Donna Beneviento x Reader

5

My smile falters, my confidence drops. I seem to have forgetten where I am. Lady Donna and I keep our eye contact until my face falls, and I avert my eyes and softly drop her veil, letting it fall and cover her face again.

My formalities come back, and I look up and ahead at the time before turning to leave the room. "I'll be taking my leave now, Lady Beneviento and Lady Angie."

My feelings contrast, I feel relieved my Lady is back to her usuals, but troubled at how..--how?

How I feel for her? What is there to feel for her, we are maid and lady, nothing other. There shouldn't be any feelings for her.

The slight scraping of a chair notifies me of Lady Donna's conclusion in lunch. She walks out, Lady Angie in hand, and veil over face. I move in the dining room, and start on my chores. I'll need to buy more groceries soon as well.

--

The next day, I wouldn't call it strange, it was something unfamiliar?--something unexpected. I was set on serving Lady Donna and Lady Angie breakfast, before I left the room, though, a gentle voice hums through the dining hall, "..thank you." Instead of Lady Angie's grating loud voice, it seems Lady Donna had replied, so softly, that if I wasn't close enough, I wouldn't have heard it. It's enough to make me smile.

As unusual as it was, it becomes usual. Aside from Lady Angie's customary taunts, small batches of thank you's and occasional requests soothe my ear. It becomes a normal after a while of adjustment.

The next day, I decided to go for groceries, of course with a weapon. Working at House Dimintrescu meant dealing with all sorts or grotesque monsters in the cellars. I head towards Duke's customary service, and decided to ask him about my Ladies.

"Duke, would you happen to know much about Lady Beneviento and Lady Angie?" I ask while searching through my food options, and picking the best choices.

"Ah, Donna and Angie Beneviento, the second of four lords, you are serving them now, correct?"

"Yes, for a few months now, I'm certain."

"I'm sure you must find the load of them mysterious, they are a tough duo to break, I must say—Ah, your sharp eyes always find the ripest of fruits madam, care for any present or gift."

"Gift? What for?"

"'Tis the season, madam Donna Beneviento's birthday is approaching. I do have a few options myself, care for a bargain?"

"Alright, Duke." He didn't answer my questions, nor tell me anything else about my two Ladies. But what can I get for Lady Beneviento? Duke sells nothing other than firearms and food.

What would be a possible gift for my lady, she's content with her current life, nothing needs fixing or replacements. There isn't much I know about her likes and dislikes.

What's so prominent about her that would make a suitable gift?

"Having trouble, madam?—perhaps I could interest you in a pair of dangling charms— perfect for guns—or maybe, a stitching guide?"

"A stitching guide?"

"Perfect for making dolls—I'd say—maybe perfect for a gift."

A stitching book? I'm sure Lady Donna already knows the basics, or even more advanced than that. Maybe, may-maybe I could make her a doll! We already have a surplus or supplies at home, perhaps I could finish one just in time for her birthday.

"A great suggestion as always Duke, I'll take that along with these groceries."

"Of course madam, see yourself home safely."

A perfect suggestion, of course as expected of Duke. A doll is a perfect gift for Lady Donna, as she seems to adore them.

I pay with my lei, and I make my way home a few hours before dinner. Placing the guide in my room, I return to the groceries, unpacking and preparing lunch for my Ladies.

"How is your work Lady Beneviento?" Conversations usually take place between the three of us, Lady Angie mostly answers, though Lady Donna chimes in once and a while. It's soothing, hearing her voice.

I unpack the vegetables, meat, and fruit to the fridge, leaving all other flours and seasonings out before stashing then away in cupboards and drawers.

The white noise of slight occasional taps and knocks come from Lady Donna and Lady Angie, along with the usual sound from the waterfalls and other dolls.

—

"Hurry it up in there, maid! You know I hate waiting!" Lady Angie complains, sitting neatly next to Donna's work as I prepare dinner.

"Oh! shush it, Lady Angie! It's almost finished." I let the food cool slightly longer, to get on Lady Angie's nerves, before placing both meals on the table in front of both my Ladies.

"Took you long enough!"

Then, I walk out. Maybe too quickly as I feel Lady Beneviento's eyes on my back. Perhaps I was too suspicious, or I acted unusual.

I'm sure I acted normal, though I left for my room instead of for other chores.

How does sewing even start, what could I even make?

I sat cross legged on my bed staring down at the book. I only came in for a quick peep at the book before leaving and taking care of my rest of the chores as both my Ladies retire to their room.

—

After finishing the rest of the dishes, and maintaining Lady Donna's working space, I head up to my room.

Once again, I was cross legged in front of the book, flipping through pages and constructing an ideal doll in my head. Maybe I could make one of Lady Donna and Lady Angie? It should be simple, all Lady Donna wears, is a veil and a black mourning dress.

I'll get started tomorrow after I gather up the rest of my materials.

Let's not act too suspicious.