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.
It was hot inside the carriage. Ana could feel sweat slide down her back but said nothing because she didn’t need to. It was clear that everyone was suffering.Mykhol was, in particular, from what Ana could note. Ana watched his smile at her, but the smile faded quickly. He seemed to fall into a strange stare out the window. He looked miles away in thought.If he was going to be like this, he could have stayed. Ana thought and moved to rest against the side. It was apparent that Mykhol didn’t really want to go. But yet here he was.For what, though? Ana thought and sighed. Sometimes she didn’t understand Mykhol. He insisted on coming to simply sulk.Whatever. Ana dismissed and closed her eyes.It’s not like I need him. I am old enough to go out on my own. I don’t need a chaperone. I have Naska. After all-“Ouch!” Ana cried. She felt the carriage run over a bump and threw her head into the glass. Ana had to pull back and glare at the window.Across, Naska laughed into her hand. And none
"Hello, Hidi," Nicoli went but quickly leaned over to look at the new carriage."Nicoli," Queen Belinda gently nudged to get his attention. But Nicoli only leaned away. "Nicoli!" Queen Belinda hissed through her teeth, but it was no use.Nicoli, it looked like he was going to do nothing more. Much to Belinda's grievances. But she wasn't about to give up. She threw on her strongest smile to Hidi."Your Majesty-""Hidi is fine.""Hidi, how is it you came? I had not thought to send an invitation. I assumed you'd be too busy with your duties. But, since your dear mother declared retirement, I thought you might have your hands full as queen." Belinda excused. A logical response, if any.But I can not waste such an opportunity as this. Queen Belinda thought with another smile."You're arrival is completely unexpected.""I'm sure father has piles of papers waiting as soon as I get home." Hidi stole a glance to Nicoli. He was still staring after the carriages."But lest not worry about that
The lack of attention was now irking Hidi. Nicoli seemed so thoroughly obsessed with watching the carriages, he had not spoken for a good time. Maybe he forgot I was even here? Hidi thought. The idea bothered her slightly. She wasn’t used to being ignored. And she wanted to be noticed. Now.“Nicoli,” Hidi touched his shoulder. Nicoli turned with a start as if broken from a trance.“Huh?” Nicoli peered up, and Hidi felt slightly stunned. It was his eyes. They were so blue and beautiful when they looked up at her. Hidi felt lost in them. “You…are quite small, Prince Nicoli,” Hidi said the first thing that came to mind. But, then, a cocky smile stretched across her lips.“But you are cute.”“No, I’m not.” Nicoli retorted. “You’re just insanely big.” Is he ignoring what I said or overlooking it? Hidi wondered. Either way, she found it funny and laughed. She discovered that his oblivious nature only added to his charm.“I am, aren’t I.” Hidi lifted her head and stood straight up. Now