Oh, Darling Mine [Lady Dimitrescu] [REVIII]

Chapter I

Winter, Year 1961.

───── ･-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-. ─────

The Countess observed the castle's entrance from her spot behind the glass window; golden-tinted eyes shone bright against the first rays of sun as she peered down, soon locating what she had been long waiting for.

She counted exactly nine maidens, all of them stood by the giant drawbridge patiently—some seemed eager to enter the magnificent castle, and others were rightfully taken aback by its imposing form. This made Alcina smile almost mischievously.

Just as she began to turn on her heels, ready to instruct her most devoted and veteran maiden yet—Tatiana—to let in the new potential maids, her golden orbs sighted the small form of another human approaching the castle, right around the corner. Alcina stopped and observed some more, now intrigued to know—another maid, perhaps?

Indeed, it was. Another potential maid came trudging through the thick blanket of snow as fast as her poor, short human legs could carry her. Clutching her winter clothes closer to her form, she finally made it to where the others stood, and there she remained; waiting patiently, as well as catching her breath.

Lady Dimitrescu smiled—ten maids would be more than enough for her needs.

Without dithering, the Countess swiftly walked along the castle's beautiful hallways until she reached the main hall. There she stood, by the railing of the small balcony, half-concealed by the shadows provided by the pillars at either side of her form. From here, she could look down at the main hall without being seen, just like she wished to remain for now.

Upon hearing the soft padding of feet approaching her, she turned her head enough to glance over her shoulder at the elder—however still young even in her early forties—maiden that now stood quietly by the balcony.

"M'lady, the new maids have arrived." She informed with a subtle nod of her head.

"Very well. You know what to do, Tatiana," Alcina smiled. "Do let me know your thoughts on each of them once you're done," she added with a soft motion of her hand.

"Yes, m'lady."

Tatiana had been a great help for as long as the Countess could remember. One of the first maidens to have ever worked for her after Mother Miranda gave her the gift, and one of the first to know what needed to be done in order to keep everything in the castle under control. Despite everything, this maiden never once tried to run away, and that loyalty had provided her with a high position, and great respect in the castle.

Even Alcina's daughters respected the woman, and sometimes even followed her orders—when it came to eating and drinking manners, Tatiana was always reminding them to be proper ladies.

Tatiana was tasked with handling everything that went from and beyond the kitchens, all the way down to the dark cellar rooms and catacombs. Only she knew the truth behind Castle Dimitrescu's walls. She was also tasked with giving the new incoming maids a small tour of the castle, teaching them what areas they could access as well as which rooms were completely out of bounds.

And so the Countess awaited, arms crossing right underneath her breasts as she prepared herself for another complicated day. Although she couldn't deny the happiness coursing through her; now that she knew she would have new maidens working for her, the mere thought of knowing she also had to order the first few to be sent to the cellar almost immediately drained her completely—physically, and mentally. Though this would be her sole fault, for she liked to oversee the process of it all, to ensure it was done properly. She only had herself to blame.