Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

11: Bite Your Tongue

The day has passed quickly so far. With how frequently the castle is cleaned, there wasn't a whole lot to take care of. While you were busy with your tasks, you were able to socialize with a few other maids. They all seemed shy and quiet - their only concern being completing the tasks expected of them. But, a few maids were happy to chat with you while all of you worked. Once you finished cleaning the common rooms, it was time to direct your attention to the dungeon.

Lady Dimitrescu never included the dungeon in the tour she had given to you, so you weren't sure where to go. One of the maidens you had spent the morning with was kind enough to direct you.

"Make your way to the Great Hall. Below the balcony of the stairs you will find a large medal door tucked behind the staircase. The dungeon is usually locked, so you will have to ask one of the sisters to open it for you. They usually appear if they notice someone near the dungeon entrance, so finding them shouldn't be a problem."

That sounds awfully familiar to the door I had seen last night.

"And just a heads up, it's not a pretty sight down there. Be thankful you are only cleaning it." She warns.

"Thank you. I appreciate the directions - and the warning."

Following the maids directions, you head to the dungeon. Upon arriving, you realize that this was, in fact, the door you had discovered during your evening stroll. Approaching the door, the buzzing of insects fills your ears. Not a second later, there were the sisters - all standing in front of you.

"well, well, well, back so soon?" Bela snickers at you. "What in Mother's name brings you back here? Miss the feeling of my sickle on your neck perhaps?" She traces the cut she had created on your neck with her icy fingertip.

You pull away from her. "No. Lady Dimitrescu ordered me to clean the dungeon. I am not here to play your childish games. And quite frankly, I don't have the time for them either."

"Aw, that's a shame." Daniela chimes in. "I was really looking forward to playing with you."

"Would you please just unlock the damn door so I can do my job?" Your frustration begins to build.

"Watch the tone, servant! You are in no position to have an attitude. One wrong word and I'll have your head." Cassandra warns with murderous intent.

"That would be too quick of a death, dear sister. Why don't we give her the slow and painful death she deserves." Bella's sharp toothed smile leers at you, filling your nerves with a sudden rage.

You've spent the last few months of your miserable life biting your tongue and tolerating people's shit. You've had enough. You know you should remain silent and plead for their mercy, but the temper bubbling inside you has other plans.

You take a swift step towards the sisters, making it known that you've had enough. You direct your angered glare directly at Bela. She looks almost frightened by your daring movement.

"Listen here, you mangy little bitch. I don't have time to stand here and listen to you three bicker about your intent to kill me. If you wanted to, you would. However, It wouldn't be you who had my head - it would be your mother who had yours." The words snake from your throat with a vicious hiss.

Bela wastes no time lunging her hand toward your throat. Unexpectedly, you catch her hand in yours.

"Don't even fucking think about it." You warn her. The rage steams out with your words. You've never felt this kind of power before. It surges through you, pulsing in every limb. It almost feels like you might be able to overpower Bela, but the odds change in an instant.

Bela's sickle is suddenly at your throat, digging into your skin. You let go of her hand and try to step back, but Daniela and Cassandra block your movement.

"Looks like someone can't control herself." Bela sneered. Her blade pushes further into you, allowing a small stream of blood to flow out.

Your anger still hasn't subsided. Before processing your words, they jump from your mouth and hit Bela with force.

"You think I'm afraid of you!? None of you are above me. You're no better than a servant. In fact, a servant would be a step up from your position. Mommy barks an order and you obey - like dogs on a God damn leash. You're pathetic."

Before Bela or the other sisters can respond, a roaring voice ricochets around you.

"What in Mother's name is the meaning of this!?" It's Lady Dimitrescu. "Drop the blade, Bela! NOW!"

Bela releases you from the grasp of her sickle. Lady Dimitrescu's heels slam against the ground as she pushes her angered mass in your direction with force.

"What is going on!?" Her voice is filled with the same vicious hiss that your own voice had held. "Speak!"

"Mother, you might want to control your pet!" Bela raised her voice.

"Watch your tone, young lady! Don't forget that I am your mother! I brought you into this world, and I swear to Mother I will take you out of it if you don't watch yourself!" Her malicious gaze drilled into Bela.

"Sorry, Mother. What I meant was - Your servant forgot her place and lashed out at us. We were only trying to unlock the dungeon door for her so she could clean it like you asked. I don't know what possessed her to lose her temper with us."

"Don't lie to me, Bela." Lady Dimitrescu's anger was rising. "You know I hate liars."

"My Lady..." You began, swallowing your fear. Her attention shot in your direction. You could see the fury in her eyes. "It was my fault. I lost my temper and overstepped. It's not their fault. I should have kept my words to myself." This was mostly true. However, you failed to inform Lady Dimitrescu of the rest of the story.

"Y/N, I warned you not to disappoint me! Apparently it was foolish of me to believe you would listen." She barked at you.

"Moth-" Daniela was interrupted before she could finish.

"I've heard enough!" Lady Dimitrescu exclaimed. "Y/N, to my bedchamber - now! As for you three... clean up your own damn mess in the dungeon. When you're done I expect you to go directly to your rooms. You will remain there until I say otherwise."

"How is that fair!? This was your stupid pets fault, not ours!" Said Cassandra.

"Silence, child! I warned you not to touch my maiden. You very clearly disobeyed my command! Clean your mess, including the blood you just spilled on this floor - then go to your rooms. I don't want to hear another word."

"Yes, Mother." They sighed in unison.

They vanished into the dungeon, leaving you alone with your infuriated mistress. The rage you had felt was gone, replaced with regret. Lady Dimitrescu turned to face you. She is visibly frustrated. She lets out a sigh, trying to compose herself.

"To my chambers. We need to have a talk."

You nod, following her in silence. You keep some distance between you and Lady Dimitrescu, afraid she might release her own blades on you after the confrontation you had just caused.

Your anger had gotten the best of you. Lady Dimitrescu had warned you, only hours earlier, not to disappoint her again. That's exactly what your actions had done. Disappointed her. You disobeyed her very clear command. And when Lady Dimitrescu is not obeyed, that means one thing and one thing only...

Let the punishment commence.