Chapter 18: Feelings (Donna)

                                    

                                          


                          
The door to Castle Dimitrescu was opened by a maid with dark hair. The two on the other side of the door were none other than the Dollmaker herself and her two friends. Angie and Lex. The maid took one look at Lex and blushed profusely but welcomed them quickly into the castle. Both removed their boots and the maid took their coats for them.
                          
Donna glanced towards the foyer, spotting Alcina and Karl speaking to each other. It was a bit surprising to her that they weren't bickering with one another like they usually did. The Dollmaker smiled gently under her veil and linked her arm with Lex. The maid gestured for them to follow her and Donna noticed the evident blush on her face only increased when she looked at Lex. This caused Donna to step closer to her white haired companion, clinging onto her strong arm.
                          
The quickly approached the elegant foyer, catching the attention of both Donna's siblings. Alcina's annoyed expression and Karl's nonchalant attitude were replaced with happy smiles with they saw their dear sister.
                          
The much taller woman stepped towards her dear younger sister and hugged her tightly, Karl coming over and also joining in the hug. During the hug, Donna had released Lex in order to embrace both of them.
                          
The three slowly pulled away, Alcina eyeing the veil Donna was wearing. Before the Lady of the castle could do or say anything, Donna removed her veil and smiled brightly at them, her bangs covering her scar.
                          
''There's the lovely face of my favorite sister.'' Karl smiled, draping his arm over Donna's shoulder. Alcina merely rolled her eyes at her little brother.
                          
The five of them heard a buzzing sound getting louder and louder. Just behind them appeared the three Dimitrescu daughters: Bela, Cassandra and Daniela. As soon as the three daughters spotted their aunt, they lunged at her and attacked her with tight hugs and cheek kisses. The Dollmaker laughed happily and gave each of them a hug and a quick kiss on the forehead.
                          
''Cassandra, were is your mother?'' Alcina asked the brunette. Her daughter turned to her but before she could answer, her red haired sister spoke.
                          
''She's in the library. I think.''
                          
''I see.'' Alcina's voice was quiet, yet firm but her eyes held a droplet of sadness.
                          
''I can go find Lady Rue, I'm sure she'll be excited to see Donna.''  the Dollmaker glanced at the woman who made her heart flutter and gave her a barely noticeable nod of approval. Their plan fully set into motion.
                          
''No, I'll go find her.'' Alcina said, standing up.
                          
Oh shit... Donna thought to herself. She needed to make up an excuse to keep Alcina here somehow. Something, anything to make her stay.
                          
''I need to talk to you and Karl about something!'' she blurted out. Her older siblings, the maid, Lex and Angie all looked at her, stunned by her loud tone. The Dollmaker cleared her throat, returning to her usual shy voice. ''I-I need to speak to you about something. It's important.''
                          
Both Alcina and Karl seemed to analyze her words extremely carefully. Her two siblings stared at her for a long moment. Karl was the first to speak, ''well, you hear that big-head? Donna wants to talk about something important.''
                          
''I know what she said.'' Alcina hissed at her grinning younger brother.
                          
''I-I can show her where the library is, Lady Dimitrescu.'' the blushing maid spoke up eagerly. The Dollmaker tried to step towards Lex but was trapped due to Daniela hugging her waist, Cassandra hugging her legs and Bela hugging her torso.
                          
The tall woman sighed and gestured for them to walk towards the stairs, ''Alright. Please be quick.''
                          
The maid smiled brightly and turned to the white haired woman, who wore a neutral expression. ''Please, follow me.'' she cooed, beckoning the woman to follow her. When she thought  none of them were looking, the maid gave Lex a flirty wink as the walked up the stairs. Before Lex disappeared with the maid however, she shot Donna a comforting smile.