*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* The entire time, Maddie tries her best to stay cheerful. She smiles. Maddie jokes. She even goes so far as to squeeze my fingers and rub my back, but it goes nowhere. It doesn’t shift me from my mood. “And there we are." Maddie smiles again as she finishes the last button. I am standing in a new dress to match the latest shoes- we had to redress because my other shoes to match are not here. So, we had to start from scratch. I now stand in a large grey gown with blue embroidery. The color is appropriate. I feel like the color grey. My tongue and throat are grey. If I open my mouth, grey dust will fall over the room. It makes speaking difficult, and I must swallow it back down. "All done." Maddie squeezes my shoulders before standing to turn me around to face the mirror. “What do you think?” “It’s,” I open my mouth to taste the ash and struggle back a swallow. My eyes burn, but I won’t cry anymore. It won’t help anything. I end up just nodding with approval. The dress, like
*Ana* “Ah!”I let out a sharp cry, short of panic rather than fear. I don’t feel them move, but I blink, and my arms are out. My hand is pushing back whatever is on me. My vampiric strength knocks and smacks into a wall of meat. “Umphf!” whoever exclaims before I hear them tither and fall back as if I knock the air out. But even there, I am still reeling. “Who do you think you are to touch me!” I turn, ready to face this interloper. Whoever it is, they will not go unscathed. I will give them the most severe reprimand they will endure for such foolishness. “I am the Empress of Nochten, you can not-” At least, I think I will until I turn to look down. All at once, my anger dies like a candle blown out as I see someone I least expect. My breath stops as I take what must be the same kind of shock on his face. “Nicoli?” My voice finally finds a path out of my stutter. It’s Nicoli? Is he the one? “Why are you-” the words drop as Nicoli groans. “Ow,” Nicoli sits up. A quick shot of pain
*Mykhol* The king’s wing was rather far, on the castle's other side. It would be quite the walk to get back to their rooms. But that might have been a good thing. Mykhol found the long walk to give him a chance to uncoil. And by the time he passed the main stairs, his mind was clear. He could think of things in a less passionate tone. And he needed it because what just happened shouldn’t have. “King Alexander,” Mykhol thought, recalling the sting of the sword on his throat. The cut was long gone and healed. But Mykhol would not forget it. It awakened a deep anger that Mykhol would not forget. And he never would for as long as he lived. Or as long as King Alexander does. Mykhol mused as he heard the voices ahead. Quickly, Mykhol hid the dark thought beneath a smile. “Hello, Ladies,” Mykhol smiled as easy as the day to the maids. “Working hard, I see.” “L-lord Mykhol,” They bowed in return. The blushes on their faces were evident. Mykhol could feel them dart their eyes to thei
*Ana* “Oh!” I cover my mouth as Nicoli drops the lantern with a harsh clang. The sound is so loud that I can't believe no one heard us. Or worse, what if the lantern broke? I hurried and checked, but it was not. It was a surprise with how hard Nicoli dropped it. But still, I have to frown. “Nicoli, be more careful.” I don't care for his careless treatment of objects. Someone needs to correct him. “ You could have broken that- ah!” Nicoli yanks me forward. “Nicoli-” But his smile steals my anger. Nicoli smiles from ear to ear. And the lantern’s light only warms his face with a soft glow. His blue eyes sparkle in the light. “Don’t be so slow. Come on.” Nicoli pulls again. And suddenly, I remember his hands again. They're warm. I shift my eyes to my shoes. “Ana?” Nicoli smiles, be it a little confused. But he quickly gets back to it. Nicoli pulls me to the center of the round rug before letting go. “Stay right there,” Nicoli orders and marches off. “I’ll be right back.” “Oh,
*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
*Julia*Julia was already out before the posthorse was even taken to the stable. And Like clockwork, she took her spot to stand and wait as the mail was delivered over to Postmaster Nettle. Her presence shocking no one. Why, it was such a common sight to see her now that Nettle nor the other servants even stirred. The silent old woman’s presence was nothing to them. She was simply a part of the process. And like always, she waited and watched for Nettle to approach with hawk-like precision. But regardless of her cold approach or silent pressure, Nettle still kept his own. He would not move faster, even for the queen’s handmaid. He only nodded to her in greeting.“Ah, Julia, I see you have ears like a cat.” he joked. “You arrived just in time. I’ve just received the post.”“PostMaster Nettle,” Julia returned stiffly, already looking past him. Her eyes scanned the letters on the golden tray in his hands. They immediately went to the return addresses. She already vying to see where th
*Ana*Is it really time? Can I really do it at last? The thoughts swim in my head as I dash away from Father. The breeze lifts my shawl as I move.Can I write to Nicoli? I knew this day would come. But now that it’s here, I am almost overwhelmed.It doesn’t feel real to me. After going through so much, the first blood, the coronation, the trade problems, Mykhol’s departure, and countless other things. So much has happened since then. It just never felt like it would happen. But here I am, running. And it feels so unreal. Nothing does now. I can’t even feel the ground under my feet as I move. Everything seems to slow down, or I move even faster.I am only vaguely aware of the sound. It’s my heart. It hits against my chest like a drum and by the time I am back inside, a slight wave of dizziness is swimming over me.But I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I am driven like a moth to a flame. It is like I am floating through the halls. And my body feels weightless as I come to my door.“Naska!” I
*Ana*Is this where I get my work ethic from? It’s fair to make the argument because I am surprised how immediate Father is to start as soon as we get back inside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so seriously.But he is. And I can’t say I’m not glad about it. When he said get to work, he meant it. Immediately after Mykhol departed, one of the first and most important things Father sought to fix was the supply issue.He made it all look so simple. A new trade route was established going through the Almony mountains, not our desert. And secondly, Almony, not our Nocthen merchants, would be used going forward. This, of course, caused quite the outburst in court, not to have any Nochten’s but foreigners involved. I included. But Father assured me that they would be reliable thanks to his own experience. Even Hidi has vouched for them through letters, among other things. As for the other things, Hidi sounded peeved in her letter. Something about doing surprise visits instead of correspo
*Naska*“I will hold things down until you are back.” Naska managed to whisper, finally having that spare moment alone with Mykhol all morning.Otherwise, I’ll never get my chance. Naska gave a sharp glare behind her to the crowd. Somehow, word had spread overnight of Mykhol’s departure. Thus, why did so many come despite the early morning? They had come to bid their farewells.On any other day, Naska would have warmed at the sight. It demonstrated how many gave their support to him. She would have gloated, prideful at how much power Mykhol had by the display.But the high number of girls in the crowd kept her escalations at bay. The sight of so many in the audience cooled Naska down with their pained expressions and wanton eyes. Eyes, which were all directed at Mykhol, no less. Naska clenched her hand at the sight.Back off, he’s mine. Naska wished she could break away right there and start throttling them. Harm them and something more, that is, until she felt his cool finger graze
*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