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.
I messed up. Ana thought, devastated.I took it all wrong.Ana continued to berate herself as she pressed her feet into the ground.Of course, I did. Nicoli doesn’t want me here. It could only be that. Why else would he stare at her? Because she wasn’t supposed to come. It was only she who thought so. Again she had been foolish.“Stupid! Idiot!” Ana harshly cursed under her breath. She pushed even harder. Around her, everything began to spin. “Fool!” Ana struggled to breathe as she pushed on.“How could I be so stupid!”While Ana bolted off behind her, Nicoli seemed to break from his shock. The realization was now on him, and he was moving. He had taken to chase after her in panic.But his voice was lost over the sound of breathing. So Ana could only hear the rush of blood to her ears and head. So she was deaf to anything besides her own pain.How could this happen again!? Ana thought she had been smarter this time. Wiser. Ana was older. She knew so much more now.“But still, I-” A
“It’s cold.” Ana swished her feet in the water.“Feels nice, though, right?” Nicoli sat next to her on the ledge. Ana had to nod.“It does- hey!” Ana gasped when a wave of water splashed on her. Nicoli laughed.“Gotcha!”“Hey!” Ana frowned and moved to splash a wave back.“Ah!” Nicoli yelped and threw up his hands, but it was too late. Water washed over him to drench his nightgown completely. Ana could now see it cling to his chest. It was sheer enough that she could see the shape of his frame. Suddenly it made her feel embarrassed for looking.Ana quickly looked down at the water as she felt her heart rate increase.Calm down. Ana touched her chest. She could feel how fast it moved. But she had to stop it.This was not the time to start acting like this. Ana knew. She didn’t want to ruin the moment.Not when they finally just got together again-“Ah!” Ana yelped again as Nicoli slapped the water back. She was now drenched as much as he was. It made her throw him a sour look which Ni
“Ana?” Nicoli could see how the petite girl began to tremble. She seemed to shake like a leaf in the wind. Is she cold? Nicoli was concerned. And he reached for her again.“Ana-”“Nicoli!” A shrieking voice had Nicoli stop. Wait, I know that voice-Nicoli turned to suddenly forget himself. He was right. He did know that voice.It was none other than his mother. And she looked furious.“What are you thinking!” Queen Belinda snapped again, and Nicoli jolted.“Ma-”“What are you doing- going outside like that!” And she pointed at Nicoli. Or more to his nightgown.Queen Belinda looked from him to give a clear glare to Ana. Ana flinched and looked back down. She seemed to shrink on the spot.“Julia!” Queen Belinda motioned, and Julia was at her side. Belinda didn’t even open her mouth before just pointing to Nicoli.“Take the Prince back inside before anyone sees how inappropriate this is.”“Yes, your majesty.” Julia turned to do so. But Nicoli stepped back and away. He shook his head.“
“How could you!?”Queen Belinda quickly flashed her anger at the one she felt most deserved. She pointed her finger.“You can’t be serious!” She choked as angry tears filled her eyes.“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined you’d do this to me. You are just letting them run off- with my son. OUR SON!” Queen Belinda took a sharp breath and tried to control her tears. She was not alone. Julia was still at her side, which gave her some comfort.But Belinda was still aware of how they both watched her. The maid blinked stupidly. But the other was the real threat. Belinda knew how he seemed to listen to it all quietly.Of all the times her husband could be so foolish? It made her sick to her stomach. “How- how could you?” Belinda pressed a hand to her head. Now her head was beginning to hurt.Have I not been a good wife? Belinda thought. Had I not shown years of devotion? And still, you choose her over me? Belinda thought with another wave of tears. She managed to hold them i
“I’m done.” Ana stepped from behind the changing screen. She was now wearing one of Nicoli’s nightgowns. It was a surprise to find their size almost the same. Save, Nicoli was just a touch bigger. A fact which made Ana’s pride sting a little. Even Nicoli is getting taller than me. So Ana thought and felt her pride as the elder bruised. If this keeps going, he’s going to tower over me too. “Come over here, Ana,” Nicoli called from the bookshelf. He had been waiting there the whole while. But not out of boredom. Nicoli seemed to have kept himself busy with what books to choose. And it looked like he had found one. Ana took the chance to look over the room. He’s right. Ana thought. It was almost hard to believe it was the same space. For the room was now barren. There were no toys, and the blue and gold paint was gone. Now the room was full of books. There was even a globe in the spot the clown doll used to be. Which Ana found to be the only change she agreed with. Actually, it
That morning looked to be the beginning of a hot day. Not as hot as Nochten, of course, but enough for Ana to regret her choices. If she had known it could get this warm in Dawny, she would have stayed with her Nochten gowns.And here I thought it was such luck to fit everything still. Ana thought before wincing. “Naska,” Ana tried to alert her the laces were uncomfortable. But Naksa just rolled her eyes as if Ana was the one being a pain.“You’re stomach gotten puffy.” She pressed her finger into Ana.“Oh?” Ana blinked. Did she gain weight?I hope it means I’ll have another growth spurt. Ana thought with optimism. Everyone else seemed to be. Nicoli was bordering at her height, and Ana couldn’t lie that it hurt her pride as the older sibling. “Tsk,” Naska clicked her tongue before giving the lace another yank. She seemed to be struggling with it. Ana again winced.“Naska,” Ana went again. But Naska wasn’t looking at her. She seemed unfocused. Or instead irritated by something. Sh
*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