*Ana* (song suggested for chapter: State of Mind II by Vetle Naero) “Look who’s here again. “Maddie hums, but the sound makes my stomach sink. I didn’t even want to look up. I can already guess who she means. I know it’s not Aunt Funda or, on the off chance, my Uncle. So that leaves only one other person who can come into my side of the palace. And I’m already dreading it. I can’t believe he’s found me. I thought this place would be safe, and he wouldn’t think to check here. I want to cry. But it looks like not even the rose garden is safe- in the middle of winter with no one else around. With no one else who would want to be outside- I thought surely, he wouldn’t try here. He’d overlook the gardens, at least. Nope. I am wrong again. Cousin Mykhol has again located my existence. "He’s rather adamant, isn’t he?" Maddie must have heard my groan because she looked at me with furrowed brows. Does she notice that I’m not enjoying the onslaught of attention? Because I’m not. I don’
*Ana* “Maddie, “ I sigh as I at last feel at ease. It finally comes to that time of the day- bedtime. The now most sacred time of the day. It is the only part of my day that Mykhol can not be with me. He is not allowed to be in my bedroom this late. No one is, save for Maddie. So I relish this moment beyond all others now. My precious time with her. Alone. No Mykhol to peer up beside me. The sheer bliss of the nightly routine has me grounded. All the tension and weariness lift away as Maddie unties my skirt and top to put them back into the wardrobe. She comes back to unravel my braid next. “A rose?” Maddie stops as she finds the dried-out rose. She holds it out to me. I look at it but make no motion to take it. I don’t want to keep it. “Heh,” Maddie shrugs and tosses it into the fire. I watch it burn from my chair. The petals sizzle into white smoke before being swallowed by orange lines. The sight makes me think of Mykhol’s eyes- how he will stare at me almost like I could
*Mykhol* “Good Morning, Lord Mykhol.” Maddie greeted while fixing the bed. She was calm despite Mykhol bursting in without so much as a knock. “Your Empress…” Mykhol stood at the door. His red eyes darted over everything. It was early morning- so he had expected to find her still asleep. But it wasn’t so. She wasn’t in bed. Or sitting at the vanity getting herself ready for the day. Ana wasn’t even here. "She’s…not here." Mykhol voiced quietly before narrowing his eyes at the maid. He didn’t need to hide the irritation. The human just smiled at him stupidly. Mykhol felt his stomach turn at the sight of her and turned his head to look elsewhere. How could she already be gone? That’s what he wanted to know. Looking over the room, Mykhol found the envelope on Ana’s bed. He could see the blue wax. It was a letter from Dawny. Was. Mykhol noted. The letter was gone alongside the reader. And to where was the choice question? They both seemed to have disappeared entirely. Mykhol fro
*Maddie* Maddie made it through the empty halls without incident. Not that she had a worry she would. It was clear knowledge that no other servant wanted to be so close to Ana's wing. Let alone freely walk around it at night. Maddie had gathered that much over her months of being here. Hence she could move around now freely. No fear of being seen or caught. “Still kinda creepy, though.” Maddie had to confess to herself. Maddie shivered at the thought. It was quite something to be moving around in such a prominent place, chock full of vampires. No wonder the halls feel so eerie. But Maddie kept walking until she reached Ana’s study. Before stepping in, Maddie turned the gas higher to brighten the room. Unlike Ana, Maddie was only human. She needed light to see. "It's right near a wonder I can get around at all right now. Damn, near as dark as outside around here. If I didn't know my way, I'd be lost." "Let there be light, then." Maddie clicked the knob. Illuminated, Madd
*Mykhol* Upon hearing Ana enter, Mykhol read aloud. His fingers flicked the edge of the parchment like a rhythmic beat. It added background support to his cadence. “- I wish I was there with you. But I have boring lessons. I want to cry.” Mykhol read. He stopped there to now look up at Ana. She was standing perfectly still. Like a doll, Mykhol thought as he lingered on the image. It made him smile with his fangs. “My, does Prince Nicoli not like his lessons that much?” Mykhol posed, sounding innocent. “What are you doing?” Ana’s eyes were wide and shifted from him to the letter. Mykhol just smiled at her. “Good day, dear cousin,” Mykhol replied. He looked behind her to see the girl alone. Her maid was out of sight. About time. Mykhol had been waiting for the chance. He had to smile at his luck. “We finally meet after so long.” Mykhol folded the letter to put it back on top of the others. His finger lingered on the golden box before dipping back in. Then, his hand move
“Empress Anastasia seems quite attached to Lord Mykhol as of late.” A maid spoke to her master during court. “Yes, I seem to see them together quite a lot today.” The noble agreed. “I saw them together in the library just this morning.” A manservant interjected. “And they had breakfast together too.” “Well, I’ve seen them in the garden.” Another maid went. More turned in the crowd hearing the outburst. “Well, it’s clear to say our Empress enjoys Lord Mykhol’s presence.” Another laughed. “More like clinging to him. I mean, look now. Look how Ana has him standing right at her side.” He spoke loud enough for all to hear below. Hearing this, Ana flinched on her throne. It was slight and easily overlooked if one didn't know. But if they did, they could also tell the disturbed look that pushed in her brows. Mykhol, however, reveled in the attention. It was precisely what he had hoped for. And to further his ego, he made a show of taking Ana’s hand and holding it. “Mykhol?!
*Mykhol* “No,” Mykhol snatched the quill away from Ana’s hand. Immediately making the girl look at him. Her petite little face crumpled before his eyes. It was clear to see the girl was tired. But Mykhol refused to budge. He remained unyielding to her silent pleas. They would not work on him- not when things were going his way now. Mykhol had no intention of letting it go. I like it better that you can’t worm your way out. Mykhol thought with a slight curl to his lips. He flicked the quill in his hands before propping it down before her. “Write it again.” “Cousin-” At last, Ana could take no more. She turned as Mykhol crumpled the paper. He tossed behind him with a soft thud before motioning for another. “Don’t keep us waiting?” Mykhol smirked at Maddie. Maddie, who remained off near the fireplace, only shook her head. She went to hand over a new piece. “It’s getting late,” Maddie commented, not to Mykhol but to Ana. Mykhol scuffed at the lack of respect. “Who says you could
*Maddie* You can’t be serious. Maddie thought but held her breath as she held out the skirt and top combo. It was one of the last left Mykhol hadn’t seen. But Maddie could feel her stomach turn as the teen seemed to take his time. He mulled his tongue over his mouth as if in thought. By all, that is holy! It’s just a dress. Maddie wanted to throw it at his face. But she knew she couldn’t. She couldn’t do anything save serving Ana- which meant serving Mykhol now. And Maddie was quickly learning she did not like the teen. A fact that Mykhol didn’t seem to be hurt by. As he almost looked like he enjoyed his little plays of power- just as he did now. “No. I don’t like it.” Mykhol finally dismissed with a wave of his fingers. Maddie nearly dropped her mouth. No, he says. Maddie could feel the heat in her belly rise. How nice would it be the slam a fist into the punk? Pretty nice, Maddie could guess. But it wasn’t up to her. And poor Ana- Maddie stopped to see how crumbled the girl s
*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
*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
*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