*Mykhol* Poor thing. Mykhol couldn’t help but find the sight pitiful. But that only fueled his spite. You spent all that time remembering names. Mykhol shook his head with a slight laugh. But for what? It made it all the more grander to see Ana fall. You, too, can make such childish mistakes. Mykhol couldn’t help but gloat. Ana would undoubtedly be wary the next time. Mykhol sat straighter as he felt the room tone soften again. It was tense momentarily, but everyone was coming around, thanks to the King cracking jokes and the Prince’s comments. Mykhol didn’t bother to pay attention to all as it didn’t matter. What did matter was how quickly Ana’s public display dropped from their attention. They only regarded it as a minor incident now. People returned to their food and conversations once more. “She’s just a child, after all.” Mykhol could hear Nobles go on. “It happens.” “Poor Queen Belinda,” A woman went to another. “But she had to do it.” “Yes, you must be stern with chil
*Mykhol* Though Nochten was a prosperous empire, Mykhol could see Dawny was doing well. Mykhol could find the shadow of wealth amongst the King’s study: silk curtains, fur rugs, gold trim. The human kingdom was starting to lean into its new wealth. But it’s a far cry from Nochten’s level. Mykhol scuffed with reassurance. Even with their finery, Dawny was steps behind Nochten. Dawny would never be comparable. Our very traditions and tastes are just too refined. Mykhol looked over the room with a critical eye. From our dress to the way we run things. Mykhol would always see Nochten as superior. Thus, Mykhol was not intimidated by his study if that was on purpose. Nor was he uncomfortable with the bald servant who brought him here to wait. Mykhol only minded his time. But eventually, Mykhol grew annoyed the longer he waited. “Had I known it would take so long, I’d have just declined.” Mykhol tsked. He could already think of a million other things to do right now. Or better, other
*Ana* The entire time, Maddie tries her best to stay cheerful. She smiles. Maddie jokes. She even goes so far as to squeeze my fingers and rub my back, but it goes nowhere. It doesn’t shift me from my mood. “And there we are." Maddie smiles again as she finishes the last button. I am standing in a new dress to match the latest shoes- we had to redress because my other shoes to match are not here. So, we had to start from scratch. I now stand in a large grey gown with blue embroidery. The color is appropriate. I feel like the color grey. My tongue and throat are grey. If I open my mouth, grey dust will fall over the room. It makes speaking difficult, and I must swallow it back down. "All done." Maddie squeezes my shoulders before standing to turn me around to face the mirror. “What do you think?” “It’s,” I open my mouth to taste the ash and struggle back a swallow. My eyes burn, but I won’t cry anymore. It won’t help anything. I end up just nodding with approval. The dress, like
*Ana* “Ah!”I let out a sharp cry, short of panic rather than fear. I don’t feel them move, but I blink, and my arms are out. My hand is pushing back whatever is on me. My vampiric strength knocks and smacks into a wall of meat. “Umphf!” whoever exclaims before I hear them tither and fall back as if I knock the air out. But even there, I am still reeling. “Who do you think you are to touch me!” I turn, ready to face this interloper. Whoever it is, they will not go unscathed. I will give them the most severe reprimand they will endure for such foolishness. “I am the Empress of Nochten, you can not-” At least, I think I will until I turn to look down. All at once, my anger dies like a candle blown out as I see someone I least expect. My breath stops as I take what must be the same kind of shock on his face. “Nicoli?” My voice finally finds a path out of my stutter. It’s Nicoli? Is he the one? “Why are you-” the words drop as Nicoli groans. “Ow,” Nicoli sits up. A quick shot of pain
*Mykhol* The king’s wing was rather far, on the castle's other side. It would be quite the walk to get back to their rooms. But that might have been a good thing. Mykhol found the long walk to give him a chance to uncoil. And by the time he passed the main stairs, his mind was clear. He could think of things in a less passionate tone. And he needed it because what just happened shouldn’t have. “King Alexander,” Mykhol thought, recalling the sting of the sword on his throat. The cut was long gone and healed. But Mykhol would not forget it. It awakened a deep anger that Mykhol would not forget. And he never would for as long as he lived. Or as long as King Alexander does. Mykhol mused as he heard the voices ahead. Quickly, Mykhol hid the dark thought beneath a smile. “Hello, Ladies,” Mykhol smiled as easy as the day to the maids. “Working hard, I see.” “L-lord Mykhol,” They bowed in return. The blushes on their faces were evident. Mykhol could feel them dart their eyes to thei
*Ana* “Oh!” I cover my mouth as Nicoli drops the lantern with a harsh clang. The sound is so loud that I can't believe no one heard us. Or worse, what if the lantern broke? I hurried and checked, but it was not. It was a surprise with how hard Nicoli dropped it. But still, I have to frown. “Nicoli, be more careful.” I don't care for his careless treatment of objects. Someone needs to correct him. “ You could have broken that- ah!” Nicoli yanks me forward. “Nicoli-” But his smile steals my anger. Nicoli smiles from ear to ear. And the lantern’s light only warms his face with a soft glow. His blue eyes sparkle in the light. “Don’t be so slow. Come on.” Nicoli pulls again. And suddenly, I remember his hands again. They're warm. I shift my eyes to my shoes. “Ana?” Nicoli smiles, be it a little confused. But he quickly gets back to it. Nicoli pulls me to the center of the round rug before letting go. “Stay right there,” Nicoli orders and marches off. “I’ll be right back.” “Oh,
*Belinda* After breakfast, Queen Belinda gathered her fellow ladies to have tea in her favorite room. The room was one filled with long windows that overlooked the gardens. It was a pleasant spot that Queen Belinda had always found enjoyable. And today was no exception. Surrounded by her ladies, Queen Belinda’s mood improved significantly. She was now in the midst of a conversation. Each was overlapping the next. Everyone was busy talking over who wore what and who did that. It’s all trivial nonsense. Queen Belinda was no fool. But still, it was sweet on her ears. It helped almost erase all that went on just before. Almost. Queen Belinda clenched her dress under the table. It still irked her. I am Queen here. Queen Belinda could feel the sting of being abandoned by both husband and son resurface. It was worse by how quick they were to leave. She ought to have deserved better than this. Not that unwanted thing! Queen Belinda quivered with quiet rage. She forced a sip of tea
*Nicoli* “This should be it.” Nicoli stopped at the door. He put down the lamp with more care this time, mindful of Ana. She's so funny about these things, Nicoli mused. It was just a lantern, but it upset Ana, so he would be careful. “There's no knob?” Ana spoke out to see Nicoli nod. “It's over there.” Nicoli pointed nonchalantly to where he left it. Nicoli didn't know how old the hallways were, but it was old. It was older than him. And knobs falling off doors happened. So he wasn't too surprised when the knob broke. He just pushed it to the side like the others. “Is it broken?” Ana started again before furrowing her brows. “Then, how will we get in?” “Like this.” Nicoli didn't miss a beat as he went for the door. He pushed to give a low creak. As it opened, both could feel a heat wave flood in. It felt delicious in the cold hall. But there was something even better. What luck! Nicoli could recognize the smell. Something was baking in the oven. And it was heavy and sweet.
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence
*Mykhol*Mykhol shifted the naked girl's arm off with patient strength, not wanting to wake her. Though last night was enjoyable, his needs satisfied amply, Mykhol wasn’t too keen on her being up, especially to talk. Instead, Mykhol stood out of bed and stretched, lifting his arms high over his hand, allowing his muscles to shift and lax. Unable to resist the urge, his eyes went to the mirror to admire himself and inspect for any potential flaws in his physique. With nine years apart, Mykhol had grown into quite the man in many ways. Thanks to the training grounds and a strict physical regime, Mykhol’s body was now sleek and firm. His chest, arms, and legs were chiseled. If Mykhol had been handsome before, he would have been just a boy then. Now he was a ‘real man’ with a well-kept beard, only adding to his alluring masculinity. A fact, that certainly did not go missed by the female teachers and maids.Thanks to that, Mykhol had no problem finding any company. More like, amble en
*Belinda*“The answer is no.” Belinda threw the invitation down on the desk, wishing she could just rip the entire paper to shreds. “You are not to attend.”“But mother,” Nicoli was up from the chair. “Why?” His blue eyes searched her face, a look of confusion clear as day. “I was invited, wasn’t I? Please, mother,”“Nicoli,” Belinda had to force herself not to look into them, knowing full well, that if she did, she’d cave.“You are not of age. You're still too young.” Belinda took in a breath to steel her answer. “ I forbid it.”“But Mother,”“No,” Belinda motioned to Julia, who swiftly took the invitation away. “You will not step foot out of this country until you are 18.“ Belinda reaffirmed. “Not until then,” That should have ended the discussion right there, but alas, Nicoli would not give up.“But I will be,” Nicoli countered, looking after her. “My birthday is in a few months. I'm practically 18 already.” “Nicoli,” Belinda flinched. Was he that keen on going? Already stating i
*Lady funda*“A party!?” Funda puffed, repeating the news, before looking back at Naska. Naska could only meet her with an equal mix of confusion and disdain, before looking over to her own son, who came to report the latest news. His stoic face revealed no hint of either, only further driving home the point, that what he said was true.“Apparently,” Naska turned back to speak.”It is to celebrate her victory.” The word ‘victory’ almost spat out, the sheer insult of it all. “Victory? More like a lucky break,” Funda snarked. “Those Bulgeons have the complete run over in Pave, now.” Funda couldn’t believe anyone would see it as a victory. It was more like admitting a truce, a tie, two losers. And just because my wretched niece didn’t want to shed any blood. Funda was beside herself. And to have a party? A celebration? Why, it was like rubbing dirt in their eyes. It was cruel.“Yeah, well,” Naska, meanwhile, moved to pick her teeth, “I don’t see the point in it either.” She rubbed somet
*Hidi*Hidi shifted, yet again, trying to make herself comfortable. But it was a fool's cause, and she knew it. The sofa was simply too small, though a more than adequate size for a vampire, it was vastly shortcoming to her grand size. Why, Hidi’s hips, alone, swallowed up two seats per side, but what other option did Hidi really have? What with this being the biggest of Ana’s couches?The rest in Ana’s private sitting room was, and Hidi wouldn’t say aloud but found it to be the size for children. No, the whole room, in fact, was more a nursery than fitting an Empress, in her opinion.It did not help either, that Hidi was wearing the latest in fashion, an elongated hoop skirt, tapered at the sides. Making her need even more space.But Ana, as always, tried to accommodate, doing her best to make Hidi comfortable as much as possible, pulling more chairs over, and giving Hidi more space. Hidi expected no less from her friend, even now, volunteering to share a seat with Sir Pendwcik, in
*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