The Maiden And The Monster (Lady Dimitrescu/Femboy Reader)

The village is quiet this time of day, only those who tend the fields are awake at this hour, well, them and you.

But you’re no farmer, barely fit to raise a scythe much less use it to harvest with any level of efficiency or safety.

Much to your chagrin it’s often been quietly debated whether you or your sister was more feminine.

Your parents loved you in their way but they were never warm, they were almost stiff, or numb, the village is no place for a child after all…

You sit beneath an old oak tree not far from your home, plucking away lazily as your makeshift lute.

It took you 7 long months of meticulous whittling and many an uncomfortable splinter but you had managed to create a stringed instrument for yourself, something you know your parents would never spend money on.

You had always enjoyed singing, it was one of your best talents, in fact, and you had always been attracted to the instruments the heroes often played in the storybooks you read as a child… well… story book… you only had the one…

It won’t be long now until you’re expected back home, due to your inability to work most labor jobs your father had designated you the unofficial maid of the house.

Ever sense your mother disappeared during her duties at castle Dimitrescu so many moons ago.

She had been taken as tribute several years ago, as your family didn’t have the money to pay the lady’s taxes.

The idea was she would work off your debt as a maid or cook or what have you, but it didn’t take long until her correspondence stopped.

Of course there had always been rumors of the going ons of the great castle Dimitrescu, some say it’s proprietor be a devil, a witch from the abyss who feeds on the blood of virgins.

Nonsense, to be sure, though neither you nor anyone you’ve met has ever actually laid eyes on the lady of the castle and anyone who would have have been forbidden from leaving castle grounds.

Lately your father had been growing stressed, though normally a stoic figure, you’ve started to the cracks in her stone face.

The tax man approaches, and he brings with him damnation and suffering.

You head home, preparing yourself mentally for your day of work, father never did tolerate tardiness.

Arriving home you spot your father leaving the house clad is work boots and stained overalls, prepared to head to work.

Spotting you his voice is terse and gruff, he never was one to mince words especially towards you.

“Where have you been boy? The house is a mess!” Spotting the makeshift instrument held under your arm he merely sighs, knowing the answer.

Had he more energy to spare he might say his usual line of ‘Music don’t put food on the table or keep the house warm’ but alas he had a long day ahead of him so he marches off leaving you alone at your door step.

Indeed this will be a long day, but at least once you’re alone you can practice that new tune of yours, so that’s nice.

Not long into your workload your sister arises from her slumber: she always was an obnoxiously deep sleeper… a seamstress by trade, she takes after her mother, mending clothes back to their proper form.

She’s only a little younger than yourself at 17 years of age, she often makes her living going door to door and doing odd jobs.

Repairing outworn dresses or stitching fabric together to make additional bedsheets: winter always seems to be right around the corner here.

“Father chew you out again?” She says taking a seat at the dining room table her arms propping up her head.

“Didn’t have the strength for it today, who knows the days still young, might be hope yet” you tease.

“Tax season is approaching” the atmosphere of the room goes cold, overtaken by a sense of dread, both of you silently knowing what will have to happen soon.

“Yeah..” suddenly you feel a hand on your shoulder, soft and reassuring.

“Don’t worry about me… ok? I’ll keep my head down and I’ll be home before you know it” her words would be comforting if she actually believed them.

Before long she’s off to tend to her work, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

You can’t lose your sister, and your father lose his daughter, you have no doubt in your mind that it will break you both.