Burning Embers of Desire

chapter seven

It was surprise to Ella when the first week at the castle went off without a hitch, with no complications whatsoever. Her attempt to avoid the other maids was successful, as they left her alone, but they still managed to spread gossip about her, which stopped only after Paula reprimanded them for their vile behavior. The expectation of disliking Castle Dimitrescu had completely vanished from her mind; in reality, she now adored this place. Especially now that the lady's daughters are always looking for her, especially Daniela who keeps appearing everywhere. It was initially awkward, but as the week progressed, she grew accustomed to it. Daniela would occasionally join her for breakfast or lunch, but not dinner, as Lady Dimitrescu would be displeased if her youngest child was absent from their meals very often. Still as previously, she had not really established any friends, with the exception of Paula, whom she may claim she somewhat trusts. Regarding the lady of the castle, there was no new information. Not that Ella would mind, but after the situation in the rose room, she was still embarrassed to see her. She refrained from asking the girls about their mother because she didn't want to appear nosy or inquisitive. However, whenever they bring her up in conversation, it's all about what a wonderful mother she is to the three of them. Ella believes that, if feasible, she deserves an award for mother of the century for raising three beautiful, talented, and caring daughters by herself. Despite the fact that she occasionally still considers Lord Dimitrescu, what was he like? The girls never once brought up his name. It must be a delicate subject, as they never once brought it up.

Ella was seated in the high window she discovered in the library while she was cleaning. She climbs a ladder to reach this location, where she sits on a large stool that can accommodate at least five people while seeing the vineyard, gardens, and workers at work. She occasionally brings a book or simply sits and thinks during her break time. The only thing on her mind was the dream in which she hears a woman singing while resting next to her, but cannot see her. Ella was grateful that she no longer had nightmares, although the beautiful voice in her dream was a bit unsettling. The song was sung in a foreign language, but Ella could tell it was a love song. She heaved a deep sigh and moved her body in an attempt to descend, but her plans were thwarted by the sudden opening of the library's doors, from which Poppy and Diana entered the room in pursuit. A week has passed since her last encounter with Diana, and she has made considerable efforts to avoid running into her.

"Could you perhaps explain what we're doing here?" Diana asked, still trailing after Poppy. "Do you want to do it out here?"

"Ew, no!" Poppy huffed with irritation. She scanned the entire library as if she were searching for something or someone. "The coast appears to be clear."

"I'm receiving mixed signals from you, please explain what's going on."

"I came here to ask you about our boss. I'm very sure if I'll ask somewhere else we'll be heard. Paula doesn't even answer my question and she pretends not to hear them."

"Lady Dimitrescu? Regarding what?"

"I don't know if I dreamed last night, but I believe I saw her. You told me she was tall, so I anticipated that she would be." Poppy bit her finger. "I saw a very tall woman carrying a candelabra as she walked through the hallway. That occurred at midnight."

"Why the hell were you out of your room at midnight? Are you crazy?! What if you were caught? You're haven't even stayed here for a damn month."

"I was not, and that is the crucial point. Please tell me if I saw Lady Dimitrescu or if I was witnessing a monster. Because I am aware that someone who is so fucking tall is not a human being."

It was evident from Diana's frustrated expression that she was considering how to respond to the inquiry. "Whoever you saw... That's not her."

"Really? Why can I tell you are lying?"