Chapter Text
So you've been invited to go to Castle Dimitrescu with Donna. Since Lady Dimitrescu's daughter, Daniela, barged into the room you were sharing with Donna, the doll maker had to explain who the Dimitrescu family was. You at least knew Lady Dimitrescu was also a "daughter" to Mother Miranda, making her Donna's sister. Though this would be your first time meeting the woman in person, along with her daughters. You are a friendly and kind person by nature, so you were always excited to meet anyone new.
Donna on the other hand wasn't too excited to go to her sister's territory. The day before your promised visit, she was fidgeting a lot with her dress and couldn't keep still for long.
"What's on your mind?" You ask as you stop her pacing by squeezing her face playfully. She smiles, but doesn't giggle like she usually does whenever you do something unexpectedly funny. Her gaze soon lowers and you know that means she's about to say something important to her.
"My sister is a bit intimidating to me. I rarely speak to her in person and instead use Angie to speak in my stead. What's worse is that Alcina knows of my inferiority complex to her and pokes fun at it," she explains with a sigh and begins pacing around again. You watch her silently, trying to think of what to say. You're going with her since you offered(begged). Her shoulders dropped slightly when you confirmed you wanted to go with her, but that relief didn't last long once you actually got out of bed after Daniela paid the sudden visit.
"Well since I'm going, surely she would put at least some attention onto me. I won't let her make you too uncomfortable," you say confidently. "Plus we don't have to stay too long, a little excuse can work wonders when you want to get out of an awkward situation." Donna stops pacing and looks at you with a mixed expression - changing from relief, to doubt, to her current blank stare.
"As wonderful as that sounds, Angie would despise me if I tried to leave early since she enjoys playing with the sisters." She sighs.
"Hey y/n! Do you want to join me and the others in a game tomorrow?" Angie asks abruptly after appearing out of nowhere. She decides to sit on top of your head, which is new since she'd usually sit on the back of your neck.
"See what I mean?" Donna asks with a shake of her head and an even more defeated sigh.
"I'm sorry Angie, but I think I'm going to spend my time with Donna tomorrow," you tell the doll who groans annoyedly and smacks your head repeatedly.
"Why~? You're with her ALL the time. Play with me instead," Angie complains with a little whine.
"Angie," you say with a warning tone as you grab the doll and hold her in front of you, making her look like a scolded puppy. "You're connected to Donna. Don't you sense that she is nervous about this visit? Or do you just not care and want to play?" You ask with a serious expression. It wasn't often that you become angry, but when it involves Donna, your emotions go out of your control.
"Come on~. Don't get upset with me. You get excited whenever you get to go into the village, so why shouldn't I get excited when I get to go to the castle to see the sisters?" She asks, and you know if she could actually show emotion on her face, she'd be pouting. You honestly couldn't argue with her. Just as she said, whenever you go to the villager to visit Elena and Luiza at the bakery, you always enjoy your time. But you could never bring Angie along since she'll scare the villagers away. At times, you felt bad for Angie, she was always stuck at home when she clearly wanted to go and explore outside.
"Alright Angie, I apologize for getting upset. However I stay true to my word, I'm staying with Donna," you reply and place the doll on the ground. The moment you let go of her, she kicks your shin and flies off, shouting that you're no fun. You take the small sting silently and bring your attention back to the woman standing next to you in the living room. "How often did you go to your sister's Castle?"
"At least once a month. But as Daniela said this morning, I have been occupied by you over the last few months," she answers immediately, almost like she was expecting you to ask that question.
"I'm sorry, this is my fault," you say with a frown. Donna is quick to disagree.
"No. I am with you because I want to be, and frankly… I enjoy spending time with you rather than my sister." You stare at her in shock but smile brightly soon after.
"Thank you, Donna."
….
The day passed fast, and Donna didn't really calm down much. In fact, she only got worse as the day progressed. By night, she was up until 3 in the morning and who knows if she actually fell asleep. You constantly checked on her in the library to find the same scene, her reading a book while drinking tea that is meant to calm the nerves. The last time you checked on her, she assured she'd be going to bed.
You two didn't sleep in the same bed like you did the previous night, mostly due to Donna wanting privacy since she knows you'll only be kept awake if she is also awake.
..
Morning light shines into your room and you can already hear Angie and Donna talking downstairs. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you find Donna sitting in the kitchen along with Angie who is on the verge of bouncing off the walls in excitement.
"Are you ready to leave?" You ask the two who greet you a good morning, one more enthusiastic than the other.
"Yep! Once you eat something, we'll be on our way!" Angie answers happily as she shoves a piece of bread into your hand. You giggle and glance over to Donna who seems extra sullen. Suddenly, she stands up without meeting your gaze.
"I'll go make sure we have snacks for the journey," she announces quietly before exiting the room.
"Donna…" you whisper to yourself with a frown. You wish you could help her, but even if you talked to her about her worries, she'd keep it brief before changing the subject entirely. Clearly she doesn't want to talk about it, even though it will help her. But you knew when to stop prying for information - or perhaps you were just too polite to bring up her worries so often.
"Don't worry about her, she'll be fine once she actually gets to the castle and realizes it's not as bad as her mind was making it," Angie consoles and you nod, hoping she's right.
..
A carriage was waiting for you once you exited the house, and Donna had already gone inside. Once Angie flies in, you hop in and close the door quietly. The horses soon take off and you find yourself looking around inside the carriage. This was your first time in one of these and you always loved experiencing and seeing something new.
The seats were comfortable and covered in a velvet material, much more luxurious than you thought it would be - then again this may be because Donna is a lady of the village. You also noticed the crest of the Beneviento house on the ceiling of the cart, and you smiled just seeing it. To your left, Angie is sitting in Donna's lap, both being eerily quiet.
"Donna?" You ask while placing your hand on her shoulder. The woman in question jumps, looking at you with wide eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was just wondering what's going through your head." She clenches the veil in her hands before looking out the window on her side.
"Be careful with my sister. I assume she won't do anything harmful to you, but I just want to warn you," she replies without making eye contact with you. What does she mean by "harmful"? Surely Lady Dimitrescu wouldn't hurt you against your will - would she? Whatever the case may be, you were not going to make a bad impression of yourself.
"I'll keep that in mind."
…
Angie literally flies out the door of the carriage when you arrive at the castle. You had just opened it and got startled by the doll. Donna sighs next to you as she places her veil on. When you hop out of the carriage, you help Donna just because. She whispers a thank you and takes the lead with you in the back and Angie in the middle.
As Donna knocked on the large door, you couldn't help the strange sensation that passed over you. Something was definitely off about this castle. The crows sounded like they had scratchier throats than usual and the scenery around you was quiet. This area reminded you of Donna's territory, just less forest and a lot more openness - still just as unsettling.
A blonde maid greeted you all and allowed you to enter. The maid seemed like she was on edge: her skin very pale, hair disheveled, and bags under her wide eyes. In a weird way, she reminded you of Donna, and you were rather curious if she was alright. You'll ask later, if you have time.
But you'll probably never see that maid ever again, or at least, that's what you believe.
"Ah. There you are Donna," a woman says and you nearly drop your jaw on the floor.
Lady Dimitrescu. Tall wasn't even the word to describe this woman. She carried herself with grace and elegance and from just one look at her, you could tell she was the type that was always in control. Much like Donna's right eye, Lady Dimitrescu's eyes were a mesmerizing yellow, brought out even more with her large hat that cast a shadow over her face. There was a smirk across her lips, a knowing smirk, one only worn by those confident in what they were doing.
"Hey there, Big D," Angie greets, causing Donna to flinch in fear. Lady Dimitrescu's eyes glow as she stares at the doll. Her smile has faded as was replaced with an angry frown.
"Angie!" You say, catching everyone's attention. "Don't be rude. How would you feel if I called you… little runt?" You ask, pausing to think of a mean nickname. The doll gasps and smacks your shoulder.
"Meanie!" she shouts before flying inside the castle and past Lady Dimitrescu who has her curious gaze set on you.
"Sorry Angie!" You exclaim before your eyes settle on Lady Dimitrescu.
"I wasn't aware that you were bringing a guest, Donna. I did hear about a woman that was inside your house, but I was clueless that she would step foot in my castle." Her voice was playful as she walked closer to you. Donna moved to the side when Lady Dimitrescu showed no sign of stopping. The tall woman examines you with a quirk to her eyebrow, leaning forward so that her face isn't too far from yours.
"Hello Lady Dimitrescu! It is truly a privilege to greet you like this! My name is y/n!" You say excitedly with a warm smile. Lady Dimitrescu stares at you with the slightest hint of surprise. She immediately composes herself with a chuckle as she straightens her back.
"You must be new to the village. I don't recognize you," she says with a curious tilt of her head.
"Actually, I've lived here for a couple years already. I don't really fit in with the rest of the villagers, huh? I get that a lot," you say before gasping and bowing your head in respect. "I apologize Lady Dimitrescu! I shouldn't be speaking so casually to you." The lady lets out a laugh this time, making you flinch before glancing up to find her smiling at you.
"Normally I wouldn't allow such a thing. However I'll make an exception just for you if you promise to visit my castle again soon," she responds with a hand on her hip. You're about to willingly agree before looking at Donna. Her expression was unreadable, but you could tell she wasn't comfortable with where this was going. In fact, you picked up the sneaky scratching of her wrist - something she always did when she was uncomfortable and nervous.
"I'd love to, but I don't want to leave Donna alone," you say and it causes Lady Dimitrescu's eyebrows to furrow.
"Oh? You call my sister by her first name? What is your rela-"
"Mother!" Multiple voices shout at once, and Lady Dimitrescu sighs.
"What is it dears? Don't tell me there is another stain in my rug," She says once she walks into the foyer.
"Can we play outside?" They ask, causing Lady Dimitrescu to chuckle.
"Very well, however I want you all inside for lunch."
"Yay!"
Lady Dimitrescu brings her attention back to you and Donna.
"Come along now. I'll give you a special tour, y/n," she announces with a chuckle when she sees your cheeks turn red in embarrassment.
You were going to grab Donna's hand but decided against it since you were too excited to pull Donna along. The veiled woman follows behind you silently instead, with her wanting nothing more than to leave this castle already.
"Donna, you can stay here until we return," Lady Dimitrescu says once she reaches the stairs and looks over her shoulder. You look at Donna who seems offended, but still remains silent.
"Lady Dimitrescu, forgive my rudeness, but shouldn't you treat your guests fairly?" You ask, wanting to not have Donna feel left out. Lady Dimitrescu turns around with an amused smile.
"She will just follow us around like an obedient puppy. Or perhaps she'll lash out, hm?" She asks with a knowing gaze to Donna. "Regardless, she's already seen my castle many times before," she walks up the stairs with you standing there, unsure what to do. "Come now, I don't like to be kept waiting," she warns over her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Donna. I'll be right back," you whisper regretfully. The woman doesn't give any sort of reaction but instead walks over to the couch and sits on it. She doesn't look at you as you step up the stairs, her posture is stiff, like she's being punished. You push your uneasy feelings down and hurry up.
You catch up to Lady Dimitrescu who chuckles when she sees you have to jog just to keep up with her.
..
She shows you around and is one of those touchy people. The type of person that always makes body contact one way or another. It was nearly the complete opposite of Donna, but at least she was adjusting to physical touch.
Every time you'd arrive in a new location, Lady Dimitrescu would place her hand either on your back, shoulder, or even the back of your head. Her touch was more rough, but you could tell she was holding back, trying to be gentle. Your heart always jumped whenever she made contact with you. Whatever emotion it was, it made you both excited and terrified. You brush off her contact and push on. Apparently Lady Dimitrescu finds that amusing since she always does that knowing chuckle as you go ahead of her.
"And this is the library. I have a separate library for me in my personal quarters downstairs that I'll show you if you wish," she suggests as you glance at the spines of the books.
"Do you have any cook books?" You ask, unable to stop your curiosity. When you glance to your left, you find she has her head tilted with her lips slightly parted in confusion. You understand her confusion and bring your eyes back to the shelves.
"Is there something in particular that you desire?" She asks as she steps closer to you until you feel the heat of her body radiating onto your back. Her body wasn't directly touching, but it was definitely a bit too close than you're used to from her.
"Preferably books on baking sweets," you say while trying to keep your voice from shaking.
"Ah, yes." She says before placing her hand on your shoulder again and pushing it until you catch on that she's guiding you somewhere else. "I have a few select books on such material," she pauses, causing you to look up at her. She had a look on her face like she was thinking, before she caught your gaze and smiles. "I cannot lend you the book, however you're free to come over whenever you'd like to take notes of the sweets that pique your interest." You smile widely at her.
"Really?! You'll let me do that?" You ask, dumbfounded. She giggles from your excitement.
"Of course, y/n. Now then, let me show you the first floor," she responds and guides you out of the library with her hand on your back. You don't even acknowledge her touch when it reaches a little too low. It was so brief that you merely took it as an accident and moved on.
..
When you returned to the foyer, Donna wasn't sitting on the couch anymore. In fact, she was gone. Your eyes examine your surroundings as you stop in your tracks at the bottom of the steps.
"Is something wrong?" Lady Dimitrescu asks questioningly behind you. You take one final look before answering.
"Where's Donna?" Suddenly Lady Dimitrescu is in front of you with a skeptical look.
"What is your relationship with Donna?" You don't necessarily know how to answer her, so you look to the side to think. You two promised to have each other, but never solidified what that would imply. And to be fair, Donna wasn't treating you any different than before. She said she had feelings for you, and you for her. But does that make you lovers or just close friends? It was a bit confusing.
Plus she couldn't bring herself to have sex with you the other night. What that meant, you didn't know. Something was bothering her that night, but she avoided the topic by (attempting to) pleasure you.
Your head was tilted upwards to meet Lady Dimitrescu's impatient frown.
"Answer me," she orders with glowing eyes. You shiver from the contact and find the words spilling from your mouth without being able to stop it.
"We live together." She quirks her eyebrow, unsatisfied with your answer.
"Have you had sex with her? Not that I'll believe you regardless of what you say since Donna is too weak-willed to perform such an activity unless something pushes her to do it," Lady Dimitrescu says with a scoff. It almost sounds like she's experienced what she's talking about, but you don't focus on that. Your face turns red from her straightforwardness, and you can't find the words to explain your situation with Donna, instead deciding to just shake your head.
The woman laughs and bends forward so her face is right in front of you. Your head moves back as you take in her satisfied smile.
"I look forward to your future visits," she says before standing straight. You didn't necessarily know what she meant by that, so you just nod with a weak smile. "Let's go. I had one of my maids bring Donna to my quarters so we call all chat privately. However you can meet my daughters if you're in the mood for that. They can be a handful around new pre- people," she corrects herself right at the end. It sounded like she was going to say prey, but maybe she believed you wouldn't take the joke. You weigh your options, however you promised to stay with Donna, even though you technically broke that already.
"I'll stay with you," you reply, satisfying the woman, who places a hand on your head and pets it.
…
Donna is sitting next to the fireplace when Lady Dimitrescu lets you through the door first. She immediately stands when she notices it's you, and is about to run over to you when she suddenly stops, noticing Lady Dimitrescu entering behind you.
"Am I interrupting something?" Lady Dimitrescu asks playfully. Oh, she knows what she's doing. Donna weakly shakes her head and sits back down, defeated.
You three(technically 2 since Donna didn't speak) end up chatting about the village, and you don't bring up the fact that they nearly killed you. You weren't entirely sure how Lady Dimitrescu would react to that knowledge, so you tried to play your cards carefully. Lady Dimitrescu was unpredictable for you right now - after all, you just met her, so you don't know what kind of person she necessarily is.
However you did mention the bakery you frequented run by Luiza and Elena. Breezing right past your excitement about the bakery, Lady Dimitrescu asks if you've heard any rumor about her recently. Alright then, clearly she didn't care about what you were saying.
"Well I haven't heard anything recently, but I did hear that you captured young women and killed them," you answer bluntly. Lady Dimitrescu doesn't seem fazed and simply nods. She also doesn't confirm or deny it, which throws you off.
A clock chimes, signifying 12 o'clock. Lady Dimitrescu stands and brushes off her dress carefully.
"Would you care to join us for lunch?" She asks, looking at you instead of Donna. As much as you would like to eat with her and her daughters, you can tell Donna is at her limit and is emotionally exhausted.
"Maybe next time, Lady Dimitrescu. We'll head home now," you answer and Lady Dimitrescu doesn't let her disappointment show for long as she recovers fast with a smile.
"Very well, I look forward to your future visits," she repeats the same thing she said earlier, this time with another pet on your head.
…
After 10 minutes of protesting, Angie finally gives in when you bribe her with some chocolate that you just so happened to have in your pocket. The doll couldn't physically eat the candy, but she enjoyed rubbing the melted chocolate over her hands. You would never comment on how 'weird' she is, always phrasing it as 'silly'.
The carriage ride back was silent once again, but you could tell Donna wasn't anxious anymore. However something was on her mind. You could tell because she'd move her head all over the place and never keep still.
You, on the other hand, need to remember to bring a notebook for your next visit to Castle Dimitrescu. Donna will most likely stay behind, and Angie will have to be with her or else bad things will happen like before.