Rays of sun light began to invade the room, casting a golden glow. The light eventually met the sleeping figure on Lady Dimitrescu's bed. She groaned, pulling the duvet over her eyes to achieve a few more minutes of sleep. However, she began to fully wake when she heard the laughter of a familiar woman. Rolling over, she draped and arm over her stomach, resting her head against her.
''Darling, it's time to wake up.'' the woman cooed, leaning down to press loving kisses along her forehead and cheek. The woman giggled, burying her face in the woman's chest, breathing in the scent of jasmine and tobacco she had grown to love.
''A few more minutes.'' she groaned.
''Alright, a few more minutes but then we need to get ready, alright Daria?''
***
Alcina groaned softly, turning her head away from the rays of the rising sun shinning through her window. She sighed contently when she felt a warm body resting on her chest. With her eyes still closed, she brought her hand to the woman's back like she had so many times before. The familiar scent of lavender and roses filled her nose as she began to slip back into sleep. However, before she could let sleep take her back into a loving embrace, she looked down at the woman cuddling her.
For just a moment, she saw her. She saw Daria. Her fair skin, which was pale but not as pale as Alcina's, was pressed against her, resting her head on her chest. The light from the sun caused her brown hair to look lighter than it actually was. It was almost story book. Alcina blinked a few times, and Daria was gone. In her place was Rue. Rue's dark skin fit her complex well. Her black hair had a shine to it once the sunlight hit it. It was like something out of one of those romance books Daniela always seemed obsessed with.
By Mother Miranda, why did she have to look just like her? Sure, their hair and skin were a different colour. But they had a similar body and face shape. Their voices were even the same tone. The song Rue played on the piano was the same song Daria had once played when she first arrived. When asked about why she had played the way she did, Daria explained she was just feeling the atmosphere of the Castle and her body did the rest. Alcina wondered, if she were to ask Rue why she played the way she did, would she answer like Daria once did?
She shook her head, pressing her palm against her forehead before looking back down at Rue. Oh, how she wanted to stay in bed longer and wait for the woman to wake up, but she had things to attend to.
Carefully, she slipped out from under Rue, setting her down gently on the pillow. The maid moaned in protest, her hand falling onto Alcina's. The woman looked back down at her before attempting to move her hand away, but the sleeping woman refused. The Countess leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek. Rue made a quiet cooing sound before her grip loosened and gave Alcina a moment to move away. When the woman moved her hand back to where Alcina's hand once was. However, when she didn't feel the warmth of the Lady's hand, she groaned before nuzzling into Alcina's pillow.
The Countess smiled softly before finally standing. She put her long, flowing white gown before folding Rue's uniform and placing it on the foot of the bed. After fixing her makeup and placing logs in the fireplace to keep the room warm for when she awoke. Quietly, she left the room and walked down the hallway. It was early in the morning, she may run into Sofia, who was always the first maid awake while the rest would wake in an hour or so.
She stood in front of Bela's door. Even if the girl was at her Aunt's estate, she couldn't help but worry. Ever since her breakup, Bela had barely eaten and always looked so tired like she didn't get enough sleep despite that, according to Sofia, she was always sleeping. All she wanted was to know that her daughter was taking care of herself, but she knew that wasn't the case. She just hoped that Donna would be able to give her some comfort, despite the Dollmaker's lack of relationship experience. She wondered if her dear younger sister would ever find someone special.
''Mother?'' Alcina turned, seeing Cassandra standing just behind her.
''Cassandra, my dear, why are you up do early?'' she questioned, looking down at the girl.
She shrugged. ''I couldn't sleep.''
''My dear girl,'' she kneeled down so that she was at eye level with the middle child. ''is there something bothering you?''
Cassandra seemed to ponder on whether or not she should lie before remembering how much her mother hated liars. ''Yes, there is.''
''Do you wish to speak about it?'' she asked carefully. Cassandra merely shook her head. ''Alright, just remember that you can speak to me about anything if you need to.''
Alcina pressed a small kiss on her daughter's forehead before she could leave and burst into her swarm of flies. Cassandra rolled her eyes and in response, the Countess gently grabbed her face, peppering kisses all over her forehead and cheeks just to annoy her. The girl pulled away away, laughing.
She gave her mother a smile before leaving the hallway, most likely going to the gallery. The Countess couldn't help but wonder what her child was going to paint or sketch today. Cassandra had always been the most creative between Daniela and Bela.
***
Rue groaned, shivering slightly despite the thick duvet covering her. She buried her face into the pillow, inhaling the sweet scent of jasmine. All she wanted was to keep sleeping, but after a few minutes of being unable to, she forced her eyes open. Much to her disappointment, she awoke alone in the Countess's bed. She sat up, groaning at the soreness between her thighs. Suddenly, memories of the previous night flooded her mind.
She pressed her hand against her forehead, trying not to dwell on the events. She had to get up and get dressed to start her day. Before she could, the door to her Lady's chambers swung open. Instinctively, she tugged the duvet to cover her chest.
''You're awake.'' Lady Dimitrescu said, ducking into the room. In her hands was a tray of what Rue would assume to be food. The Countess didn't say anything and set the tray in front of the woman.
''Oh, my lady-''
''Please, call me Alcina when it is just us.'' she said, softly caressing her cheek. Rue couldn't help but lean into the touch, looking up at the Countess. The sunlight that poured into the room only brought attention to Alcina's beautifully aged face. It was almost like it was ripped straight from a book. The moment almost felt unreal.
''You have a beautiful name.'' she said, not fully intending to have said it out loud. However, seeing the bright smile spread across Alcina's face caused butterflies in her stomach. The feeling immediately was replaced with a pile of bricks when she saw a twinge of sadness in Alcina's eyes. At the same time, her smile had also faltered. ''Did I say something wrong?''
''No. No, not at all my dear. You just reminded me of something from long ago.'' she said softly. Rue looked down at the tray of food.
''You brought this for me?''
''Of course I did. I assumed you might be a bit sore from last night.'' she said, placing her hand on Rue's thigh suggestively. The maid blushed heavily and held her breath, wondering if she was going to do anything. However, Alcina didn't do anything and moved her hand away from the woman. ''Now, eat up, my darling girl.''
As Rue ate her breakfast, she couldn't help but feel Alcina's eyes on her neck. She pretended like she didn't notice and purposely moved her hair aside, showing the woman more of her bare neck. After a few minutes of Alcina just staring at her, Rue grinned and looked at her. ''You know, staring is quite rude, Alcina.''
''I wasn't staring, I was admiring how beautiful you look.'' after a few brief moments of silence, Alcina turned away from her, getting off of the bed. ''Well, once you are finished, just set the tray aside and get dressed. You can take a bath if you wish.''
Before Rue could say anything, she was gone.
YOU ARE READING
From Dusk Until Dawn
FanfictionCastle Dimitrescu has many secrets and rumours. Most true, some false. Whether or not it's from desperation or curiosity, those who enter rarely ever leave. For years, the Lady of the Castle ruled with an iron fist along with her three daughters. O...