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Chapter 20 Best to Retreat
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2021-08-21 09:17:26Related chapters
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 21 Daddy's Home
* King Alexander* When King Alexander returned, he felt himself bursting with excitement. "Johan!" King Alexander barely undressed from his armor as he began calling for the butler. He was smiling from ear to ear. "Johan! Where is Anastasia right now?" King Alexander boomed as the older man made his way into his chamber. King Alexander had yet to notice the solemn look on his face. He was too happy thinking of Ana. "I didn't see her." King Alexander spoke while another servant boy pulled the armor over his head. The boy shot a confused look at Johan. Johan shook his head. "Go, boy." Johan nodded toward the door, and the boy quickly jumped down. He carried the armor plate with him and dashed from the room. Johan could see the relieved look on his face as he did. The boy knew he was lucky to get to leave. If only Johan could do the same. But someone had to tell the king. And if anyone, it would have to be him. "Your Majesty," Johan began, but his words seemed lost in Kin
Last Updated : 2021-08-23Will Bear the Moon Chapter 22 Re-run
*Ana* My arrival after a week’s travel is usual. We had a smooth ride without hiccups or delays. And I arrive to find a formal affair of the welcome party. Aunt and Uncle greet me along with the nobles and servants. It is smaller in number than before. But I won’t linger on it. I push my way in. It’s not something to dwell on. And the faster I can get to my routine, the better I will feel. I know it. “Did they not know you were returning?” Maddie whispers as we walk back in. She seems more troubled by the small number. “Perhaps word didn’t get out fast enough?” She seems to look back as if something were wrong. Again, she is trying to hope for the best. But I am not so quick to take up that optimism. I only wish to go inside my room. But it must wait as Aunt Funda and Uncle step into our path. I frown inwardly but manage to give a light bow to greet them. “Welcome back, Empress Anastasia, “ Aunt Funda and Uncle smile at each other. They seemed pleased to have me back—a surpris
Last Updated : 2021-08-23Will Bear the Moon Chapter 23 Revision
*Ana* The blue wax must have dried out from the journey because I find it easy to slice open. It cracks and pills down to fall on my skirt as I split it apart. The flap opens, and I find two sheets of paper inside. I take them both out to study. There are two? Another surprise. What would need two pages? I look to find one written in fathers hand. The other, though, has me pause. What? “A drawing? “ I voice before looking up at both women. They look at each other just as confused. “A drawing?” Maddie repeats as Aunt Funda furrows her brows. “IS that it? A drawing?” She goes, sounding annoyed. “No- there’s a letter too, but-” Again, I look back to the drawing. If I lift it up toward the light, I think I can better gather the meaning. It doesn’t help very much when I do. It’s in crayon- and it is not by a skilled hand. This looks like the work of a child. I can’t help but wonder. Did my father draw this? Why? Are stick figures riding a dog? Block? Thing? I can’t tell. One s
Last Updated : 2021-08-25Will Bear the Moon Chapter 24 Exchange
*Ana* Ultimately, the paper's decision came down to two options. But this did not help make things easier between us. We seem to remain divided. A standoff has been in place for the better of half of the afternoon, running to the early hours of the evening. Though, I can’t see why we need to fight. It’s only paper. It is Maddie who refuses to see reason. But I think I should clarify my choice first. I am not particular. I just want a simple cream tone- no flushes or flutes. Just as it should be. I want simple paper. Maddie, however, is dead set on using this strong rosy pink paper. A decision she will not budge on. But as the day progresses, I feel no win to this fight. My resolve for simplicity is waning to her stubbornness. And overall, this whole argument has gone on for too long as how ridiculous it is. I don’t think I’ve ever had to fight with someone over something so trivial before. Because it is, it’s nothing. It's only paper. I must sigh. Honestly… But Maddie will m
Last Updated : 2021-08-25Will Bear the Moon Chapter 25 You've Got Mail
*Ana* It's not long before I have my reply. It takes a week before I find the letter from Dawny, sealed and delivered. Aunt Funda delivers it again on the standard silver tray. Though, there is a distinctly disgruntled look on her face, more so than usual, when she does. Enough so that I am beginning to wonder if something is wrong with her. Why do I get the impression that she is bothered by these letters? But I don’t dwell on the thought long as it doesn’t make sense. Since Aunt Funda barely pays attention, let alone cares about what I usually do. Outside of these being for diplomatic reasons, Aunt Funda has no reason to be overjoyed or upset over anything of mine. They are just letters. So I quickly dismiss my thoughts as just being overactive. “You may go, Aunt Funda. “ I wave to her as she has done her job. But to my lite surprise, she doesn’t move immediately. Instead, she stands where she is and stares at the letter like a cat to a bird. Did she not hear me? I feel i
Last Updated : 2021-08-28Will Bear the Moon Chapter 26 You've Got Mail Again
*Ana* We will have Nicoli's next response by the next week. Again, Maddie and I find a need to hold in a laugh as we see another example of poor writing. But at least, this time, it’s easier to understand. I think he put in more effort this time to make it legible. “Learning is such a chore. And the lessons are so boring. “Nicoli complains in the letter. “It may be someone insufferable, little brother, as you are still young. But it will be worth your future to stay consistent. “I write back. Again, another of Nicoli’s letters soon follows in the coming week. “Are you sure about that, Ana? I think that could take forever. My brain is going to rot by then. “ Nicoli writes. “It will not, Nicoli. By learning, the brain feeds on books. “I have to counter. “I’d rather play and learn swords. “Nicoli writes. “You still can, but after lessons. You must wait. “I write back. “You wait! I’m running away to join the circus. I’ll work on the trapeze and teach the bear how to dance" Nic
Last Updated : 2021-08-28Will Bear the Moon Chapter 27 Introducing Cousin Mykhol
*Ana* Truth be told, I do not have much to say about my cousin as I do not know him. In the score of four years, I have only met him once. And that was when I first arrived in Nocthen, and I was not in the best state of mind to remember things (as I was crying, yelling, and acting childish). So what I do know is what I have gathered from the bits and pieces Aunt Funda and Uncle have told me. Cousin Mykhol is fourteen years old to my seven- making an age difference of seven years between us. And he has, for the better part of the four years I’ve been here, been attending the famed military academy of Nochten this whole time. That alone is a fantastic feat, as this is no ordinary academy. Established by Nochten’s first emperor- it is said to make anyone who attends a great leader. And only those of nobility and wealth can attend. Save unless you are a girl. Not even my mother, an Empress, was allowed in. So this only makes me look forward to Mykhol’s return this winter break. Asi
Last Updated : 2021-08-30Will Bear the Moon Chapter 28 Oblige Me, Cousin
*Ana* “Oh…“ I barely manage to utter as I feel myself freeze on the spot. I only watch the maid continue to pull the doll out. Mykhol takes it from her to push into my free arm. I numbly feel the doll's long red wavy hair cascading over my arm. What is this? Unable to speak, I can only look back at the teen. My eyes dart around him as if to see some answer. But he doesn’t help at all. He’s just standing there grinning at me. What...this… My mind is trying to process the next word and failing. Finally, though, the teen doesn’t seem bothered by my silence, instead, he seems to take the opportunity to speak. I feel a rush of relief as he lets go of my hand- which I instantly pull back toward me. Mykhol turns to face the court. “This is a doll that our finest crafter has created. He specializes in creating replicas. He is detailed down to the mere centimeters. Each is a perfect copy-“ Mykhol explains in a prominent voice that carries through the room. But here he stops to look ove
Last Updated : 2021-08-30
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*Ana*I would have thought that most would have gone ahead and skipped today, what with it being rather colder, but I quickly find I am wrong. Even in the cold, the rose garden is bustling with others. My simple walk in the cold winter morning is not so simple, turning more into a social outing, whether I like it or not.As such, I must present myself accordingly. I control my smile to be gentle and inviting just as the first wave comes over. “Your Empress, The noblemen bow in unison. “Sir Pendwick.” They nod their heads to him, next. “A beautiful morning, is it not?” Their outfits look fine, rich, and most importantly warm, for the cold weather.“It certainly is a clear sky,” I remark, noticing their noses turning pink from the cold. It makes me wonder how long they have been out here, and a better question, why. But I let the thought pass, thinking it better not to ask, simply wanting to get back to our walk.“Good morning,” I nod in their direction before turning with Pendwick in
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 4 A Poor Welcome
*King Alexander*“They grow up so fast,” Alexander mused as he watched what used to be his little boy, turned now young man, take back inside. Nicoli’s face bright with excitement as he rushed back with no other thought than Ana. How Alexander envied him, then. “Damn, and here I hoped we would talk a bit longer.” Alexander pouted.“He’s just excited about the news.” Johan went. “He’ll be back.”“Aye, I get that.” Alexander would have liked to have a bit more time together. He knew the years of traveling between Nochten and Dawny had put a distance between them. His own son not even sure to hug him anymore, Alexander reflected.“Still, I’d like just a moment.” It was like they were strangers to each other. But, then, it was the price he had to pay, after all. Alexander knew that something would have to give after putting more effort on Ana than him. So he couldn’t hold it against him. Besides, it was good to see his reaction.He’s just excited for Ana. I understand his joy. Alexander
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 3 The Arrival
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 2 Old Enemies Still Enemies
*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
Will Bear the Moon PRT III 9 Year Wait
*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
Will Bear the Moon Pick Up
*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
Will Bear the Moon Stirred into Calmer Waters
*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
Will Bear the Moon A Quiet Retreat
*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
Will Bear the Moon Polar
*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
