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
Naska was not in a good mood. She was still hot and sweaty. There wasn’t even a grace of shade from a nearby tree she could stand under. And Mykhol refused to go back inside despite how blatantly Naska complained.But that wasn't the worst of it.No one even talked to us. Naska remembered feeling even more slight. They were standing so long, and no one bothered to come over. They just stared and kept their distance.The only one who did was the queen herself. Thinking of her made Naska shiver. She could still feel those gray eyes on her and judge her even when sitting. Almost like she was trying to make, her shrink away.What a scary human. But even with that, Naska found the woman gorgeous. And the way she carried herself was inspiring.If I were a queen, I’d like to be like her. And Naska had a quick thought of being the one at the table. Sitting so comfortably sipping tea and she stared down at whoever spoke to her- both imposing and beguiling.I could. Naska thought again. I c
After the King’s announcement, Hidi took to her room. “But, your majesty,” Lady Poole whimpered again as Hidi pulled another dress from the armoire. “What do you think? Is it good?” Hidi held it over her. Lady Pole just shrugged. “Is not good then?” And Hidi threw it over her shoulder to let it drop. A maid quietly moved to pick it up. But she needn’t bother. As soon as she did, another was thrown over.Hidi seemed to be going through her armoirs with out hesitation.“Which blue do you think?” Hidi turned to Lady Pole. But the girl only wrapped her arms around her waist. She seemed to want nothing to do with it.“This isn’t fair.” Lady Pole said off to the side. “I didn’t pack for any ball. This was meant to be a tea party.” “But life is unexpected. Yes?” Hidi went moving through another armoire. She had a smile on.“You make do. Now stop being a stick in the mud, Lucy. Start going through your things less you want me to dress you.” And Hidi stopped to give a playful wink. A wi
*Hidi*It didn’t strike Hidi at first. She kept walking down the halls as if she knew where to go. But that was the thing. She didn’t.Hidi didn’t know where Ana was in the castle. She just burst out of the room and straight to it. But now she was in the middle of nowhere.And there was no sign of Ana.Perhaps I should have the maid show me the way? Hidi thought and looked over her shoulder. But did she know the way back? No, of course not. She didn’t think to pay attention. That was something she’d have Lady Pole do. Without her, Hidi was prone to get lost- like she was now.But no worries. Hidi thought easily. Sure enough, someone should come along. And she could let them take over from there.The only downside was how long that would be.“I hate waiting.” Hidi frowned but looked at her fingers. She inspected them for any chips in the polish. There were none.But I've already grown bored of the color. Hidi thought. When she’d get back, she’d have Lady Pole change it. Perhaps it s
*Ana*“Queen Hildenberg!?” I am in shock. She is the last person I expect to see. And I am lost in the moment.“Hidi,” Hide corrects but doesn’t seem hurt by it. Instead, she moves deeper into the room. She seems to be at ease the further she walks.“What are you doing here?” Hidi shrugs but still is on the move. She eyes me as she proceeds forward. “I came to say there is a change to plans.” Hidi stops just short of touching me. I feel her loom over by a good foot or two. It reminds me how small I am, and I find it uncomfortable.“Change?” I turn to get a better look at Hidi, but she is ahead of me. She is walking around as if to see me from a different angle.“It is a costume ball now.” Hidi stops to let me catch up.“A costume?” Hidi nods.“I came to tell you.” “Ah, I see.” I nod. That is why she is here. That was nice of her to tell me.“I must thank you then-”“Where are your maids?” Hidi looks at the room. It feels like she is holding her breath as if to clarify something.
*Nicoli* “Your Majesty,” Thomas spoke with an edge to his tone. “Hmm?” Nicoli fumbled as he stood with his vest half-buttoned. Thomas had barely been able to put it on. “Can you stay still for just a minute more?” "Your majesty?" Thomas tried to smile. But it came off all wrong. And Nicoli could see it. The man was annoyed. Just a little more. Nicoli thought. “What’s taking so long?” Nicoli moved again to undo the button to his shirt. It was red, like the vest, and so were his pants. Thomas sighed as he dropped his hands to his side. “My lord, If you stop moving, I can finish.” “Have I?” Nicoli put on an innocent smile. This made Thomas stiffen. His usually stoic face was turning red. Almost there. Nicoli thought again. He needs to push a little more and- “Sorry.” Nicoli fluttered his lashes. It wouldn’t work on Thomas. He knew that already. But it was more out of habit now. And the maids seemed to like it. “I am just excited about the ball.” Nicoli raised his ar
*King Alexander*King Alexander couldn’t hide the glow on his face. And why would he? This happiness was a long time coming.King Alexander skipped a step as he walked.“I’ll dance the whole night with her.” “Your Majesty?” King Alexander didn’t need to look behind to know the old man was looking at him. But he played as if he couldn’t guess why.“What, Johan?”“The whole night?”King Alexander turned his head to smile back at his butler.“Well, who else will dance with her?” And he winked. But Johan didn’t seem to be phased by it.“She has Prince Nicoli.” Johan went knowingly. “Ah, right. My son.” And King Alexander paused to hold his chin. “Hmm.” His fingers raked through his hair as he thought. Finally, he came to a conclusion.King Alexander held up on finger. “He may have one dance.”“Just one, sir?” Johan raised a brow. Again King Alexander could feel the judgment. So he had to slip a little.“Maybe…two?”“Sir,” Johan shook his head. But King Alexander only doubled down on