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
By the time the carriage reached the castle, it was already late and dark. Ana could see out the window a small handful of servants who stood waiting. They looked tired and yawned as they held their lanterns for the late arrivals.Just seeing their tired faces made Ana feel guilty. She would be one of those they had to stay up for. If only she had read the invite sooner, she could have spared them. But she tried not to beat herself up too much for it.At least we made it. Ana thought. That was the best she could ask for. From outside, Ana felt the carriage shake. The coachman was down from his seat and to their door.“Your Empress,” The coachman nodded gruffly. He seemed to look neither warm nor cold as he lifted his head. He was one of the few servants who stayed neutral toward Ana. “About time,” Mykhol went behind her. He seemed anxious to get out of the carriage. Naska nodded alongside.“I thought we’d never get here,” Naska added and hovered closer to Mykhol. Ana left first down
*Nicoli*“Mother,” Nicoli barely spoke, short of breath, as he rounded the stairs. His mother already on her way down, with Julia in close tow. “You shouldn’t run, Nicoli. ” Belinda reprimed with a slight shake of her head, “it’s unbecoming of a Monarch.” But she stopped as if to wait. Seeming to want him to join her side. Something Nicoli had no problem doing. Because Nicoli knew what she really wanted. And he moved without needing to be asked. Taking her hand into the crook of his arm, it earned him a gentle smile back. Her angry already half dissolved by the act.And further diminished by Nicoli tacking on his best smile.“Forgive me, Mother, I was just excited to find Father coming home earlier than expected.” Nicoli went before noticing the slight pink hue around her eyes. Making his smile thin a little. She was crying again. His eyes darted to Julia. She gave the barest of nods to confirm he was right. But even then, she said nothing to betray her master. Her steadfast loyalt
*Nicoli*“It’s here, it’s here!” Nicoli’s elation only heightened the further he moved. His long legs take him in leaps and bounds leaving everyone behind.Why, he was already taking the stairs before he dared another glance down at his letters. He knew he shouldn’t, it wasn’t wise to be distracted when climbing the stairs. But Nicoli was more coordinated than most. And he trusted his balance and memory of the castle. Even if he didn’t, Nicoli would have caved to his excitement anyway. It happened each time he got another letter. Nicoli would lose his crafted mature and pleasant demeanor, which everyone loved so much, for that of an excited child in an instant. Ana just had that effect on him.And Nicoli would not restrain himself when it came to her. Not anymore, not after so many years. And so, his eyes freely roamed over the letters. Passing over Hidi’s careful cursive and yellow seal for the red seal. It was Ana’s letter that he wanted to read most. Hidi’s of course, would be r
*Julia*Julia was already out before the posthorse was even taken to the stable. And Like clockwork, she took her spot to stand and wait as the mail was delivered over to Postmaster Nettle. Her presence shocking no one. Why, it was such a common sight to see her now that Nettle nor the other servants even stirred. The silent old woman’s presence was nothing to them. She was simply a part of the process. And like always, she waited and watched for Nettle to approach with hawk-like precision. But regardless of her cold approach or silent pressure, Nettle still kept his own. He would not move faster, even for the queen’s handmaid. He only nodded to her in greeting.“Ah, Julia, I see you have ears like a cat.” he joked. “You arrived just in time. I’ve just received the post.”“PostMaster Nettle,” Julia returned stiffly, already looking past him. Her eyes scanned the letters on the golden tray in his hands. They immediately went to the return addresses. She already vying to see where th
*Ana*Is it really time? Can I really do it at last? The thoughts swim in my head as I dash away from Father. The breeze lifts my shawl as I move.Can I write to Nicoli? I knew this day would come. But now that it’s here, I am almost overwhelmed.It doesn’t feel real to me. After going through so much, the first blood, the coronation, the trade problems, Mykhol’s departure, and countless other things. So much has happened since then. It just never felt like it would happen. But here I am, running. And it feels so unreal. Nothing does now. I can’t even feel the ground under my feet as I move. Everything seems to slow down, or I move even faster.I am only vaguely aware of the sound. It’s my heart. It hits against my chest like a drum and by the time I am back inside, a slight wave of dizziness is swimming over me.But I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I am driven like a moth to a flame. It is like I am floating through the halls. And my body feels weightless as I come to my door.“Naska!” I
*Ana*Is this where I get my work ethic from? It’s fair to make the argument because I am surprised how immediate Father is to start as soon as we get back inside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so seriously.But he is. And I can’t say I’m not glad about it. When he said get to work, he meant it. Immediately after Mykhol departed, one of the first and most important things Father sought to fix was the supply issue.He made it all look so simple. A new trade route was established going through the Almony mountains, not our desert. And secondly, Almony, not our Nocthen merchants, would be used going forward. This, of course, caused quite the outburst in court, not to have any Nochten’s but foreigners involved. I included. But Father assured me that they would be reliable thanks to his own experience. Even Hidi has vouched for them through letters, among other things. As for the other things, Hidi sounded peeved in her letter. Something about doing surprise visits instead of correspo
*Naska*“I will hold things down until you are back.” Naska managed to whisper, finally having that spare moment alone with Mykhol all morning.Otherwise, I’ll never get my chance. Naska gave a sharp glare behind her to the crowd. Somehow, word had spread overnight of Mykhol’s departure. Thus, why did so many come despite the early morning? They had come to bid their farewells.On any other day, Naska would have warmed at the sight. It demonstrated how many gave their support to him. She would have gloated, prideful at how much power Mykhol had by the display.But the high number of girls in the crowd kept her escalations at bay. The sight of so many in the audience cooled Naska down with their pained expressions and wanton eyes. Eyes, which were all directed at Mykhol, no less. Naska clenched her hand at the sight.Back off, he’s mine. Naska wished she could break away right there and start throttling them. Harm them and something more, that is, until she felt his cool finger graze
*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