“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
Hidi sat in her fluffy dress, trying to stay interested as Queen Belinda kept talking. But it was proving quite the task as it seemed to be non-stop. Queen Belinda had been at Hidi's ears all morning. She seemed to never run out of something to say.But it wasn’t anything of importance, of course. Just things about the weather or the tea. Or she would rain down compliments for Hidi about her dress or hair. And in between the compliments, the topic of marriage would pop up. Queen Belinda would bring it up casually—just a mere mention of a wedding in spring. Or grandchildren with blond hair. And then, she would change the topic back to the party. But it wouldn't be long before she'd mentioned it again.As Hidi listened, she barely hid her amused smile.It’s a bit forward. Hidi thought. But not enough to overstep herself. If anything, Hidi wished Belinda could get to the point.It's not like I would shoot it down. Hidi knew. As Hidi found she had begun to like the queen, she would be m
It’s fine. Ana told herself as she felt a thousand eyes fall on her. Just stay calm.Still, Ana unconsciously touched her shawl. It was still there. And it still covered her hair.Ana gave a quiet sigh of relief.But it didn’t last. As Ana could feel their eyes. They made her freeze in place.Stop it. Ana whispered to herself.All that matters is Nicoli, remember? So snap out of it.Ana couldn’t help but glance at Nicoli. A great smile was on his face. He seemed so happy and carefree.Could I ever be like that? Ana felt a pang in her chest. She didn't know. But she'd like to try.For Nicoli's sake, at least.So Ana held her breath and looked over the crowd. So many eager faces were looking at her curiously. All pretty girls in big puffy dresses Nicoli’s age.The only change was a great table. And it was here Ana found her actual cause of worry. Ana flinched when she found those blue eyes had turned toward her.Father. Ana thought with dread.“Come, I see our table.” Nicoli went, stil
“Good Morning King Alexander, Queen Belinda.” Ana shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Thank you for inviting me.” King Alexander lessened his smile at the cold greeting, but it did not affect Belinda. She continued as if all was normal. On the outside, at least.“So glad you could come.” Belinda took some tea. “I wasn’t sure you were going to make it. Since I heard no word from you.”Ana felt her spine straighten at the insinuation. I received the letter so late. Ana knew it would take a week to have a response. By then, the party would have started. She would have shown up late anyways.But still, Ana felt guilty.“I…my invitation arrived late.” Ana looked down at her feet. “I apologize. I came as quickly as I could.”Quietly, Ana darted her eyes to find her Father. He was looking straight at her.He won’t do anything in front of the party, will he? Not with so many young and impressionable girls around. And at that, Ana made to take another look around the girls dressed in the
Mykhol could see the smaller tables filled with human girls across the lawn. Their dresses looked silly and overbearing from his spot. They all looked like colored cotton balls.Periodically, Mykhol could see one lift their head and look his way. Then, a quick blush would cross their face before they'd go to whisper to one another. And when they did, another would look up. It kept repeating as Mykhol watched on.Mykhol had to smirk at their apparent interest. But it held little weight to him. He was not here for them.Mykhol looked on to find the flash of red. “There you are.” Mykhol drew back his lips to show his fangs. Ana was sitting at the main table. She seemed somewhat cramped, though. The table seemed relatively small for all of them.Mykhol could see her sandwiched between four. Queen Belinda at the one end, King Alexander at the other, Nicoli sat beside her, and the other-Mykhol dropped his smile at the sight of the giant who sat at the table. The one dressed in a dress j
Ana found herself in a difficult situation. Her father being the most significant cause of her turmoil. But that was not the only issue. Ana was faced with a completely new problem.Ana was used to being the recipient of attention. In her court, she was the main attraction. She was Empress, though, so it made sense.But Nochten's attention was on rules. There was a silent way of reservation and decorum in her approach. If not out of custom, it was practiced out of respect.In Dawny, however, Ana faced an entirely different form of the spotlight. One that was more animated and full of compliments with conversations that ran together. Ana found herself in a drift in the center of a crowd. The sea of excited girls was moving and swaying in their puffy dresses. Some even bounced off the others, thanks to their hoop skirts. But they didn’t seem to falter as they returned to pushing closer.Ana couldn’t help but feel the sensation similar to a mouse cornered by cats.I’m not sure I like t
As King Alexander made his way over to the crowds, he couldn’t hide his prideful smile. Both his children had stolen the spotlight of the party. And if it wasn't obvious before, seeing how the girls surrounded both of them (aside from the few who dared talk to Hidi) was proof enough.My children are popular. King Alexander beamed. But was that such a surprise? The answer was simple.Of course, they would be. He never doubted it for a second.Because both his children were handsome, anyone with eyes would be charmed. Wherever they went, everyone would stop to look after them. They wouldn't have to try- they would get attention. So it was clear neither would have problems making friends. Or suitors.King Alexander couldn’t help but catch what the girls were giggling about. It seemed the conversation of marriage had come up. And King Alexander couldn’t help but smile with a gentle shake of his head.So young yet already optimistic. King Alexander thought regarding the girls. He could s
*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
*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