Serving House Beneviento

6

Most of my afternoon went to cleaning, figuring out dinner with the Duke's help, and making the place rather presentable. I put on the usual maid attire that I should usually be in. Donna stayed in her clothes and mask. She never left my side while I worked and prepared everything. When the doorbell rang early in the evening, I went to grab the door. Donna took my arm before I got to the door and I turned to her.

"Please, don't leave me," she said quietly.

"Donna I have to cook." She shook her head.

"I asked Alcina if she could bring someone over to help and she was more than willing. Besides, you said that you had to do simple stuff anyways. Please?" I only nodded.

"Alright," I said. She let go of my arm and her hand slipped into mine. Angie and a few other dolls rounded the corner from another room and waited for the door to be open. I opened the door and Lady Demitrescu along with Elena stood at the door. I smiled at them and bowed.

"Welcome to House Beneviento! Please, come in." Lady Demitrescu crouched through the door and stood to her full height inside. Elena stood beside me as they stared at Donna. Donna's hand crushed mine again like earlier and I did my best not to say anything. The shock on the lady's face was enough to cause a laugh from Elena.

"My lady, doesn't lady Beneviento look stunning?" Elena asked happily. Lady Demitrescu shook herself out of shock as she stared back down at her little sister.

"She looks absolutely amazing. I love the new style," she admitted with a crimson smile. Her light eyes glanced toward our joined hands before the smile turned friendlier and extended her own hand out. "Your maid will need her hand if she is to finish up supper, Donna. How about holding onto mine and we go take a seat." Donna's hand only tightened around mine and I physically squeaked. Elena gave me a sympathetic look as I tried to not to double over in pain.

"I-I can handle it, Lady Demitrescu," I said quietly.

"Well then, where would you like to sit? Maybe our maids can at least make tea? I promise you will not be made fun of while under my protection." Lady Demitrescu seemed rather understanding as she leaned down and extended her hand. Donna was hesitant and turned to me.

"I think Lady Demitrescu will knock the hell out of someone," I said with a small chuckle. "I'll make the tea and be right back at your side. I promise." Donna slowly nodded her head, her eye sad as she let go of my hand. I grabbed something small from my dress pocket, a little decorative cloth that I had just in case. I gently pressed it into her palm and leaned in close to her. "I'll be right back. This is mine. It may help till I get back." Donna held it tight as she grabbed onto Lady Demitrescu's hand and walked into the next room. Angie and the dolls followed behind and chattered with Lady Demitrescu as they went. I grabbed my injured hand and hissed as Elena chuckled and led us toward the kitchen.

"Soooo, you two seem to be getting rather close!" Elena teased as we walked into the kitchen. I set a prepared kettle on the stove top and checked the food as it cooked.

"We have been getting along, yes."

"And?"

"And what?"

"You know what I mean!" Elena jabbed at my arm. I glanced back at her and she smiled sweetly. I finished checking Lady Demitrescu's mulled blood before I turned back to her.

"I mean..."

"Hm?"

"We may have..." I rolled my eyes as I bit down on my lip. "Nothing insane, but we have kissed." Elena squealed quietly. I shushed her. "Don't you DARE say anything." Elena nodded her head in agreement.