*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*“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
*Julia*“Your Majesty.” Julia piped up, although she knew it was hopeless, that Belinda was already set in her ways. And sure enough, Belinda proved her right.“He wants to go,” Belinda went, her grey eyes watching both her beloved men step into the carriage. “You know, I can’t stop him.” Belinda went on, seeing Nicoli move for the carriage, his excitement clear to see, even from where they stood on the platform. Nicoli lingered to give one last wave and blow of a kiss. Belinda cracked a little, but quickly defaulted back to her icy demeanor as it was now Alexander’s turn.He looks even worse than when he first came back to Dawny some weeks ago. Julia thought with a sinking feeling. Alexander’s face had changed in his short stay, it was sunken to show his cheekbones, and his tan skin was losing color. Even his eyes were different, the blue shine was gone and dull.Alexander had stopped coughing shortly after a few days rest, but now new ailments attacked him, a shortness of breath, an
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence