Naska pulled up her thin skirt to better quicken her step. She avoided eye contact with the other servants as she moved. Not that they were dressed better. Everyone was dressed down because of the heat.But still, Naska felt the stares.Let them think about what they want. So Naska thought before lifting her head higher. Despite being a fallen woman, Naska never felt guilty. She didn’t care. And she didn't care about them.There is only one person who does. Naska picked up her pace. The doorman made no qualms about letting her in. He’d seen Naska many times before that he didn't bat an eye. "Be long?" The doorman asked to make small talk. But Naska didn't respond. Instead, she passed without a word and entered the room. Inside, Naska found the room not as spacious as Ana’s, but she preferred it better.Mykhol has a better taste. So Naska thought, looking at the gold and rubies. She felt herself swell with pride at it. His room was fit for a king. Not like that stupid little girl an
“Mama, I don’t need another suit,” Nicoli said with a great pout. "Hmm?" Queen Belinda busied herself by flipping through the catalog the tailor provided. Unfortunately, she only peered up to check that Nicoli was looking.“I think I have enough.” Nicoli went on as the tailor stretched the measuring tape over his chest.“Wouldn’t you like something nice to wear to your party?” Queen Belinda returned with a purpose. She knew this would entice him. And it worked quickly.“My party?” Nicoli brightened.“I’m having a party?”“Oh no, I spoke too soon.” Queen Belinda threw a hand over her mouth. “It was meant to be a surprise.” While she lamented, Queen Belinda carefully watched Nicoli. She could see him grow even brighter with excitement.Good. Belinda thought and hid a smile.“A surprise party for me!?” Nicoli bounced up at the idea.“Yes, my dear.” Queen Belinda couldn’t be more pleased. She knew Nicoli loved parties, especially when everyone brought their children. Nicoli, to no on
When Nicoli finished crying, he threw cool water on his face. The water was icy and almost burned as he splashed. Nicoli had to splash a few more times to calm down. But when he felt ready, he returned directly to where he wanted to be.“Your majesty?” Philpé stood up with surprise at seeing Nicoli coming. But the sight of him was more concerning. Nicoli’s eyes were puffy, and his cheeks pink.“Are you alright?”“Can you paint today?” Nicoli moved to sit on the bench. He tried to keep his head up despite how he felt. It felt like everything was out of sorts.The painting should take my mind off things. Nicoli thought. But here, sadly, Philpé fell short.“I’m afraid not, your majesty. The light has changed. It’s dark now. The coloring will be off.”“Oh…” Nicoli shrank into his seat. Philpé looked to his assistant with a confused frown. But the man was as lost as him. Neither understood what was going on.“So, you can’t paint,” Nicoli repeated as new tears sprang up. Nicoli moved to pre
Ana could almost feel Mykhol’s intense stare even though it wasn’t at her. He was staring down Admiral Nugen as if he were some fly. But she was at a loss for why.Did something happen? Ana thought, trying to recollect. She had not seen anything before. Ana was stumped.What could make this volatile atmosphere? The sound of the cicada brought Ana back. She now noticed her surroundings. The sun was rising. It was going to be high noon soon.Underneath her shawl, Ana could feel herself sweat. It was going to be another hot one. Too hot to do anything soon. And with that thought, Ana decided it was time she ended things.“Rise, Admiral Nugen.”“Your Empress,” Nugen moved with a grace that surprised Ana. Looking at his face, she guessed him to be middle-aged. But despite that, he still carried himself well. “What news do you have?” “Your Empress, the Bulgeons are-”“Oh, not again with this!” Mykhol interrupted. He made a show of doing an eye-roll that sparked laughter. But the laugh so
Ana mulled over the new information in the bath. It helped distract her mind as Naska scrubbed. She was rough with Ana to the point of pain, leaving her skin red and sour. Ana had to wonder if it was because she was being thorough.Everything has a purpose. Ana dismissed. Naska is just heavy-handed. She’s not like Maddie. Maddie was always gentle. It was vague, but Ana could still recall the feeling of her hands. They were always warm and soft. And they smelt of soap.But Naska is not Maddie. Ana pulled away from her thoughts. I shouldn’t hold any expectations. Naska is doing her job. Ana didn’t have to think any harder than that. Just let it be.“Your quiet today, your Empress” Ana was surprised to hear Naska speak. She usually didn’t talk.It also brought Ana to the present. She was now aware of how hard Naska was scrubbing. She flinched after Naska raked down her arm.“You're being too rough.”“Apologise, your Empress.” Nasaka excused, but by now, she was done. She went for a
Aunt Funda nearly killed over after as the postmaster gave her the mail. She managed to stop herself from falling into theatrics, but the temptation was real. Only when the postmaster was finished and left could Aunt Funda finally release the turmoil that had built up like a damn. “What is this!” Aunt Funda's voice screeched in the hall. She couldn’t hide her expression. It was too much, and her mind was reeling. She was in complete shock.The postmaster not only came to deliver a letter, which was nothing new, but the letters she brought were as good as just putting snakes in her hands. One was a letter from Prince Nicoli. And the other? Oh, the other was much more provoking.It was from none other than Queen Belinda herself.And to put the icing on the cake. There was a mysterious package to wrap the whole thing into a whirlwind of confusion.What in the world is going on!? Aunt Funda thought, on the verge of tears. She desperately wanted to cry. But she couldn’t. Not when all the
"What is this?" Ana was stunned. She thought she'd be prepared for whatever could be inside. Whatever Nicoli wrote, Ana would stay calm and accept it. But this was nothing like she expected.Nicoli wrote this? Ana thought so, confused. He did this? The same boy who ran away from me?The same boy who father told me I had traumatized? This was the same Nicoli who wrote this?"I don't believe this."This is- what is wrong with me? Ana thought. It was hard to trust her eyes. Something had to be wrong. Maybe she needed glasses? Or did she misread it all? Because there was simply no way.This can't be true. Ana thought, shaking her head. What on earth was this? Some joke? Was this a temporary bout of hysteria? Ana couldn't trust her eyes and went to read it aloud.Perhaps hearing it will show me I'm wrong. So Ana thought and went to read aloud."Dear Ana, I know I'm late sending this. So please don't be mad because it was for a very good reason. I wanted to make it a surprise. Are you s
"You can't be serious." Mykhol couldn't contain his anger. He paced back and forth. His usual charming face was distorted into disgust. And his hair was in disarray from running through it multiple times.Ana had never seen Mykhol so out of character.If it were any other occasion, I might have laughed. Ana thought. But she wasn't up for it now. Ana had decided to catch what was left of the morning. She wanted to do a little wandering in the rose garden. She never meant to be out long. As it was still cool, but the afternoon heat was approaching. Maddie used to put flowers in my hair. Ana remembered looking at the roses. They had spent much time together there—such happy memories.But the happiness Ana felt soon fleeted. Such things were from a long time ago. And Ana was young and naive. If she only knew what she knew now.Ana brushed away the thought and went for a white rose. A small bumble bee crawled out to fly up. Ana watched it fall on another.I didn't know Nicoli was scared