(Yes this is a Jojo reference)
The rest of the small ceremony that occurred with the music and dancing came to a close at last. If I had a watch I would say it was around 3 AM in the morning, but it was only a guess. I noticed the girls were getting tired as I was and yawned together almost in unison.
"Come to think of it." I said rubbing my eyes. "I don't think I've ever seen any of you sleep before or even thought you had a concept of sleeping."
"Of course we have one." Cassandra giggled. "We only do it every so few nights within a week to replenish. Think of it as a touch of our human side.""
"Ah, that makes sense. I still have to sleep every night though just to even function." I laugh at myself. "One of the joys of being a human I guess."
The girls laughed and strutted towards me all of them wearing sinister grins.
"Who knows what might happen when you sleep and we're out and about." Daniela licked her lips.
"We might have some fun with the sleeping prey." Cassandra teased trailing a finger up my shoulder.
Bela licked my cheek and whispered in my ear.
"Just hope you don't wake up when it happens lover boy. Don't wanna bite something off."
Alcina groaned and cleared her throat trying to catch her daughter's attention.
The daughters each took turns kissing my cheek. First was Bela leaving with a small wave before phasing away, next was Cassandra who hugged and kissed me on both my cheeks, and Daniela gripped my face and aggressively kissed my lips. I couldn't even fight back against her advance as she explored my mouth. Once she was done she did a happy strut as she turned around. Alcina was in disbelief and merely just had a look of disappointment.
"I swear they are trouble when around you." She eyed me.
"I like trouble." I responded in a small little daze.
"I'm preparing for my rest. Come lay with me later if you wish." She said. "Preferably after cleansing yourself with a mouth refreshment."
I snapped out of my daze and nodded.
"I will, but first I must do something real quick. I'll be there at your room." I said before turning around.
Alcina smiled and waved slowly walking towards the door leading out of the courtyard. I left in the opposite direction.
I opened the door to see the Duke asleep once again.
"This guy definitely doesn't do much does he?" I asked myself quietly.
I snapped my fingers a few times. No avail.
"Duke? Hey Duke!" I shouted at the sleeping giant.
Duke was startled and almost fell over looking around frantically. He spotted me doing a small wave gesture. His expression was beaming and he clasped his hands together.
"Ah Mr. (L/N). Welcome." He spoke.
"Good to see you Duke." I responded smiling. "Sorry to wake you up. It's been awhile."
"Indeed it has. Considering you are now part of the family I presume." He eyed me while he leaned forward. "You are taking such a bold step in your future."
"I did when I chose that you're right. I have a small request and yes it is involving some coin." I stated.
He leaned even closer.
"I'm all ears my friend."
"I wish to know more of the other lords of this region regarding local and passed information." I said.
He straightened and laughed wholeheartedly.
"Oh ho for you that is the exception for free of charge of course. If you were to buy other services I can provide you are more than welcome. Information is crucial as a merchant, but it should be accessible to the customer if asked." He raised a finger emphasizing his words.
"I see. Please tell me what you know Duke." I said.
"Very well." He adjusted himself in his seat. "There are 4 lords reigning over this region. There is House Moreau of the waters, there is House Dimitrescu atop the village as we are in, House Beneviento resides in a small space by a grand waterfall keeping to herself with her dolls, and there is Lord Heisenburg where he is the most dangerous of them all. Mother Miranda is the leader of all 4 houses and this entire region of Romania from her massive influence among the villagers. She is a cold calculating ruler capable of so much more should you be foolish to encounter her."
I listened intently as he spoke in detail of each individual house leader.
"Beneviento is silent, much to impression, but makes up for it with her wonderous doll Angie. The Beneviento manor hides more darkness than one might think though. Moreau is a grotesque creature that suffered under Mother Miranda more than prospered. He lurks in the underwater village to the dam and is said to be the creature that stalks those waters. Lady Dimitrescu was given her daughters and became a mother of the three dark queens. Though not from the region originally, she is of royal blood. Finally, there is Heisenburg. Though it is unclear what goes in his factory there is stories to be told that whoever's gone in never comes out."
His expression changed to a more serious look.
"You would be wise as to arrive in those areas under protection rather than sheer foolishness that is curiosity." He warned while he reached behind him for an object. "That is the basics of what I know."
"I understand Duke. I wasn't planning on going alone anyway to observe the lords that I guarantee." I pointed out.
The Duke pulled out a cigar and nodded admiring my logical thinking.
"You aren't like the others I have spoke with in the past Mr. (L/N). You are proving to be a one of a kind in this small world." He pulled out a lighter in his other hand and lit the cigar. "That remains to be seen whether it be caution or luck that has aided you this far. Men like you cannot be aided by both, but rather be aided by a single reason. That reason is for you to decipher with the clues."
I watched silently with a grin. Quite an interesting fellow I must say. Never a dull moment in his company.
"Oh, but there is another thing I wish to ask for. Yes, it involves money this time." I said collecting my sack of coins.
"Hm what do you desire?" The Duke asked.
"Do you have any records I can play for Alcina by any chance." I ask curiously.
The Duke looked at me with the biggest smirk I've ever seen him give and he nodded.
"I never took you for an enthusiast my friend." The Duke joked.
"She really loves those intricate pieces Duke." I said remembering Alcina's gentle expression in my thoughts. "And I honestly have begun to love it as well."
The Duke reached behind him and held out a stack of 6 different records. Each were old, but their covers were not damaged.
"Keep in mind each are sold nearly at the same price. 3000 for the two on the top, 3400 for the 3 below the top, and the very bottom one is just 2800." He stated.
"I'll take them all." I said reaching in my sack for the right amount of coins.
I handed him the money and recieved the records.
"I appreciate this Duke. It means a lot to have you around here truly." I smiled wholeheartedly.
The Duke slowly nodded still holding his cheerful expression.
"You're much too kind Mr. (L/N) it's no wonder you are alive and thriving among this region." He took a puff of his cigar. "Oh and don't be afraid to wake me. My services are 24 hours a day so I'll be available."
I had a silent chuckle as I opened the door with my free hand and looked back at the Duke before leaving.
"You truly are the one of a kind Duke. I'll be in touch." I smiled and shut the door gently.
The Duke stared at the door letting smoke out through his mouth.
"Such a wonder that one." He said to himself.
The night sky with he crescent moon shined brightly across the courtyard garden. The light barely illuminated the path in front of me, but it was enough to see where I was going. The torches inside the halls were lit as well to help navigate through the castle.
"OHH MOTHER DIMITRESCU!" I echoed through the courtyard towards Dimitrescu's Chambers "I got something for you my love."
Alcina groaned rubbing her eyes and dusting off her night gown in her room. She sighed and had a small smile.
"What has the manthing done this time I wonder?" She spoke with a smile while rolling her eyes.
She carefully got out of her bed and yawned. I eagerly knocked on the door to her room.
"Enter Mr. (L/N)" Alcina spoke through the door.
I entered and spotted her in her nightgown with a few loose curls that were slightly raggedy.
"Now I know it was rude to awaken you and I apologize, but I have a gift for you." I said almost bouncing in excitement.
Alcina slowly moved her right leg over her left and cocked her head wearing a grin.
"I see you have your hand upon those items. What are they?" She asked.
"Records for us to play together on your gramophone. Classic lovely melodies are all that will be played within this beautiful castle." I stated with a cocky grin. "Enough to seduce you I'm sure."
Alcina laughed to my attitude and shook her head still smiling.
"You are becoming a much more dangerous man saying such things around me. Not many have the stones to do so." She gently poked my chest with her foot.
I chuckled and set the records down on a nearby nightstand. Alcina watched and patted the side of her bed.
"Sit with me." She instructed.
I obliged sitting beside her staring up at her beautiful face.
"You are so lovely even with your hair slightly messed up." I placed my hand on hers. "I'm thankful to be here with you my mistress."
"As you should be. You earned your place here that I will not deny." She stated.
She moved her leg off and notioned her head to the pillow.
"Come to bed." She said.
I stood up and slipped out of my clothes as quickly as I could and laid beside Alcina in a seductive pose. She laughed and laid down.
"Do you know this is the closest I ever let a man come to me?" She said staring at my eyes.
"I figured you were a catch regardless of your stature." I said shrugging. "Then again though, I'm sure you weren't tolerant of them."
"That I will admit." She pursed her lips. "Many tried and many failed and not a single man ever become the one for me." She clicked her tongue. "Due to many reasons I don't wish to share."
I listened and turned my body facing her and cupped her cheek.
"I'm glad I'm the one who succeeded where they have failed." I whispered to her.
Alcina held close to my hand and leaned towards me placing a kiss on my lips. I kissed her back gently and feeling her soft hair.
We gently moved away and I almost bursted into laughter.
"Do you want to be flayed from an imperfect kiss." Alcina spoke irritated.
"No Alcina. Sorry I was just laughing about the first time we met and my thoughts witnessing you for the first time." I had a small chuckle. "I was so terrified and mesmerized at the same time I couldn't think straight."
Alcina calmed herself and her smile returned.
"One must feel that way witnessing me." She spoke. "However, you seemed more fixated on my daughters more than anything it seems."
"Alcina...I can't not be infatuated by every one of you. It's nearly impossible to be in love with all 4 of you and give one special attention 24/7." I stated. "It makes me feel guilty sometimes and I start to doubt myself thinking if it's ok or not."
I cuddled up close to her and she pulled me in slowly.
"I understand the disposition. We all share you." She spoke.
I could feel her breathing against my hair. Her chest slightly moving with each small breath that escaped her nose.
"Alcina can I ask you something?" I said.
"What is it?"
"Do you think of wanting another child in your life?" I asked.
Alcina sighed.
"I'm not sure what to make of that proposal, but I'm not opposed to it. Cassandra did say you were actually effective in the biblical sense although." Her smirk intensifying. "I have much better standards over missionary."
"You heard about that..?" I said gulping.
"As you overhead us I learned more of you." She teased. "Careful what you wish for my dear."
I was left with a sigh of relief and a flush in my cheeks hearing her words.
"You are one dangerous woman Alcina Dimitrescu... A beautiful, tall, and elegant woman that can rip me in half with her fingertips."
Alcina rubbed my back while slowly closing her eyes as she kissed my head and rested her chin atop it. I felt my eyes close as well and I drifted into a deep sleep with my mistress holding my body gently within her grasp. So a strong woman capable of crushing me with one swift motion can be the most gentle person in the world. Wonders never cease to amaze me at times.
We both drifted into sleep embracing each other on the giant bed.
Dark feathers were forming at the window and a shadowy figure was silently observing the sight before them. A golden beak mask concealed the upper and mostly lower half the face.
"How curious. One of my children is being led astray." The figure whispered before disappearing into thin air.
Alcina shuddered in her sleep as if she became cold. She pressed my body unconsciously with a soft gentleness and became at ease knowing my presence overshadowed the figure.