Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

32: What Will Be, Will Be

Before Alcina had given you the cure, she explained that this version was far different than the original cure you had taken. The first dose she gave you was temporary- only lasting about a week or two. This was the permanent cure that would exorcise the parasitic creature from your body. Mother Miranda had informed Alcina that there would most likely be intense side effects that you would experience. She wasn't wrong. The first day after taking it, you felt fine. Normal, in fact. But the following days after have been miserable.

Your pores constantly seep with sweat. Your body feels hot, yet you tremble at the overwhelming feeling of being cold. You haven't been able to eat a morsel of food in days. Even water is challenging to hold down. Intense nausea causes you to throw up any contents of your stomach. Often, blood escapes with stomach acid - Burning your throat as you vomit. You can feel the parasite fighting against the cure, trying to stake it's claim on your body.

Alcina has refused to leave your side. She's left Bela in charge, allowing her to spend her time tending to your needs. Even in the rare moments that you are able to sleep, Alcina stays close by. She's tried to reassure you that this will be over soon, but the feeling of death inside you tells you otherwise.

You currently rest in Alcina's arms. Together, you sit close to the fire. Your body is dripping in sweat, and yet you can barely feel the heat of the flames. A sudden nausea crawls up your throat. You pull yourself from Alcina's arms in a panic - crashing to the floor. You grab the empty bucket from beside the chair and shove your face into its opening. Realizing what's happening, Alcina swiftly joins you on the floor and pulls the hair from your face. Your stomach tenses, pushing it's burning acid up your throat. You can't help but begin to whimper at the pain surging through you as you continue to lurch forward into the bucket, everything within you pouring out.

"Shhh...It's okay. Let it out." Alcina whispers. One hand holds your hair and the other lightly rubs your back. There's nothing that she can do to make this torture stop. Knowing her limitations, Alcina does what she can to try to comfort you.

Once the urgent nausea subsides, you fall back into Alcina. Alcina tilts the bucket, examining the amount of fluid that emerged from you this time. She lets out a soft sigh and sets the bucket back down.

"There was a lot of blood this time." Her fingers gently move stray hairs from your damp face. "I truly don't understand how you are still functioning, little one. I've never seen anyone this sick in all my years."

Your eyes drift from hers, falling closed for a moment. It feels as though the life inside you is draining out with every drop of sweat, every falling tear, and every stream of sour bloody vomit. Your eyes flutter back open, glancing at Alcina as they swell with tears.

"I hate seeing you like this, draga mea." Alcina sighs.

You rest your head on her chest. Your whole body aches, but her soft warmth eases a bit of your pain.

"Alcina, do you really think this is going to work?" You quietly ask, voice raspy. "It's been days and I feel like I've only gotten worse."

"I hope so, little bird. I really do." She places a gentle kiss on your forehead. "Maybe I should speak with Mother Miranda this evening. However, I know she's busy preparing for the ceremony, so I doubt she'd answer if I called. I'd Have to go see her."

"Can I go with?"

"No, draga mea. You are in no shape to travel that distance. Especially in this weather."

"I don't want to be here alone..."

"Yes, well..." Alcina sighs. "What if I ask Donna to come to the castle? She can stay here with you while I pay a quick Visit to Mother Miranda." Alcina suggests.