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Chapter 3

Penulis: bluemorose
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

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
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  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 4

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 5

    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,

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 6

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 7

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 8

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 9

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 10

    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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Chapter 11

    Naska pulled up her thin skirt to better quicken her step. She avoided eye contact with the other servants as she moved. Not that they were dressed better. Everyone was dressed down because of the heat.But still, Naska felt the stares.Let them think about what they want. So Naska thought before lifting her head higher. Despite being a fallen woman, Naska never felt guilty. She didn’t care. And she didn't care about them.There is only one person who does. Naska picked up her pace. The doorman made no qualms about letting her in. He’d seen Naska many times before that he didn't bat an eye. "Be long?" The doorman asked to make small talk. But Naska didn't respond. Instead, she passed without a word and entered the room. Inside, Naska found the room not as spacious as Ana’s, but she preferred it better.Mykhol has a better taste. So Naska thought, looking at the gold and rubies. She felt herself swell with pride at it. His room was fit for a king. Not like that stupid little girl an

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  • Will Bear the Moon   Polar

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Lamentations and Glee

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Hold Up Your Cards

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Nail in the Coffin

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   The Calvarey and the Canary

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Is It an Act

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Plead the Case

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Evidence

    *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

  • Will Bear the Moon   Something on the Horizon

    *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

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