Thank you for reading! Dorothy is tasked with attending to Bela, but will she pass Bela's expectations?
Once Dorothy had finished cleaning herself, she followed Anya to Bela's chambers, where she knocked on the door.
"Enter."
Dorothy swallowed thickly, her throat bone dry as she entered the room. She was unprepared for this despite some practice with Lady Donna.
The room itself was very large and contained three beds, vanities, and dresses. There was only one closet in the room, which Dorothy could imagine was quite large.
'Do the daughters share this room?' she wondered.
"Miss Bela," Anya bowed to her.
Dorothy, not having seen Bela standing over by the window, her head instantly lowered as the eldest daughter turned her gaze lazily onto them.
"Alice," Bela said her name.
"Miss Bela," Dorothy said, keeping her head bowed.
"Join me here at my vanity."
Dorothy did as she was told, hearing Anya's retreating footsteps and then the door closed.
"One hundred strokes," she said. "Once you have done that, pick out a dress for me."
"Yes, Miss Bela," Dorothy said, grabbing the brush and slowly going through her thick, blonde hair. She was careful not to go too fast nor too slow. Then came the fear of yanking or pulling her hair too roughly. 'Thirteen… fourteen… fifteen…' she counted in her head. Dorothy did not dare look at the mirror. Not wanting to meet this monsters gaze and be held in her throe.
Just as she felt before, Bela was quite different from the other two. There was an heir of authority the other two did not have. She was leagues ahead of them. Her maturity and grace.
In fact there were times while brushing her hair she felt almost relaxed. Allowing her defenses to be lowered, but then her gaze would start to wander to the mirror. Quickly she would collect herself. Remembering where she was and who this thing was. Perhaps that was her secret weapon. She did not give off a feeling that she wanted to rip out her throat like the other two. Her lust for mayhem and blood was far more controlled.
'Seventy-five… seventy-six… seventy-seven… seventy-eight…seventy-nine… eighty…' she kept counting the numbers in her head until finally she reached one hundred.
Dorothy was uncertain what to do next. Expecting Bela to give her some sort of direction, but she remained seated at the vanity. Dorothy setting the brush back down, she walked over to the closet and opened the doors. Within held many different colored dresses and heels.
She could not help but admire the extravagant display. She went through each one in deep thought. Remembering the advice Harriett had given her, yet none of the dresses she looked at spoke to her. It was not until she reached the end did her eyes fall upon a pretty blue dress. It was a 1930's vintage, blue velvet dress with flutter sleeves and an open back. The dress was not too low cut and would hug Bela's figure nicely. No doubt this would catch the eye of any man who gazed upon her, or rather Lady Dimitrescu's eye.
Dorothy exited the closet with the dress, Bela turning around in her seat to inspect it.
"Help me into it…" was all she said after a minute had passed.
"Yes, Miss Bela," Dorothy said, hating the feel of sweat forming at the back of her neck and forehead, but this dress was nothing to put on compared to her mother's. Once Bela was fully in the dress did Dorothy take a step back and look at her.
"How do I look?" she said, examining herself from a full body mirror.
"Ravishing," the word just flew out of her mouth without thought.
"You have quite an eye," Bela said, taking a seat back at her vanity and going through her own jewelry to put on.
"Thank you," Dorothy said.
"Mother will not be so easy to impress, though," Bela said, her tone starting to change slightly. A little hostile. "If you disappoint her you will wind up like all the other failures…"
"I will not fail."
Bela turned to fully look at her.
"The ones who hold an air of confidence are always the first to fall, but I will bestow you some credit for impressing me. However, you will come to learn there will be many more tests. Do you have the endurance and grit to push forth? Do you have the heart to do what needs to be done in order to thrive here? I am not so sure, my mother may think so at the moment, but I think she is blinded by you and your beauty…"
Dorothy felt a bead of sweat slide down her back.
So this was Bela's true nature. Jealousy and hatred of the women under her mother's employment. No doubt she despised how her mother's select few favorites received the same affections as Bela herself. To fight for her mother's attention and love would no doubt push Bela to do anything.
"Miss Bela," Dorothy began, bowing her head once more to her. "I apologize if my tone and words offended you."
Bela 'tsked' at her before turning back to her vanity.
"Go back to the cellar with the other rats. I no longer need your services."
Dorothy exited the room and took in deep breaths. She had not realized she'd been holding it all in in those final few minutes. Once she had recovered herself did she make her way to the kitchen. Assuming the kitchen is what Miss Bela had meant. Down the long, dark hallway she walked. Praying no one would spot her and force her to attend to the other two daughters.
Slam!
Dorothy was just about to round the corner when she stopped, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up at the familiar voices.
Daniela and Cassandra.
They were laughing and giggling in their usual fashion. Discussing in hushed voices something about the dungeons.
"We have a fresh supply already hooked up and bleeding," Cassandra said.
"More piggy's," Daniela giggled.
Dorothy did not move. Waiting for the daughters to go down the stairwell.
'Why are they moving so slow?' Dorothy wondered, hearing the sound of a mosquito buzzing near her ear. She swatted at it. "Ow!" Dorothy hissed, the bug sticking her in the neck. She slapped at her neck to no avail, the mosquito continuing to buzz about her ear and then flew off. She kept rubbing at her neck in pain, no longer able to hear the daughters.
She stepped out around the corner, cautiously descending the staircase in want to just get to the kitchen undisturbed. Wishful thinking on her part. As she took the last step and entered into the Main Hall, Dorothy came to a halt. Her heart speeding up at the sight of Cassandra alone by the Dining Hall doors. She was wearing a silk, purple dress with the usual necklace.
She did not say anything. Her eyes locked onto Dorothy. Her lips slowly peeling back into a smile.
Dorothy bowed her head to her, waiting for her to say something; however, she did not utter a single word. Dorothy then winced in pain at the feel of something biting at her neck yet again. She tried to fight the urge to slap at the back of her neck, but the pain grew unbearable.
Slap!
The mosquito buzzed away almost like it was laughing at her, and indeed Cassandra had started to laugh at her. Her tongue running across her lips as if she had been the one who had just stolen her blood.
"Cassandra!"
Daniela's voice could be heard from within calling to her.
She bared her teeth in aggravation, shooting Dorothy a quick wink before she slipped into the room.
Dorothy did not want to enter the Dining Hall, but there was no other way into the kitchen that she was aware of. Taking in a few deep breaths to steel herself, she started to march her way to the room, when the sound of heels could be heard coming up from behind her.
"Are we lost?"
Dorothy turned half away around, staring straight at Lady Dimitrescu who was still donned in her cream colored dress.
Dorothy bowed her head.
"No, my lady, I was just headed into the kitchen to lend a hand."
"Have you finished with my daughter, then?"
"Yes," Dorothy said. "She excused me after I had finished and told me to return to the kitchen."
"I see," Lady Dimitrescu said, staring up towards the stairwell. "I am most anxious to see how she looks."
Dorothy did not answer.
"Walk with me…"
Dorothy did as she was told, and in a strange way, she felt a little safer entering with the mistress by her side. There would be no fear of being attacked by Daniela and Cassandra.
"Stay right next to my chair."
"Yes, my lady," Dorothy said, trying not to look at Daniela and Cassandra, who were staring directly at her and then to their mother, confused.
In and out the other maidens began to bring out the food. Dorothy got a full view of what was being served, and at times felt her stomach bubble in disgust. Some of it she could have sworn looked raw, and other meaty delicacies were very juicy. So juicy the blood was at the bottom of the bowls. The smell itself was foul.
Dorothy tried to ignore the sights and smells by looking at the servers. One of them was Harriett, who almost dropped the tea kettle at the sight of her standing beside Lady Dimitrescu. And to make matters worse, Allison entered the room with a bottle of wine in hand. Her countenance one of shock and then fury at the sight of her.
"Ahh, Allison," Lady Dimitrescu smiled. "If you would be so kind." She held up her goblet for the child to pour her a glass. "You may remain in the room."
Allison bowed her head, taking a corner by the window and continuing to glare at Dorothy.
"I wonder where our Bela is?" Lady Dimitrescu said.
"Probably working on her makeup still," Cassandra said nastily.
"May we start eating, Mother?" Daniela asked.
"Not yet," Lady Dimitrescu said.
Daniela pouted.
Lady Dimitrescu then looked to Dorothy.
"I fear if she does not arrive in the next five minutes, I will have to send you up to retrieve her…" There was something in her eyes that Dorothy did not like as she said that. The slight raise in the corner of her lips suggested a perilousness.
Dorothy had already caught a glimpse of Bela's temper. Her hatred. No doubt if she were to go up there and disturb her, she would return with a missing limb or worse.
Thankfully Bela appeared two minutes later, both Daniela and Cassandra's mouths dropping open, even Allison had a look of astonishment at the sight of Bela.
"Bela," Lady Dimitrescu said her child's name.
"Apologizes for my tardiness, Mother," Bela said.
Lady Dimitrescu motioned for her to come to her.
Bela attempted to hide her smile as her mother wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in.
"What do you think?" she said.
Lady Dimitrescu smiled, placing a light peck to her sinful red lips.
"My goddess," she whispered.
Dorothy looked away from them and to the floor.
"What about me, Mother? You made no comment about my dress," Daniela whined.
Cassandra said nothing, her eyes shooting daggers at Bela for the attention she was receiving.
"Dearest, you always look bewitching," Lady Dimitrescu said. "And of course you as well, Cassandra." She gave them both a wink before setting her sights back on Bela. "What is the final verdict? Did our dear Alice do well?"
"I am pleased with her choice," Bela said. "However, she needs to learn a little more respect."
Dorothy whipped her head up at Bela's comment.
Allison smirked.
Daniela and Cassandra were leaning closer in hopes to hear the magical words from their mother to drag her below.
"Is that right?" Lady Dimitrescu said calmly. "And what has she done to offend you?"
"It does not matter now, Mother, just a warning to her to be more mindful…"
"I see," Lady Dimitrescu patted her hip before she released her hold on Bela. "You may begin eating."
Daniela and Cassandra dived right into the food while Bela picked through the food and placed the items on her plate.
"You have impressed my eldest," Lady Dimitrescu spoke to Dorothy in a low voice. "But take care to mind her words, for if you ever offend her again, I will send you below without a moment's hesitation."
"I understand," Dorothy said, truly understanding her words from experience.
She smiled at her.
"You may return to the kitchen."
{…}
That night both Dorothy and Allison had been summoned by Anya to Lady Dimitrescu's chamber.
"Allison will enter first to pick out Lady Dimitrescu's attire. Both of you will be given thirty minutes that is all. Lay out everything on the bed so when Lady Dimitrescu enters, she can decide which she favors."
"How do I know Alice will not sabotage my pickings?"
"I will leave the door open so I can keep an eye on the both of you. Any further questions?"
They shook their heads.
"Very good. Off you go, then."
Allison entered the room and went straight to the closet while Dorothy waited outside with Anya. The two did not speak. The time ticking by ever so slowly, but it was time spent for Dorothy to think about what she would pick out. If Bela's closet was anything like her mother's, which she had no doubt it was, the dresses and jewelry would be very similar. She did not want to go with red. Having liked many of the dark shades that would no doubt fit Lady Dimitrescu's tastes.
'I wonder what Allison is picking out?' she thought to herself, looking into the room. Her eyes widened in surprise to see she had already laid out a dress and was going through the jewelry. The dress was a 1930s Joanie Bias cut dress. The color appeared to be a rust satin. It had a flattering cowl neckline, long bishop sleeves, a black belt and cleverly cut panels to hug each curve. For heels she had picked out a pair of classic black 1960s.
"Ten more minutes, Allison," Anya said.
"Yes, ma'am," Allison answered, going through Lady Dimitrescu's jewelry and picking out a pair of onyx earrings and a matching necklace. She returned to the bed and set them down right next to the neckline of the dress. "I am finished."
"Go Alice," Anya said.
"Yes, ma'am," Dorothy said, passing by Allison who stared at her with a haughty countenance. She ignored her and headed straight to the closet. Just as she had suspected, Lady Dimitrescu's closet matched Bela's very closely. She eyed over each color she had had in mind, but nothing spoke to her. Instead she focused on footwear. Just like Allison she decided on classic black heels. "Focus, Dorothy," she consoled herself. "Look at each dress carefully." Though she wondered if she was unconsciously sabotaging herself.
"Twenty minutes, Alice!" she heard Anya call out to her.
Dorothy gritted her teeth in frustration, carefully picking through each dress in the middle until finally she found one that caught her eye. A black, silk velvet long dress with an open back. There were thick velvet ruffles that went around the neck and traveled down the front. The front had bands of Rhinestone rising from the center bust and went off to the sides.
"This is the best I can do." She walked out and set the dress away from Allison's on the bed along with the heels. Next she went over to the jewelry box and decided on delicate silver pieces for the earrings and necklace. "I am finished, ma'am."
"Excellent. Lady Dimitrescu should be arriving any minute now."
They were forced to wait for ten minutes. All ears perking up at the sound of heels 'click-clacking' in their direction.
Lady Dimitrescu emerged from around the corner, a smile stretched across her face.
All three bowed their heads as she stood in front of them now.
"I am most excited to see what you have picked for me," she said, her gaze on Allison and then Dorothy. "Come, girls, show me what you have chosen."
Allison went first explaining the dress, the heels and the jewelry.
"I do like the color. Did you know this dress was named 'Joanie' after Joan Crawford who wore this same dress. I had the Duke keep an eye out for something like this in his travels. You can image my delight upon him returning and presenting me with this lovely gift," she said it with what Dorothy thought was a little fondness. "Now let us see what you have picked out, Alice."
Dorothy led Lady Dimitrescu over to her dress. She did not say a word for a moment after Dorothy had explained the dress. Her yellow eyes shifted then to the jewelry she had picked out. Unlike Allison's choices that were big and gaudy, Dorothy's choice was humble and sensible. After all this was a little dinner gathering, not a large party with hundreds of nobles.
She hummed softly as she took a seat at her vanity and faced the two girls. One leg crossed over the other.
"Now," Lady Dimitrescu said. "I think I have made my decision by a very narrow margin. Both of you have a keen eye for colors and fashion, but there was one who stood out to me more than the other."
Allison could barely contain herself. Rocking back and forth on her heels in preparation for her name to be called.
Dorothy stood with her hands behind her back, calm.
Lady Dimitrescu noted this as well.
"Congratulations to you… Alice."
Allison went rigid, her eyes widening as she looked straight over at Dorothy.
Dorothy bowed her head to Lady Dimitrescu in thanks.
"Anya, please escort Allison down to the kitchen. Alice will remain here to help me dress into my nightly attire."
"Yes, my lady," Anya said. "Come along."
It took a few tugs to get Allison moving, but eventually she stiffly walked out of the room.
"Dorothy, please raise your head."
"Yes, my lady," Dorothy said, meeting her gaze.
"I am most impressed, but now it is my turn to decide what I want you to wear for our private dinner this Friday." She rose out of her chair. "Wait here."
Dorothy remained where she stood, waiting as Lady Dimitrescu emerged a few minutes later with a dress. Dorothy could not help but stare in awe. She had not seen that dress in the closet when she had looked through it.
"What do you think?" Lady Dimitrescu asked.
"Beautiful," Dorothy said, it was a knee high red velvet dress with a hidden back zipper. The center was ruffled and held by a pretty, silver cinch.
Lady Dimitrescu smiled, hanging the dress up for later.
"You know this was a design your mother was most fond of," she explained. "I have no doubt you will look just as beautiful in it."
The truth was Dorothy absolutely loved the dress and was excited to be fit into it. That being said, a sadness washed over her.
"My lady, I am not my mother."
"I am aware," Lady Dimitrescu said, looking away from her. "Hang Allison's dress back up and retrieve my nightgown."
"Yes, my lady," Dorothy whispered, taking the dress off the bed and entering the closet to hang it back up. She returned a few minutes later with a red nightgown and matching robe.
Lady Dimitrescu smiled at her from her vanity mirror, keeping her eyes upon her as she walked behind her to unbutton the dress.
"You needn't be so timid, Dorothy," Lady Dimitrescu said after twenty minutes of silence had passed. "I am not so fragile you will break me."
"Apologizes, my lady, I only wish to do this correctly and without error."
"I do appreciate how conscientious you are with your work, where precisely did you learn these skills? I know you are smart and a quick study, but I doubt you were taught these skills back home."
"I was sent to Lady Donna's house first," Dorothy said. "I was forced to learn quickly."
"Donna…" Lady Dimitrescu cringed, just to think she had been forced into that hellish house. Not to mention this could cause issue down the road. Donna never let go of her toys so freely. There was no doubt in Lady Dimitrescu's mind that she would be searching for Dorothy and keep searching until she recovered her.
Dorothy finally removed Lady Dimitrescu's dress and picked it up off the floor once her mistress had stood up and allowed it to slide off her body. Dorothy felt her cheeks flush again at the sight of her naked frame and to the nightgown.
She worked a little faster with the nightgown easily slipping it over Lady Dimitrescu's head and settling comfortably around her. Once that was done, Dorothy went to work brushing her hair as Lady Dimitrescu took the liberty of removing her necklace and earrings.
"You do not speak much, do you?" Lady Dimitrescu said.
"I prefer the silence," Dorothy said, though in truth she was distracted by what she had seen below, and the conflicting memories of Lady Dimitrescu as a young; happy woman. How could this be the same person? To become such a monster and hurt those young women. To kill them.
Lady Dimitrescu unexpectedly swiveled with surprising agility and speed in her seat, snatching hold of Dorothy's chin and examining every inch of her. It felt like she was searching for something. A secret she was harboring that would present itself if she looked carefully enough.
Dorothy felt her breath hitch under her scrutiny. Of course she did harbor secrets. She was aware of many things that would not doubt get her killed ten times over, but nothing occurred. Lady Dimitrescu released her grip on her and then took her hand.
"You have done well so far," she said, raising her petite hand up to her mouth. "So very well." She brushed her lips against the veins, making her eyes close upon feeling the blood just flowing underneath the skin.
Dorothy remained as still as a statue in preparation for Lady Dimitrescu to bite.
"Such beauty. A precious thing that holds so much power…" She opened her eyes, placing a light kiss to her hand before letting go. "Go now, my dear, get rest for tomorrow."
"Yes, my lady," Dorothy said, bowing her head to her before she turned and left the room. "Goodnight."
Lady Dimitrescu said nothing, her gaze following after the blonde with want.
No sooner had she been left alone did Bela emerge from the dark hall and enter her room. She was wearing a thin nightgown that showed much of her skin, but what was most peculiar was her hair she was wearing up.
Lady Dimitrescu was transfixed by her.
Her eldest closing the door behind herself and gliding straight to her. From there she seated herself down on her mother's lap and wrapped her arms around her neck.
"What are you doing?"
Bela said nothing, reaching up and pecking her on the lips.
"Are you feeling threatened by our new face?"
Bela stopped kissing her mother and glared at her.
Lady Dimitrescu could not help but chuckle at the look.
"Oh Bela."
Bela huffed as she got off her mother and stormed straight over to the bed.
Lady Dimitrescu watching her go with a playful grin.
"I thought I told you not to act like a child."
"You are the child," Bela said, sliding into the bed and piling the blankets over herself.
Lady Dimitrescu rose up to her feet and soundlessly approached her from the opposite side of the bed. She leaned forward and placed a kiss to her forehead, then her cheek and then to her lips.
"Mother…" Bela whispered.
"What?"
Bela reached out and rested her palm against her mother's cheek. Truly looking at her with deep affection and respect. She would do anything for her. Anything.
"Nothing," she whispered, giggling when her mother placed another firm kiss to her lips.