Big Love • Alcina Dimitrescu

17.

Tonight was my very first night of looking for bodies for Mother Miranda's experiments. There was nothing tonight, except for a few dead animals. This is a pretty tricky task, not only because I have to find a body but because I have to find someone injured, not dead. Finding a villager harmed is very hard because the number one cause of injuries in the village is lycan attacks and the lycans tend not to leave anyone alive. At least I didn't have to spend too much time walking around the village. 

I'm currently sitting at the dining table having dinner with Donna. Thanks to the cadou, Donna and I don't have to eat so frequently, so it's perfectly normal for us to be having dinner at 2 am like we are now,

"I can't believe Mother Miranda is letting you be a part of an experiment," Donna smiled, "It must be exciting,"

"Yeah, I guess, I'm not that big a fan of the preparation process though," I spoke as I swallowed a spoonful of mash, "Having to walk through the village every night, it's not that fun,"

"Yeah, at least you've got longer legs. Cover a lot of ground quicker," Donna used her fork to push around the chicken on her plate,

"Food's for eating, you know, not for playing with," I laughed, that's what Mum used to say to us,

"Yeah, I know," Donna chuckled silently, "I've just got a lot on my mind,"

"Anything I can help with?"

"No," she sighed, "Not right now anyway, I just need to take a bit of time first, sort myself out,"

"Okay," I reached over the table to hold Donna's small hand in my much larger one, "I'm here whenever you need to talk,"

"Thanks," Donna smiled before standing from her chair, placing her veil back over her face and taking her plate to wash up. Should I be worried? Donna hasn't worn her veil around me in almost a year now. I'll keep an eye on her.

2 day later

I decided to bring Donna with me to the castle today, it was a warm day and Donna needed to get some fresh air. She hasn't stepped outside for a few days and she needs some vitamin D. Not that the sun can reach her skin with her black dress and veil that cover every area of her skin.

It took us a few hours to reach Castle Dimitrescu, because of Donna's short legs and Angie running around in every opposite direction. Eventually, we reached the castle and I couldn't wait to collapse on any surface I reached first,

"I'll be there in a minute, I'm just going to look at Alcina's plants here," Donna whispered as she turned to her right and walked to the plants growing by Alcina's creepy scarecrows, that I only recently found out are actual men,

"Okay, just knock on the door when you're done," I watched as Donna carried Angie over to the green pants. I probably shouldn't be, but I am getting pretty worried about Donna. She is becoming more and more withdrawn by the hour. It has been so long since she's last been this timid around anyone, let alone me.

I walked up to the castle and raised my hand to knock upon the large oak door. Just as I begin to bring my fist down, the door opens to reveal a small brown-haired maid,

"Miss Benviento," she bowed, "Lady Dimitrescu is waiting in her private chambers,"

"Thank you," I smiled down at the lady. I noticed she was quite relaxed, not nervous or scared like other servants and maids, she had a kind smile and was younger than Alcina's regular help, "Who are you?"

"I'm Elsie," she smiled slyly like she is mocking me, "I just started working at the castle,"

"Nice to know," I replied, growing hatred towards Elsie already,

"I can escort you to Lady Dimitrescu," Elsie stated, not waiting for my response before heading towards the hallway,

"No need," I stated, using my long legs to get ahead of her quickly and making my way to Alcina's room, ducking in and out of doorways.

I reached Alcina's room and brought my hand to knock once again,

"Come in," the elegant voice of my girlfriend spoke. I brought my head down and ducked through the doorway, bringing myself to stand back up straight and lay my eyes upon Alcina Dimtrescu dressed in a black version of her everyday off-white dress and not wearing her hat instead replacing it with a red headband, "Marlene!"

"You look amazing," I gaped,

"You look lovely as well love," she responded, not taking her eyes away from my black knee-high boots, blue jeans and a tight white t-shirt.  I made my way over to Alcina, she lay her hands on my hips and I wrapped mine around her shoulders, we both moved our heads together catching our lips in a sweet kiss, cut short by the door being slammed open,

"M'Lady, I apologize I tried to escort her but she just ran away from me," Elsie stated out of breath,

"You ran away?" Alcina asked me, trying to hide her laughter,

"No, I didn't, I have long legs," I corrected, rolling my eyes in annoyance, "Not my fault you can't keep up,"

"Right well next time run a little faster and do not barge into my private chambers without knocking," Alcina scolded Elsie, "I have also told you that Miss Beneviento is free to roam the castle as she pleases,"

"Right," Elsie grumbled. I could sense resentment, anger and a slight hint of jealousy radiating off of Elsie's body. What is this girl's problem?

"You can go now," Alcina excused Elsie making her leave the room, shutting the door behind her, "Is Donna not with you?" Alcina redirected her attention to me softening her tone, moving across the room to collect a few things and put her shoes on,

"Your new maid doesn't like me," I stated, keeping my eyes on the spot where Elsie once stood,

"Marls, who cares she's a scullery maid, she's barely the queen of England," Alcina chuckled,

"I don't care, just she's different from the other maids, she's not scared," I shared,

"Okay?"

"Hm, weird. Anyway," I shook my head trying to rid myself of my nagging thoughts, "Donna is outside, she's taken an interest in your plants," I smiled sweetly,

"Oh yeah, the grapes have only just started growing back from the winter," Alcina smiled, "They'll be fully grown shortly, which means I make more wine in a few weeks," Alcina always wore an excited smile on her face whenever she spoke about wine, it really was the cutest thing ever to see how happy she is with her wine,

"You're so cute," I smiled,

"Tell me something I don't know," she chuckled as she rested her head on my shoulder, laying a small, sweet kiss on my neck, "You smell amazing,"

"Thanks," I chuckled. I lay my lips on top of her forehead.  We just stood there, in each other's arms, surrounded by the intoxicating scent of the other for a few minutes before a knock on the door broke us apart,

"Yes," Alcina growled,

"I'm sorry for interrupting, m'lady. Miss Beneviento is in the grand hall," An older woman shook in the doorway, she was terrified beyond belief. I would be as well if I was standing in front of two nine-foot lords who could kill you without a second thought. She probably knows that one of those two lords will kill her in time,

"Yes, you may leave," Alcina dismissed the old lady,

"Now that is not strange. That is how a maid should act," I pointed out,

"If it bothers you this much," Alcina laughed, placing her hands on my shoulders, "I'll dispose of her. It's no secret that I will sooner or later,"

"No, it's not a problem. She's hardly a threat to me," I scoffed. I can't place why that maid is making me feel the way she is, her attitude has just really rubbed me the wrong way,

"Okay then. Let's not leave your sister waiting for to long."