-Three years later-
*Ana*
“I can’t take it anymore.” The maid screams and throws down the brush. Her face almost as red as her hair. She’s still huffing and puffing through her fangs as I reach down to pick it back up.
“But my hair-” I see the wild mess in the mirror. I can’t remember how long since the last maid combed it. And it was bad then.
But now, I can’t even pass my fingers through parts. The long, curly silver hair is starting to lock up. It’s going to hurt even more than usual to untangle it.
But, it needs to get combed.
“I know no one wants to touch it, but it will only be worse if you don’t-”
“I can’t touch it,” The maid goes again, making a face. “It’s gross! Don’t make me touch it!”
“But -” How am I to get the knots out?
“Today was supposed to be the designated day.” I go. “We agreed, didn’t we?” but the maid charges for the door.
“Well, I changed my mind. I’m not doing it..”
“Please-” I try once more. “IF you just do the back-” I can do the rest. But, I don’t get another word in before the maid whips off her apron.
“I quit!” The maid shouts and opens the door just in time to see Aunt Funda standing, ready to knock.
“Your Empress? What is-” Aunt Funda seems almost as stunned seeing the maid as she is her, but the maid quickly comes back.
“Forgive me, Lady Funda.” The maid bows her head. “But I can’t do it.” And she walks past her.
“What?” Aunt Funda blinks after her. “Wait, where are you-” But the maid is gone. She won’t come back.
They never do.
“Empress!” Aunt Funda turns back to me. “You! What have you done now?”
“Nothing,” I hold up the brush. “It-” It’s combing day, but I don’t get the words out before Aunt Funda turns.
“This one didn’t even last till the end of the month.” Aunt Funda holds her head. “Did you have to be so difficult?”
“I-”
But Aunt Funda waves her hand. She doesn’t want to hear it.
“You are not even eight; you are such a pain.” She looks at me before shaking her head.
“It was the last one I could find. There isn’t anyone else.”
“I’m-” I try apologizing again, but Aunt Funda is turning away.
“No one else wants to do it. Not even with how much your uncle pays them.”
“Aunt Funda, I really didn’t mean to.”
“I’ll have to advertise from the outside at this point forward.” She grumbles to herself as she makes for the door. “It’s going to be so expensive.”
“Wait,” My hair; I get up from the chair with the brush. “I need help-” I can’t get the tangles. But I am too late.
She is already gone and down the hall.
“Aunt Funda?”
I don't think she'll be coming back anytime soon.
I am now alone. Again.
“I just wanted my hair combed,” I whisper and sit back down. My hands cradle the brush before it starts. The tears are coming up.
“No,” I shake them away. I don’t want to cry.
Crying will make things worse.
“I will have to try myself then.” Instead, I pick up the brush to start combing what I can. But it’s not long before I feel the first snag.
“Ah,” a tear slips out when I do. But I quickly wipe it away and try again, although I can already see it’s a fool's mission.
There are just too many knots. And my arms are too short. I won’t be able to get all of it.
“But I have to try.” Because it’s better than nothing.
And Anything is better than nothing at this point.
I stop as a strand of hair falls down my lap. I pick it up to look after it. The silver color shines easily in the light.
It’s a beautiful color on its own. And If it were anything else, it would be very pretty. But when it’s hair- my hair, especially, it’s anything but.
It’s just painful.
I let it go as I needed to wipe away another tear. But I’m doing better today. A few missed tears are a great improvement.
And I have something else to look forward to.
“I hope the new maid comes soon.” I go and try for the comb again.
And Maybe she'll even stay this time.
-x-
*?*
“You understand the gravity of this mission, Mrs.-” King Alexander stalled to look at his butler and oldest friend, Johan, for the name.
“Bustlier,” Johan went, not surprised his majesty had already forgotten.
“Yes, Mrs. Bustlier-”
“I prefer Maddie.” The middle-aged woman with greying bangs went. “Mrs. Bustlier was my mother. And she’s long dead, thank god.”
It was meant to be a joke, but it seemed to fly past both men. King Alexander only sat back to regard her.
“Do you understand what your mission is, Agent Maddie?” King Alexander lifted the advertisement.
“I do.”
“We have been waiting for an opportunity like this to arise for the past few years,” Johan added. “There may not be another chance to get inside without raising suspicion.”
“This means you can not fail.” Johan met the woman’s brown eyes as if to measure her out.
“You have to get in.”
“You can trust me, Your Majesty.” Maddie went to bow. “I will not fail you.”
“If they catch you-” King Alexander started, but Maddie lifted her head with the most confident smile.
“Have no fear. Mission reconnect with your estranged daughter will be a success. I will bet my life on it.”
"You do know the Empress is mixed? ” Lady Funda cut straight to the point. It had not been a good round of interviews, and by the last interview, high noon was almost upon them.So, needlessly to say, Funda wasn't in the mood to sugarcoat things. “She’s half and half.” Funda tapped her fingers. “Human and Vampire. And she has that cursed silver hair.”“Is that right?”“Yes, so-” Funda went to get up. Expecting it to be the final deal breaker. It was for everyone else.“I understand you don’t want the position. You can leave through the main-”“It must be pretty.”“Yes, it is gross- “ Funda was agreeing when it hit her. “Wait, what?”“I said it must be pretty.” “Pretty?” Funda blinked, still not processing it.“Did I say something wrong?” “Yes, er, I mean, no-” Funda had to backtrack. It was not the answer she was prepared for. But she managed to collect herself again.“Well, you will have to touch it.” Lady Funda went on. “It is part of your role. “ Funda paused to let the human sp
“Have you ever considered taking a pen pal, Ana?” Maddie uses the nickname. It’s a habit of hers when we are alone. “Pen pal?” I repeat. What is she going on about this time? It’s been a month since Maddie started. But it doesn’t feel like much time has passed. Maybe because she makes everything seem, I don’t know, odd?She never seems to run out of questions. That’s for sure.Maddie moves to smell one of the roses. We are walking through her garden right now—the great garden of the late Empress Parsul, my mother. It’s the only remains of her reign. Everything else was destroyed, as is the custom in Nochten. We purge anything of the dead.I think that is why no one visits this place. It stays deserted, save for me.Well, except for Maddie. She seems to like them as much as I do.“Why would I do that?” "Why do you think so?" Maddie leans down to fluff my hair. “Stop,” I shift away, but Maddie plops her hand over my head. It feels warm on my scalp. It’s calming“To make a friend, y
“Your Majesty,” Johan warned. But King Alexander shooed him off.“I know what you are going to say, but I don’t care.” King Alexander had every right to be happy. And with that, he gave another skip around the room. “Your majesty,” Johan could shake his head, but it was a lost cause. The king wasn’t going to listen.“My baby girl, my sweet little dove.” King Alexander twirled before sitting back down. He kicked his feet before going for the letter again. It was the third time.But it still wasn’t enough.“I wish she wrote more.” Alexander pouted, pushing his beard down.“But it’s a start, your Majesty.” “Aye, yes, it is.” And Alexander was back up and walking the room. His mind was a buzz, and he had to keep moving. “Agent Maddie has delivered on her word.” She said she would. But neither of them expected it to be this fast. “She deserves a reward. But it should be gold.” No, gold wouldn’t be enough for what she managed to do.The door of communication was finally opened after fou
*Aunt Funda* Aunt Funda could feel all the blood drain from her cheeks as the initial shock transmitted to outright dread. What is the meaning of this? Her mind raced as her eyes again read over the envelope. Somewhere, she hoped that it was her mistake. A trick of the light or her eyes had turned sour. Anything would be satisfying if it were to help say she had been mistaken. As long as it wasn’t this. Surely this can not be. Aunt Funda refused to believe. It wasn’t real. She was convinced it wasn’t. But try as she may to pretend it wasn’t there, the letter remained the same. It was undeniable. The letter was stamped from the kingdom of Dawny and addressed by the very King Alexander himself. It even bore his royal stamp- a blue wax declared it an official letter from the foreign kingdom. And it was addressed to none other than her niece. "This has to be some joke." Aunt Funda growled, still resisting what she held in her hands and cursing under her breath. She wanted to rip i
*Ana* “Dear Empress Anastasia of Nochten, Princess of Dawny, my daughter-“ And I have to stop as the word lingers on my lips. He…called me daughter? I feel like the wind is kicked out of me. “Go on,” Maddie chirps, leaning over my shoulder. I find myself looking to Aunt Funda. She stands at the opposite side of the desk. She nods in agreement to keep going. There is a clear look of interest in her eyes. “How wonderful to see you take the initiative to reconcile with me. But don’t be hard on yourself, It’s my fault as much as it is for you.“ Do you mean that? I pause again as my head spins. He is not mad at me? “Ah-hem.” Aunt Funda clears her throat loudly. “Your Empress,” Her eyes target the letter. "Oh, I- yes," Embarrassed, I quickly return to reading. “I hope that this will also mark a beginning between us. We can become a warm family once more. I have longed to reconnect with you. And it pleases me to see you reach out first. As I can’t help but worry for you. As any
*Uncle* Ana’s Uncle did not enjoy change. He was a systematic man with a tendency to habit. It was a quality that he and his niece seemed to share. But each for different reasons. Where Ana followed routines to fight her isolation, Uncle preferred it. Uncle was a slow speaker and could not keep up with banter. He was not clever or had a way for pretty words. He was the sort of man you would forget after the meeting. Though Uncle knew himself to be this way, he never saw it as a nuisance. Instead, it was pretty beneficial as he was talented in other areas- areas like money. Uncle had made himself known as a man for numbers. He was called proficient when it came to them. So much so that he was elected by the court to take on the empire’s treasury. A title he took great pride in- as it made it so much easier to rob the coffers blind. Even if there were suspicions, no one would talk if they did. Uncle relaxed at the sight of his future in comfort and luxury. Being both related to
*King Alexander* Alexander frowned at the table of the council. His advisors exchanged anxious looks between them. The news, they could see, had clearly upset the man. Why must such things happen now? King Alexander lamented. Could it not have happened before? Or better, to take place after? No, of course not. Not for himself. Such was his luck. A revolt had occurred in one of the villages and needed his presence. It was serious and could not be ignored. Even for his own daughter. She’ll be leaving by now. King Alexander knew. The scheduled visit was less than a week away. His daughter was likely already packed and heading to Dawny. Even if she weren’t, a letter would still arrive too late. By the time it reached Nochten, she would have left. This left Alexander in a unique pickle. I’m sorry, Anastasia. Alexander silently apologized. “Then there is nothing else to it, gentlemen. Inform the horse master to prepare my fastest horses. Hopefully, we will not need to waste mor
*Ana* I hold the little gift box tied in blue ribbon carefully on my lap as the carriage door closes after Maddie. The maid takes a seat and smiles across the cabin. “And how are we feeling, my little Ana?” Maddie starts. 'My little Ana?' I feel my cheeks warm at the new nickname. Maddie is being strange, per usual. “Excited?” “Yes,” I look out the window. Outside, there is a farewell party. Aunt Funda and Uncle are here. And some servants have joined. I can even make out many faces I see from the court. It’s nice to see many come to see me off. But they don’t seem too excited. No one is waving or saying goodbye. I get a somber bow before they start heading back inside. I haven’t even left yet. I press my tongue to the roof of her mouth but say nothing at the slight insult. Even though I know that it’s not proper to leave before I do. But it’s quickly forgotten as I discover one still remains. It’s the human with a scar over his brow. Admiral…something I think. He doesn’t
*Naska*“She…turned him down?” Lady Funda was still processing between disbelief and joy at the news, but it didn’t take long before her lips lifted to show a fanged smile. With a smile, Naska was quick to pick up.“Oh, yes. She turned him down, alright.” Naska repeated. “It’s a pity you couldn’t have been there to see it with your own eyes.” Naska went on, and Funda laughed, clearly taken in by the thought.“It would have been grand if I could,” Funda admitted. “To see her, shoot him down like that.” She chuckled again, touching her rings, before turning with a smile.” My, good work, Naska. You’ve done wonderfully.” “I have, haven’t I?” Naska beamed, pleased beyond measure how quickly her work was being praised. But of course, Naska knew she would be.Maybe, Lady Funda will give me another of her pretty necklaces again? She hoped so, reminded of the necklace Lady Funda had just given her the other day. Lady Funda liked her so much more now. Her affection was clear by all the gifts
*Ana*“A confession?” What could Pendwick possibly have to confess to me? I must say, it is quite a surprise to hear, coming from him, of all people.Pendwick is the most forthcoming person I know. He may be shy in his words, yes, but he is candid with me. So, it’s quite a surprise to hear we had secrets between us.Though, he did mention something like this before, didn’t he? Back in the garden the other morning? Perhaps this is referring to that?“Pendwick? What is this confession?” I curiously look down at our hands, his cupping over mine, before looking back up. “Have you..done something?”“Done..?” Pendwick flinches, his hands slightly shaking over mine a moment, but takes in a shaky breath, before calming down. “It’s.. not something I wanted to do.” Pendwick lowers his eyes then. “Not intentionally.”Not intentionally he says? “Then, Pendwick, what is it?” I press because now I am starting to feel my stomach tighten, a bit confused. What could he be confessing about? And… what
*ana*“Bruno, I would have thought you, out of everyone, would have liked this idea.” But clearly, I am wrong. And, instead of excitement like I thought, I now have a 14-year-old boy, brooding at me. Bruno’s overgrown dusty red bangs cover his eyes, making it hard to see where he is looking, let alone what kind of expression he’s making now.“What’s so wrong with a dance?” I ask him. “Tell me, why don’t you like it?”“Because…it’s foreign.” Bruno goes off, shaking his head as if that is a good enough reason. But I can’t help but frown all over again.“I know it is. But just because it’s foreign, doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” “Why?” Burno only shoots back, blowing his bangs out of his face with a huff. “It’s enough for me. It’s a silly idea.”“Silly? Oh, Bruno.” I have to smirk at that. “Well, I thought it was something to help liven the party a bit. Something practical in terms.” I answer at last. “I mean, most of us know a dance or two.” “I don’t.” Bruno corrects flatly. “That…ye
*Sir Pendwick*He’s going to be mad. Pendwick didn’t even need to bother pretending. The instant he opened his mouth, he knew what he did. No one overspoke the head of the Celbest family.But I did. Worse, Ana even went with his idea. No, this would not be overlooked, and, inwardly, Pendwick sighed.It’s better if I get it over with now than later. He knew and turned.“Your Empress,” Pendwick started. “I will join you in a moment. I…just have to speak with my grandfather, first.” “Of course,” Ana, unaware of Pendwick's problems, easily replied. Her voice was sweet and soft like always to him. Even in this turmoil, Pendwick could not help but admire her eyes, so beautiful and clear, as she regarded him like a thousand times before.How much I wish I could just fall into them and stay there. Pendwick looked on, longingly, cheeks warming a little. But just as he wished it, he knew he couldn’t stall. He had to go and go he would.“Yes,” Pendwick nodded just before Hidi started.“Well
*Ana*“Hidi,” I go, but Hidi simply smiles back at me, the damage already done.“It will fit.” Hidi turns back to overlook the procession of more crates. Her newest ‘gifts’ of ‘decor’ are looming in multiple boxes. Just looking at the boxes now, I’m afraid to even ask what they are.“Hidi,” I sigh again, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this to be a manageable party.” “Oh, Ana,” Hidi tsks. “You must make it big. This is your first real party since the coronation, and that was a decade ago.”“It was 9 years, Hidi.” I correct, “Not ten.” but Hidi rolls her eyes.“Worse than that,” Hidi shakes her head, “ You know it too. Come, Ana, I know these things. You must impress the other nobility and royals coming. My Mama alone will have opinions.”“Your-her majesty is coming?” I raise a brow at the news. “She will attend this time?”“It’s nothing major.” Hidi goes off-handedly. “Mama is curious about how things have been.”“But Hidi,” I pout a little, finding the revelation not small
*Julia*“Your Majesty.” Julia piped up, although she knew it was hopeless, that Belinda was already set in her ways. And sure enough, Belinda proved her right.“He wants to go,” Belinda went, her grey eyes watching both her beloved men step into the carriage. “You know, I can’t stop him.” Belinda went on, seeing Nicoli move for the carriage, his excitement clear to see, even from where they stood on the platform. Nicoli lingered to give one last wave and blow of a kiss. Belinda cracked a little, but quickly defaulted back to her icy demeanor as it was now Alexander’s turn.He looks even worse than when he first came back to Dawny some weeks ago. Julia thought with a sinking feeling. Alexander’s face had changed in his short stay, it was sunken to show his cheekbones, and his tan skin was losing color. Even his eyes were different, the blue shine was gone and dull.Alexander had stopped coughing shortly after a few days rest, but now new ailments attacked him, a shortness of breath, an
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence
*Mykhol*Mykhol shifted the naked girl's arm off with patient strength, not wanting to wake her. Though last night was enjoyable, his needs satisfied amply, Mykhol wasn’t too keen on her being up, especially to talk. Instead, Mykhol stood out of bed and stretched, lifting his arms high over his hand, allowing his muscles to shift and lax. Unable to resist the urge, his eyes went to the mirror to admire himself and inspect for any potential flaws in his physique. With nine years apart, Mykhol had grown into quite the man in many ways. Thanks to the training grounds and a strict physical regime, Mykhol’s body was now sleek and firm. His chest, arms, and legs were chiseled. If Mykhol had been handsome before, he would have been just a boy then. Now he was a ‘real man’ with a well-kept beard, only adding to his alluring masculinity. A fact, that certainly did not go missed by the female teachers and maids.Thanks to that, Mykhol had no problem finding any company. More like, amble en
*Belinda*“The answer is no.” Belinda threw the invitation down on the desk, wishing she could just rip the entire paper to shreds. “You are not to attend.”“But mother,” Nicoli was up from the chair. “Why?” His blue eyes searched her face, a look of confusion clear as day. “I was invited, wasn’t I? Please, mother,”“Nicoli,” Belinda had to force herself not to look into them, knowing full well, that if she did, she’d cave.“You are not of age. You're still too young.” Belinda took in a breath to steel her answer. “ I forbid it.”“But Mother,”“No,” Belinda motioned to Julia, who swiftly took the invitation away. “You will not step foot out of this country until you are 18.“ Belinda reaffirmed. “Not until then,” That should have ended the discussion right there, but alas, Nicoli would not give up.“But I will be,” Nicoli countered, looking after her. “My birthday is in a few months. I'm practically 18 already.” “Nicoli,” Belinda flinched. Was he that keen on going? Already stating i