*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
* Mykhol?*Mykhol left Naska on the sofa so he could dress. And he went to the mirror and pulled his gown on. Behind him, Naska stretched. Her naked body was free to see in the mirror.“Do you plan to keep lying there?” Mykhol went counting the bite marks he left on her. He had left many since he was quite hungry. My thirst seems to be on the rise lately. So Mykhol thought with vague notice. It just seemed never to be enough.No. Mykhol corrected himself.That wasn’t it.I’m not getting blood from the one I want, is all. Mykhol rationalized. But he knew that would ramify when he did for both his lust for blood and ‘other’ things.All would be well then. “Where are you off to so quickly?” Naska purred from the sofa. She sat up to stretch her arms over her head. Her bare breast sagged slightly from breastfeeding. But they were still plump.And as if to give more affection to her frame, Naska wiggled her shoulders to allow them to wobble. All to entice Mykhol back to the sofa. And for
*Mykhol*Mykhol watched Ana’s face change from shock to her usual stoic expression in real time. After that, she only lifted her eyes to look behind him as if expecting someone. Mykhol couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that her excitement for him was so short. But he managed to keep his expression as well. “Where’s Naska?” Ana was on her tippy toes to see over his shoulder. Mykhol felt this annoy him and purposely moved to shift in front of her view. “I don’t know.” Mykhol shrugged. This only made Ana frown.“She went to see if you needed help.”“Oh, that’s right.” Mykhol walked in further. Something he immediately appreciated as the closer he came, the more detail he could see.Ana was maturing quite nicely. Mykhol thought and threw up his hand.“I supposed she’s hiding out in my room.”“Hiding in your-” Ana blinked. She then furrowed her brows. It seemed she didn’t even want to start with the questions. Instead, she became more direct.“Do you know when she will be ba
*Hidi*Hidi looked around the richly decorated room, from its painted ceilings to the furniture. But it did not give the impression of an invitation. This was not a room meant to bring guests of any kind.This room seemed more private, with the desk in front of the window. This must be Belinda’s study. So Hidi concluded as it was undoubtedly no sitting room. This was a room most would never get the chance to see.So why was she here?As Hidi looked over the paintings on the wall, the door opened to reveal the maid. Julia was carrying a box rimmed in gold. Belinda seemed to brighten at the sight of it.“My apologies, my lady.” Julia bowed before holding the box up. Belinda unclasped the lock and opened the box. Inside, there were jewels and jewelry that glittered in the light.For a moment, she seemed lost to look over them. A special spark rested in her eye as if lost for a moment. But she managed to get out of it as if remembering she was not alone.“This has been in my family for g
*Ana*Is this what it feels like when they say ‘third wheel’? I can’t help but think as I feel myself being one. I must say. It’s a strange feeling.What else could I call this? It feels like I don’t belong. Walking between Father to my left and Mykhol to my right is almost absurd.The combination feels so odd- like strong forces pushing each other. I don’t think I’ve ever had to be between them like this. It feels like I’m going by the wrong side of a magnet, a discovery I just read about.Or is that because everyone is so quiet? Yes, that might be another cause. Everyone is quiet- no one has spoken since we started to walk. And I find myself feeling out of sorts by it.I’ve never seen Mykhol so quiet before.My usually debonair cousin was so forthcoming just before. What happened? It’s like he is lost in thought.But he doesn’t look it. Mykhol looks fine. He’s just walking forward. Is it only me who feels like this? I wonder. But Mykhol is not the only one whose being quiet. What
*Ana*Mykhol lets out another laugh. He seems to be enjoying this. But he is the only one, as Father and I silently stand by. What’s so funny?I’m too shocked right now to respond. As for Father, I don’t know. But I don’t think he likes the joke. Neither do I.I don’t get it.“Don’t you see?” Mykhol continues. He takes in a rasp of air before bellowing out another laugh. “He’s the invisible man.”“Invisible?” I repeat.How could Father be invisible- he is standing next to us? I can see him.He’s standing right there. I look at Father as if to get his take. But the man is dead silent. Strange darkness is crossing his eyes.“Invisible, you say,” Father speaks slowly. Mykhol nods.“Yep.” He straightens up to cover his mouth. He’s still smiling with his fangs.Is cousin drunk or something? Because I don't understand him at all right now. And I have to look at him to check. He seems fine- and I don't smell any wine on his breath.But that leaves me stumped all over again. “Cousin, I d
*Ana*As we make our long trudge down the hall, I can’t help but feel it takes forever. We are barely out of our own hall when I feel the sweat drip down my back. And it intensifies as the steal skirt cage sways as I walk. It hits my hips with each step. And my shoes are pinching my feet.But they are not heels. Not like Hidi’s or Belinda’s, thank god. I don’t think I could walk in heels on top of everything. I might fall over.“Haa,” I breathe as we start into the new hall. This one has more decoration. But it’s still sparse. Most of the walls are still bare. The main difference is that there are more rugs used here. But that still is barely enough to say it is a fine establishment.More like the rugs were just extra pieces with nowhere else to go because they are mismatched and looked a bit old for wear and tear. Leftovers probably, I assume, from rulers' past. They are still too nice to let go but they have no place in my stepmother's pristinely decorated castle. Hence they got th
*Nicoli*This should be it. Nicoli thought, finding the door. It had taken him nearly an hour to get here- what with moving through all those spider webs and getting lost once or twice. But Nicoli never gave up. The thought of seeing Ana kept him motivated. And the idea of showing his new costume to her and how impressed she would be.Which she would be, of course. Nicoli had no doubt. Ana would not disappoint. Again, Nicoli couldn’t be more proud of himself for getting the idea.I know she’ll love it. And Nicoli wasted no more time. He pushed open the door- which stuck thanks to years of dust- but he managed. The door finally opened, and Nicoli immediately found his vision filled with light.For a moment, Nicoli could see nothing but the spots over his eyes, thanks to walking in the near dark for so long. But as his eyes adjusted, he felt more confident. And he could see he had chosen right. He had made it at last. This must have been Ana's room!“Ana?” Nicoli popped his head out
*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
*Julia*Julia was already out before the posthorse was even taken to the stable. And Like clockwork, she took her spot to stand and wait as the mail was delivered over to Postmaster Nettle. Her presence shocking no one. Why, it was such a common sight to see her now that Nettle nor the other servants even stirred. The silent old woman’s presence was nothing to them. She was simply a part of the process. And like always, she waited and watched for Nettle to approach with hawk-like precision. But regardless of her cold approach or silent pressure, Nettle still kept his own. He would not move faster, even for the queen’s handmaid. He only nodded to her in greeting.“Ah, Julia, I see you have ears like a cat.” he joked. “You arrived just in time. I’ve just received the post.”“PostMaster Nettle,” Julia returned stiffly, already looking past him. Her eyes scanned the letters on the golden tray in his hands. They immediately went to the return addresses. She already vying to see where th
*Ana*Is it really time? Can I really do it at last? The thoughts swim in my head as I dash away from Father. The breeze lifts my shawl as I move.Can I write to Nicoli? I knew this day would come. But now that it’s here, I am almost overwhelmed.It doesn’t feel real to me. After going through so much, the first blood, the coronation, the trade problems, Mykhol’s departure, and countless other things. So much has happened since then. It just never felt like it would happen. But here I am, running. And it feels so unreal. Nothing does now. I can’t even feel the ground under my feet as I move. Everything seems to slow down, or I move even faster.I am only vaguely aware of the sound. It’s my heart. It hits against my chest like a drum and by the time I am back inside, a slight wave of dizziness is swimming over me.But I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I am driven like a moth to a flame. It is like I am floating through the halls. And my body feels weightless as I come to my door.“Naska!” I
*Ana*Is this where I get my work ethic from? It’s fair to make the argument because I am surprised how immediate Father is to start as soon as we get back inside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so seriously.But he is. And I can’t say I’m not glad about it. When he said get to work, he meant it. Immediately after Mykhol departed, one of the first and most important things Father sought to fix was the supply issue.He made it all look so simple. A new trade route was established going through the Almony mountains, not our desert. And secondly, Almony, not our Nocthen merchants, would be used going forward. This, of course, caused quite the outburst in court, not to have any Nochten’s but foreigners involved. I included. But Father assured me that they would be reliable thanks to his own experience. Even Hidi has vouched for them through letters, among other things. As for the other things, Hidi sounded peeved in her letter. Something about doing surprise visits instead of correspo
*Naska*“I will hold things down until you are back.” Naska managed to whisper, finally having that spare moment alone with Mykhol all morning.Otherwise, I’ll never get my chance. Naska gave a sharp glare behind her to the crowd. Somehow, word had spread overnight of Mykhol’s departure. Thus, why did so many come despite the early morning? They had come to bid their farewells.On any other day, Naska would have warmed at the sight. It demonstrated how many gave their support to him. She would have gloated, prideful at how much power Mykhol had by the display.But the high number of girls in the crowd kept her escalations at bay. The sight of so many in the audience cooled Naska down with their pained expressions and wanton eyes. Eyes, which were all directed at Mykhol, no less. Naska clenched her hand at the sight.Back off, he’s mine. Naska wished she could break away right there and start throttling them. Harm them and something more, that is, until she felt his cool finger graze
*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