Chapter Text
It was a early winter morning, Amelia was all cuddled up with her blanket, comfortably, near the fireplace as she played with her stuffed crow that she name 'Sir Copernicus' as Miranda sat beside her and hummed as she braided her hair. "There we go my dear..." Miranda exclaimed as she finished the final braid and kissed Amelia on the cheek as Amelia giggled "Merci, maman" {Thank you, mama} Amelia exclaimed.
Soon, as Amelia cuddled up to her mother more Miranda can't help but stare into the fire place as she enjoyed the tranquility at the time as she absent mindedly caressed Amelia's hair. Eventually, Miranda cleared her throat and turned to Amelia, "Mon Cher, I wonder...how did you meet the other lors hm?" Miranda asked as she knew that the Four Lords knew Amelia before Miranda did. Amelia hummed as she thought on about it as she put her hand on her chin to recall her first meeting with the Four Lords of the village "Well..." She started
**Flashback**
It was the middle of fall and the outbreak of the lycans finally died down after days of non-stop hunting, death, and fear. Amelia rose up from her hiding place, her family's abandoned home, and checked her stocks to see if she'll survive through the winter. Amelia's heart dropped as she
Saw she only had two canned food left remaining in the pantry. Amelia searched the house before concluding she had to make a run for it and hunt some food or any supplies that can help her survive the upcoming winter.
So, Amelia got her small dagger that she collected from a corpse and a tattered cloak before she ventured out into the ghost village that was ridden with dangerous creatures alike. As Amelia was wondering around in the hopes for any food or water she heard the galloping of horses and the clacking of various goods behind her. Amelia turned around and saw The Duke in his carriage.
"Ah! Little miss surprise seeing you here.." He exclaimed as he continued a slow pace to keep up with the small girl "Mr. Duke...uhm, do you have any food? Or leftover supplies?" Amelia asked out of desperation. The Duke hummed as he stopped his carriage momentarily and plastered a smirk on his face.
"That I do little miss but it'll cost you a pretty penny of course...food is a rare find nowadays especially in our village" he exclaimed as a greedy tone was plastered all over his words. Amelia gulped as she knew she knew she had insufficient funds no matter how hard she looked. The Duke raised a brow and had an idea "tell you what...how about you work for me in exchange for food and supplies for this winter hm? What do you say little miss?".
Amelia's eyes widened at the opportunity and instantly nodded knowing she'll be fine for the next few months. The Duke smirked as he nodded "good...hop on in my little miss" he exclaimed as Amelia hopped on the carriage as The Duke went to the village's town square to set up shop.
Soon, Amelia started to set up the shop diligently as she followed The Duke's instructions accordingly despite her small stature, Amelia still made compromised so she wouldn't mess up while The Duke sat at the side of the carriage having a drink and a smoke. As Amelia was hanging the last bit of products she heard the clacking of heels on the cobblestone and a velvetly voice was heard "Excuse me, little girl?" A voice was heard.
Amelia turned around and her eyes widened at the tall woman who was now standing in front of her and looking down on her, Amelia swore she almost tripped over as she looked up at the ridiculously tall woman. The lady raised a brow before letting out a smooth chuckle "Oh my dear...forgive me for frightening you" she exclaimed before putting a hand on her chest and looked from side to side "and where is this...ugh, humble merchant?" She asked with a tone of disgust before looking down at Amelia once more.
Amelia's mouth was agape for a few minutes before she shook her head to snap her out of her daze. Before Amelia could peak, The Duke peekes over and he smirked seeing the tall lady "Ah! Lady Dimitrescu...I see you discovered my latest hire..." He exclaimed quite proudly.
Lady Alcina Dimitrescu's brow furrowed as she glanced at Amelia before looking back at The Duke as she scoffed "I beg your pardon?" She started as her words wreaked of danger "you mean this little girl is your...employee?" Alcina exclaimed out of the absurdity of it all. "Why yes, of course..." The Duke proudly confirmed as Alcina merely grimaced at The Dukes audacity of committing child labor.
Alcina turned to Amelia, even squatted down to look at her properly "Little one, how long have you been working here? And what has he been paying you hm?" Alcina asked out of concern as Amelia hummed and looked up at her "Food and supplies for the winter milady..." Amelia answered "I-I ran out of food, I have no money so I took the job..." Amelia exclaimed further.
In the end, Alcina bought the proper supplies and food that Amelia needed from The Duke before taking Amelia's hand on her own "Come along little one..." Alcina exclaimed as she practically carried Amelia as they walked towards the infamous Castle Dimitrescu. Amelia let out a small 'wow' as Alcina chuckled at her reaction in seeing such architecture.
"I must say my dear...how are you here?" Alcina asked as Amelia tilted her head "what do you mean milady?" Amelia asked as Alcina held her tongue as she concluded Amelia didn't quite grasp the severity of the situation or rather the havoc that affected the village. Alcina shook her head and dismissed her earlier statement "nevermind that my dear, as long as you're with me...I will make sure you are safe..." Alcina exclaimed.
"Now how about you stay with me in the castle and get you all fed and cleaned up hm?" Alcina exclaimed wanting to lend a hand on the poor girl as Amelia nodded and cuddled up to the lady "thank you, milady..." Amelia stated as she made Alcina chuckle at her cuteness "please call me Alcina my dear..." Amelia nodded at Alcina's words as they entered castle grounds.
As time went on, Alcina welcomed Amelia into her home and naturally her and her daughters, Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela, warmed up to Amelia and helped her out any way they can and eventually they became a little family as one could say. For quite some time, Alcina tried to convince Amelia to permanently live with them in the castle but Amelia always refused and chose to live in the castle for long periods of time but never permanently.
Eventually, the often Amelia stays in the castle she is slowly introduced to the other lords, Donna with Angie, Moreau, and Karl, and they to came to extend a helping hand towards Amelia any way they can.
**End of flashback**
"...and that's about it!" Amelia smiled as she finished her story as Miranda nodded in understanding. Miranda chuckled as Amelia ate her biscuit and sipped her tea "Well, if Alcina was offering you a place to stay...why didn't you agree?" Miranda asked out of curiosity as Amelia perked up at her question. "I don't know....I just didn't" Amelia shrugged as she never really knew or had any reasoning on why she didn't stay with Alcina. But Miranda chuckled as she shook her head out of amusement and ruffled Amelia's hair and held her closer.
Internally, Miranda was glad Amelia didn't stay with Alcina, if Amelia agreed to live with Alcina, Miranda was certain she won't have her little Amelia on her lap right now...
~To Be Continued~