From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 18: Evening Tea

Alcina closed her book, setting it aside the book she had been reading. She looked up her clock hanging on the wall and say the time. It was almost time for tea with her daughters. Leaning back in her chair, she took a long drag of her cigarette. She wondered if her eldest would be joining her and her sisters since it had been a few days since she had returned from her Aunt Donna's estate. 

After a few minutes of silence she stood and left her chambers. The maids working in the hallway bowed to the Countess, who didn't acknowledge them as she walked past them. Despite heaving a number of maids, her home had always felt so lonely to her. That was until Daria had wondered into her life, bringing life to her home and to the Countess when she was still mortal. When she died, her home returned to being a lonesome. Then Mother Miranda gifted her her daughters. Ever since then, her home was less lonely and she was more than grateful for it.

So, she came upon the lounge that her and her daughters go to for tea. Ducking through the doorway, she was surprised to see Bela sitting with her sisters, chatting and smiling. Alcina couldn't but smile when she saw Daniela's eyes light up. The youngest Dimitrescu sprung from her spot and room to her mother, trapping her in a tight hug.

''We were worried you weren't going to show up!'' Daniela said, burying her face into her mother's neck. The Countess held her daughter close before standing to her full height, spinning around. Daniela laughed as she dangled in the air. Cassandra quickly ran to her mother's side, patiently waited for her mother to set her sister down. 

Alcina looked down and knew exactly what she wanted. She set down Daniela before picking up Cassandra, who smiled brightly. When they were younger, Alcina would pick them up and spin them around. She would spend hours picking them up and spinning them around in the early days of their family.

Once she set Cassandra down, she looked over at Bela. The blonde sat there for a second before giving her a smile and diving into her arms. Alcina immediately notice that her eldest clung onto her tighter than her two sisters. She didn't say anything about it and just let her daughter cling to her. After a moment, she set the girl down. 

''I'm glad to see you.'' she said, cupping the girl's cheek. Bela only hummed and pressed her face against her hand. ''How have you been doing?''

''I've been better. I'm sorry for not joining for dinner for a while.'' Bela said, looking at the floor, a disappointed look plastered on her pale face.

Alcina frowned slightly, moving Bela's face so she was looking back up at her. ''My girl, do not apologize for that. You were hurting and I know you still are. I'm just worried about you.''

Alcina planted a soft kiss on her forehead. That's when the door opened slowly and there stood Rue. She looked nervous yet excited. ''I apologize for my lateness, my Lady.''

''Is Rue joining us?'' Daniela asked curiously. Cassandra's smile devolved into a slight frown when her gaze met with Rue's.

''Yes, she is. I hope that's alright with all of you.'' she said, casting a glance at Cassandra.

Daniela squealed in delight before quickly rushing over to Rue in excitement. She grabbed her hand with a bright smile. ''Danai, boundaries. Remember?'' Bela reminded her.

''It's alright, Lady Bela, I don't mind.'' the maid smiled warmly. The redhead practically dragged the maid to one of the couches, sitting next to her. Alcina couldn't help but smile when Daniela and Rue got absorbed into a conversation almost immediately.

The Countess sat down with Bela leaned against her. Cassandra sat a little ways away from everyone else as per usual. The family plus Rue sipped at their tea; each getting pulled into their own conversations with each other. Alcina couldn't help but glance over at Rue a few times. She looked so beautiful. Most importantly, Daniela seemed to like her.