*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
*Johan*Johan looked over the wing quietly. He was careful to hold his thoughts lest someone were to hear. One never knew who could be listening. The Queen's spies were just as prevalent as the kings.So Johan took great caution to keep himself observant yet passive. But there were moments that even he felt tempted like he was now. He again felt his tongue twitch as he noted the lackluster hallway. Not a shred of decor or decorum. Johan thought and felt the back of his neck stiffen. The hall was almost lonely compared to the rest of the castle. It's not at all fit for guests usually. How convenient that there were no other rooms available save here. Johan twitched his lips to give a sarcastic smile. He couldn’t help but find it petty. The Queen needn't stoop so low. But Johan quickly dropped the thought as his real business came to light. He had been waiting for the royal captain’s report. And he could see the burly man finally bound up at last. His little meeting with his subordin
Naska stared at the cup instead of taking it, more shocked than surprised at the motion. Someone poured her drink? It was indeed a first. No one had ever done anything for her. She was so used to doing everything for herself. And glancing up, the sight of who did, only made her more confused.It was one of the veiled women—a Bulgeon, a human. Her eyes lined in that inky black shadow seemed to regard her in silence just as she did. Her hand lifted the cup, steady, as if she were still waiting. Naska, not knowing what else to do, took the cup. But her eyes remained glued to the woman. Because of the veil, she couldn’t know what expression the woman was making. Was it friendly? Bitter? What did her face even look like under the cloth?Watching her, the mysterious woman moved with grace. She poured another ladle of blood, not wine, to steam against the glass. Her thin fingers peeked out of her sleeve to swipe a slice of meat to dip in, and she moved to eat under the cloth. Naska raised
*Naska*“What a joke of a party,” Naska muttered, baring her fangs as she leaned against the wall. ”Mine will be so much better.” Her pale red eyes flickered over blue and gold streamers hanging from the center of the high ceiling with a sneer. Ugly colors, she immediately found it stupid. But not as stupid as having to sniffle every other minute. Her nose was irritated and starting to run from all the damn pine scent in the room. Each breath was like choking on a bottle of soap. From the platform near the far wall, the gentle strains of stringed instruments played a song too delicate and indistinct for her to recognize. It filled the air like perfume—pleasant to some, she supposed, but meaningless to her. Light laughter floated between the nobles, punctuated now and then by the sharp clink of crystal goblets. Beneath the noise, however, the pressure in the room was thick. Everyone waited for Her Empress to return. The tension curled under the music like smoke, unseen but unmistakab
*Johan*As he entered the banquet hall, Johan quickly noticed quite a few things. The first was that King Alexander was nowhere to be seen, though Johan expected that. He must have still been talking with Queen Bratha.What surprised him, though, was that others were missing—two, to be exact. The handsome brunette prince was not in the banquet hall as he thought he would be, considering he did not see him in the lobby or even the line. He was gone, and neither was Ana. Who he did see was just Hidi.The giant queen stood out among the partygoers- not just because of her size. Her very presence seemed to overpower anyone who dared draw near. Those who attempted to pass her either darted their eyes down or weakly bowed before hightailing it inside. Johan could see that even that old coot kept a safe distance if anyone wanted to try to talk to her, like the ever-eager Sir Celbest.The blonde was not pleased about something, and Johan could easily see it. The girl had never been one to hi
*Nicoli*Nicoli held onto Ana like a man gripping the edge of a cliff—tight, unyielding, unwilling to let go for even a second. The very idea of releasing her, even to their father, was absurd. No. Absolutely not.He had waited too long, ached too much, spent years longing for this moment. And now that she was finally by his side again, he refused to let anything—anyone—take her away. Not tonight. Not ever. So be it if he had to fight off the entire court to keep her close. Vampire, noble, or king, he didn’t care. He’d take them all on.She was his Anastasia. And now that they were together, everything felt right again.A rare, genuine grin tugged at his lips—one that wasn’t for show, unlike the practiced smiles he wore in Dawny. This was different. This was real.But as they moved through the white halls, his excitement warred with Ana’s slow, deliberate steps. Too slow. She still walked like an old lady.Nicoli’s muscles twitched with pent-up energy, his entire body screaming to mo
*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