*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,
*Belinda* After breakfast, Queen Belinda gathered her fellow ladies to have tea in her favorite room. The room was one filled with long windows that overlooked the gardens. It was a pleasant spot that Queen Belinda had always found enjoyable. And today was no exception. Surrounded by her ladies, Queen Belinda’s mood improved significantly. She was now in the midst of a conversation. Each was overlapping the next. Everyone was busy talking over who wore what and who did that. It’s all trivial nonsense. Queen Belinda was no fool. But still, it was sweet on her ears. It helped almost erase all that went on just before. Almost. Queen Belinda clenched her dress under the table. It still irked her. I am Queen here. Queen Belinda could feel the sting of being abandoned by both husband and son resurface. It was worse by how quick they were to leave. She ought to have deserved better than this. Not that unwanted thing! Queen Belinda quivered with quiet rage. She forced a sip of tea
*Nicoli* “This should be it.” Nicoli stopped at the door. He put down the lamp with more care this time, mindful of Ana. She's so funny about these things, Nicoli mused. It was just a lantern, but it upset Ana, so he would be careful. “There's no knob?” Ana spoke out to see Nicoli nod. “It's over there.” Nicoli pointed nonchalantly to where he left it. Nicoli didn't know how old the hallways were, but it was old. It was older than him. And knobs falling off doors happened. So he wasn't too surprised when the knob broke. He just pushed it to the side like the others. “Is it broken?” Ana started again before furrowing her brows. “Then, how will we get in?” “Like this.” Nicoli didn't miss a beat as he went for the door. He pushed to give a low creak. As it opened, both could feel a heat wave flood in. It felt delicious in the cold hall. But there was something even better. What luck! Nicoli could recognize the smell. Something was baking in the oven. And it was heavy and sweet.
*Ana* “Alright, alright, enough, you two.” Mr. Brown's voice booms over us. “Settle down.” “Oh!” Nicoli and I stop our attacks to gasp together with delight. Mr. Brown does not disappoint. We are to have a feast! There are slices of cheesecake and strawberries topped with whipped cream. The only downfall is that Mr. Brown provides an accompanying saucer of tea. At the smell, my stomach tightens on reflex. But I don’t get to dwell on it long over Mr. Brown. “There we are.” Mr. Brown announces with a puff of pride in his chest. “The usual.” The plates are set out with the tea before Mr. Brown gives both of us a firm look as if to say the most important thing. “Don’t let it spoil your dinner.” Mr. Brown then breaks into a wink and turns abruptly to return to his duties. “Thank you-” I start but nearly choke as a strawberry shoves into my mouth. I almost fall out of my chair from the near-fatal attack. “Nicoli-” I spit out the strawberry and take a haggard breath. “Nicoli, why did
*Ana*My body freezes, every muscle locked in place as Nicoli leans in closer. His face is inches from mine, and I feel my breath catch, a whirlwind of confusion and anticipation racing through my mind. What is he doing? Is…he going to kiss me?But we can’t—we shouldn’t. We aren’t children anymore.As children, it was innocent. Nicoli used to kiss me on the lips, but it was always affectionate—nothing more, just like when he would hold my hand or offer a playful hug. It was natural to him, something that didn’t feel strange, something I expected from him without question. But that was then.Now, we’re adults. And that changes everything.We can’t– I try to tell myself that, but something in me hesitates, unsure whether I want him to stop or... not. I’m paralyzed, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears. As his face nears mine, I feel the world shrinks, the air around us thick with tension. A strange eagerness stirs in my chest—a warmth I don’t understand. It coils through
*Ana*“Nicoli–” He’s going the wrong way again. I shake my head, the soft chime of my gold chains punctuating my amusement. But he insists on leading, judging by the stubborn set of his shoulders. He’s determined to get somewhere despite having absolutely no idea where that is.For the past twenty minutes, Nicoli has forged ahead with all the confidence in the world, only to crumble in confusion when we inevitably hit another dead end or loop back to the same hall. Left, then right, then left again. Each turn is taken with steadfast determination — and each time, I have to stifle a new laugh as we encounter yet another wall.“Nicoli, just let me show you–” I try, though I’m already bracing for him to ignore me. It would be far easier if he let me lead, though. This is my palace, after all. I know the twists and turns, the subtle variations in the endless white corridors. But he seems lost in his resolve. As if doing this out of spite at the challenge and not wanting it to get the bett
*Hidi*“But, what about me–” For once in Hidi’s life, her voice was too soft to hear—lost, swallowed under the sound of laughter. Their laughter. Hidi froze, her breath caught in her chest, her words useless in the space they left behind. Her eyes only widened as she stared after them, watching–watching, but not moving in disbelief.The two of them were running, laughing, hands clasped like children lost in their own world. And she was still standing here.She blinked. Did they really just… leave me?The air seemed too still while everything else moved too fast. Nicoli had been right there. Right there. She could have reached out, close enough to brush her fingers against his sleeve. But he hadn’t even looked at her. Didn’t even voice a hello.Not once.His sapphire-blue eyes had locked onto Ana, and nothing else had mattered.For the second time.A cool flick of irritation ran beneath her ribs, lodging itself somewhere deep inside her. She knew this was their grand reunion, knew th
*Ana*Standing between my aunt and uncle in the banquet hall, I must appreciate everyone’s hard work for the party. They really put in a lot of effort.The banquet hall is beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers cascading down to the center of the high ceiling. Each arched window features a garland of fir and pine, filling the room with a clean yet sweet reminder of the winter outside. The candelabras are all set and lit with fresh beeswax candles, brightening the room and causing the windows to fog up slightly. The tables that line the walls are adorned with an assortment of cakes, meats, and double boilers filled with various types of blood for those who prefer.It’s everything I could have hoped for. And I swell with pride. So far, I think my first real celebration is going well. I gaze over the steady stream of new guests. Once again, I have to note that most of those arriving are unaccompanied men I spot yet another group. They put on a show by bowing or smiling at m
*Nicoli*“So… this is Nochten,” Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was certainly different from home.His gaze traveled upward, taking in the domed ceiling overhead, the polished stone walls that gleamed in the candlelight. Beneath his feet, a mosaic of a bat soaring toward the moon—Nochten’s national symbol—stood in sharp contrast against the pristine white stone. The palace lacked the excessive paintings and portraits he was used to. Instead of gold trim and plush fabric, there was only carved stone and painted walls. Even the flooring was a departure from what he knew. No wood, only cold, solid stone.Nicoli's eyes caught the mosaic again, its intricate details holding him transfixed. Slowly, a small smile pulled at his lips.It suits her. He thought. Yes, it most definitely did. This was most definitely Ana’s home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
*King Alexander*Alexander and Bratha walked down the side path leading to the gardens. It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did, he couldn’t help but smile a little. Even after all these years, it felt natural to take this path. The habit was still there after all this time.We always used to meet here.The memory stirred something deep within him—afternoons sprawled on soft blankets, the scent of wildflowers thick in the air, laughter curling between the hedges like vines. If he closed his eyes, he could hear it still—such wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himself–But when he opened them, all that remained was frost and silence.Now, the garden lay barren, stripped bare by winter. No vibrant petals, no soft grass, only brittle leaves crunching beneath their boots. And between them, a silence stretched too long.It had to be him who spoke first. Bratha would not. Her sense of morality dictated that burden to him.After all, he committed the greatest
*Hidi*Hidi stood off to the side, her eyes fixed on the doorway. Each time a new arrival was announced, she held her breath, only to sigh in disappointment moments later. It wasn’t him.None of them are, Hidi scanned the room, watching as wave after wave of red-haired vampires entered. She was beginning to grow sick of it.“I’m bored.” Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.“So bored,” She huffed, loud enough for a few nearby vampires to take notice. Some observed her with curiosity, never having seen a giant before. Others, like Sir Celbest, however, seemed eager to make her acquaintance as the Queen of Almony. But Hidi didn’t buy it for one second to be good-willed.Almony was a rich country, and Hidi had long since learned to recognize opportunists. And She met their stares with a hard, flat look, and just like that, their attention turned elsewhere.If only Ana were here. At least then, she’d have someone
*Nicoli* The sudden jolt of the carriage nearly knocked Nicoli out of his seat. If not for his father's firm hand on his shoulder. He would have.Nicoli blinked a few times, swallowing as he steadied himself and slid back onto the velvet bench.“When did I fall asleep?” He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldn’t have. He barely slept at all until now, determined not to miss a single moment of his first journey beyond the kingdom. He wanted to commit every detail to memory, to recount them later when he finally saw her.He just hoped he didn’t miss too much.“I’d say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,” Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. “Yes, you were out like a light,” he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.“What? I missed the border?” Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
*Pendwick*As soon as his grandfather took to forming his circle of friends to talk, Pendwick tucked to one side of the domed lobby. There, he took his chance to look around unnoticed. Hoping eagerly to catch where the petite Empress could be. But he didn’t see her. Did I miss her? Pendwick sank, yet again losing a chance to talk to her again today. It seemed so long since the two could.Ever since his confession, the two had not had a moment together alone. What with Ana busy with Chief Amul- she had her hands full as it was.And as for Pendwick, well, he had to deal with his grandfather.It came as no surprise that his grandfather was not happy with the results the days before. Pendwick failed yet again. And last night, his grandfather made sure to drive home the point that FAILURE was not an option. Leaving him with bruises so deep, that even vampiric healing couldn’t heal fast enough before the following morning. Thus, Pendwick had to acquire and apply camouflage to cover up hi