The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 20

Lady Dimitrescu kept hold of your hand, able to stay awake all night as you slept. Your hands fidgeted during your nightmares, often times she crawled in beside you and made sure to not open your stitches on your back. Only when she laid beside you that you stopped fidgeting and relaxed in your sleep. She often found herself alone with you, questioning if the lycan was a lie. You didn't smell of lycan when she found you, and the cut on your back was far more clean than the claws of a lycan. "(Y/N), who actually did this to you?" She asked, her tone cold and bitter.

I need the truth. I need to know the truth.

She watched you swallow and sigh. "Cassandra." You muttered, her eyes widening. As she began to get up, she felt you tug on her hand. "Don't punish her. She's in a really bad place, plus she was drunk." She heard pity in your voice. Lady Dimitrescu sat back down, placing both of her hands over yours. "She almost killed you. You were laying in a puddle of your own blood when I found you." Alcina tried to reason with you, but saw you smile. "But I didn't." You added. "If you're going to punish her, have her on horse shoveling duty." You gave a small laugh, then groaned in pain with a small cough.

Lady Dimitrescu gave a small laugh, then kissed you on the cheek. "Cassandra!" She called out, her voice making the walls of the castle tremble with her tone. Like a blink of the eye, Cassandra was in front of her and standing awkwardly. "Sorry Cassandra, she pried it out of me." Lady Dimitrescu looked over at you, giving a playful roll of the eyes. Then, she changed her demeanor towards Cassandra. "I wanted to give you a harsher punishment, but (Y/N) convinced me to leave you with a relatively lackluster punishment. You are to tend to the horses until (Y/N) heals. I don't want to hear any argument." She ordered, watching her daughter look over with shame. Then, just as quickly she disappeared in a wave of insects.

Why do you vouch for her, even when she hurts you?

You were already a troubling patient for Lady Dimitrescu for the whole week. Whenever she slept in her own bed, there you were in the morning in her arms, antibiotics and all. "You can't keep leaving the infirmary to sleep next to me. You'll open your wound." She carried you back, listening to you whine in protest. "It's boring when you're not there. Daniela and Bela just sit there and stare at me and Heisenberg only brings me candy." You cried out. "How about this, tonight, if the maids say you're able to walk around the castle I'll walk with you." She offered, seeing you brighten up.

Later that day, Cassandra came up to Lady Dimitrescu. She wasn't in her typical attire, but rather in trousers, a shirt, and boots. "I cleaned the horse stables, gave them fresh food, fresh water, and helped Daffodil give birth to her foal, mother." She awkwardly stood as she spoke, finally taking the seat next to her. "What did you name the foal?" Lady Dimitrescu kept her tone neutral, looking up from her book. "Moira." Cassandra whispered, looking at her hands.

This is all about Moira, isn't it?

Lady Dimitrescu looked over, then sighed. "Cassandra, I want you to know this. (Y/N) didn't replace Moira. She still has a spot in my heart and I visit her grave. But you have to understand that killing your future parent isn't going to being Moira back." Lady Dimitrescu softened her tone, pulling Cassandra into a hug. "I miss her so much. I never got to tell her I love her." She choked out, crying into her dress. Lady Dimitrescu rubbed her daughter's back, then gave a small smile. "Hopefully you'll find someone you love just as much." She put her book down and wiped away Cassandra's tears. "But you need to apologize to (Y/N), perhaps you should stay with Heisenberg for a bit." She suggested. Cassandra scrunched up her nose. "And be surrounded by men? Ew! I'd rather shovel tons of horse shit." Cassandra gagged a little, both laughing.

"Do you think (Y/N) will forgive me?"
"With pizza bagels in hand, yes."