“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
“Ah,” Nicoli sighed. It must have been for the umpteenth time. But Nicoli instantly felt the penalty for it by a sharp squeeze to his shoulder.“Straighten up, my darling,” Belinda spoke. She managed to keep a smile, but Nicoli wasn’t fooled. She was growing irritated.Better not push it. Nicoli thought, but it didn’t make him feel better. He obeyed with some effort and straightened his back. But he couldn’t hide his misery that well.“My suit's too tight,” Nicoli grumbled and moved his arms to feel them pinched. It seemed he had had another growth spurt since the last measure. But the suit wasn’t the real problem. Instead, Nicoli was miserable over something much more important.Still nothing. Nicoli thought. Even though he sent the miniature with the letter, nothing was returned.I was sure this would work. Nicoli thought. But again, it looked like he seemed to miss the mark. Ana was still silent as a dead doornail.Perhaps I was a little hasty sending it? Nicoli tried to consider.
*Ana*“Cousin?” I start again finding his silence. Mykhol stiffens but his eyes remain on the door. I almost wish he would turn around and start yelling. But we just continue to stand in silence.“Are you upset?” “Does it matter?” Mykhol’s voice is so quiet that I almost miss it. “Cousin, I don’t want to fight.” I close my hands and take another moment to muster the courage. If I just explain things clearly, he won’t be upset. I’m sure if I explain myself. My reasoning, Mykhol will understand. He will understand. “Cousin, I want to explain myself.” I try again. “From a practical standpoint, you going back to school will be-”“Always so practically aren’t you?” Mykhol’s voice cuts through mine. “Almost to the point of being heartless.” His eyes are like fire. They burn and hurt as they stare down at me. “But I’m sure you’ve heard that one before, right?”I have to dart my eyes and swallow again.“Heartless?”I repeat as an awful memory resurfaces. The whispers and jarring stares
*Naska*“This can’t be happening,” Naska held herself tight as she made her way down the hall. Her feet moving fast as if speed could help something if not her turmoil.It just can’t. Naska shook her head as a painful stretch ran up her chest. It was too awful.Lord Mykhol was being sent away? Just like that? A single word from that brat and he has to go?“No, it just can’t.” Naska went. How was that fair? Surely it wasn’t, right? No, it couldn’t be.He can’t just go. Lord Mykhol was well-loved in court. No one would want him gone. They loved him almost as much as Naska.But what could she do? Naska had no power here. What about someone else? Wasn’t there something to stop Ana? Someone above even her, that could say no?Anyone who could stop this cruel twist of fate? Naska racked her brain for an answer. But the only people she could think of were the same ones with her now. And they were just as inconsolable as Naska opened the door to find Lady Funda a wreck.“We can’t let this happ
*Ana*“The Military academy?!” I don’t know who is more shocked. It’s certainly the last thing I’d thought to hear today.“Now? Why?” I look to Mykhol and back to father before he plants back down. “But father-” I get an instant tap on the nose for using the wrong word. But Father winks at me before smiling. “Because Lord Mykhol said it himself, didn’t he?” Father goes and his servant Johan seems to step up.“His lordship has admitted inexperience,” Johan adds, be it more collected. “You did not finish schooling, if I am correct?” “That is-” Mykhol slightly shifts his lips as if trying to render the next word. But it never forms as someone explodes into laughter from the side. It’s Admiral Nugen, of all people. He is laughing so much that his face is pink.“The military academy?” He holds his sides still laughing. “Ah, this is too rich” Tears are in his eyes. And He continues to laugh so hard it shakes his whole body. “I can’t believe it.” He wheezes between another laugh. He seem
*Ana*“Papa, you are back,” I say, stifling a yawn. It is late, even for a vampire, and it would be a lie to say I wasn’t annoyed by Admiral Nugen’s appearance at my door. But despite being tired, I can not help but be happy as I find the man in the room. At last, he is back! It’s like a dream. And as soon as my eyes find him in the room. All I want to do is rush in and hug him.But wait, I shouldn't do that. I barely collect myself in time. That is not proper.I am an Empress, now, after all. I have to be more aware of my actions. Empresses do not hug on a whim. Even if he may be my father, I must pull myself in. I am not a child anymore. So, instead, I do my best to appear calm and collected. It’s two monarchs meeting each other, after all. I need to start the practice of acting more maturely. My voice, however, despite my desires, cracks with my inner excitement. “I didn’t receive word you were coming.” In truth, I haven’t received any letters at all. From him or Nicoli for som
*King Alexander“Your Majesty, we’re here,” Johan’s voice woke Alexander from his sleep.“Are we?”Alexander grumbled, shifting up in his seat. He blinked a few times to help adjust his sight before looking out the window to see if it was true.“How long was I asleep?” It surprised him he even could. Alexander barely slept the entire ride. He should have though, because now his eyes cursed him.“Not long,” Johan answered as the door opened. The familiar smell of sand immediately washed over them. Alexander took in a deep breath and closed his eyes nostalgically.It’s good to be back. Alexander relaxed as everything flooded back to him. Though he loved his country, something about Nochten weighed in his heart.Maybe it was because of their past, or it was Parsul’s home. But now, he had other reasons. But that twisted his stomach thinking of her.“I hope we aren’t too late.” Alexander got up first. “They’ve made themselves quite busy with me gone.”But it was better to know this now. Ale
*Mykhol* Now, standing left behind on the platform with Ana gone along with Admiral Nugen and Sir Pendwick, Mykhol breathed out. He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath till now. “How did he…get the book?” Mykhol dropped his smile by inches until it was fully gone to a straight line.That, Mykhol hated to admit, could have turned out much much worse. Despite his planning, the idea of the book falling into the wrong hands had never occurred to him.And in the very hands of Admiral Nugen of all people. However, it had, somehow, someway. Mykhol again felt something shift under his skin as things were adding up. Someone took that from Father’s safe. Someone knew they had it. Moreover, they knew the lock combination to get it out.Something which, as far as Mykhol was aware, should have only been three people: Father, Mother, and himself.So it seems we have a little mouse on our hands. Mykhol smirked as he glanced back to the corner. But the corner was already empty. The silent b
*Ana*“It’s because of me.” Mykhol steps forward. “I did it.”“Cousin?” My breath crawls out as I, Admiral Nugen, no, the whole room is shocked into silence. What did he just say? Did he just admit that he is-? No, it can’t be- I breathe to catch myself again. Mykhol wouldn’t do that. He would never- No, I shake my head. It can’t be. Mykhol is family. And families wouldn’t betray each other.I have to have misheard. But Mykhol doesn’t look back at me. He is stepping down the platform. And meets Admiral Nugen at his side. “Lord Mykhol?” Admiral Nugen stiffens “What is the meaning of this?” Mykhol however, does not look at him, instead he turns to face the room.“You heard correctly. I am responsible.” Mykhol goes with a stronger voice. “I have failed you all.” “What is he talking about?” Someone whispers.“Responsible for what?” More start to perk up.“Mykhol?” Aunt Funda, meanwhile, steps up. Her hands are clenched up at her chest, her face dead white. “Honey, what are you doing
*Ana* “Your Empress?” Aunt Funda coughed to make me blink awake again. I can suddenly make her out.“Are you…alright?”“That-yes,” I say but in truth I am not sure. How long was I just sitting there? Staring off into nothing? By looking over the room, it might have been a good long time. Because now, everyone is looking at me. I have their attention.That’s a rarity on its own. That’s right, we are in court. I suddenly remember as if my mind was slowly unthawing. I was holding a meeting today. Because Admiral Nugen has- My thoughts stop again. But their stares prompt me to need to do something.Yes. I think sluggishly. I should speak, shouldn’t I? “I-” But just as quickly as I make a sound, it closes. My mouth clamps shut and I swallow. The words seem too big to force out.What I want to say and what I’m trying not to say seem to mix up. I have to use more effort to push out something logical. It has to be, logical, I mean. I don’t want to let my emotions get the better of me.I
*Mykhol*“Mother, Father,” Mykhol greeted, feeling eyes on him almost immediately as he entered the courtroom. It was almost like everyone was waiting more for him. Maybe they are, especially the women. Mykhol smiled at no one in particular. The action set more than a few women to react. Mykhol could hear the soft dreamy sighs and underlining lust for him. It helped swell his pride.They were so easy. But they were not what held his attention as he lifted a brow at the startling discovery. “Is she still not here?” Mykhol noted the throne was empty. Ana was nowhere to be seen.When I’m already this late? How very unlike her. It wasn’t like Ana to break habit. But Mykhol relaxed. If she wasn’t here, all the better. She wouldn’t notice he was tardy too. Though it would be a bit funny if she did. Because then she would want to know why. And wouldn’t that be a fun surprise? Something caught in his chest at the idea. How would she react if I told her what I was just doing? Hearing al