!" she slammed her fist down upon the table, causing the glasses to tinkle and some to fall over. "My mother still lives! And she will live many more years! I am not the lady of this house yet. So you will not call me that!" she shot out of her seat, storming out of the room with hot, angry tears spilling down her face.

Phoebe having heard the commotion followed behind Alcina from the Dining Hall.

"Miss Alcina," she called to her.

Alcina did not acknowledge her, but instead ran up the stairs and to her mother's room. Inside she closed the door and sank into the seat beside the bed, tears continuing to roll down her cheeks.

"What is wrong this time?" came her mother's weak voice.

Alcina looked at up at her mother, who was looking at her with a faint smile.

"You were always so quick to tears."

Alcina said nothing.

"Are you angry with me?"

"…no."

"That emotion will come," she said.

"Stop speaking like you are leaving me."

Lady Daciana started to titter, which caused her to cough harshly, once she had calmed again did she speak:

"When you were born Alcina, you were this tiny little bundle the doctor had set into my arms. All you would do was cry and cry. Eventually I would learn how to read you. Understand what each of your different cries meant. Either you wanted to suckle, be sung to, be placed in your crib or you just wanted to be in my arms. You were so very intelligent. I knew I would have my hands full with you, but I also knew you would be the heiress to my business. No matter what happened to me, you would manage it all just as well as I, no, even better than I."

"I still have much to learn from you."

Lady Daciana shook her head.

"I can teach you no more; experience will be your teacher now."

"How dare you say that. How dare you just give up like this!" Alcina snarled.

"Ahh, and there is the anger."

Alcina got up out of the chair, walking over to the window and keeping her back to her mother.

"How are the shipments coming along?" Lady Daciana asked, changing the subject.

"All is in order," Alcina murmured.

"Do you have any questions?"

"I cannot think of anything at the moment," Alcina answered.

"Well if you come across something write it down and I will help you."

Alcina remained by the window.

"And what of your Fredric? Have you gone silent on him?"

"He is not my Fredric, Mother. He is a friend."

"You should inform him that you are doing well," Lady Daciana said.

"I will later. Once you have recovered."

"You will call him today!"

The tone of her mother's voice made her flinch. She was serious.

"I thought you did not like me consorting with him?"

"My opinion means nothing, Alci, it is your life. Your choices. I am only giving you advice, and from my past experiences, I am telling you that it is most wise and best for you to communicate."

Alcina turned and met her mother's gaze. She knew she was right, and to hear her mother speaking to her like that raised her spirits. The fierce fire in her eyes just what Alcina needed.

She walked across the room, stopping at the door and looking back at her mother who was watching her with a stern countenance. Out the door she went to her mother's study. Once inside she dialed the number to the Stanislav home. A man answered the phone.

"I am looking for Fredric Stanislav, please."

"May I inquire who is calling?"

"Alcina Dimitrescu."

"One moment, Miss Dimitrescu."

Alcina waited a good five minutes before she heard Fredric's voice on the other end. He was most chipper upon hearing her voice.

"I am sorry I have not called you or returned your phone calls. I have been helping my mother with the business. She, um, she has fallen ill. The doctor is not sure what is ailing her."

"Is it the flu?"

"No, I think it is something far worse than that…" Alcina paused to control her emotions. "I am so afraid, Fredric… she is not getting better. She cannot rise out of bed and barely eats."

"What can I do to help?"

Alcina could not help but smile at his words.

"There is nothing any of us can do, but wait. The medicine the doctor has prescribed seems to be helping little by little… thank you, Fredric."

"Of course, Alcina," Fredric said. "I hope your mother feels better."

"Me, too, I will call you later in the week."

The two said goodbye, Alcina hanging up the phone and leaning back in the seat. More tears surfacing in her eyes and flowing down her cheeks.

{…}

Later on in the day Lady Daciana had started to vomit. Her vomit containing blood and bringing about another fever. The doctor had been called again, returning with more medicine to help her.

"She needs to be taken to the hospital! We should have taken her the day she had collapsed!"

"The hospital cannot help her," the doctor insisted. "She will only get worse going there."

"She is not getting better here!" Alcina shot back.

"Stop. Yelling…"

The doctor and Alcina looked over to Lady Daciana, her complexion as pale as wax. Her eyes bloodshot.

"Mother we must take you to the hospital," Alcina insisted, walking over to the bed. "Please."

"The hospital can do nothing for me," she wheezed. "I will remain here where I was born and raised."

"Mother," Alcina's chin began to tremble in growing frustration. "I do not care if you are the lady of the house! I will have one of the men carry you into the car and we will go to the hospital."

"You will do no such thing," Lady Daciana shot back, causing a trickle of blood to slide down her chin. "As the lady of the house that is what I command!"

Alcina looked from her mother back to the doctor helplessly.

"If this is what she desires, I have no say in the matter."

Alcina covered her face with her shaking hands. Tears beginning to slip in-between her fingers.

"I will be downstairs," the doctor said, leaving the two alone.

The room fell silent with only the sounds of Alcina's muffled sobs.

"Alci," Lady Daciana finally spoke. "I made a promise to you. I told you I would tell you who occupies the other half of my once broken heart."

"No, Mother," Alcina said.

"Yes, Alcina. The time has come. Please come over here."

Alcina lowered her hands, bunching them into tight fists as she made her way to the bed. She stood in front of her mother, barely able to look at her for she was almost unrecognizable.

Lady Daciana gave her a smile, knowing she must have looked a fright.

"Are you ready?"

"I have no choice…"

"Oh my Alcina… you may hate me even more for what I am about to tell you, but vowed to myself I would, and the truth of the matter is, you will no doubt meet him at a less happy occasion."

Those words plunged deep into Alcina's heart. The room swirling around her. Unable to comprehend how this could be real. How any of this could be happening.

"Magnus and I had a son together, Alcina. I was uncertain if the boy was his or Quentin's, but when he was born with the Baron's brown eyes I knew. I had given birth to him at the winter manor. Do you remember when I had left you for a month?"

"I do."

"That was the reason. I had given birth to the boy there, because I did not want anyone to know what I had done… not even you. It was not due to shame. I was thinking of Magnus, your prince, and not marring his reputation."

Alcina looked at her mother.

"What was his name?"

"Arthur. Arthur Magnus Berg… it is that boy who shares my heart with you, Alci. My last secret." Lady Daciana started to cough again, more blood coming out of her mouth.

Alcina quickly grabbed a fresh rag and wiped her face clean.

"Tha-thank you…" she gasped, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "Oh how I love you, my darling, I love you so very much."

Alcina set the rag down, clasping both her hands around her mother's.

"Mother," she squeaked, feeling so powerless. Stranded alone with nothing to save her mother. Alone to deal with the uncomfortable truth… she was going to die. Alcina knelt down and remained by her side.

"Alcina allow me to impart this with you now… it is something for you to always remember. The Dimitrescu bloodline flows stronger in you than any other. You who wear our crest with pride. The twin swords. This world we live in does not see females as anything but accessories. Those wolves out there see you as nothing more than a pampered little girl groomed to be a brainwashed wife, but I know differently. You Alcina are unpredictable. Men and women alike will always underestimate you. You make them pay for that in any means necessary. Be merciless."

Lady Daciana managed to raise Alcina's hand up to her lips and place a kiss to it, smiling. Always did she have a smile for her child. Always…

{…}

'Alcina.'

What felt like cold breath tickling her cheek woke Alcina from her slumber. She was knelt in the same spot she had been earlier that night, one hand still clasped tightly around her mother's.

Her attention went straight to her mother's face. Her eyes were closed. Her mouth slightly open.

Alcina rubbed her mother's arm up and down. She felt so cold it made gooseflesh appear all over Alcina's skin.

"Mother?"

She was too still.

"Mama," she whimpered, gripping hold of her as she moved up closer to her and buried her face into the crook of her neck, weeping. "Mama…" Her entire body racked with sorrow. She did not hear Phoebe enter at some point. Alerted by her as the maid gently wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her up to her feet. "I cannot leave her."

"You must," Phoebe said gently.

Alcina watched as a priest and the doctor walked past them. The morning light just drifting into the room and enveloping the bed in its light. Alcina squinted her eyes for a moment at a sudden blast of light, and there for the briefest moment she saw her mother. She stood by the window in a cream colored dress. Her black hair kept down and curling at the ends.

"Mother…" Alcina whispered.

Her mother turned to her with a smile. How beautiful she looked. Her face so full of life just as Alcina remembered her to be. The light started to fade, Alcina nearly knocking Phoebe down as she started to run to the spot.

"My lady!"

Alcina halted. The room had grown dimmer. The light faded. Tears once more burning in the back of her eyes.

"Come along now," Phoebe said soothingly. "Come."

Alcina was guided out. How empty she felt. Tired. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Nothing mattered to her anymore…

She lay in bed for the next couple of days'. She refused to eat. Locked away in her room and cursing at Phoebe if she disturbed her.

Only when it came time for her mother's funeral did she leave her room. A large ceremony that held many people in attendance. She was numb to it all. People giving her their condolences. She barely heard them. She simply did not care to hear them. The funeral only confirming to her her mother was dead and she would never see her again.

"Lady Alcina?"

A male voice broke through to her. She knew that voice. His blonde hair was shorter than she remembered. His well-kept beard showing a little gray in it, but his brown eyes. Those kind brown eyes.

"The prince."

He smiled at her and bowed.

"It has been a long time, Lady Alcina. You have grown so much. How much you resemble…" he paused, choking up slightly. "Your mother."

"Thank you," she said, tears starting to surface in her eyes. "Baron Kerg."

"I am so very sorry I could not have been there for you and your mother."

Alcina watched him with deep sadness as he started to break down. It was then did she wrap her arms around him and hug him firmly. His arms wrapped around her and holding her. How long it had been since she had received such a loving embrace. How much she truly needed it now.

"Father?"

Baron Kerg released his hold on her, placing a hand upon the young man's shoulder.

"Lady Alcina, I would like to introduce you to my son, Hon Arthur."

"A pleasure to meet you, my lady," he bowed to her.

"A pleasure to meet you, Hon Arthur," Alcina said, whispering into his ear. "Our mother has told me all about you."

"S-she did?" he said with a growing smile.

"Yes," Alcina said, smiling to Magnus. "If you wish to know about her, I will tell you more of who our mother was and how much she loved us…"

"My father has told me many things about her," Arthur said proudly. "She was a great and noble woman."

Alcina once more felt her heart constrict in pain barely able to say:

"Yes she was…"

Alcina remained with Arthur and her prince. Her only security in this endless sea of faces. The boy was so kind and loving towards her. Once he had hold of her hand, Arthur did not release his grip from her. How much he looked like their mother from time to time. Especially when he gave her a reassuring smile that she was all right.

"Lady Dimitrescu."

Alcina stopped in her tracks upon hearing her unmistakable voice. She turned around and found it was Beatrice's mother, Countess Bogdan. Her face was pale and her eyes. Alcina felt her heart ache with sorrow.

The two stared at one another for a minute before embracing. Alcina burying her face in the crook of her neck and allowing the tears to flow again. There was no shame from it. No judgement. No sense of their interaction improper.

It was the embrace of a mother and daughter, for Alcina had been her child. She rubbed at her back to calm her down. How warm Alcina felt. The child's dress hanging off her.

Of course she would not be doing well.

The two remained in each other's arms until everyone was kindly asked to take a seat. Alcina, Countess Bogdan, Baron Kerg and Arthur all took a seat at the front of the congregation. The church at first felt warm to her with all the bodies moving about, but as soon as everyone was seated, did Alcina feel chilled to the bone.

How alone she felt. Her chest constricted as the priest began the sermon. Her blue eyes directed onto her mother's coffin. She then felt warm digits wrap around both her hands. She looked to her right to find Arthur had her hand and to her left was Countess Bogdan.

Both squeezed her hand in comfort. Once more her eyes glimmered with tears. She was safe. She was still loved by someone…