From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 27: Replacement

As Rue recovered from her injuries, Alcina had allowed Kory to return to the castle to visit his sister before he had to leave for a period of time. Bear the Lycan had remained by her side as she rested in bed while she regained strength. Most of the time, Alcina was with her. They usually had long conversations or Alcina would read to her and there were times where they wouldn't say anything at all and just sit with each other in completely silence. Whenever Alcina wasn't with her, she was kept company by Bear, one of the three daughters or Sofia.

There were days where Alcina would arrive in the room with some flowers for her and some sweets, which she shared with the Countess. During all of these interactions however, Alcina wouldn't touch her in any way, shape or form. When she had to, she did so with hesitation. Rue understood why; she had almost accidently killed her, but she wanted to feel Alcina holding her hand.

Bear was resting his head on her lap as she sat in a chair while reading a book that Daniela had dropped off for her. She was glad she was strong enough to walk with little to no pain now; she was sick of constantly staying in bed anyway. It reminded her too much of her childhood.

Alcina was currently away to attend a meeting with Mother Miranda and the other Lords. She silently hoped that Alcina would return soon, longing to see her. If there was anything good she got out of nearly dying, was that she had time to think whenever she was alone.

In the time that she was alone with her thoughts, she had come to realize just how far she had fallen for her. But it also made her think of the physical similarities between her and Daria. It got to the point she began to wonder if she was merely a replacement; a stand in for Alcina's past lover. Those thoughts were only amplified due to that mornings events.

***

The maid yawned quietly, not wanting to leave the comforting embrace of sleep just yet. Tossing back and forth, she gave up and forced her eyes open. That's when she saw Alcina kneeling by her bed, resting her head on the mattress and snoring in a rather soft manner. Just next to her was Bear, who was also sleeping, which surprised her since she thought Alcina would have kicked him out.

Rue couldn't help but reach out, placing her hand onto top of Alcina's. Weirdly enough, she was glad the older woman wasn't wearing her black leather gloves. Her hands were cold, but she didn't mind. Not caring that it was the hand that caused her injuries, she pressed a tender kiss on the back of Alcina's hand.

She pulled away when Alcina began to stir. Groaning softly, the Countess slowly opened her eyes. The woman looked up at her with dazed golden eyes. The golden light of the rising sun gave her a goddess like beauty and caused the room around them to glow.

''Mmh... Daria, darling, what are-'' her eyes suddenly widened when her vision cleared.

Rue couldn't help but let her heart hurt. Her expression must have given away her pain because Alcina immediately corrected herself. ''Rue, dear, you should be resting.''

''I can't stay sleeping the entire time, Alcina.'' Rue said with a smile, swallowing down the lump in her throat.

***

She sighed, placing the book down and stroked Bear's head, who happily grumbled. Rue smiled brightly, smushing his face and moving it around, which caused him to give her a big doggy grin while his tongue lulled out the side of his mouth. Getting too excited, Bear jumped up on her, licking the side of her face. She gagged at the smell of rotten meat from his mouth and his sweat covered fur.

Rue gently pushed him off of her, pinching her nose closed. ''You need a bath. Come on boy, let's go.'' she said, getting up and leading him to the bathroom.