* 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
*Ana*I can hear the sound of strings even before we are at the door, and it only grows louder as we make our way up. Two knights guard the entrance. They glare quietly at Mykhol, but upon seeing me, they brighten. They bow with a smile directed at me.“Your Empress, Lord Mykhol.” They greet me in unison and stay smiling as they look up at me. The sight catches me off guard, and I find myself smiling back. It’s a reflex, but Mykhol doesn’t seem to like it. Mykhol taps his foot before holding my hand closer.“Well?” Mykhol goes with a measured stare between the two.“Aren’t you going to announce us?”“Oh-I, yes, m’lord.” And the enormous knight turns to cup his hands over his mouth.“Announcing Empress Ana-”“Wait,” I move on my own. I take his hand on reflex. “Your Empress?” The servant immediately looks back at me with wonder.So does Mykkhol.“Ana?”“Can we…not be announced?” I ask, but both look at me as if I’ve said something foolish. Mykhol shakes his head at me.“But cousin,
*Ana*“It will take some time, but as long as we keep an open communication,” I pause on habit, turning crimson eyes from the map, half expecting to find the Bulgeon chief either dozing off or distracted. Thanks to my less-than-lustrous experiences in court, creating a low bar for many. However, instead of finding the king of pirates inattentive, I am met with an unwavering gaze of chocolate brown eyes. Amul smiles at me from across the table, bronze-calloused hands folded over the other, still in the same pose he first took when we began three hours ago. He tilts his head, shifting beads of bone to clink against the metal chains, before lifting his bushy eyebrows as if expectant, unaware of anything but just following along.“Open communication?” Amul prompts. “You were saying, Empress?” “I-yes,” I come back to it with a slight laugh. “Sorry, I- it’s not often I have someone listen without interruptions. And for this long,”. “They speak when you speak?” Amul’s brown lips dip down
*Hidi*“Mama!” Hidi exclaimed in billowing steam before digging heels to clack against the limestone pathway. The yellow sigil of Almony on the carriage's black door stuck out like a beacon of hope against the ashen skies ripe with snow. The door swung out seamlessly just in time for Hidi to reach out for her hand. Intending to help her mother down. But the elder blond slapped her hand away with a stinging clap, insistent on getting down on her own. Even now, refusing to give her daughter even the smallest admittance to her declining age.Instead, Bratha rose to her staggering height of eight feet on thick but confident legs before reeling back her lips to pinch her nose as if shocked by a horrible odor.“I forgot how much sand stinks.” She grumbled. Hidi had to giggle.“Mama, be kind.” Hidi looped her arm into her mother's as the servants bobbed their redheads, faces ruddy from waiting in the cold, to make for her luggage. Which, Hidi noted, was not much. Mama does not mean to sta
*Ana*“Am I… “ I blink, gobsmacked, as my mind can not quite process what I just heard. That, or maybe fight it? The sheer audacity that anyone would even think to ask such a question, let alone someone ask me, is unthinkable.“Am…I?” I try again before Amul nods, his brownish-black eyes glinting with amusement and interest, before spreading his beard thin to betray a toothy grin.“Are you a virgin?” Amul repeats slowly but clearly. As if he thought I might not have heard him correctly the first time, before tilting his head to one side quizzically and shifting a sun-bleached dreadlock off his shoulder.“I asked if you have laid with another man before.” “I…?”The words squeaked out of my chattering teeth before stalling on my tongue, again in disbelief that this was happening.But it is. Amul just asked me if I am a…I look back at him, wide-eyed and not sure how to even start to react to such an off-putting question.Should I be angry? Upset? Disgusted? I don’t know. Or maybe this wa
*Ana*At least…everyone is quick to assemble on short notice. I shiver as another gust of wind blows over us, making even me flinch, and pull up my cloak, before stealing a glance back.On the platform, wrapped up tightly in thick cloaks, Aunt Funda and Uncle Charles miserably stand together against the cold on the left side. Underneath the cloak’s hems, I can spy the hint of blue of the matching gown sets I had ordered made for them. Something Aunt Funda insists is too plain, what with not having jewels sewn in or metallic threads used. But Sir Celbest is always quick to remind her of the budget restraints. Or threaten her that she won’t get any new gowns. Something which seems always to make her grow quiet again. Which is quite impressive on its own, but that just proves Sir Celbest making a good treasurer.Better than Uncle, even. I think with a look over to the crowd and find them both together. Both of them, Pendwick and his maternal grandfather, Sir Celbest, stand in the front
*Naska*“She…turned him down?” Lady Funda was still processing between disbelief and joy at the news, but it didn’t take long before her lips lifted to show a fanged smile. With a smile, Naska was quick to pick up.“Oh, yes. She turned him down, alright.” Naska repeated. “It’s a pity you couldn’t have been there to see it with your own eyes.” Naska went on, and Funda laughed, clearly taken in by the thought.“It would have been grand if I could,” Funda admitted. “To see her, shoot him down like that.” She chuckled again, touching her rings, before turning with a smile.” My, good work, Naska. You’ve done wonderfully.” “I have, haven’t I?” Naska beamed, pleased beyond measure how quickly her work was being praised. But of course, Naska knew she would be.Maybe, Lady Funda will give me another of her pretty necklaces again? She hoped so, reminded of the necklace Lady Funda had just given her the other day. Lady Funda liked her so much more now. Her affection was clear by all the gifts
*Ana*“A confession?” What could Pendwick possibly have to confess to me? I must say, it is quite a surprise to hear, coming from him, of all people.Pendwick is the most forthcoming person I know. He may be shy in his words, yes, but he is candid with me. So, it’s quite a surprise to hear we had secrets between us.Though, he did mention something like this before, didn’t he? Back in the garden the other morning? Perhaps this is referring to that?“Pendwick? What is this confession?” I curiously look down at our hands, his cupping over mine, before looking back up. “Have you..done something?”“Done..?” Pendwick flinches, his hands slightly shaking over mine a moment, but takes in a shaky breath, before calming down. “It’s.. not something I wanted to do.” Pendwick lowers his eyes then. “Not intentionally.”Not intentionally he says? “Then, Pendwick, what is it?” I press because now I am starting to feel my stomach tighten, a bit confused. What could he be confessing about? And… what
*ana*“Bruno, I would have thought you, out of everyone, would have liked this idea.” But clearly, I am wrong. And, instead of excitement like I thought, I now have a 14-year-old boy, brooding at me. Bruno’s overgrown dusty red bangs cover his eyes, making it hard to see where he is looking, let alone what kind of expression he’s making now.“What’s so wrong with a dance?” I ask him. “Tell me, why don’t you like it?”“Because…it’s foreign.” Bruno goes off, shaking his head as if that is a good enough reason. But I can’t help but frown all over again.“I know it is. But just because it’s foreign, doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” “Why?” Burno only shoots back, blowing his bangs out of his face with a huff. “It’s enough for me. It’s a silly idea.”“Silly? Oh, Bruno.” I have to smirk at that. “Well, I thought it was something to help liven the party a bit. Something practical in terms.” I answer at last. “I mean, most of us know a dance or two.” “I don’t.” Bruno corrects flatly. “That…ye
*Sir Pendwick*He’s going to be mad. Pendwick didn’t even need to bother pretending. The instant he opened his mouth, he knew what he did. No one overspoke the head of the Celbest family.But I did. Worse, Ana even went with his idea. No, this would not be overlooked, and, inwardly, Pendwick sighed.It’s better if I get it over with now than later. He knew and turned.“Your Empress,” Pendwick started. “I will join you in a moment. I…just have to speak with my grandfather, first.” “Of course,” Ana, unaware of Pendwick's problems, easily replied. Her voice was sweet and soft like always to him. Even in this turmoil, Pendwick could not help but admire her eyes, so beautiful and clear, as she regarded him like a thousand times before.How much I wish I could just fall into them and stay there. Pendwick looked on, longingly, cheeks warming a little. But just as he wished it, he knew he couldn’t stall. He had to go and go he would.“Yes,” Pendwick nodded just before Hidi started.“Well
*Ana*“Hidi,” I go, but Hidi simply smiles back at me, the damage already done.“It will fit.” Hidi turns back to overlook the procession of more crates. Her newest ‘gifts’ of ‘decor’ are looming in multiple boxes. Just looking at the boxes now, I’m afraid to even ask what they are.“Hidi,” I sigh again, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this to be a manageable party.” “Oh, Ana,” Hidi tsks. “You must make it big. This is your first real party since the coronation, and that was a decade ago.”“It was 9 years, Hidi.” I correct, “Not ten.” but Hidi rolls her eyes.“Worse than that,” Hidi shakes her head, “ You know it too. Come, Ana, I know these things. You must impress the other nobility and royals coming. My Mama alone will have opinions.”“Your-her majesty is coming?” I raise a brow at the news. “She will attend this time?”“It’s nothing major.” Hidi goes off-handedly. “Mama is curious about how things have been.”“But Hidi,” I pout a little, finding the revelation not small