Where The Rose Blossoms

Chapter 55: Mating Season

Alcina's POV

It's been nearly a week since Y/N's last Dream Walking session. She had told you that she couldn't control it, that it appeared when it was needed most. You sigh and continue your way to where the Duke was selling his trinkets. You had read the research journal about Y/N, and while the contents inside angered you, you still found it a bit useful. Unfortunately the mating section of the journal held little information. The first stage was marking, which Y/N had done...multiple times. The second stage seemed to be coming fast, it was only October, and Y/N's birthday was in November.

You give another sigh as you enter the room where the Duke was situated. The enlarged man sat in a comfortable spot in the room, books, jewelry, clothes, and other trinkets scattered in a neat mess around him.

"Ahh Lady Dimitrescu, how may I be of service to you?" he purred, his giant hands clasping together.

"Hello Duke, I am looking for information that you may only possess." you said, getting to the point.

"Now what would that be, My Lady?"

"I need more information about Y/N, specifically mating behaviors."

"Let me check around, feel free to look around in case something else catches your eye."

You nod and examine the pile of jewelry nearby. You always liked how the Duke remained professional, even when asking for absurd things. After a while of rummaging the Duke turned back around, a disappointed look on his face.

"I do apologize, My Lady, but it seems as if I do not have the information you seek."

You give a small sigh and nod.

"It's quite alright Duke, I'll figure something else out."

You turn to leave but the Duke calls out to you.

"I do have one suggestion to help you find what you seek."

You turn your head to peer at him.

"And what would that be?"

"Simple. Y/N had two caretakers, but one had been there longer than the other. Find the correct one, and you'll get your answers."

"Can you ever give a simple answer instead of talking in riddles?" you growl

He just laughs as you walk away, his laughter soon fading behind you. What did he mean by that? The Duke often spoke in riddles when he wanted you to know something, but not outright tell you. Y/N was raised in a lab, this you knew, you thought back to when she told you about her past. You were so lost in thought you nearly knocked over a maiden, you looked down only to see Mary. Her face paled slightly upon seeing you.

"S-sorry My Lady." she stammered

"No need maiden." you said, "I didn't see you, for that I apologize. Also have you seen Y/N anywhere, I need to speak to her."

Mary pondered for a moment before answering, "I think I saw her in the garden. Although I should warn you that she seems to be in a...foul mood today."

You nod and begin to walk away, but before you get too far you hear Mary call out to you, her voice shaking slightly.

"My Lady, um have you seen Danieeeelllla.'' She dragged out Daniela's name like she was going to say Dani, but caught herself.

You narrowed your eyes but answered the question. "No, but you might want to check the library or her room."

Mary smiled before bowing and leaving. You made your way to the garden, but you couldn't get Mary off your mind. You had noticed that she and the girls had spent an awful amount of time together. At first you thought that your daughters were playing with her like any other prey, but it seems that is not the case. You shake the thoughts from your head and focus on the matter at hand, you'll deal with those four later.

You quickly and easily make your way to the garden, when you open the doors the cool wind of autumn brushes against your face. It looked so beautiful out today. The many brown, yellow, and red leaves littered the ground and flew around the sky. The sun shined, giving some warmth to the chilly wind. You quickly close the door behind you, making sure not to let any of the cold air in.

As you wander around for a bit you finally spot Y/N sitting on the ground with her eyes closed. You stare at her, taking in her beauty. She was always beautiful, and anyone who thought otherwise was blind. Her caramel brown skin and white tattoos glowed against the sunlight, her curly black and white hair flowed freely in the wind. She tilted her head up slightly and fluttered her eyes open. Those emerald green eyes you fell in love with shined like fresh green grass. You could see her nose twitch slightly before she smiled, her white fangs poking through.

"You know it's rude to stare love." she purred

You felt your cheeks heat up slightly and walk up to her, sitting in the grass with her.

"You know." she muttered as you settled next to her, "That's what you said when you caught me staring. When you first kissed me."

You remember that day vividly. That was when you first fell in love with her. When you knew you wanted her to be by your side.

"I remember." you chuckled, "You were oh so flustered after as well~" you teased

Y/N's cheeks turned a bit red. You loved when she blushed, her darker skin made her blush appear a beautiful deep rosy red. You kiss her on the cheek and she gives a small giggle before leaning into your side.

"I looked into the mating thing..." you start, Y/N looks at you, giving you her full attention.

"I don't really have much information. The journal only told me two things."

"And what was that?"

"That you would first mark your scent on me." you felt yourself blush and saw Y/N smirk. "Then you would become more aggressive and territorial of me the closer to your birth month you get."

Y/N slowly nods in understanding.

"Did you find out anything else?"

"Not much draga mea. The Duke told me to find your caretakers and ask the one that had been there longer."

Y/N hummed and hung her head.

"Who were they? I remember you telling me about Mia, but I've forgotten the other one."

"I don't think you'll like the answer." she muttered as she began playing with your hand.

"Just tell me draga mea, I need to know so I can help you."

She pauses for a moment before releasing a sigh.

"Miranda...Miranda was my other caretaker. She had been there longer than Mia...so she knows more."

(Word Count: 1089)