*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.