*Ana*“How did this go so wrong?” I barely give the last attendees a chance to settle. But it shouldn’t have taken this long. But that is a problem for another day. I make a mental note to add to a list that only seems to grow. “Your Empress, it is late,” Someone from the crowd remarks with a few disgruntled agreements. “I said, what happened?” I repeat. “You dragged us in for that?” Someone scuffs as others join in.“This is war,” Others roll their eyes, looking between them. These things happen.”“These things?” I repeat as the door opens—a flash of red darts from the door to cling to the side.Why, that’s Bruno. I watch him curiously slip from the side to crunch down behind a pillar. He thoroughly covers himself in the fixture before I see his head peek out. He peers half of his face out as if to watch.What is he doing? “I understand you are upset, but Her Empress is too sensitive. This is why women shouldn’t-”“Care to repeat that!” Admiral Nugen snaps to shut them up immed
*Bruno*Bruno stood by with the breakfast tray as he waited for the maids to move. Once again, he found the hall blocked, And He couldn’t move around them this time. They were lounging and taking up all the space. Why is everyone so talkative today? Bruno frowned slightly. It wasn’t the first time he had to stop and wait. It seemed every hall was full of gossip. Servants and Nobles alike were engrossed in the latest topic and stopped where they were to talk.It was like they forgot other people needed to use the halls. Or maybe it was the fact that no one noticed he was there. Either way, Bruno could hear everything. “Excuse me-” Bruno tried, but this time would be no different. They ignored him to talk to each other.“Did you hear about Pave?” The first maid with a big nose went to the other. “The ambush, you mean?” The diminutive manservant went to have the short-armed maid speak up.“It’s all her Empress’s fault those good men died.”“Damn-ignorant girl.” The man shook his head
*Belinda*Belinda paused to enjoy the moment, content with herself. With Alexander back home, things were in order once more. But for how long will it last? The thought made Belinda’s lips stiffen. How long until he would come crawling back to that bitch?“Mother?” Hidi’s voice was so sweet when she said it that Belinda immediately brightened. “Did you enjoy the party?”“Why, of course,” Hidi chirped, her cheeks turning pink.” I love a party.”“Yes, and the fact you held my son's hand under the table.”“You saw that?”Belinda only smiled.“I don’t miss much when it comes to my son, dear.”“Well, like I said,” Hidi triumphantly smiled into her cup,” I love a party.”“I’m glad to hear it.” “But I need to return.” Hidi sighed before snapping her fingers for Julia. Julia made a thin smile as she took her cup. But nothing more. ” I have plans with Nicoli.”“ A date?” Belinda felt her cheeks warm with amusement. “How delightful.”“Yes, well,” Hidi didn’t hide her boastful air as she f
*Admiral Nugen*“Like I was saying, for the last time, Mr. Brunce.” Admiral Nugen could feel the headache forming just above his brow. And the day wasn’t even over yet.Wonderful. Admiral Nugen groaned in his throat. He would need to make sure to thank the person responsible. Though it was doubtful, Mr. Brunce would get it. It was almost unbelievable how anyone could be this stupid. Who chose him as the Armory Supervisor? Whoever it was, they clearly were not checking for basic intelligence. Or was this another spoil of nepotism? Ana is going to have a lot to clean up. It was becoming clear that many were in positions they didn't qualify for, and many would need to be replaced.But then again, Par had the same issues.At least I can help this time around. Admiral Nugein would see it through at her side. It was a job he would look forward to. Well, almost. Admiral Nugen looked back at the vampire with a dull throb. But a headache was a small price to pay.“There is stock missing.”
*Lady Funda*“You won’t believe the day I’ve had!” ”Funda didn’t knock and just burst in. Her voice carried over the room and seemed to stun the men inside momentarily. But as they realized it was only her, Charles lowered his brows.“Must you be so loud?” He grumbled, but Funda ignored the comment. She was pretty used to her frumpy husband. And besides, he will change his tune as soon as he knows why. Funda shimmied with joy.“I trust you had a good walk, Mother?” Mykhol mused. “Did something happen?”“Did something happen?”Funda chuckled and patted her lips. “You won’t believe what I heard going around.” “Gossip?” Charles finally showed some interest. “What are they saying? Is everything going to plan?”“Oh, it’s even better!” Lady Funda gushed. Her cheeks were still flushed from running around. “Everyone is talking about it. And I mean Everyone. They are talking about nothing else.” Lady Funda went forward to hold her son by the arm. “They are damning Anastasia left and right
*Admiral Nugen*“Where are you?” Admiral Nugen was growing a little frustrated, finding yet another room empty. I can’t even find that lazy maid of hers. It was like the two had vanished in thin air.No, I must find her. He would not give up. It was imperative that he did.Because something told him that the longer he waited, the worse things would get.Not that it’s not already bad. Admiral Nugen took another corner. It still bothered him. The armory was so poor and ill-equipped. A country is only so good as its weapons. But the state of the armory right now was disturbing.“We would barely strife off an attack if it were to happen tomorrow.” It wasn’t an idle threat. Things were that bad.But why? How could things slip this far?Even if Ana knew about the cuts, she wouldn't have known how severe they were. Surely, notAdmiral Nugen held the ledger close as he turned the hall. He would try the library next if Ana weren’t in her study. And if not there, then-“Maybe the garden?” Wh
*Ana*“I don’t see why you are so obsessed with these damn things?” Behind me, Naska kicks another rock to make more noise. “It’s just a bunch of leaves and sticks.” “It’s not leaves and sticks, Naska.” She has quite the attitude today. But I ignore her.It’s too nice to be inside today. The winter chill has lifted, and the sun is out. Besides, I wanted to gauge the new growth. I look around the walls. Everything is green and full now. Spring is almost here.“Well, they look like twigs and leaves.” Naska goes again.“Naska,” I take a breath. She really is quite the sour sport today, isn’t she? But I can manage myself. She will not make me go any faster.“Well, they are not.” I touch a new leaf. “They are roses.”“Roses?” Naska pulls her lip up. “No way, roses are pretty. And these are-“She shakes her head.These can’t be roses. I know what a rose looks like.“You're lying. ”“Since when do I lie?” But Naska just shrugs.“Well, they are.” I defend. “And they’ll be in bloom soon
*Ana*“Ana?” Mykhol stands waiting with a measured smile. “Am I interrupting something?”“Not at all.” I go simply. “Sir Pendwick is on a walk. We stopped to chat.” “Yes, I was on a walk,” Pendwick adds, stepping a little closer. “For my health,”“Is that right, a walk?” Mykhol lifts his chin as if to stretch. It makes me notice his gown.Again, I seem to be the only one dressed down today.As always, Mykhol is dressed sharply. His hair is combed and parted to the side, and his golden earrings shine in the sun. He also has another new gown on.However, Mykhol does not look like he is dressed for a walk any more than Pendwick is. But I push the odd note aside. Who am I to question people’s preferences? My favorite color is purple, after all. “Yes,” I answer. “It is a good day for a walk like Sir Pendwick was just telling me.”“Yes, I was just-”“So it is.” Mykhol cuts over, only looking at me. “ And You both happened to want to go on a walk today of all days? At the same time?”