Fair Maiden - Alcina x Fem Reader

53: Until The Ceremony

You sit on the top step outside the castle. Your head is buried in your knees, tears melting into the fabric of your dress. The night air is brisk, causing your body to shiver as goosebumps prick your skin. You were right, you're not welcome here. Lady Dimitrescu made that very clear. You so badly want to escape this place, but you have no way back. Nowhere else to go. Everything feels like it's crashing down on you, and you understand none of it. Your emotions pour onto your lap, your huddled body the only source of comfort in this moment. You're alone, confused, and scared.

A soft whine comes from behind you. You lift your head from your lap and glance over your shoulder. A wet nose presses against your cheek. It's the lycan you had met earlier. You give him a meek smile, the action feeling insincere as it curls on your trembling lips. The creature curls it's large body around you. He moves his head in front of you, pulling you back into his warm belly. He flops his tail over your feet and rests his bulky head onto your lap. He looks up at you with big puppy like eyes. You sigh, placing a hand on his forehead as you relax your body against him. Your fingers burry themselves into his fur and you stroke his head.

"At least someone seems to welcome my presence." You whisper to him.

His tail thumps against your feet a few times, seemingly agreeing with your words. Your shivering begins to subside thanks to the gentle giant's warmth. You pet his head, watching his eyes fall shut as he enjoys your touch. You glance up to the night sky, admiring the shining stars. The moon is full, light filling the landscape with a hazy glow. You sit like this for a while, allowing yourself to relax as your eyes drift with the faint clouds in the sky.

The sound of the castle door opening and closing interrupts your comfort. The lycan lifts his head and turns to see who's approaching. Undisturbed by their presence, he places his head back on your lap with a heavy sigh. You listen to the slow gentle footsteps.

"I see you've been reunited with your companion." Mary comes into view. "Much like the rest of us, he missed you."

"I don't think everyone missed me." You huff.

Mary sits herself beside you with a little groan. She looks at you with her kind crow footed eyes. A soft smile creeps onto her lips.

"Don't mistake Alcina's words for displeasure, my lady. She's fighting her own battles right now. Give her time, she'll come around."

"What's she like?" You quietly ask.

"Lady Dimitrescu?"

You nod.

"Well, there are many versions of her." Mary begins. "Alcina is hard to understand. Very few get to see beyond her powerful and poised exterior. She's stubborn, strong willed, and at times, quite snobbish. However, she's not as bad as she may seem. She's a loving mother. A proud protector of the ones she cares for. Although she can be rather harsh, she does have a gentle side. She's loyal, caring, extremely intelligent, and exceptionally witty." Mary pauses and chuckles softly to herself. "She never fails to keep a person on their toes."

"She sounds lovely." You softly exclaim.

"She is. I hope you get the pleasure of seeing her for who she truly is. Not just this guarded and angry version she's presented you with thus far." Mary gives you a little smile.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, my lady." Mary nods.

"Do you know why Alcina was so enraged with Mother Miranda this evening?" You ask her.

"Unfortunately, I do." Mary sighs. "Mother Miranda betrayed Alcina."

"How so?"

"She took something very special from her. Something Alcina loved very dearly. " Mary vaguely explains. "Mother Miranda lied. Manipulated Alcina into thinking it was her own fault. It took a lot of time for Alcina to grieve her loss. Just when she had come to accept it, a new grief struck her."