From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 8: The Painting

Rue uncomfortably rubbed her arm, wincing at the shot of strangely satisfying pain that followed. It had only been a few days since the intruder had been dealt with. Things had largely gone back to normal for Rue, but it was different for Sora. The girl had been on edge and even the slightest sound would make her go on high alert. Everyone had been working to try to get her to relax but nothing was working. Thankfully, the Countess had been kind enough to give Sora a few days off.

''Stop rubbing those so often, you'll pull a stitch.'' Sofia said, placing her hand on Rue's forearm. Her dirty blonde hair hung loosely by her shoulders and a hair tie on her wrist.

''I know, it's just itches.'' she responded as Sofia tied her hair in it's signature bun.

''Just try not to do it in front of the Lords today.''

Today, the Lords and Mother Miranda would be meeting for dinner with Lady Dimitrescu. She had been informed yesterday morning and everyone had been given their jobs. If she were being honest, she'd rather give her job to someone else since she would be one of the last maids to leave the room since she was serving tea to the Lords. Because of this, she'd be able to hear what they were talking about, which would instantly cause her to become the centre of attention with every maid wanting to know what she heard. It was something she wasn't looking forward to but she'd be with her Countess.

Unconsciously, her hand went to her bandaged arm, remembering the feeling of Lady Dimitrescu's tongue against her skin. She wondered what it would feel like if the Countess licked her-

Sofia lightly slapped her hand, dragging Rue before her thoughts became lewd. ''I said stop touching your- are you okay?''

''Yes, of course I am.'' she said defensively, bringing her hand to her cheeks.

''You know what, I don't even want to know what you were thinking of.'' the blonde said, raising her hands.

''I wasn't thinking of anything. Get your head out of the gutter.'' she said, getting up and beginning to march off to the kitchen.

I didn't say you were thinking of anything lewd. Hey, where are you going?''

''Seeing if they need help in the kitchen.'' Rue answered.

''No matter how tempting, don't use a cucumber for dildo! Be strong Ruenheid!''

''I swear to Mother Miranda, I'm going to murder you in your sleep!'' Rue shouted back at the woman, her cheek flushed red as she turned to step inside the kitchen. As soon as she did, everyone's eyes landed on her, having heard the end of the conversation.

***

After hours of careful prep and the maids teasing Rue, dinner was ready to be served. Everyone was on edge. There absolutely no room for error. When Rue had curiously asked why, Dina told her that once a maid had made one mistake in front of Moher Miranda, embarrassing Lady Dimitrescu in front of the woman she worshipped and as punishment, she was killed and drained of her blood. Rue didn't completely believe that what Dina said actually happened but did keep in mind that the story had to come from somewhere.

Everyone took in a deep breath before the doors opened as each of them silently placed tray of food on the table in front of each of the Lords. As she set down tea for each of them, Rue was able to get a good look at each of them.

Salvatore Moreau wore a black cloak with a crown made of bones. He had sharp, jagged teeth. His skin was lumpy and he looked bloated unlike his lanky limbs. Rue had a feeling Lady Dimitrescu would want the chair he was sitting on to be thoroughly clean or just burned. Nonetheless, she smiled politely at him as she handed him his tea, which he happily accepted.