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Chapter 4 Still Trying
Last Updated:
2022-09-26 08:20:28
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 5 Mother's Worry
*Queen Belinda*Queen Belinda looked off after her cup while musing on the peaceful day. And it was such a lovely day. The sun was shining in the summer sky. The birds were singing. And best of all, the garden was blooming.Perhaps I’ll walk the maze later? Queen Belinda stirred her tea in thought. It made her think of her son then. Yes, Nicoli would most certainly want to take a walk with her. Especially after having to sit in one of those boring meetings. Belinda knew how much even Alexander hated them.But it is about time Nicoli started being more involved in such matters. Belinda sighed. Nicoli was growing up, much to her secret dismay. It would be a lie to say Belinda didn’t wish to keep her son a child forever. She could keep him close as any mother would. But, alas, he was growing, and it was better to prepare him for his future as King. That, however, would be for many years later. Belinda could take some comfort. She still had time. So until then, Belinda planned to take u
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Will Bear the Moon Chapter 6 The Date Thats Not
*Ana*“Cousin, must we be doing this now?” I break the silence at last. Manure baking in the hot Nochten sun is not something anyone wants to endure. And I have tried my best to hold myself in place, not for my sake, but for Mykhol’s. He is abdomen that we are out here.As much as I’d like nothing better than to go back inside. I go on and test my hand. But of course, it will not budge. It is firmly wedged between the crook of Mykhol’s arm. And more, Mykhol darts a gaze down every time I do.“Have somewhere to be dear cousin?” Mykhol asks but I flinch. He knows very well I don’t. And it’s all the more to make me grow quiet again.I’ll bear with it for now. This is the only conclusion. And I have one saving grace to distract me. I can hear the horse master leading up a new horse. Usually, I would enjoy meeting the new horses. But not today, today it is too hot and not my idea. This is all Mykhol’s doing. And I am just being pulled along.I feel like I’m some tag-along. I note with a str
Last Updated : 2022-10-10Will Bear the Moon Chapter 7 What News
*Ana*What is he doing out here? I find myself turning to spy on someone I least expected. He has no reason to be out here, I know. He should be inside the palace, but there he is standing by the stables. And what’s more, he’s looking directly at me as if waiting to get my attention.I can’t help but be compelled. I turn the horse back over to find him immediately step up as soon as I’m close enough.“Your Empress,” Admiral Nugen bows. As he stands, his eyes dart over my bare thighs. But whatever judgment he has, he mentions nothing. Instead, he cast his gaze back up to me. “I was hoping to have a moment of your time.”“Admiral Nugen.” I greet, eyeing the stoic man’s face. He does not rain compliments down on me, nor does he start with small talk. Quite different compared to the others in court.Admiral Nugen seems the straightforward type. I am learning, but it makes me grow a little fonder for him. But still, why is he standing out in the growing heat?“What brings you to my stables
Last Updated : 2022-10-17Will Bear the Moon Chapter 8 The Wrong Sort of Gift
*Belinda*“Philpé?” Belinda waited for Philpé, the royal artist, to finish his bow. “I didn’t know you were coming,” Belinda noted the bag and supplies for his work. Then, to see his assistant struggle to get up, almost dropping the easel and paints.”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.” “A miniature?” Belinda raised a brow. He was here to paint his majesty? She never heard Alexander mention it before.Perhaps he’s making it for me? Belinda thought then with delight. Of course. Belinda had her heart flutter then. It had been quite the time since she last had his miniature, back when they first married. What a wonderful surprise! Belinda thought instantly giddy at the idea.“Then, here, I will escort you there, myself.” Belinda beamed. “Come, he should be in his study now.”“Oh no, my lady.” Philpé purred back, matching her energy.” I could never ask you too-”“Oh hush, Philpé
Last Updated : 2022-10-24Will Bear the Moon Chapter 9 Stay Still Please
*Nicoli*It wasn’t long before Nicoli regretted his choice. The maze was hot thanks to the direct sunlight. And the sun seemed hell-bent on attacking the back of his head. It felt like a magnifying glass burning into his skull.And that’s not to mention the bugs. Oh, 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 him nervous. Bees being his least favorite bug.Last year, Nicoli had been stung by one and the pain was horrible. He swelled 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 is for Ana. That was reason enough to put up with it. But, despite the resolve, the threat of another sting was fresh in his mind. And when one flew too close to his nose, Nicoli couldn’t help but jump.“No!” Nicoli yelped, quickly moving to duck down. “Get away,” And he stayed hunched over.“Your Highness?” Philpé, meanwhile, w
Last Updated : 2022-11-01Will Bear the Moon Chapter 10 Spiderweb and Shawdow
*Ana*By the time we return, I am thoroughly exhausted, and barely have the strength to rest my head against the side of the bath, as the cold water laps against my frame. It does me good, cooling me, from the outside at least. But I can not completely escape it, even now feeling heavy humid air hangover us both.But still, it is much better to be inside now, as it is high noon. A time of day, otherwise known as Nochten’s most dangerous time. Dangerous because its heat has been known to kill the most hardy of man, being the hottest part of the day.“Hah,” I groan, gently sloshing more cold water to my chest and limbs. It’s cold relief the only weapon I can afford against the invasive heat. I’m glad I went in when I did. I reflect, feeling how sore my body is, especially around my thighs. Half of me wonders if it is because I was too stubborn for a saddle. Would it have spared me this pain? Perhaps. But it doesn’t matter now.I only want to focus on the bath, and then, prepare for the
Last Updated : 2022-11-07Will Bear the Moon Chapter 11 Indignatly Foolish
*Naska*Naska pulled up her thin skirt to better quicken her step, doing her best to avoid the eyes of the other servants as she moved. Not that they had any room to judge her. It wasn’t like they were dressed better. Everyone was dressed down because of the heat.But still, Naska felt the stares, the judging eyes that watched her go. Likely going to start up a new rush of rumors and gossip about her. Never seem to have enough to say against her, despite the years, of coming up with another scandal. But Naska wasn’t afraid, rather, it made her all the more want to shove it back in their faces.Let them think what they want. Naska lifted her head higher. They know nothing about us. Despite being a fallen woman, Naska refused to find shame for her actions. She didn’t care they thought lowly of her and her bastard son. They were nothing to her anyway. And she didn't care about them.There is only one person who does. And she made to go him even faster.Naska picked up her pace. The doorm
Last Updated : 2022-11-14Will Bear the Moon Chapter 12 It Is Better to Look Good
*Queen Belinda*“Mama, this is torture,” Nicoli went again, pouting and huffing, pulling Belinda from her thoughts."Hmm?" Belinda lifted her head, “Torture?” She turned her grey eyes on the tailor.“Oh, uh, no, I haven’t,” The tailor quickly shook his head, exposing his hands, as if to say, he’s done nothing. Knowing full well, that if he had, even so much as scratched her son with a pin, he’d pay for it.As long as you know that. Belinda mused, turning back to flip through the catalog of new potential styles. Fashion certainly changes quickly, doesn’t it? Belinda noted, looking over the pages. All the more reason why it was a good thing she decided to make a new suit. She didn’t want her darling boy to be out of the loop.Girls are such visual creatures after all, and Belinda wanted to make it easy, having them come fall prey to his charms if they didn’t already, and all come, begging for Nicoli’s hand. Or, at least, their parents would. And from there, well, it was all about how g
Last Updated : 2022-11-21
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 30 Misdirection
*Ana*My body freezes, every muscle locked in place as Nicoli leans in closer. His face is inches from mine, and I feel my breath catch, a whirlwind of confusion and anticipation racing through my mind. What is he doing? Is…he going to kiss me?But we can’t—we shouldn’t. We aren’t children anymore.As children, it was innocent. Nicoli used to kiss me on the lips, but it was always affectionate—nothing more, just like when he would hold my hand or offer a playful hug. It was natural to him, something that didn’t feel strange, something I expected from him without question. But that was then.Now, we’re adults. And that changes everything.We can’t– I try to tell myself that, but something in me hesitates, unsure whether I want him to stop or... not. I’m paralyzed, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears. As his face nears mine, I feel the world shrinks, the air around us thick with tension. A strange eagerness stirs in my chest—a warmth I don’t understand. It coils through
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 29 Interconnection
*Ana*“Nicoli–” He’s going the wrong way again. I shake my head, the soft chime of my gold chains punctuating my amusement. But he insists on leading, judging by the stubborn set of his shoulders. He’s determined to get somewhere despite having absolutely no idea where that is.For the past twenty minutes, Nicoli has forged ahead with all the confidence in the world, only to crumble in confusion when we inevitably hit another dead end or loop back to the same hall. Left, then right, then left again. Each turn is taken with steadfast determination — and each time, I have to stifle a new laugh as we encounter yet another wall.“Nicoli, just let me show you–” I try, though I’m already bracing for him to ignore me. It would be far easier if he let me lead, though. This is my palace, after all. I know the twists and turns, the subtle variations in the endless white corridors. But he seems lost in his resolve. As if doing this out of spite at the challenge and not wanting it to get the bett
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 28 Not Everyone Can Be Happy For You
*Hidi*“But, what about me–” For once in Hidi’s life, her voice was too soft to hear—lost, swallowed under the sound of laughter. Their laughter. Hidi froze, her breath caught in her chest, her words useless in the space they left behind. Her eyes only widened as she stared after them, watching–watching, but not moving in disbelief.The two of them were running, laughing, hands clasped like children lost in their own world. And she was still standing here.She blinked. Did they really just… leave me?The air seemed too still while everything else moved too fast. Nicoli had been right there. Right there. She could have reached out, close enough to brush her fingers against his sleeve. But he hadn’t even looked at her. Didn’t even voice a hello.Not once.His sapphire-blue eyes had locked onto Ana, and nothing else had mattered.For the second time.A cool flick of irritation ran beneath her ribs, lodging itself somewhere deep inside her. She knew this was their grand reunion, knew th
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 27 The Corner
*Ana*Standing between my aunt and uncle in the banquet hall, I must appreciate everyone’s hard work for the party. They really put in a lot of effort.The banquet hall is beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers cascading down to the center of the high ceiling. Each arched window features a garland of fir and pine, filling the room with a clean yet sweet reminder of the winter outside. The candelabras are all set and lit with fresh beeswax candles, brightening the room and causing the windows to fog up slightly. The tables that line the walls are adorned with an assortment of cakes, meats, and double boilers filled with various types of blood for those who prefer.It’s everything I could have hoped for. And I swell with pride. So far, I think my first real celebration is going well. I gaze over the steady stream of new guests. Once again, I have to note that most of those arriving are unaccompanied men I spot yet another group. They put on a show by bowing or smiling at m
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 26 At Last
*Nicoli*“So… this is Nochten,” Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was certainly different from home.His gaze traveled upward, taking in the domed ceiling overhead, the polished stone walls that gleamed in the candlelight. Beneath his feet, a mosaic of a bat soaring toward the moon—Nochten’s national symbol—stood in sharp contrast against the pristine white stone. The palace lacked the excessive paintings and portraits he was used to. Instead of gold trim and plush fabric, there was only carved stone and painted walls. Even the flooring was a departure from what he knew. No wood, only cold, solid stone.Nicoli's eyes caught the mosaic again, its intricate details holding him transfixed. Slowly, a small smile pulled at his lips.It suits her. He thought. Yes, it most definitely did. This was most definitely Ana’s home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 25 Touch Stone And Memory
*King Alexander*Alexander and Bratha walked down the side path leading to the gardens. It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did, he couldn’t help but smile a little. Even after all these years, it felt natural to take this path. The habit was still there after all this time.We always used to meet here.The memory stirred something deep within him—afternoons sprawled on soft blankets, the scent of wildflowers thick in the air, laughter curling between the hedges like vines. If he closed his eyes, he could hear it still—such wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himself–But when he opened them, all that remained was frost and silence.Now, the garden lay barren, stripped bare by winter. No vibrant petals, no soft grass, only brittle leaves crunching beneath their boots. And between them, a silence stretched too long.It had to be him who spoke first. Bratha would not. Her sense of morality dictated that burden to him.After all, he committed the greatest
Will Bear the Moon Chapter Quick Hello Faster Goodbye
*Hidi*Hidi stood off to the side, her eyes fixed on the doorway. Each time a new arrival was announced, she held her breath, only to sigh in disappointment moments later. It wasn’t him.None of them are, Hidi scanned the room, watching as wave after wave of red-haired vampires entered. She was beginning to grow sick of it.“I’m bored.” Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.“So bored,” She huffed, loud enough for a few nearby vampires to take notice. Some observed her with curiosity, never having seen a giant before. Others, like Sir Celbest, however, seemed eager to make her acquaintance as the Queen of Almony. But Hidi didn’t buy it for one second to be good-willed.Almony was a rich country, and Hidi had long since learned to recognize opportunists. And She met their stares with a hard, flat look, and just like that, their attention turned elsewhere.If only Ana were here. At least then, she’d have someone
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 23 Reunion Long Overdue
*Nicoli* The sudden jolt of the carriage nearly knocked Nicoli out of his seat. If not for his father's firm hand on his shoulder. He would have.Nicoli blinked a few times, swallowing as he steadied himself and slid back onto the velvet bench.“When did I fall asleep?” He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldn’t have. He barely slept at all until now, determined not to miss a single moment of his first journey beyond the kingdom. He wanted to commit every detail to memory, to recount them later when he finally saw her.He just hoped he didn’t miss too much.“I’d say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,” Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. “Yes, you were out like a light,” he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.“What? I missed the border?” Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 22 Business and Pleasure
*Pendwick*As soon as his grandfather took to forming his circle of friends to talk, Pendwick tucked to one side of the domed lobby. There, he took his chance to look around unnoticed. Hoping eagerly to catch where the petite Empress could be. But he didn’t see her. Did I miss her? Pendwick sank, yet again losing a chance to talk to her again today. It seemed so long since the two could.Ever since his confession, the two had not had a moment together alone. What with Ana busy with Chief Amul- she had her hands full as it was.And as for Pendwick, well, he had to deal with his grandfather.It came as no surprise that his grandfather was not happy with the results the days before. Pendwick failed yet again. And last night, his grandfather made sure to drive home the point that FAILURE was not an option. Leaving him with bruises so deep, that even vampiric healing couldn’t heal fast enough before the following morning. Thus, Pendwick had to acquire and apply camouflage to cover up hi
