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
Why is he taking us here? Ana thought, seeing the hedge maze ahead. They were moving further and further away from the lawn. The sounds of the party grew quieter as they moved.Ana quietly noted they were moving further away from everyone. And by that, having no risk of anyone overhearing them. But the realization made Ana's gut sink. As she did not believe this boded for good tidings. He plans to take me out of sight and berate me. Ana felt sure. If not, why else would he?It will be the best way he can do this without drawing attention. Ana knew. If anything, Ana could say it was a saving grace that he chose to be discreet. It meant no one else would have to feel the second-hand embarrassment- or ruin the party for the guests. This would just stay between them. He's taking this better than I expected. Ana was grateful, but still, she felt nervous. And her back stiffened as they walked through the maze entrance. This was bound to happen at some point. Ana told herself. She had t
King Alexander listened as Ana told her tale. But by midway, he could barely contain his feelings. They tittered from anger to disgust.King Alexander clenched his free hand. But he was careful to hide it. So less Ana sees it. “But I couldn’t help myself. “Ana went on looking down to the ground as if guilty.“I couldn’t throw them away. So I kept them, every one.“And Ana went quiet after a moment. Every letter? King Alexander thought.Nicoli wrote a letter every week. Why that would mean years' worth? King Alexander had to stop as he felt his stomach clench. Tears rimmed his eyes as he suddenly felt the immense pain of it.What must Ana have felt seeing the letters come and not being allowed to read them? King Alexander felt his heart clench. It was tremendous. How long must she have suffered?“I see. “King Alexander replied at last. He now felt he had a better picture of what had happened.King Alexander opened his mouth to speak, but Ana again went on.“I would have continued o
Once the party was dismissed, Belinda stole away into her room. She needed to dress and make herself ready. For what, though, was the cause of her frustrations.“Julia!” Belinda screeched. The old woman appeared without a flinch. Instead, she seemed to expect the abuse. “Inform the servants to set up tables in the dance hall- but clean it first! I mean, sweep the floors, polish the statues, clean the mirrors-.” “Oh god.” Belinda groaned while thinking. There was just so much to do. And she felt frazzled. It’s all because of that bastard of a girl. Belinda blamed. This was her fault. Otherwise, her husband wouldn’t have been so stupid and rash as to make an announcement right in front of everyone like that. Yes, Belinda would now have her hands full because of her. She'd have to assemble a ball in a matter of hours. Something unheard of- such things take months to prepare.But here I am again, picking up after that foolish man.Belinda could already feel a headache start above her
*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