The Bones of The Rabbit

Chapter 85

You and Alcina were exploring Paris for the next night, curious as to what the night would bring. Much to your surprise, you and Alcina had heard soft weeping. Alcina, being the mother she is, rushed to the sound like a wolf giving chase. You followed quickly, skidding to a halt upon seeing where the noise was coming from. A young girl, bruised and left in the chilly summer night alone. You took a few steps forward, gently holding a hand out. You didn't know a lick of French, but luckily, Alcina knew a bit. You listened carefully, Alcina bringing herself to the child's level and offering a cloth. The child couldn't have been older than four, just a mere toddler.

Who leaves a toddler out in the dark in an alleyway?

It didn't take long for Alcina to pick up the child, immediately protective of such a small mortal life. You gently placed a hand on Alcina's arm, smiling. "We need to keep her safe. Her family put her in time out for having an accident." Alcina explained, the two of you heading back to the chateau.

While at the chateau, you helped heat up some food, Alcina helping the child bathe and cleaned her clothes. You and Alcina doted over the child, feeding her, talking to her, putting on cartoons for her. You looked up at Alcina, meeting her gaze. "You didn't get to watch any children grow up, did you?" You asked softly, watching her shake her head. "Perhaps we should take this kid in?" You suggested. Alcina looked over, eyes wide and then looked at the child. She was singing along to the songs and eating a muffin. Alcina looked over to you, then smiled. "I think we should take her in." Alcina agreed, walking over to the child. You listened as she spoke, getting the child's name. Alcina came over, the child following. "Her name is Estella. I think the girls will love her." Alcina softly spoke.

Estella, fits in with the girls' names.

While you two, now three, got ready for the night, Alcina had you help her tuck in Estella. You brought a bottle of warm milk and Alcina started to read a couple of children's books to her. Working together like parents, you both managed to put Estella to sleep. You looked up at Alcina, seeing her smile. "How are we going to get back to the castle? This child has no passport." You whispered. "I'm sure Mia can hook us up with something." Alcina whispered, giving a soft sigh. "Estella will love the castle. She talks about being a princess. She has lashings from her parents, but that won't happen to her anymore. She'll get to be a princess of Castle Dimitrescu." Alcina whispered.

Estella Dimitrescu, Princess and Heir to the (Surname) Estate.

You grinned, trying to not let a tear drip from your eye. You both talked about adoption so much, and the universe handed you both a child.

It wasn't until the next morning that Mia came by, landing a helicopter in the backyard. You and Alcina were laying on the floor just in case Estella needed one of you. Waking up and getting everything packed, Alcina quietly introduced Estella to Mia. You both had taught her a little bit of English, to which Estella used to ask all sorts of questions.

"What happened to your hand?"
"Shark attack."
"Why is Miss Alcina so tall?"
"She ate her vegetables."

So on and so forth. You locked the chateau and brought the luggage out, getting on and giving Estella protective earmuffs to wear. The helicopter ride was long, but quiet. When the castle came into sight, they landed by the gate. You, Alcina, and Estella brought in the suitcases and souvenirs. That was when Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela came downstairs, all looking at the toddler.

Alcina, I hope they like her!

"Girls, meet your new sister, Estella."