The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 32

Lady Dimitrescu lifted you up, carrying her case, purse, and a rolling suitcase into the tall cottage. The moon was just coming over the horizon and the meeting would be tomorrow evening. Running inside and almost getting stepped on, Aspen barreled through the door after jumping out when the girls opened the door to their carriage. A couple of her maids brought in the other bags, eyes wide at the mess. "If you can clean that up before my daughters look in there, that would be great." Lady Dimitrescu whispered to one of the maids. "What did you do in there?" The maid asked, her expression that of being disturbed. "So many things."

Oh so many things.

Laying you down on the large bed and tucking you in, Lady Dimitrescu gave you a soft kiss on the cheek. "Sleep well, my rabbit." She whispered. Checking in on her daughters, she saw them figuring out who got which bed. Daniela was already getting onto the top bunk, Bela on the bottom bunk. Cassandra was on the other bed, Aspen sleeping between her legs. "Can you grab Mister Chowder from my bag, mother?" Cassandra asked, looking up. Lady Dimitrescu smiled, ruffling Cassandra's dark hair. "I can." Leaving the room and opening Cassandra's bag, Lady Dimitrescu easily found the weathered plush rex. Today he had on a little suit like a little gentleman. Coming back with the plush rex, Lady Dimitrescu pulled the covers over them all, even giving Aspen a head pat.

Turning off the room light, she checked on Bela's stag beetles Blitz and Blue. From the looks of it, Blue was now in her own little terrarium with her eggs. "Blitz, you lady-killer." Lady Dimitrescu whispered, dripping in food for both the beetles. Making sure everyone was in bed, Lady Dimitrescu didn't bother to get out of her clothes. She didn't mind sleeping in these clothes as they were made for being comfortable. She curled up beside you, pulling you into a loving embrace and pulled the blankets over.

By the time morning had arrived, the curtains had been drawn over the windows to keep sunlight out and Aspen was now in your shared bed. Feeling you shift, Lady Dimitrescu gave a soft grumble to tell you to stay. She was so comfortable that she didn't want to get out of bed. "Can we cuddle for just a bit longer?" She asked, yawning. Lady Dimitrescu felt you turn to face her, giving her gentle kisses. "Only for a few more minutes. I want to make some pies." You purred, Lady Dimitrescu lifted her head a bit. "Pies? Like what kind of pies?"

Pies actually sound really good right now.

Lady Dimitrescu tried to think of the last time she had a pie. It had been ages since she had an apple or pumpkin pie. In fact, she hadn't eaten much yesterday except for your blood. Lady Dimitrescu got up from the bed, dragging the blanket with her. "Come on! We need to make some pies. Come on, come on, come on!" She was impatient, mostly from hunger. Watching you slowly get up and head to the kitchen of the cottage, the two maids that came for the ride were about to prepare food. They were two of her best maids, but the most she felt for them was pride. "You're just cleaning carriages and relaxing with us. If we need anything, we'll let you know." Lady Dimitrescu explained, shooing them from the kitchen. The maids looked appreciative, then went to the living room.

Lady Dimitrescu stood beside you, watching you get the apples. She hadn't seen these types of apples, her eyes opening wide as you cut them open. They were pink inside. Lady Dimitrescu followed your instructions, measuring out ingredients and kneading dough. Lady Alcina Dimitrescu could feel your gaze on her hands as she worked the dough. "You're doing a good job!" Your praise brought a smile to her lips, then she rolled out the crust, watching you lay out the apple slices like a rose. Drizzling the pinkish sauce over then put the top crust over, Alcina helped you crimp the edges then carve the vent holes. Baking the pie for a little while, it made her heart ache. She wanted to bake more often with you. In another world, she would live a simple life with you.

The fields outside had many plants. Pumpkins, carrots, and other crops that were in the small garden. She watched from the window as you went outside with a jacket, watching for her signals of which pumpkins were the right choice. She gave a thumbs up to pumpkin that was a little over 4 pounds.

The process of making the crust came easy to her, this time, the girls were carving the pumpkins to make the filling, Aspen laying on the floor sleeping. Pulling out the apple pie and putting in the carved pumpkin, Alcina looked at the finished pie with pride. It was a humble apple pie, but it was a beautiful apple pie.

Alcina put her head in her hand, sitting at the table with her daughters. She watched you, sighing softly as she felt her heart swell with affection.

I can't wait to marry you.

Alcina heard Bela gave a small cough to catch her attention. Turning her attention to her eldest daughter, she gave a soft "psh" and gently dismissed her teasing. Alcina turned to watch you, falling deeper in love. Perhaps during the holidays, you and her could stay here alone and live the dream.

When will you propose to me?

The evening was starting to set in and she enjoyed herself a slice of apple pie. Lady Dimitrescu took a quick bath with you, cuddling in the warm water and helping each other get dressed. The meeting would be important. She looked at the long vials of blood you handed her.

In the carriage to the spot, she drank the vials and came in with you, her daughters just behind to keep you protected.

The meeting was on and your fate would be decided.