Alcina stood by the grand windows of her private quarters, the golden light of the late afternoon spilling across the polished floor. She clutched a small, intricate box in her hands, its surface a delicate weave of gold and black enamel. Inside, nestled on a bed of silk, was the ring she had painstakingly chosen—its design as elegant and timeless as the bond she had shared with Arinn.
Her usually composed expression softened, a faint smile curving her lips as her thoughts wandered to the one person who had managed to pierce her stoic heart. Arinn. The thought of her was enough to set a slow warmth blooming in Alcina's chest, something she had once believed herself incapable of feeling. After everything they had faced together—the dangers, the pain, the battles both internal and external—this moment felt like the beginning of something even more profound.
The proposal had to be perfect. Alcina had spent weeks considering every detail. The setting, the timing, even the words she would say. She envisioned it in the garden at twilight, where the scent of roses would linger on the air, and the sky would be painted in soft hues of pink and gold. A place where they had spent many quiet moments, wrapped in each other's company, away from the chaos of the world.
But for all her preparation, Alcina couldn't quell the small flicker of doubt that lingered at the edges of her mind. She glanced down at the ring again, her thumb brushing over the cool metal. What if this wasn't the right moment? What if Arinn wasn't ready? There was a vulnerability in asking this question—one she wasn't accustomed to feeling.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She turned, her expression immediately shifting back to her usual regal composure as one of her servants stepped into the room, bowing deeply before speaking.
"My Lady,"
the maid began, keeping her gaze lowered.
"The preparations for tonight are nearly complete. Will you require anything else?"
Alcina nodded, though her mind was still partially distracted by her own swirling thoughts.
"No, that will be all for now. Ensure the garden is in perfect condition. The timing must be precise."
"Yes, my Lady."
The maid dipped her head again and moved to leave, but a second figure appeared at the doorway—a younger, less familiar maid with a hesitant look on her face.
"My Lady..."
The girl's voice trembled slightly, and she wrung her hands nervously.
"I—I don't mean to intrude, but... I saw something. Something you may want to know about."
Alcina's brow furrowed slightly.
"What is it?"
she asked, her tone neutral but edged with the faintest hint of impatience. The maid stepped forward cautiously, eyes darting up only briefly before quickly looking away again.
"It's about Lady Arinn."
At the sound of Arinn's name, Alcina's heart gave a small, involuntary jolt. She straightened, her grip tightening slightly around the ring box.
"Go on."
The maid hesitated, shifting on her feet.
"I saw her... in the west corridor, near the courtyard. With someone. A woman I didn't recognize."
Alcina's patience began to wear thin. She wasn't in the mood for gossip or speculation.
"What about it?"
she asked, her voice cool. The maid swallowed hard, her voice lowering to a near whisper.
"They were... close. Closer than they should have been."
YOU ARE READING
Lady Dimitrescu x female reader
FanfictionArin Ryder is a demon that was abandoned at the orphanage in the small village in Romania. Wanting to prove herself to everyone she decides to steal from the Dimitrescu castle. Getting caught was not part of the plan but neither was falling in love...
