*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.
*Mykhol* Poor thing. Mykhol couldn’t help but find the sight pitiful. But that only fueled his spite. You spent all that time remembering names. Mykhol shook his head with a slight laugh. But for what? It made it all the more grander to see Ana fall. You, too, can make such childish mistakes. Mykhol couldn’t help but gloat. Ana would undoubtedly be wary the next time. Mykhol sat straighter as he felt the room tone soften again. It was tense momentarily, but everyone was coming around, thanks to the King cracking jokes and the Prince’s comments. Mykhol didn’t bother to pay attention to all as it didn’t matter. What did matter was how quickly Ana’s public display dropped from their attention. They only regarded it as a minor incident now. People returned to their food and conversations once more. “She’s just a child, after all.” Mykhol could hear Nobles go on. “It happens.” “Poor Queen Belinda,” A woman went to another. “But she had to do it.” “Yes, you must be stern with chil
*Mykhol* Though Nochten was a prosperous empire, Mykhol could see Dawny was doing well. Mykhol could find the shadow of wealth amongst the King’s study: silk curtains, fur rugs, gold trim. The human kingdom was starting to lean into its new wealth. But it’s a far cry from Nochten’s level. Mykhol scuffed with reassurance. Even with their finery, Dawny was steps behind Nochten. Dawny would never be comparable. Our very traditions and tastes are just too refined. Mykhol looked over the room with a critical eye. From our dress to the way we run things. Mykhol would always see Nochten as superior. Thus, Mykhol was not intimidated by his study if that was on purpose. Nor was he uncomfortable with the bald servant who brought him here to wait. Mykhol only minded his time. But eventually, Mykhol grew annoyed the longer he waited. “Had I known it would take so long, I’d have just declined.” Mykhol tsked. He could already think of a million other things to do right now. Or better, other
*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