Thanks for tuning in! In this chapter, Alcina struggles to get over her mother's passing and overcoming her depression.

A few weeks later:

Alcina lay in her chambers once more. The funeral had been only a few weeks ago. Baron Kerg and Arthur having spent the rest of the day with her, she had allowed Arthur a few things that had belonged to their mother.

But once more she found herself alone. The sadness consuming her all over again. She could not find the strength to rise. Finding only peace in her dreams where her mother's memory lived.

"Alcina. Alcina."

She felt her bed shift.

Warm and strong arms wrap around her in a tight hold.

She buried her head deeper into the blankets.

"You must get up. You must eat."

"Leave me."

"I will not."

"Get out."

He did not budge.

"Get out I said! Go away!"

He left her be only to return again and again.

She would curse at him. Throw objects at him to make him leave, but again and again he would return.

"Any luck, Master Fredric?" Phoebe inquired as he came down the stairs.

"Hard to tell," he said, his hands in his pant pockets.

"Well, I thank you for coming back and trying. Would you like anything to eat?"

"If it is not too much trouble, I would be grateful for a little nibble."

Phoebe guided him into the Dining Hall for a little food.

"I will go back up and try again once she has calmed."

A few hours passed and Fredric timidly approached Alcina's door. He opened it just a crack, peering inside to find her standing by her window.

'What a relief to see her standing up and not curled up in the bed,' he thought to himself, knocking on the door to announce his presence. "Alcina?"

She did not look at him.

"I am glad to see you up," he continued, stepping further into the room. "Are you hungry?"

"Why are you here? Why do you continue to return?" her voice was hoarse due to all her yelling.

"Because I care about you."

Alcina glared back at him.

"Go away and do not return."

"I cannot do that." He took a firm step forward.

"You will do as I say!" she stormed straight towards him, stopping inches away from his face. "I am the lady of this house and you will obey me!"

"I cannot, Lady Alcina."

He was so irritatingly calm. He was not angry. Those damn green eyes so full of sympathy and love. She could not bear it.

"Please leave me alone…" the words came out so pitifully, she raised both her fists and beat them against his chest. All the while he stood and took each hit until she covered her face and started to weep. His arms snaking around her once more and pulling her in close.

He did not say anything for a time. Allowing her to cry and cry until she finally started to settle down.

"You are a fool. A damn fool," she sniffled. "Of all the women you could have, why would you punish yourself by choosing me?"

He started to smile, gently lowering her hands so she could look at him.

"I have always been a fool, but I will love you until the end of time…" he said. "I will continue to come back here until I know you are back to your old self."

"I am not sure I will ever be my old self," she said.

"Maybe not, but you will come through this as a stronger Alcina. I promise you that."

"You are an idiot," Alcina said, starting to smile.

"There it is," he said.

"What?"

"That illusive smile. I knew I would find it."

Alcina lowered her gaze, slowly losing her will to hold it.

"I miss her terribly…"

"Time will heal your heart, Alcina, and filling it with the love of others will heal it that much faster."

Alcina looked back up at him. Her mother having said something like that once before. She touched his soft face. His boyish smile emerging once more. She felt her heart begin to beat faster as she stood on her tippy toes and kissed him on the lips.

Slowly but surely Alcina broke through her despair. She was eating regularly. Bathing regularly. The business keeping her mind distracted from her mother's death. And of course there was Fredric who spent his entire days' with her.

'I suppose I do love him…' she thought, laying naked beside him after a night of love making. 'Though my heart still cries out for Beatrice. I am glad I received that letter from her. Sending her condolences about my mother, and that she is returning home soon. I will be happy to see her again. My old love…'

She smiled at the thought of Beatrice, and of Fredric snoring beside her.

'It is just as you said, Mother. I have found two true loves in my life. I know you say it is a curse, but I do not feel that way. I feel most lucky to know I have two people in this immense world who truly love me. I love you, Mother. It took some time, and a lot of effort from my loved ones, but I have returned to the land of the living; I swear to you I will not fail you nor myself…'

{…}

February 16th, 1933:

Alcina's teeth were chattering, though her naked body was covered in sweat. She was laying in her bed in agony. Another contraction hitting her and making her cry out in pain. She knew she should not have allowed those cries to escape her, but as the pain grew, did her control slip.

Outside the wind howled and beat against the windows. The fire in the hearth bringing much needed warmth, but for Alcina it was making her feel overheated and uncomfortable.

"Phoebe," she groaned. "Phoebe please open the window a little."

"Yes, my lady," she said, walking up to the window and opened it a fraction.

"I-I feel like I am dying," Alcina gasped. "Was it this bad for my mother?"

"You were a bit difficult," Phoebe said. "But like your mother you are doing just as well."

Alcina closed her eyes, groaning as another contraction ran through her.

"Breathe, my lady," Phoebe consoled her. "The doctor will be here soon."

Ten minutes later and the doctor and Fredric arrived in the room. Phoebe taking his hat and coat, he went right over to Alcina and examined her closely.

"Fredric," she whimpered, gritting her teeth to stop another cry from escaping her.

"My love," he said, placing a kiss to her sweaty forehead.

"How often have the contractions been occurring?" the doctor asked Phoebe.

"Five minutes apart," Phoebe said.

"Good," the doctor said. "Be prepared to have some sheets and warm water. We will begin the pushing process now."

"Fredric," Alcina whispered, her eyes closed. "Stay with me."

Fredric placed a kiss to her hand.

The night persisted as Alcina began to push. Sweat and blood glistening off her thighs as she pushed. Fredric remaining right beside her with his hand firmly gripped with hers. His green eyes full of fear as he stared at his wife. He knew the horror stories of women dying in childbirth, and the terror of losing her was unbearable.

"You are doing well," he whispered into her ear. "Almost there."

Alcina released a cry of pain as she pushed again.

"One more!" the doctor encouraged her. "One more big push."

Fredric winced as Alcina's grip on his hand tightened. There was no power on earth that would wrench their hands apart.

"Alcina," he said, feeling pain as she continued to squeeze him.

"Fredric," she said, noting how he was starting to sweat. "We will share this pain, for you had a hand in this, too."

"I guess it is a good thing we have a doctor her-ow!" He yelped.

She chuckled at his pain, in fact, it was making her forget her own. Though she did not doubt he was probably overacting to make her feel better. A nice distraction. Alcina took in a deep breath, giving it her last ounce of strength. Her child's cries a relief as she crumbled down on the bed. Alcina was spent. Just the effort of moving her fingers and toes was too much to attempt.

"Well done," the doctor said, placing the baby in the care of Phoebe to clean up and wrap her in a blanket.

Fredric was the first to hold her, tears in his eyes as he said over and over:

"I am a father. I am a father. Alcina, thank you. Thank you."

Tears slid down her face from both joy and the pain that lingered.

Slowly she willed herself to sit up. Phoebe right there to ease her back against the pillows.

"Helena," Alcina said, barely recognizing her own voice. "That will be her name. Helena Daciana Stanislav."

Fredric nodded.

"Beautiful."

"My lord, she must be fed now."

He was not listening to Phoebe.

"Fredric," Alcina spoke up.

He looked to her.

She gave him a stern look.

Finally he walked up to his wife and released their daughter into her arms where Alcina could take a proper look at her. There was no doubt she was a child of the Dimitrescu line. She had her eyes and already sprouted the signature black hair. Everything about her was like a mirror image of Alcina.

"I will return later to check on you Lady Stanislav," the doctor said. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Alcina said.

"Thank you, Doctor Arlo," Fredric said, placing a hand on Alcina's shoulder. "Is there anything we can get you before you depart?"

"No I will be just fine," he said, tipping his hat to them and leaving.

"Fredric."

"Alcina?" he looked back down at her.

"Please leave me and Helena."

He was hurt by this. Phoebe half pushed him out the door; however, he skirted around Phoebe and came back to kiss her.

"Come back in fifteen minutes," she told him.

"As you wish," he whispered, placing one last kiss on her forehead before departing. "What?" Alcina heard him say to Phoebe as she glared at him.

Once the door was closed, Alcina began to hum to Helena. Watching her suckle from her breast. Her eyes half-closed. Her little fingers rested over Alcina's heart. Never had she felt anything so overwhelming. A sudden shift within herself.

'I am a mother. Her protector. So much responsibility is now placed before me. Everything my mother passed down to me, I will pass down to Helena. The twin swords my family insignia. Soon she would wield them.' Alcina thought, she was grown up… no longer was she a child.

"Welcome, Helena," Alcina said to her daughter. "I am so glad to finally meet you. Your father is just as overjoyed. Please have patience with us. We are both new to all of this…" she continued to suckle until she fell asleep. Her mouth wide open. "Just like your idiot father…"

Alcina continued to hum softly to Helena, her attention momentarily drifting towards the window as the wind whistled past. Unbeknownst to she a raven was situated in a tree not too far from the manor. Its black eyes trained on them.

{…}

It did not take long for Fredric and Alcina to grow a bit more settled with all that was new in their life. Of course it did not take long for Fredric's mother to realize Alcina had given birth.

"I do not wish to take Helena to meet them just yet. We have only had her for a week," Alcina said, truthfully she did not want to take Helena to see the ogress at all.

"I have already told her we would see her next month. It was the only thing she would except."

"Very well," Alcina said.

"What's more we can drive my new baby about."

"Your what?" Alcina said.

"My new Chrysler Imperial," he said.

"Oh yes," Alcina shook her head, taking a seat in a rocking chair. "That cost a pretty penny."

"It is well worth it," he said.

"Idiot."

"Do not deny the fact you love it, too."

Alcina did not reply, her focus was down on her Helena who was fast asleep in her arms. Her only thought was of her daughter. She did not want to think of the trip to the Stanislav manor, which would come sooner than she wanted.

The month of February past them by and soon March descended upon them. Alcina begrudgingly climbing into the car with Helena bundled in a brand new coat with matching gloves and a hat.

"Are you giggling at Mama?" Alcina giggled at her, Helena continuing to smile up at her mother with deep love. Her big blue eyes never once wavering from her until Fredric closed the driver side door and started the car. "She is curious about the wheel."

"Never too early to start driving lessons," Fredric teased.

Alcina shook her head at him, adjusting her seatbelt so it was wrapped securely around Helena.

"Drive slow."

"Yes, ma'am," he said.

Helena began to babble. Imitating with her hands what her father was doing and then slapping her hands against Alcina's arm.

"My darling…" Alcina smiled.

How easy Helena had been for them. She was so very patient with her mother and father. Rewarding their hard work with crying very little at night, though the main reason why Alcina did not sleep well was because she was afraid something was going to happen to her. Every little creak or groan woke Alcina, which would lead to her taking a seat in the chair next to her crib in their chambers and remain there for hours. Watching over her. Ready to protect her.

"Almost there," Fredric said, slowing down as he made a left.

Dread filled Alcina as the manor came into sight. A servant waiting outside for them as they pulled up and opened the door.

"Welcome, Master Fredric and Lady Alcina," he said.

"Oh! Where is she?!"

Alcina cringed at Dame Stanislav's screeching voice, stiffing up as the woman appeared on the porch. Oh what Alcina would have given to see her slip and fall into the snow.

"Hurry up!" she snapped, hugging Fredric and then shoving him inside where Duke Stanislav was waiting.

"Well done, Son." Alcina overheard Fredric's father say, shaking his hand.

"Thank you, Father."

Duke Stanislav then set his attention on Alcina, walking up to her and placing a kiss to her cheek.

"How are you?"

"I am well, thank you, my lord," she said, being pulled away by Fredric's mother who was just itching to hold Helena.

Alcina followed her into the sitting room where they took a seat on the couch.

"Now let Granmama take a look at you," she said, taking Helena out of her arms and setting her into her lap. "She certainly takes after you, doesn't she?"

"In looks, but I have yet to see how much of me runs through her veins. I would not be surprised if she acted more like Fredric."

"Let us hope."

Alcina felt a pang of heat rise in her. Not liking how she said that. Alcina kept watching on as Helena stirred upon Fredric's mother removing her little coat, hat and gloves. She blinked her eyes open and whimpered.

"Hello, pretty thing."

Tears bubbled in her girl's eyes. Instantly Alcina started to reach for her, but Fredric's mother shifted her body and blocked her. Alcina gritted her teeth wanting to smack her. To hear Helena begin to cry. To find herself in a stranger's arms instead of her mother's. Alcina began to rise off of her seat. The words on the tip of her tongue to give her back when a male voice said:

"You're frightening the poor girl, Mother. Give her back to Alcina."

Alcina had not noticed his presence in the doorway. The usual glass of alcohol in hand. He looked so much like Fredric, but that was the only similarity between them. Their personalities were polar opposites.

"Nonsense. Once she grows used to me all will be well."

"Not from the sounds of that," Roderick said, his attention now pointed directly at Alcina. "Give her back."

Dame Stanislav finally conceded, turning back to Alcina.

"What a handful she is. My boys never fussed like that."

Alcina growled softly at her jab, smiling down at Helena who had started to fall silent, and perhaps it was her imagination, but she could have sworn she gave her a little wink.

Alcina kissed her cheek, sitting her down on her lap and gently rocking her.

"Roderick!"

Fredric and Duke Stanislav entered the room a few moments later. The brothers sharing a hug.

"Congratulations, Brother," Roderick said. "I believe this calls for a drink."

Alcina looked over at him, noting how insincere he sounded. How fake. How much hatred was in his heart. Jealousy. His green eyes were so cold. Soulless.

"She is stunning. Both mother and daughter," Duke Stanislav said, a genuine smile on his face.

Alcina gave him a warm smile. Fredric taking after him far more than his drunkard mother. Duke Stanislav always tried to keep the family together. Peace that Roderick never wanted, but his business sense was below proficient. He would spend the money faster than he would receive it.

Once they had settled a bit more, it was decided they would spend the night. Fredric and Alcina were shown to their room.

"I wish you had told me they were hosting a party," Alcina said.

"It was meant to be a surprise, Alcina," Fredric said.

"Now we are trapped here for an extra day."

"Is it so bad for you?" Fredric said.

Alcina looked at him and noted the hurt in his eyes. She was forgetting herself. Her manners.

"No. I am sorry. I do not mean to be so harsh," she said, walking over and placing a quick kiss to his lips.

"It is all right," Fredric said. "I understand you have qualms with my mother."

"She starts it," Alcina said. "Could you not hear the amount of times she was jabbing at me? She despises me."

"She does not."

Alcina just shook her head at him and moved back to Helena. She had made sure to tell Dame Stanislav Helena was sleeping with them and not by herself in a lone room.

Clearly she did not like her speaking so boldly in her own house, which Alcina couldn't care less what she thought. Alcina refused to be far away from Helena. And so, Duke Stanislav had brought in the crib himself. It was finely carved and stood strong.

"Both boys used this when they were babies," he explained. "And when you both leave, it will be yours to use for Helena and any other children you may have."

Fredric colored at his remark.

Alcina smiled at him.

It was a relief when night finally fell. Alcina had had enough of Dame Stanislav and found refuge in the little room. Helena fast asleep in her crib.

Alcina closed her eyes for a brief moment. Smiling at the feel of Fredric kiss her cheek. She raised her head slightly, watching him walk over to Helena and give her a kiss goodnight before he lay back down on the bed.

"You know what I was thinking when we returned home?"

"What's that?" he said, turning on his side and looking at her with a smile.

"I want to continue my family tradition, and build an enterprise on wine. I have been doing my best, but I will need help."

"Whatever you want to do, I will help you."

"Fredric, you know you can say no to me."

"No."

Alcina laughed lightly at that, reaching out and stroking his face. A little stubble had grown on his cheek, giving him a bit of a rugged outdoorsman look. Normally she preferred him clean shaven, but perhaps it was the carnal side of her that liked the wild look it gave him.

He began to lean towards her.

"Do not," she said to him coyly.

"What?" he wiggled his eyebrows at her. "I was going to give you an innocent kiss."

"Liar. I will not make love in your family's home, nor with Helena here."

"You wound me, Alcina," he said. "Sex was the last thing on my mind."

She snorted at his comment.

"That is all that is ever on a man's mind…"

Despite that he was a persistent imp. His wandering fingers touching her to get her going, but she refused to play his game. Alcina snatched up all the blankets and piled them on her. Leaving him with only one light blanket his mother had crochet for him many years ago.

Fredric then left her be after that, though somehow he had found a way to slither his hand upon her waist. The warmth of him. She always felt so safe with him near.

'I am sure this is how Mother must have felt with Father and even Magnus. Oh, Mother, I wish you were here to meet Helena. How much she looks like you. Her eyes. Her facial expressions…' She scooted closer to Fredric in comfort, trying to fight the tears just itching to be shed. There would be times where she would dream of her mother and believe she was still alive. Waiting at the manor to welcome her home from whatever adventure she had been on. But the reality was of course her mother was dead, yet it would appear she was with her… Alcina stared over at the crib. Through Helena…