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Lady Alcina Dimitrescu was one of the most feared Lords in the entire village. A malicious, terrifying and beautiful nine foot six tall woman with three daughters, all bloodthirsty and horrifying in their own ways.
So why, did they decide to take in a fucking small lycan child who could barely move?
A question that Elysia was asking herself since... well, since she got to the castle. She knew she was given a special serum to give her intelligence a little boost, she was given a prosthetic leg so she could walk, all these fancy small suits that were given at her request (but Alcina thought she was very cute in the dresses).
Elysia, at almost ten years old, picked out her best dress shirt and vest and pair of black pants. She would let her mother decide on the dress coat. Elysia was to meet the rest of the Lords, now that she was healthy enough both mentally and physically. She was going with her mother, so she could be watched and kept safe in case that wretched doll or the grotesque hunchback fish-man decided to do something.
Lady Dimitrescu and Elysia entered the tall, black carriage specifically built for Dimitrescu's size and weight. She had to lift Elysia up into the seats, even though Elysia could have climbed in as easily.
As the horses set off towards the tower where the meeting was kept, Elysia fiddled with her thumbs and played with the cuffs of her coat. She felt so spoiled, a coat that could be fit for a King and it was sized down and fitted on a scrawny little lycan who kept her hair purposely short like a man's, and refused to shave her arm and leg hair.
She basically dressed in the way that her mother would absolutely despise. Why would the adopted daughter of a towering Countess dress like a man in an all women's castle? That seems silly!
Maybe this was really why Alcina kept her hidden for so long. Alcina thought she would get over her "temporary" state of dressing like a man and go back to wearing frilly little dresses with bell sleeves and tiny white shoes that made Elysia's foot sore.
But, Elysia knew she wouldn't get an answer unless she asked. Luckily, she didn't have to say, voice her concern.
"Mama?"
"Hm?"
Elysia signed with her hands, "Why allow me to wear suits, if you hate men?"
She was sure that wasn't quite what she wanted to ask, but she would rather sign then speak.
Alcina tilted her head with a bit of concern in her gold eyes. "You thought I would deny you clothes that you feel comfortable in?" Alcina asked, and Elysia looked away and shrugged.
Alcina held her hands out, and Elysia reached to grab her forearms and be held close to her mother's chest.
"I only hate men because of the disgusting, brash behavior they've shown. Not a lot of men have been very kind to me or your sisters, and that may continue into future years. But, that does not mean I should deprive you of dressing how you want." Alcina smiled warmly as she looked down at Elysia.
"There are many kinds of suits as well, tailored for women as well. I have a few of my own. Maybe I can wear one during one of these meetings so you'll feel less lonely?" Alcina asked, just slightly adjusting the tie on Elysia's collar. The lycan nodded and buried her face into the crook of Alcina's neck, the carriage slowing to a stop as they've arrived at their destination.
"We're here, Ellie."
"M'scared." Elysia whimpered out, her one eye looking out at all of the crows watching them. She hated crows.
"Stay close to me, they will know who you belong to." Alcina exited the carriage, nodding to the driver who helped her out. She set Elysia down on her feet, keeping a hold of her hand.
As they made to walk through the doors, Alcina paused and looked down. "Would you rather be referred to as male?"
"Huh? You can do that?"
Alcina laughed. "Well, humans often refer to themselves as different pronouns from their assigned pronouns at birth. There are a few maids at the castle who prefer different pronouns. Would you like to discuss something like that after this?"
Elysia thought for a second, and nodded. Alcina squeezed her hand gently as confirmation.
It was Elysia's turn to stop, and Alcina had to hit the breaks to make sure she didn't accidentally drag Elysia off the ground. "What is it?"
"Why did you take me in? Back in that snowstorm?" Elysia asked, her brows furrowed, as if she was challenging Alcina.
"I saw a small babe who had been abandoned, left for dead, and wanted to give you my love. Something you so very wanted for a long time. I have loved you since I first saw you, Elysia."
Elysia looked down. It wasn't a trick. The most feared Lord in the entire village loved her. It cleared a hazy cloud in her brain.
"Are you ready to meet them?"
Elysia nodded and squeezed her mother's hand.
Maybe, maybe things wouldn't be as bad as she thought.