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
“Please make yourselves comfortable.” Julia went with a hand across the room. The room looked like a garden. Painted flowers and leaves spread over the walls. And potted plants hung from hemp rope baskets. But it wasn’t solely plants that made up the decoration. Whoever decorated had taken the time to match the very furniture in the room. The same colors were used in the couches. And the same style of leaves was used in the throw pillows.Overall the room gave an impression of comfort, if not excessive. And Ana appreciated it. It was a better change than when she last had tea in Dawny.I’d instead a room like this any day. Ana thought before she saw the coffee table. And instantly, her mind went blank. The coffee table was heavily lined with sweets. An assortment Ana was not familiar with but looked tasty all the same. Alongside the cakes, there was a tea set. A gentle steam was curling out of the spot as a sign it was just prepared.I’ve never seen so much! Ana felt her mouth wate
Belinda was undressing for the night before she had to pause at her reflection. Her mind was filled with the day's events.It's been a success beyond my expectations. Belinda thought. To think that the Hildenberg, herself, would show up. It was a pure strike of luck. Belinda could not ask for a perfect candidate.A marriage between Dawny and Almony would create a superpower. Belinda felt her chest swell.It’d be so powerful it could unravel a great empire as Nochten. And Belinda had to smile at herself. She beamed as her maids only looked at her with confusion. They could not begin to understand the depths of Belinda’s plans.Julia would be the only one who could guess. But she was not here. Something had pulled her away.A late arrival. Belinda thought. But it was little concern. “It’s a delightful thought.” Belinda went on thinking about the marriage. Then, she grew back into serious thought again.The real question now was how to get them engaged.Hidi seemed interested. Belinda
Naska cradled her cup. It felt hot once but grew colder as the moments wore on. But she still felt no temptation to drink it. It wasn't easy to try. Her mind was full of thoughts.And the thoughts were loud, like they were screaming. They would not behave. She could feel how they swirled and mixed and collided with each other. So angry. So aggressive.As Mykhol shifted in his seat, Naska looked up. Just the sight of him could feel her with relief. She found her arm again to put the cup down.“My lord,” Naska spoke more attentively.“You’ve yet to try the tea.”And Naska looked down at the cup she had prepared him. It sat neatly on a saucer. The steam still curled up. It was hot, and she didn’t want to see it grow cold.“Please,” Naska gestured with her hand.“Have some-”The loud sigh stopped Naska from going on. She froze in place with her hands out as Mykhol shifted to cross his legs. He leaned back to see the door better. His eyes stayed there as if waiting.He’s waiting for her t
Once they were a reasonable distance from the door, Ana stopped.“Your Majesty?” The poor servant blinked down at her. Confusion was on their face, but Ana tried to smile reassuringly.“I don’t need the lavatories anymore,” Ana explained. “Oh, then-” The poor servant blinked. He looked over back to the door. “Your Empress?” The man seemed a little disappointed.“I will escort you back then?”But Ana shook her head.“Lead me to the maze.” Ana went. Immediately the servant lightened at the thought.“Ah, yes,” He spoke as if excited.“Anything for her, Empress.” And with that, he turned. He led them up to a point Ana began to recognize in the castle.I know this place. Ana thought, seeing the familiar hall. It seemed to have not changed since her last visit. And as they continued, Ana found herself more confident in her memory.The servant led on till Ana was out by the french doors. And when they were opened, Ana felt a gust of perfumed air hit her nose. The air was filled with the sc
After spending the rest of the afternoon meeting new faces, none of which were Ana, Nicoli was more than grateful to pull away for tea.By that point, it was exhausting to smile. Even when the girls seemed excited to meet him, Nicoli felt more put out. Each new face just left him more disappointed.Why didn’t mom invite any of my friends? Like the Davish twins? Or even the Pulish fellow?Or any guys at all?Nicoli thought as he noticed he was the only boy. He had no friends of his own to save him. It felt like every girl in the kingdom had come. Save for the one he wanted to see.I…don’t think Ana’s coming. Nicoli felt his heart sink with the thought. It was already too late in the day. And still, there was no sign of her.Hidi must have noticed the frown forming because she leaned close to whisper.“Don’t look so forlorn, Prince.” Hidi went.“She could still come.”“I hope so,” Nicoli whispered. But he was glad she had said it.It was turning into a good surprise that the giant girl
Queen Belinda kept smiling despite the growing hostility that rose inside. But hostility was not the only thing. Queen Belinda felt noxious. She wanted to both retch and pull out all her hair. But the urge subsided. And she was able to keep her composure. A slight grace considering how uncomfortable she felt in the room.For, as Belinda looked on silently. She could see her presence alter the vampires. They stood stiffly to attention. More so the maid, if anyone. Belinda could see how she tried to cower behind the teen. Her eyes jittered desperately to steal his attention. If Queen Belinda were to make a guess, she would say they looked the same age. But she was dumb. Belinda could see by how simply she acted.No wonder she got knocked up. Belinda thought and smirked. Both Julia and herself had caught their heated conversation through the door. Belinda found it an amusing surprise, and it lifted her spirits. But not for long.Stupid girl. Belinda dismissed and thinned her smile.
*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