King Alexander was stumped. He looked to his advisors to check. They seemed just as perplexed. Everyone at the table seemed to be at a loss for words except Nicoli.Nicoli sat next to his father with a book in front of him. But he was not reading it. Instead, Nicolli was drawing bear doodles over the pages. I pity his tutors. King Alexander thought and grimaced. He felt sorry for them. Those poor tutors tried their best, but it could only go so far. Nicoli still had no interest in learning. Instead, he seemed to prefer daydreaming over anything.It’s either that or writing another letter. King Alexander shifted at the thought. “Are you sure about this?” King Alexander went back to his advisors.“Your majesty, we have reported. The Bulgeons are moving up the coastline.”King Alexander furrowed his brows. In the corner of his eye, he could see Nicoli. He was drawing another bear. The situation didn't dawn on him as it did for everyone else. He was still young.“And these reports sa
Nicoli waved to the servants as he passed. But there was no stopping. He wasn’t interested in talking to anyone. His mind was preoccupied.“My lord,” Thomas opened the bedroom door. Inside, the room was bare save for furniture. All Nicoli’s toys had been taken away. Queen Belinda had ordered them all thrown out.“Nine years olds need proper rooms.” That is what she had said. So Nicoli’s toys were taken and replaced with books and instruments. All without Nicoli’s knowledge. Poor Nicoli had quite the shock that day.But now, Nicoli’s shock was a disenfranchised expectation. His room was more of a library than comfortable. And he had had no appetite for music. Overall, it was a waste, save for one thing. The new writing desk provided had proven itself the best contribution.“My lord,” Thomas went again.“Shall I bring tea?”“No. I want to be alone.” Nicoli walked past. “Then, I will be on call.” Thomas bowed, hiding the annoyance on his face. Nicoli waited until Thomas closed the doo
Queen Belinda looked off after her cup musing on a peaceful day. The days were a lovely lazy summer. And the garden was blooming.Perhaps I’ll walk the maze later today. Queen Belinda Thought. She then thought of her son. Nicoli will likely take a walk in the maze today after sitting with his father in the meeting rooms.I’ll find him and ask him to walk with me after tea. Queen Belinda decided as Julia stepped forward. She seemed to know without being asked. Julia poured another steaming hot stream of tea into the porcelain.As she poured, Queen Belinda admired the tea’s color. It was a pale yellow and emitted a unique aroma. It smelt of both rose and chocolate.When Julia was done, she wiped the rim as if she had spilled. But she hadn’t. Her pouring was perfection. Julia only did it out of habit after so many years.“My lady,” Julia bowed and stepped back as she finished. Queen Belinda took up the cup and quietly sipped. She made sure to savor the notes of the tea slowly. Thomas,
The smell of manure baking in the hot Nochten sun assaulted Ana’s smell. It made her want to retreat to the palace. But Mykhol was obstinate.Ana tested her small hand wedged between the crook of Mykhol’s arm. It was firmly in place. And more, Mykhol seemed to dart his eyes down to her at every shifting motion.I’ll bear with it for now. So Ana thought as she heard the horse master. He was leading up a new horse. Ana could see it neigh as it was lead to them.Usually, Ana would enjoy meeting the new horses. But none of this was her idea. It was all Mykhol’s. And he just pulled Ana along regardless of what Ana had planned.I feel like I’m some tag-along. Ana noted yet again becoming a victim of his whims.Ana sighed quietly as she felt the sun beat down on her. It was still morning, but it was growing hot. Ana could feel the sweat drip down her back underneath the shawl.My hair will be a mess. Ana thought and frowned. It would mean washing her hair. A process that Ana dreaded.Suppose
Ana was midst turning when she spotted someone unexpected. They were standing off from the stables. And they seemed to be looking right at her. Ana was compelled to go over.“Your Empress,” Admiral Nugen bowed. As he stood, he glanced at her legs. But whatever judgment he had, he mentioned nothing. Instead, he looked past and up to her.“Admiral Nugen.” Ana greeted. She watched the stoic man’s face. There were no compliments he'd give. And he didn't seem to like small talk. He felt different compared to the others in her court.Nugen seems the straightforward type. So Ana thought and found even more fondness for the human. But why was he standing there?“What brings you to my stables?“My horse, your Empress. She needs a new set. So I’ve dropped her off.”“How goes the investigation?” Ana asked and watched Nugen’s face darken. “The Bulgeons are moving up, Dawny, your Empress.”“This is nothing new. They like to move up the coast.” But Nugen shook his head.“Then, what are they doing
Queen Belinda waited for Philpé, the royal artist, to finish his bow. Then, his assistant bowed the same while juggling the easel and paints.“Your majesty, good morning.” Philpé smiled. Queen Belinda warmed at his charming face. The painter was a handsome man. But this was not a face Belinda expected to see today. It was entirely out of the blue.“Philpé, I didn’t know you were coming. Are you here to do one of my ladies' portraits?”“Ah, no, your majesty.” Philpé shook his head.“ I’m here to paint a miniature of his highness.” Philpé couldn’t hide the prideful smile. It was a rare treat for him to have a one-on-one with royalty. So it made him excited and boastful.“A miniature?” Queen Belinda uttered. Her brow raised, but she relaxed.Of course. Queen Belinda thought. It made sense. It was her husband's affair, after all. Perhaps he’s making it for me. Queen Belinda had her heart flutter. It had been quite the time since she last had his miniature. It was back when they first
Nicoli quickly regretted his choice of picking the maze. It was hot, and the sun also burnt the back of his head. It felt like a magnifying glass burning into his skull. And not to mention the bugs. I hate bees. Nicoli flinched as another flew by. Was it him, or were they venturing too close to his face? Either way, it made Nicoli nervous. Nicoli had been stung last year and swoll up like a balloon. It was a whole ordeal, and Nicoli wasn’t about to forget it. But I have to. Nicoli thought to persevere. Because this was for Ana, Nicoli would put up with it. But, despite his resolve, Nicoli yelped as another bee crossed over his nose. “Ah!” “Your highness?” Philpé, who was busy painting, looked up curiously at the scream. “If you could just stay still a bit longer?” “Ah…okay.” Nicoli sat up but eyed another bee. This one was fatter and slow. It crawled over to another flower. He could hear it hum and whimper. Why did I have to pick this spot? So Nicoli thought and sighed weari
Ana rested her head on the side of the bath. It felt deliciously cold, but she could still feel the heavy air hangover. It was so humid that sweat formed on her brow.It was high noon. It was otherwise known as Nochten’s most dangerous time. Dangerous because it was the hottest part of the day.“Hah,” Ana groaned. She sloshed in the water for relief. The water was still cooler than the air. I’m glad I went in when I did. Ana thought, feeling her body sore from riding. As soon as she was in, she bathed and napped for the afternoon. It was a Nochten custom for both sexes to do so during the hotter months. But Ana found it more than just hiding from the sun. It meant she was given time to her thoughts.No Aunt or Uncle. And no Mykhol to burst in. Ana thought, sloshing in the water.Beyond her, Ana could hear a crane coo as cicadas buzzed. Their drowning gave Ana peace. She pushed to duck down and resurface with a cool gasp.“Naska?” Ana rubbed open her eyes. Naska stepped forward dress