*Ana* “Finally,” I snap my eyes and sit as Maddie closes the door. It felt like she would never go. Not that I would ever wish her to leave; usually, I love Maddie's company. But tonight, things are different. Tonight, I have plans. I look up in time to catch a line of light under the tapestry. That must be Nicoli. He is quick. I think and push off the covers. What good timing. Or was he already waiting? I wonder as I hear a faint click of the hidden door open. The light of a lantern soon spills over the room. I squint my eyes before I can see the holder. “Brother Nicoli,” I greet with a skip in my heart. It is him, after all. “Is it safe?” Nicoli looks around. He pushes the tapestry higher to reveal the dark and deep hallway behind him. “Yes, I think so,” I whisper, and to make sure, cock an ear up to listen. Yes, Maddie is gone, but I find it odd. Her footsteps are quicker than usual. Wherever she is going, she must be in a hurry. Maybe she wants to get to bed? It
*Maddie* “Still out like a rock, huh?” Maddie joked as she came back into the room. It was now the third time since she first came to check on Ana. She sure must be exhausted. Maddie thought as she stole a glance from the clock back to Ana. The girl was still in bed and fast asleep, though it was already growing late into the morning. Well, thanks to someone, she went to bed late last night. Maddie frowned, remembering. “That little punk,” Maddie tsked with a roll of her eyes but let it go. None of it mattered right now. The morning was growing late, and Maddie had to decide enough was enough. “You’re gonna miss everything if you keep sleeping, hun.” Maddie went at last. It was time to wake the sleeping beauty. “Atti-up, kiddo!” Maddie pulled the covers from the bed. “Hmph!” Ana immediately groaned as the icy air stabbed through her nightgown. Her body curled up to conserve the heat as Maddie went to open the curtains. Ana immediately turned to bury her face into the pillow
*Mykhol* “Ah,” Mykhol hissed bitterly as the sunlight peeked through the curtain to find his face. Mykhol immediately turned to hide, but it was already too late. The motion only made him aware of the pounding in his head. It feels like someone is smacking both sides. Mykhol groaned again before swallowing bitterly. He didn’t want to wake up now; it was still so early. But the pain was unbearable. He could not sleep even if he tried. “Goddamn it.” Mykhol gave in and sat up to feel another stab in his head. “Fuck,”. It was already a bad start to his day. I shouldn’t have drunk so much. Mykhol rubbed his eyes as if that could help. It didn’t. It only added to his frustrations. Mykhol was never a morning person, to begin with. Not that it was any surprise. Most vampires preferred late afternoon or night. Mykhol was undoubtedly one of them. But not today. Mykhol hissed again with a new pulse to his temples. Today would be an abnormally early day. How delightful. Mykhol had to sneer.
*Ana* It doesn’t take long for a maid to usher me to the correct table in the banquet hall. I watch the blond maid smile as she sets out my table. I can’t tell if it’s an act or she generally cares about her job, but I find myself unable to look away. Our servants are never so cheery in Nochten. I find myself having to compare. Is this just how Dawny is? I can’t help but wonder. She reminds me of Maddie. I think as the maid finishes laying out my napkin. “There you are, your majesty,” Doxy speaks affectionately. “It’s so good to have you back with us.” “Oh, ah, yes,” I mutter, surprised. I have a vague feeling I have met this maid prior. Was it the last time I was here? I can’t be sure. It wasn’t like I had that long to get familiar with anyone. I remember I only spent one day. But perhaps we did meet? I wonder if Maddie could remember if I asked. I partially wonder if this is worth bothering her. Or if Maddie might even remember? “Tea, your majesty?” Doxy, meanwhile, grabs m
*Ana* What did he mean he needed many things? I blink after Mykhol’s strange comment. Was Mykhol lacking in something? I think as I look over. Mykhol is dressed as nicely as ever today in his Nocthen gown. Maybe it’s something I can’t see? I ponder. Or perhaps it is just him repeating strange things? But even as I considered it, I felt my lips pull up to a grin. “Cousin,” I laugh softly and shake my head. “I think you are still drunk.” “If only I were,” Mykhol sighs with a touch of his head. “My head is killing me right now.” “Oh no,” I can’t help but grow concerned. “I’m sorry, where does it hurt?” I lean over to touch his head. “Is it here? Or the other side?” I look up to see his answer. “I- both,” Mykhol says with a surprised look. “Both sides hurt.” “Perhaps you should go back and sleep it off?” I lower my hands, but Mykhol gathers them back up. “No, keep them there.” Mykhol goes and holds my hands to his head. “It feels better.” Mykhol makes a small smile. “You must h
Chapter 62 I Spy With My Little Eye (Edited & reviewed 12.25.23) *Ana* “Your Majesties,” I speak clearly, giving a respectful curtsy to the table. Midbow, I twirl my toes to find something peculiar. My feet were cold before, but now they are freezing. Odd? I can’t help but think maybe something is wrong with the shoes. Is there a hole? There shouldn’t be. The shoes should be new. Perhaps the socks are too thin? But I quickly dismiss it as nothing serious. It will be something for Maddie to handle. Right now, I have more important things to worry about. I stand up and find Father is the first to catch my eye. “Empress Anastasia,” Father greets with the warmest tone. It instantly makes me want to relax, but I won’t. I can’t. Not when Stepmother is sitting but a few feet from me. "Empress." Queen Belinda lifts her eyes over me to investigate my dress. She presses her lips slightly as if looking for something. She resorts to smiling lightly before turning her head. “Anyway, as I
*Queen Belinda* “But I am wearing-” Queen Belinda watched the girl try to refute her by lifting her skirt. But this only proved a fool’s errand. Because not only did it prove Belinda right, but now everyone else at the table could see the unmistakable sight of bare feet on cold stone. “That’s-” Besides her, Alexander sat in his chair. That carefree and joyful manner was long gone as a look of concern grew on his face. “Belinda,” Alexander quietly looked at Belinda. But it was already too late. He could do nothing now. The scene was drawing attention from the rest of the room. “What’s going on?” Belinda could hear the whispers begin as more eyes turned to them. Even the servants have stopped to watch. Belinda noted, sweeping her eyes over the room. Again, it was too late to stop it. It was taking on a life of its own. The only thing to do was watch it unfold. And Belinda planned to as she sat back in her chair. Let them tear her apart, now. Belinda wouldn’t need to lift another
Chapter 64 Sour Peaches *Queen Belinda* That turned out better than I expected. Queen Belinda secretly relished the sight of the girl walking away. Ana walked with her head cast down, full of shame. But, of course, she would be. It was a public display of embarrassment. And it was all under the guise of Motherly concern. Queen Belinda couldn’t have put on a better act. She couldn’t be any happier with herself than right now. Not only do I make her leave, I have the full support of all the other mothers. Queen Belinda smiled secretly to herself. On a whim, she looked over the room to see if it was still valid. It was. The mothers and ladies were still smiling and nodding amongst themselves. “It’s a shame it had to happen so publicly,” A wife told her husband. “Queen Belinda is truly a kind heart,” said an older woman to her daughter. Just listen to everyone again. Belinda felt her smile widen. They were eating out of the palm of her hand. And she barely had to lift a finger.
*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
*Mykhol*Mykhol shifted the naked girl's arm off with patient strength, not wanting to wake her. Though last night was enjoyable, his needs satisfied amply, Mykhol wasn’t too keen on her being up, especially to talk. Instead, Mykhol stood out of bed and stretched, lifting his arms high over his hand, allowing his muscles to shift and lax. Unable to resist the urge, his eyes went to the mirror to admire himself and inspect for any potential flaws in his physique. With nine years apart, Mykhol had grown into quite the man in many ways. Thanks to the training grounds and a strict physical regime, Mykhol’s body was now sleek and firm. His chest, arms, and legs were chiseled. If Mykhol had been handsome before, he would have been just a boy then. Now he was a ‘real man’ with a well-kept beard, only adding to his alluring masculinity. A fact, that certainly did not go missed by the female teachers and maids.Thanks to that, Mykhol had no problem finding any company. More like, amble en
*Belinda*“The answer is no.” Belinda threw the invitation down on the desk, wishing she could just rip the entire paper to shreds. “You are not to attend.”“But mother,” Nicoli was up from the chair. “Why?” His blue eyes searched her face, a look of confusion clear as day. “I was invited, wasn’t I? Please, mother,”“Nicoli,” Belinda had to force herself not to look into them, knowing full well, that if she did, she’d cave.“You are not of age. You're still too young.” Belinda took in a breath to steel her answer. “ I forbid it.”“But Mother,”“No,” Belinda motioned to Julia, who swiftly took the invitation away. “You will not step foot out of this country until you are 18.“ Belinda reaffirmed. “Not until then,” That should have ended the discussion right there, but alas, Nicoli would not give up.“But I will be,” Nicoli countered, looking after her. “My birthday is in a few months. I'm practically 18 already.” “Nicoli,” Belinda flinched. Was he that keen on going? Already stating i
*Lady funda*“A party!?” Funda puffed, repeating the news, before looking back at Naska. Naska could only meet her with an equal mix of confusion and disdain, before looking over to her own son, who came to report the latest news. His stoic face revealed no hint of either, only further driving home the point, that what he said was true.“Apparently,” Naska turned back to speak.”It is to celebrate her victory.” The word ‘victory’ almost spat out, the sheer insult of it all. “Victory? More like a lucky break,” Funda snarked. “Those Bulgeons have the complete run over in Pave, now.” Funda couldn’t believe anyone would see it as a victory. It was more like admitting a truce, a tie, two losers. And just because my wretched niece didn’t want to shed any blood. Funda was beside herself. And to have a party? A celebration? Why, it was like rubbing dirt in their eyes. It was cruel.“Yeah, well,” Naska, meanwhile, moved to pick her teeth, “I don’t see the point in it either.” She rubbed somet
*Hidi*Hidi shifted, yet again, trying to make herself comfortable. But it was a fool's cause, and she knew it. The sofa was simply too small, though a more than adequate size for a vampire, it was vastly shortcoming to her grand size. Why, Hidi’s hips, alone, swallowed up two seats per side, but what other option did Hidi really have? What with this being the biggest of Ana’s couches?The rest in Ana’s private sitting room was, and Hidi wouldn’t say aloud but found it to be the size for children. No, the whole room, in fact, was more a nursery than fitting an Empress, in her opinion.It did not help either, that Hidi was wearing the latest in fashion, an elongated hoop skirt, tapered at the sides. Making her need even more space.But Ana, as always, tried to accommodate, doing her best to make Hidi comfortable as much as possible, pulling more chairs over, and giving Hidi more space. Hidi expected no less from her friend, even now, volunteering to share a seat with Sir Pendwcik, in
*Ana*I would have thought that most would have gone ahead and skipped today, what with it being rather colder, but I quickly find I am wrong. Even in the cold, the rose garden is bustling with others. My simple walk in the cold winter morning is not so simple, turning more into a social outing, whether I like it or not.As such, I must present myself accordingly. I control my smile to be gentle and inviting just as the first wave comes over. “Your Empress, The noblemen bow in unison. “Sir Pendwick.” They nod their heads to him, next. “A beautiful morning, is it not?” Their outfits look fine, rich, and most importantly warm, for the cold weather.“It certainly is a clear sky,” I remark, noticing their noses turning pink from the cold. It makes me wonder how long they have been out here, and a better question, why. But I let the thought pass, thinking it better not to ask, simply wanting to get back to our walk.“Good morning,” I nod in their direction before turning with Pendwick in
*King Alexander*“They grow up so fast,” Alexander mused as he watched what used to be his little boy, turned now young man, take back inside. Nicoli’s face bright with excitement as he rushed back with no other thought than Ana. How Alexander envied him, then. “Damn, and here I hoped we would talk a bit longer.” Alexander pouted.“He’s just excited about the news.” Johan went. “He’ll be back.”“Aye, I get that.” Alexander would have liked to have a bit more time together. He knew the years of traveling between Nochten and Dawny had put a distance between them. His own son not even sure to hug him anymore, Alexander reflected.“Still, I’d like just a moment.” It was like they were strangers to each other. But, then, it was the price he had to pay, after all. Alexander knew that something would have to give after putting more effort on Ana than him. So he couldn’t hold it against him. Besides, it was good to see his reaction.He’s just excited for Ana. I understand his joy. Alexander
*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