The castle's treasure ( Lady Dimitrescu x fem reader)

1-The castle in the distance

Approaching the destitute village you rushed towards a small but homey inn. You were admittedly tired, it had grown late and the sun was no longer up. You were not going to take any more chances than necessary. Rushing in you sighed in relief at the relative warmth the inn provided.

"Hello traveler how may I help you this night." A disheveled man at the desk greeted. He looked about his mid 70's. You smiled nonetheless and approached the desk. Digging in your pockets you retrieved your wallet.

"Yes sir how much does it cost to stay per night?"

"180 leu per night young lady." You chuckled at the slight flattery of being called young despite approaching 32. Nodding you pulled out a handsome sum of American dollars and layer it on the desk. You were by no means strapped for cash sense you're latest book release was a hit. The mans wrinkled face lifted in surprise.

"My my, you are certainly welcome to stay. I will let you know when your stay here is up." He grinned, his teeth in less then peak condition. Yet again who were you to judge. Sliding you the keys he nodded. Walking to your room you hummed an unnamed tune. Opening the door you looks around, taking note of your commodities. A simple bed, a fire place and simple iron stove. Not much but still cozy nonetheless, you thought silently to yourself. Taking off your winter attire you soon collapsed onto the bed. Sleep soon consuming you.

When you awoke you slowly began to get dressed. Smoothing out invisible wrinkles you sat up ready to set out on your mission. Today you were off to explore the more lively parts of the village. Unlike it's more desolate outskirts abandoned by its inhabitants. Grabbing your bag and bomber jacket, you locked the door. Walking out the inn, you followed the noise and chatter of the village inhabitants. Eventually arriving at a small market, leaning in you examined the stalls produce. Eggs, potatoes, and wheat. You meandered further into the market arriving at a stall with a rather large man. His attention turned to you, smiling his eyes squinted happily.

"Why hello there. I haven't seen you around here miss. Are you a visitor?"

"Why yes I am." You happily smiled at the man. "I came to find a muse, and some produce of interest." You looked on the panels of his carriage stall. He seemed to be primarily an arms dealer but he had other goods.

"What would you like?" A cigar dimly burned in his thick hands. You pointed to a small menu and held out a small sum of cash. His eyes widened before focusing in on the money in your hand. He nodded beginning to cook a simple stew, noises of the simmering pot could be heard. Handing the wooden bowl to you he quickly snatched up the payment. Turning to you he began to make pleasant small talk, introducing himself as The Duke but what
caught you by surprise was a certain inquiry. "You're looking for a muse you say? Well let me know when you find it." He smiled. You knew he just wanted you to return again, not really interested you chatted nonetheless.

"Oh I already have." You said in between small bits of stew. Pointing your finger to the castle in the distance. Smiling you continued, "that castle calls to me. Whatever or whoever is in there is my muse." You stated matter of factly. Dukes eyes widened before he smirked.

"Lord Alcina Dimitrescu's castle you say? Are you sure ?"

"Lord?"

"Or should I say lady Dimitrescu's castle."

"L-lady you say?" You briefly stuttered. He chuckled in his normal jolly tone.

"Ah I see! You are of the female persuasion! Are you not?" He asked his eyes boring into your own. You face flustered and nodded.
"That matters not to me! Any paying customer is welcome here! No matter their persuasion!" You thankfully nodded. Continuing to happily eat your meal you listened to him continue on.
"Be careful though dear traveler, any criminals are sent to her chambers do not return. She is a powerful being to be feared. Even most travelers who dare go in there do not return. Are you up for the challenge?"

"Just sounds like an adventure!" You confidently cheered, causing Duke to erupt into a belly laugh.

"Very well then. I hope to see you again dear customer." His eyes glistened with a smug satisfaction .

"You aswell as Duke." Wondering along the path back to the inn you made plans to go to the castle tomorrow. You just had to meet your muse. Was it a dumb idea? Yeah probably but you were inspired.