*Ana*“Thank…you.” I barely feel my lips move to make a sound as I draw quiet at the sight of the blue wax seal. Dawny’s royal stamp is pressed deeply into it.It’s here. I breathe softly. I thought it’d never… I’m suddenly weightless.Deep shallow breaths fill my ears before my hand raises. The letter shakes in my hand. I can feel the weight of it. It’s real.It’s here. I can barely believe it is here.“Nicoli.” Just thinking of his name makes my heart jitter.I thought you wouldn’t…that I lost…“Nicoli has written to me.” The words can no longer stay inside. I breathe again.“Oh, Cousin!” I rush to see Mykhol.“It’s finally here!” I find myself leaping forward and hugging Mykhol in joy.“I thought he would never write to me again.”“Oh,” Mykhol stiffens ever slightly, but he still smiles. “How wonderful for you.” “It is- I never thought- My paper-knife?” I let go, turning to Naska."Heh?" Naska blinks, caught off guard. She looks after me, or, more at my smile, with a perplexed exp
*Mykhol*“How dare she throw me out!” Mykhol hissed through his fangs, shaking as he stood in the hall. It was infuriating, no, even humiliating. And it took all he could not to just turn back around and bust down the door.She dares do this to me! Mykhol stomped ahead. His mind was burning and red. It was unbelievable. She doesn't even know what she's done!“Ana,” Mykhol bit through his teeth. Wait until my parents hear about this, they'll- Mykhol turned, ready to head toward their wing. He was going to tell them everything that just happened, even if his mother was already there to see part of it. The last part, the part where Ana just carelessly tossed him out.She dares push me, ME, aside as if I were nothing? As if I haven’t been here this whole time. Helping and comforting her? Something much more than any of those damn humans ever did. No, Ana will realize how much she’s messed up. I’ll show her. Once I tell Father and Mother-It was only then that Mykhol stopped in his trac
\*Ana*It is only when I hear Mykhol’s footsteps walk away that I can finally drop my shoulders. Now alone, I can feel the aftermath of the argument sting my ears. But I had to do it. I needed to.I can’t let Mykhol see this, holding the letter closer. No, I can’t bear anyone else to see what this letter is.I only read a few more sentences to know that much. “And what I still have to read,” I whisper knowing the task is not yet over.I walk exhausted to the window. At that moment, the sun peaks out from the clouds to shine down a scatter of rays. One ray finds my skin and I can’t help but stay to steal its’ warmth. It brings life into my cold skin.I didn’t realize it but I am much colder in the now-empty room. The fire still burns but it’s like the heat can not reach me. Like a wall is erected around me that can let nothing through. Only the sun can.But even there, it does not last. Shadows fall over me again as I look up to see the greedy clouds back at it. The grey wintery clouds
*Nicoli*Nicoli moved from the bookshelf to the clock again. The postmaster was on his deliveries by now. So he only needed to wait a bit longer.But it was challenging to sit and do nothing.“You’re going to run a line through my rug if you keep pacing like that.” His father lifted his head from the desk with a knowing expression.Nicoli stopped. But not for long. He began to fidget again. “You think it’ll come today?”Nicoli pulled out a book to put it back without looking. The book fell back with a loud thud on the shelf. He pulled out another to put it back. Again another thud.Alexander flinched a little at the sound but said nothing to it."Could be today, or it could be tomorrow.” He went but Nicoli shook his head at the answer not being good enough.“You said that yesterday.” Nicoli pouted and returned to the books. “And the day before and the day before that. Why don’t you know?” Nicoli went and his Father sighed.“I…if I knew, you would be the first one to know.” He went but
*Ana*I make no reaction as the short knock follows the door opening. In truth, I’ve been waiting. I happened to catch the posthorse from the window below some time before. And I knew it wouldn’t be long till the knock would follow.Though, I hoped today would be different. That today, there would be nothing for me. But seeing Aunt Funda come in with the silver tray in hand, leaves me with no doubt. I barely need to flick my eyes over from the window to know. I can already see the blue in the glass’s reflection. My eyes linger on it and then past to find my own reflection. An expressionless face regards me, cooly. At this point, at the age of twelve, I have become better able to conceal any if all my emotions. And even now, I still have that control. I barely lift a brow as I see her move to set the letter down on my desk.“Another letter from Dawny, your Empress.” Aunt Funda informs, looking at me via the window’s reflection. Her posture is perfect and straight, emphasizing her tow
*Ana*“Empress Anastasia, and Lord Mykhol entering” The announcer booms to turn all eyes toward us. I make no reaction but Mykhol puts on a smile. It causes a slight flurry from the floor of both the noblemen and women. As it usually does, and the whispering doesn’t fall far behind.“She comes with Lord Mykhol.” Someone whispers from the side and her partner nods with a knowing smile. “Of course she does.” And both shot a look up to find Mykhol.Mykhol again smiles back at them, as a habit. It again sets the women in the room into a new flush of whispers and fanning. Aunt Funda seems to find this a reason to beam a smile. She goes to look over the crowd as if counting the number of lookers.“The number has grown.” Aunt Funda whispers to Uncle Charles with a knowing smile. My uncle simply nods with a small more tame smile of his own.Why would that matter? I find myself not seeing any reason to be pleased. But that could be because my mind is preoccupied with heavier thoughts and take
*King Alexander*King Alexander was stumped. And when he looked to advisors for some possible insight, maybe a different point of view, he met with the same expression. They seemed just as perplexed. Everyone at the table seemed to be at a loss for words. Everyone, that is, except the very Prince Nicoli. He seemed completely unbothered. But Alexander had a suspicion as to why that might have been. Despite the very reason Nicoli was supposed to be here to learn, the boy was not paying attention. No, Alexander watched his son. His son was most definitely not paying attention as he watched him. Nicoli sat next to his father with a book in front of him. But he was not reading it. Instead, Nicolli was drawing bear doodles over the pages. I pity his tutors. Alexander grimaced. Those poor tutors tried their best, but it could only go so far. Nicoli still had no interest in learning. Instead, he seemed to prefer daydreaming over anything.It’s either that or writing another letter. Alexa
*Nicoli*“Hello everyone!” Nicoli waved and greeted the servants as he passed. They met his smile and stopped with the expectation that he would come to chat. Many looked forward to the boy's conversations. But that wasn't going to happen today.“No, sorry, I’m busy.” Nicoli only shook his head after them and kept moving. Today was not the day for chit chat. No, nothng was stopping him today. Talking to them, though delightful, would just slow him down. And he wasn’t interested in talking to anyone but Ana.For someone so young, Nicoli was quite sure of himself in that regard. Ana was the best. And he wanted to use his energy towards her first. “My lord,” Thomas stood up from his resting spot to open the bedroom door. He feigned like he was awake all the while waiting. But Nicoli wasn’t fooled because he could see the droll dried on the side of his face. Mother would be livid if she knew he was sleeping on the job. But Nicoli didn’t mind. He wished Thomas would keep sleeping. It mad
*Nicoli*“Mother,” Nicoli barely spoke, short of breath, as he rounded the stairs. His mother already on her way down, with Julia in close tow. “You shouldn’t run, Nicoli. ” Belinda reprimed with a slight shake of her head, “it’s unbecoming of a Monarch.” But she stopped as if to wait. Seeming to want him to join her side. Something Nicoli had no problem doing. Because Nicoli knew what she really wanted. And he moved without needing to be asked. Taking her hand into the crook of his arm, it earned him a gentle smile back. Her angry already half dissolved by the act.And further diminished by Nicoli tacking on his best smile.“Forgive me, Mother, I was just excited to find Father coming home earlier than expected.” Nicoli went before noticing the slight pink hue around her eyes. Making his smile thin a little. She was crying again. His eyes darted to Julia. She gave the barest of nods to confirm he was right. But even then, she said nothing to betray her master. Her steadfast loyalt
*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