*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,
*Mykhol*“Do you have anything a bit more- bloody?” Mykhol pointed to the cut roast. But the servant shook his head.“Apologies, my lord. It’s been cooked well.”“All of the meats?” Mykhol motioned to the rest of the table. It was quite a spread of beef and red meat. Yet he smelt no blood from any of it. Again the servant bowed apologetically.“Queen Belinda ordered all the meat be cooked well-done in case the sight and smell put off the little ladies.”“Really?” Mykhol lowered his brows. He felt his fangs sharpen. She did, did she? Mykhol turned to side-eye the platform. There he found Queen Belinda sitting beside her husband. She didn’t notice Mykhol glare at her.But Mykhol stopped. It wasn’t like he could change anything. This wasn’t his court. He was only a guest. So Mykhol relented and lifted the plate.“Then just make sure you put plenty of the drippings on it.” At least then Ana won’t find it too dry. Mykhol thought, but still, he felt a little peeved. Here he was, trying t
*Nicoli*Finally! After waiting for what seemed like forever- they were together. And Nicoli couldn’t be happier.We are going to dance the whole night! Nicoli decided. And he was determined to see to it. He would make sure to get his way because Nicoli was already aware of the dangers. Ana was in high demand, and if he were to leave her alone, even for a second, someone would swoop down to take her away.And who knows how long I will have to wait again. Nicoli thought with a puff of breath. And for good measure, he took the chance to eye the room.Oh yes. Nicoli could see those so-called dangers. Lord Mykhol stood to the side with a plate on one side of the ballroom. And Hidi was not too far off. She was by the entrance. Both were looking after them.Hidi smiled when she noticed Nicoli looking over. She even made to wave. Mykhol was not as friendly in his response- he only shrugged with the plate. I’ll keep dancing with Ana- I won’t let go of her hand. It looked like the only opti
*Nicoli*Nicoli minded his way through the floor, trying to avoid attention. But this proved to be foolish on his part. Nicoli found he could barely take a few steps before someone would jump in his way and fall into a curtsey.I should have guessed this would happen. Nicoli thought as he saw the girl in purple bow. Another girl in green quickly followed suit behind her. And behind them, Nicoli could already see the girls start to line up. They were waiting their turn to get a chance with him. Oh geez. Nicoli thought with a huff through his nose. But he kept the smile.“Prince Nicoli,” The girl in purple smiled back. Her face was painted white and pink to simultaneously make her look pale and blush.She reminds me of a clown. Nicoli thought and had to swallow a laugh. The girl behind didn't look any better. “Your Majesty,”"Hello-" Nicoli nodded with a sidestep to move around them, but they just stepped his way again. “How are you?”“Would you care to dance?”“Excuse me,” Nicoli pu
*Ana*I get twirled as soon as Nicoli leaves. Father is eager to start the dance. But there is a problem. Our height- Father is so much higher than me. My arm nearly pulls out of my socket as I struggle to keep my hand in his.“Uh,” I almost trip over my skirt.“Easy,” Father’s voice is calm before I feel his steps slow. I use the chance to find my feet with relief. “Thank you- oh?” I am all the more surprised that he now lowers his shoulders. His hand is now easier to grasp. I immediately feel grateful that he has modified the distance.Behind us, the song is finishing. It will be time to change partners again. I can’t say that I’m not relieved. I feel so bound up-and I know why. “I thank you, your majesty-” I go- my hands work themselves out of his grasp. I step back as the song ends.As if knowing, I feel someone watching. I look over to find a familiar pair of red eyes- the only other pair in the room. Mykhol holds a plate and smiles at me with a comforting grin. Mykhol. I am
*Ana*“Ha,” When Father finally stops twirling, he is breathing hard. He puts me down, and instantly, I thank the stars that I can feel on the ground. “Ah,” I wobble a little, thanks to dizziness.“Easy,” Father takes my hand to help. My legs stabilize, and I can stand.“Ah, thank you.” I go to see him and smile.“Well then,” Father raises his hair and removes his mask. He’s red in the face- and thin lines are imprinted on his skin from the mask. His skin shines with little beads of sweat. “How did you like your first dance?”“It wasn’t dancing- you carried me.” I point out to have him burst into a laugh.“Yes, I guess you’re right.” He squeezes my hand before letting go to rake back his hair again.“But you did have fun.”“Perhaps.” I shrug with a smile.“You little- are you acting impish now, too?” “What, no-” I look up to see him move over to rub my head. His big hand feels hot through my scarf.“It’s fine. I was joking.” His voice is much softer than I expected. “It’s fine to
*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
*Ana*“Papa, you are back,” I say, stifling a yawn. It is late, even for a vampire, and it would be a lie to say I wasn’t annoyed by Admiral Nugen’s appearance at my door. But despite being tired, I can not help but be happy as I find the man in the room. At last, he is back! It’s like a dream. And as soon as my eyes find him in the room. All I want to do is rush in and hug him.But wait, I shouldn't do that. I barely collect myself in time. That is not proper.I am an Empress, now, after all. I have to be more aware of my actions. Empresses do not hug on a whim. Even if he may be my father, I must pull myself in. I am not a child anymore. So, instead, I do my best to appear calm and collected. It’s two monarchs meeting each other, after all. I need to start the practice of acting more maturely. My voice, however, despite my desires, cracks with my inner excitement. “I didn’t receive word you were coming.” In truth, I haven’t received any letters at all. From him or Nicoli for som
*King Alexander“Your Majesty, we’re here,” Johan’s voice woke Alexander from his sleep.“Are we?”Alexander grumbled, shifting up in his seat. He blinked a few times to help adjust his sight before looking out the window to see if it was true.“How long was I asleep?” It surprised him he even could. Alexander barely slept the entire ride. He should have though, because now his eyes cursed him.“Not long,” Johan answered as the door opened. The familiar smell of sand immediately washed over them. Alexander took in a deep breath and closed his eyes nostalgically.It’s good to be back. Alexander relaxed as everything flooded back to him. Though he loved his country, something about Nochten weighed in his heart.Maybe it was because of their past, or it was Parsul’s home. But now, he had other reasons. But that twisted his stomach thinking of her.“I hope we aren’t too late.” Alexander got up first. “They’ve made themselves quite busy with me gone.”But it was better to know this now. Ale
*Mykhol* Now, standing left behind on the platform with Ana gone along with Admiral Nugen and Sir Pendwick, Mykhol breathed out. He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath till now. “How did he…get the book?” Mykhol dropped his smile by inches until it was fully gone to a straight line.That, Mykhol hated to admit, could have turned out much much worse. Despite his planning, the idea of the book falling into the wrong hands had never occurred to him.And in the very hands of Admiral Nugen of all people. However, it had, somehow, someway. Mykhol again felt something shift under his skin as things were adding up. Someone took that from Father’s safe. Someone knew they had it. Moreover, they knew the lock combination to get it out.Something which, as far as Mykhol was aware, should have only been three people: Father, Mother, and himself.So it seems we have a little mouse on our hands. Mykhol smirked as he glanced back to the corner. But the corner was already empty. The silent b
*Ana*“It’s because of me.” Mykhol steps forward. “I did it.”“Cousin?” My breath crawls out as I, Admiral Nugen, no, the whole room is shocked into silence. What did he just say? Did he just admit that he is-? No, it can’t be- I breathe to catch myself again. Mykhol wouldn’t do that. He would never- No, I shake my head. It can’t be. Mykhol is family. And families wouldn’t betray each other.I have to have misheard. But Mykhol doesn’t look back at me. He is stepping down the platform. And meets Admiral Nugen at his side. “Lord Mykhol?” Admiral Nugen stiffens “What is the meaning of this?” Mykhol however, does not look at him, instead he turns to face the room.“You heard correctly. I am responsible.” Mykhol goes with a stronger voice. “I have failed you all.” “What is he talking about?” Someone whispers.“Responsible for what?” More start to perk up.“Mykhol?” Aunt Funda, meanwhile, steps up. Her hands are clenched up at her chest, her face dead white. “Honey, what are you doing
*Ana* “Your Empress?” Aunt Funda coughed to make me blink awake again. I can suddenly make her out.“Are you…alright?”“That-yes,” I say but in truth I am not sure. How long was I just sitting there? Staring off into nothing? By looking over the room, it might have been a good long time. Because now, everyone is looking at me. I have their attention.That’s a rarity on its own. That’s right, we are in court. I suddenly remember as if my mind was slowly unthawing. I was holding a meeting today. Because Admiral Nugen has- My thoughts stop again. But their stares prompt me to need to do something.Yes. I think sluggishly. I should speak, shouldn’t I? “I-” But just as quickly as I make a sound, it closes. My mouth clamps shut and I swallow. The words seem too big to force out.What I want to say and what I’m trying not to say seem to mix up. I have to use more effort to push out something logical. It has to be, logical, I mean. I don’t want to let my emotions get the better of me.I
*Mykhol*“Mother, Father,” Mykhol greeted, feeling eyes on him almost immediately as he entered the courtroom. It was almost like everyone was waiting more for him. Maybe they are, especially the women. Mykhol smiled at no one in particular. The action set more than a few women to react. Mykhol could hear the soft dreamy sighs and underlining lust for him. It helped swell his pride.They were so easy. But they were not what held his attention as he lifted a brow at the startling discovery. “Is she still not here?” Mykhol noted the throne was empty. Ana was nowhere to be seen.When I’m already this late? How very unlike her. It wasn’t like Ana to break habit. But Mykhol relaxed. If she wasn’t here, all the better. She wouldn’t notice he was tardy too. Though it would be a bit funny if she did. Because then she would want to know why. And wouldn’t that be a fun surprise? Something caught in his chest at the idea. How would she react if I told her what I was just doing? Hearing al