*Nicoli*“Is he gone?” Nicoli peeked out from the covers to see the guard nod.“Yes, Your Majesty.” Yes! Nicoli could almost celebrate- but there was no time. He needed to be quick.But first things first, Nicoli sat up from the bed to eye the guard. It was his luck to have Tobi out of the whole bunch. Tobi was one of the softer-hearted guards- he liked to give Nicoli rocks that looked interesting from the outside.Tobi was also gullible. He never had kids of his own- so he never learned how honestly mischievous they could be. Thus, Nicoli couldn't have asked for a more perfect candidate than Tobi. “Tobi, I have a confession to make.” Nicoli made the effort of pouting as if this were the hardest thing to say—all a performance, of course. I have to sell it. Nicoli knew. Because his life depended on it now, he had a mission.So please, fall for it. Nicoli even threw a little disheartened sigh. It seemed to work as Tobi shifted on his feet. “A confession?”“I…can’t sleep.” “Is th
*Nicoli*Nicoli traversed the vast dark halls with only the lamp light as his saving grace. Otherwise, he would see nothing. It was pitch dark. But Nicoli expected it. The halls were usually dark, even during the day. So, it wasn't a significant change.What Nicoli did not expect, though, was what was happening outside. It wasn't quiet. It was so noisy that even Nicoli found it odd. It shouldn’t have been. People should have been asleep around this time. Why are so many people still awake? Nicoli thought it was very odd. It was too late for this many people to be moving around. It sounded like just about everyone was awake. People were pushing and talking.What’s going on? Feeling curious, Nicoli stopped to push a board aside to see outside- another small hole in the wall that gave a peek-a-boo to the outside hall. I’m right. Nicoli thought, looking into the hall. Everyone was awake.Nicoli could see the servants rushing down the halls. Some were carrying trunks, and others were ca
*Ana*Something smells good. My eyes twitch under my eyelids but don’t open. They still feel heavy. But I won’t be stopped.The smell is too intoxicating. It nags me. I won’t rest until I find it. It even makes my mouth water.What is this delicious smell?I slowly manage to crack my eyes open. They try to stick together. I move to rub them open. It does help, but I think I’ve pressed too hard because I see spots. I’ll have to wait till they adjust. While I wait, I lift my head. It feels strange. It feels like it’s put on wrong. It’s not sitting straight. Did I sleep on it funny?I shift my head back on my neck, and I feel it. Something is wrong. My head feels heavy, and I sense the soft headache trying to form over my eyebrow. It’s the beginning of a migraine.But I swallow as I don’t want to dwell on that thought. I only breathe in the smell. It smells so good. I see the glass when I sit up a little.Is it this?I reach to take the glass. I’m surprised to feel it’s warm. But I quic
*King Alexander* King Alexander grunted as he felt the hand on his shoulder shaking him awake. He fluttered his eyes to find it to be one of his captains. He was standing over him.“Your Highness?” He rasped, and King Alexander closed his eyes again and stretched. An immediate pain came from his lower back. He was stiff from sleeping in the chair. But he ignored the pain. There were more pressing matters at hand.“Hmm?” Alexander smacked his lips as he rustled to life. Besides his body being stiff- his mind was slowly turning. It took him a moment to realize where he was - still in the old hall of the less-used castle. “Is Ana-” Alexander breathed as he grew into focus. His blue eyes quickly darted down the hall to land at the door. It was closed. But he still had to ask.“Is she awake-” But the guard shook his head. That was not the news he wanted to share.“It’s morning, your highness.” The guard motioned to the windows. It took Alexander a moment to register the bright light pee
*Belinda*Belinda sat alone at the finest table. She was partly glad to have chosen to have it set up outside. Though it was morning, she could already feel it had the potential to be a hot day later.So, it was the perfect time to enjoy the sights of the trimmed lawn and pristine flowers comfortably. After that, Belinda was glad she had just one guest to worry about. That made it somewhat easier.Speaking of her, Belinda could hear the door open before the sound of feet climbing down. She sat up in a patient smile as the traveler came into view. Hidi had chosen Almonie's traditional hairstyle today. Belinda found it suited her well. The braids were healthy and smooth, just like Hidi.“Daughter.” Belinda got up to take Hidi’s hands. The giant squeezed them eagerly.“Mother!” She smiled and took her seat.“Good morning, sweetie.” Belinda cooed. She was immediately relieved to see the girl in such good humor. She didn’t seem phased at all about yesterday's events. If she had-Belinda d
*Belinda*“I’m surprised we had any.” Belinda began as soon as the children were gone.“Surprised about what?” Alexander sat up.“Surprised we had coffee.” Belinda continued. With that, she eyed the cup. She could smell it from her side—freshly brewed coffee beans. She used to smell like that. Belinda recalled as the smell triggered an almost forgotten memory.There was once a time I looked forward to the smell. Back then, when- But back then, it was years and years ago. Before anything had happened. When the three of them were still friendsNow, Belinda felt her stomach clench at the smell. It was only a reminder of bad memories. The smell of coffee unlocked things Belinda did not want to revisit.“Who would dare to keep some here?”“I made an order for Anastasia and her entourage.” King Alexander answered. “But I seem to have missed it more than I thought. I had a sudden urge to have some today.”“I see.” Belinda moved to pick up her tea. She let it linger around her nose to wash
*Hidi*Hidi had to keep her laughter to a minimum, lest she laughed and never stopped. And if she did that, she would miss anything Nicoli would say. But Nicoli was the one making her want to laugh.Because the boy was not trying to hide his lackluster attitude, his voice became as dull as his expression. And Hidi could barely stop from killing over. Watching Nicoli was just that fun. At that moment, Nicoli stopped to point. Hidi looked in that direction. It was a bush.“And here is a bush.” “Ah, yes. A nice bush.” Hidi nodded and smiled. Nicoli took two more steps to stop again. He pointed to a tree.“And that’s a tree.”“Quality tree.” Hidi nodded eagerly. She had to wipe a tear from her eye. She was having a lot of fun.He looks so miserable right now. Hidi beamed to herself. She could feel another giggle dangerously close. She so much wanted to laugh.But then Nicoli would stop, wouldn’t he? And Hidi didn’t want that to happen just yet. She wanted to enjoy this. Milk it for all
*Hidi*Inside Hidi’s room, Hidi’s heart twitched with excitement. It was terrible of her, too, but Hidi couldn’t help but relish that Nicoli was in her room. Nicoli had followed her in all the way voluntarily. He’s so trusting. Hidi thought as she worked on the contraption. But shouldn’t the boy know better? If we were just a little older, this would have been such a scandal. Hidi again tried the knot. It pulled out of the base again. No good, she would have to fix that. He would have to marry me if that happened. To save my reputation- Hidi continued with a giggle. It would with any other girl, Hidi was sure. She’d see how all the others looked at him—a bunch of hopeful optimists. It was a good thing they were all scared off. Hidi was again grateful for Ana. Her First Blood helped clear the room as to speak. And it allowed Hidi to use it to get closer to him.And besides, Hidi didn’t need to play off that scenario. Seeing Nicoli follow her was just a perk- but she didn’t need
*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
*King Alexander“Your Majesty, we’re here,” Johan’s voice woke Alexander from his sleep.“Are we?”Alexander grumbled, shifting up in his seat. He blinked a few times to help adjust his sight before looking out the window to see if it was true.“How long was I asleep?” It surprised him he even could. Alexander barely slept the entire ride. He should have though, because now his eyes cursed him.“Not long,” Johan answered as the door opened. The familiar smell of sand immediately washed over them. Alexander took in a deep breath and closed his eyes nostalgically.It’s good to be back. Alexander relaxed as everything flooded back to him. Though he loved his country, something about Nochten weighed in his heart.Maybe it was because of their past, or it was Parsul’s home. But now, he had other reasons. But that twisted his stomach thinking of her.“I hope we aren’t too late.” Alexander got up first. “They’ve made themselves quite busy with me gone.”But it was better to know this now. Ale
*Mykhol* Now, standing left behind on the platform with Ana gone along with Admiral Nugen and Sir Pendwick, Mykhol breathed out. He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath till now. “How did he…get the book?” Mykhol dropped his smile by inches until it was fully gone to a straight line.That, Mykhol hated to admit, could have turned out much much worse. Despite his planning, the idea of the book falling into the wrong hands had never occurred to him.And in the very hands of Admiral Nugen of all people. However, it had, somehow, someway. Mykhol again felt something shift under his skin as things were adding up. Someone took that from Father’s safe. Someone knew they had it. Moreover, they knew the lock combination to get it out.Something which, as far as Mykhol was aware, should have only been three people: Father, Mother, and himself.So it seems we have a little mouse on our hands. Mykhol smirked as he glanced back to the corner. But the corner was already empty. The silent b
*Ana*“It’s because of me.” Mykhol steps forward. “I did it.”“Cousin?” My breath crawls out as I, Admiral Nugen, no, the whole room is shocked into silence. What did he just say? Did he just admit that he is-? No, it can’t be- I breathe to catch myself again. Mykhol wouldn’t do that. He would never- No, I shake my head. It can’t be. Mykhol is family. And families wouldn’t betray each other.I have to have misheard. But Mykhol doesn’t look back at me. He is stepping down the platform. And meets Admiral Nugen at his side. “Lord Mykhol?” Admiral Nugen stiffens “What is the meaning of this?” Mykhol however, does not look at him, instead he turns to face the room.“You heard correctly. I am responsible.” Mykhol goes with a stronger voice. “I have failed you all.” “What is he talking about?” Someone whispers.“Responsible for what?” More start to perk up.“Mykhol?” Aunt Funda, meanwhile, steps up. Her hands are clenched up at her chest, her face dead white. “Honey, what are you doing
*Ana* “Your Empress?” Aunt Funda coughed to make me blink awake again. I can suddenly make her out.“Are you…alright?”“That-yes,” I say but in truth I am not sure. How long was I just sitting there? Staring off into nothing? By looking over the room, it might have been a good long time. Because now, everyone is looking at me. I have their attention.That’s a rarity on its own. That’s right, we are in court. I suddenly remember as if my mind was slowly unthawing. I was holding a meeting today. Because Admiral Nugen has- My thoughts stop again. But their stares prompt me to need to do something.Yes. I think sluggishly. I should speak, shouldn’t I? “I-” But just as quickly as I make a sound, it closes. My mouth clamps shut and I swallow. The words seem too big to force out.What I want to say and what I’m trying not to say seem to mix up. I have to use more effort to push out something logical. It has to be, logical, I mean. I don’t want to let my emotions get the better of me.I
*Mykhol*“Mother, Father,” Mykhol greeted, feeling eyes on him almost immediately as he entered the courtroom. It was almost like everyone was waiting more for him. Maybe they are, especially the women. Mykhol smiled at no one in particular. The action set more than a few women to react. Mykhol could hear the soft dreamy sighs and underlining lust for him. It helped swell his pride.They were so easy. But they were not what held his attention as he lifted a brow at the startling discovery. “Is she still not here?” Mykhol noted the throne was empty. Ana was nowhere to be seen.When I’m already this late? How very unlike her. It wasn’t like Ana to break habit. But Mykhol relaxed. If she wasn’t here, all the better. She wouldn’t notice he was tardy too. Though it would be a bit funny if she did. Because then she would want to know why. And wouldn’t that be a fun surprise? Something caught in his chest at the idea. How would she react if I told her what I was just doing? Hearing al