ETERNAL. 𓄼 𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑢.

iv.

The courtyard of Castle Dimitrescu greets you to soft wisps of wind, dancing through your hair and ruffling the cloak draped over your shoulders. Besides that, the air is warm, draped with moisture from the thunderstorms. A temporary break in the rain granted you a chance to explore the castle grounds further, with Alcina's permission, of course. The only off-limits areas to you were the lower levels of the castle, past the hall of four and one room near her chambers.

It was locked, regardless.

A gentle waft of grapes hangs in the breeze, leaving you to wonder if there was a vineyard nearby. The whole castle seemed to be something out of a storybook. The mistress had mentioned a library and that's where you were trying to navigate to, with a few sidetracks along the way whenever you grew distracted. There's just so much to see in Castle Dimitrescu.

You step inside a different section of the castle, following the curving stairwell up. You can hear the sound of a piano somewhere nearby but you opt to continue your search for the library. A left turn brings you to what you would guess is a little sitting room, a table and chairs sitting in the middle of the room. Behind those is an archway leading to a balcony, the piano music coming from somewhere down below.

Curiously, and hopeful to find the library, you take a step or two onto the balcony, fingers curling over the railing for support. A chandelier shimmers in your eyesight, a dozen little diamonds cast over your hands from the reflection. Below, the music stops.

"Oh, it's you," the voice speaks, the holder vanishing into a swarm of flies. You'd be lying if you said you were used to that, you weren't. One fly lands on your palm, flicking its wings before flying off, more flurrying next to you.

Bela Dimitrescu appears, face clean of blood and her cape lightly swaying around behind her. Her eyes, golden like Alcina's, glint with calmness.

You offered her an apologetic smile, staring down at the piano she was sitting at. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."

The blonde waves a gloved hand, dismissing your apology casually. Instead she grins, painted black lips curling at the ends. "I was growing rather bored anyway, where are you going?"

You chuckle, humored at yourself for being lost in the castle. "I was trying to find the library but as you can see, I'm a little lost."

Her grin widens, a giggle spilling from her lips. "Lucky little human you're closer than you believe! Come along, I do believe Daniela will be there as this is her usual reading time–she loves romance novels–but I don't think she'll mind the company."

You nod, following the blonde back into the little sitting area and down the hallway. "I don't think your sister likes me very much," you admit, referring to the appetizer comment she'd made the night of your arrival.

Bela only hums, a delightful chuckle and spares you a glance. "Daniela will do you no harm, mother has made it cristal clear that we are to treat you well." A pause. "If you'd like to get on her good side, try speaking to her about things she likes. She'll be happy to tell you, and you can pick up on it from there."