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Chapter 7
Last Updated:
2022-10-17 02:26:10Related chapters
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 8
Queen Belinda waited for Philpé, the royal artist, to finish his bow. Then, his assistant bowed the same while juggling the easel and paints.“Your majesty, good morning.” Philpé smiled. Queen Belinda warmed at his charming face. The painter was a handsome man. But this was not a face Belinda expected to see today. It was entirely out of the blue.“Philpé, I didn’t know you were coming. Are you here to do one of my ladies' portraits?”“Ah, no, your majesty.” Philpé shook his head.“ I’m here to paint a miniature of his highness.” Philpé couldn’t hide the prideful smile. It was a rare treat for him to have a one-on-one with royalty. So it made him excited and boastful.“A miniature?” Queen Belinda uttered. Her brow raised, but she relaxed.Of course. Queen Belinda thought. It made sense. It was her husband's affair, after all. Perhaps he’s making it for me. Queen Belinda had her heart flutter. It had been quite the time since she last had his miniature. It was back when they first
Last Updated : 2022-10-24Will Bear the Moon Chapter 9
Nicoli quickly regretted his choice of picking the maze. It was hot, and the sun also burnt the back of his head. It felt like a magnifying glass burning into his skull. And not to mention the bugs. I hate bees. Nicoli flinched as another flew by. Was it him, or were they venturing too close to his face? Either way, it made Nicoli nervous. Nicoli had been stung last year and swoll up like a balloon. It was a whole ordeal, and Nicoli wasn’t about to forget it. But I have to. Nicoli thought to persevere. Because this was for Ana, Nicoli would put up with it. But, despite his resolve, Nicoli yelped as another bee crossed over his nose. “Ah!” “Your highness?” Philpé, who was busy painting, looked up curiously at the scream. “If you could just stay still a bit longer?” “Ah…okay.” Nicoli sat up but eyed another bee. This one was fatter and slow. It crawled over to another flower. He could hear it hum and whimper. Why did I have to pick this spot? So Nicoli thought and sighed weari
Last Updated : 2022-11-01Will Bear the Moon Chapter 10
Ana rested her head on the side of the bath. It felt deliciously cold, but she could still feel the heavy air hangover. It was so humid that sweat formed on her brow.It was high noon. It was otherwise known as Nochten’s most dangerous time. Dangerous because it was the hottest part of the day.“Hah,” Ana groaned. She sloshed in the water for relief. The water was still cooler than the air. I’m glad I went in when I did. Ana thought, feeling her body sore from riding. As soon as she was in, she bathed and napped for the afternoon. It was a Nochten custom for both sexes to do so during the hotter months. But Ana found it more than just hiding from the sun. It meant she was given time to her thoughts.No Aunt or Uncle. And no Mykhol to burst in. Ana thought, sloshing in the water.Beyond her, Ana could hear a crane coo as cicadas buzzed. Their drowning gave Ana peace. She pushed to duck down and resurface with a cool gasp.“Naska?” Ana rubbed open her eyes. Naska stepped forward dress
Last Updated : 2022-11-07Will Bear the Moon Chapter 11
Naska pulled up her thin skirt to better quicken her step. She avoided eye contact with the other servants as she moved. Not that they were dressed better. Everyone was dressed down because of the heat.But still, Naska felt the stares.Let them think about what they want. So Naska thought before lifting her head higher. Despite being a fallen woman, Naska never felt guilty. She didn’t care. And she didn't care about them.There is only one person who does. Naska picked up her pace. The doorman made no qualms about letting her in. He’d seen Naska many times before that he didn't bat an eye. "Be long?" The doorman asked to make small talk. But Naska didn't respond. Instead, she passed without a word and entered the room. Inside, Naska found the room not as spacious as Ana’s, but she preferred it better.Mykhol has a better taste. So Naska thought, looking at the gold and rubies. She felt herself swell with pride at it. His room was fit for a king. Not like that stupid little girl an
Last Updated : 2022-11-14Will Bear the Moon Chapter 12
“Mama, I don’t need another suit,” Nicoli said with a great pout. "Hmm?" Queen Belinda busied herself by flipping through the catalog the tailor provided. Unfortunately, she only peered up to check that Nicoli was looking.“I think I have enough.” Nicoli went on as the tailor stretched the measuring tape over his chest.“Wouldn’t you like something nice to wear to your party?” Queen Belinda returned with a purpose. She knew this would entice him. And it worked quickly.“My party?” Nicoli brightened.“I’m having a party?”“Oh no, I spoke too soon.” Queen Belinda threw a hand over her mouth. “It was meant to be a surprise.” While she lamented, Queen Belinda carefully watched Nicoli. She could see him grow even brighter with excitement.Good. Belinda thought and hid a smile.“A surprise party for me!?” Nicoli bounced up at the idea.“Yes, my dear.” Queen Belinda couldn’t be more pleased. She knew Nicoli loved parties, especially when everyone brought their children. Nicoli, to no on
Last Updated : 2022-11-21Will Bear the Moon Chapter 13
When Nicoli finished crying, he threw cool water on his face. The water was icy and almost burned as he splashed. Nicoli had to splash a few more times to calm down. But when he felt ready, he returned directly to where he wanted to be.“Your majesty?” Philpé stood up with surprise at seeing Nicoli coming. But the sight of him was more concerning. Nicoli’s eyes were puffy, and his cheeks pink.“Are you alright?”“Can you paint today?” Nicoli moved to sit on the bench. He tried to keep his head up despite how he felt. It felt like everything was out of sorts.The painting should take my mind off things. Nicoli thought. But here, sadly, Philpé fell short.“I’m afraid not, your majesty. The light has changed. It’s dark now. The coloring will be off.”“Oh…” Nicoli shrank into his seat. Philpé looked to his assistant with a confused frown. But the man was as lost as him. Neither understood what was going on.“So, you can’t paint,” Nicoli repeated as new tears sprang up. Nicoli moved to pre
Last Updated : 2022-11-21Will Bear the Moon Chapter 14
Ana could almost feel Mykhol’s intense stare even though it wasn’t at her. He was staring down Admiral Nugen as if he were some fly. But she was at a loss for why.Did something happen? Ana thought, trying to recollect. She had not seen anything before. Ana was stumped.What could make this volatile atmosphere? The sound of the cicada brought Ana back. She now noticed her surroundings. The sun was rising. It was going to be high noon soon.Underneath her shawl, Ana could feel herself sweat. It was going to be another hot one. Too hot to do anything soon. And with that thought, Ana decided it was time she ended things.“Rise, Admiral Nugen.”“Your Empress,” Nugen moved with a grace that surprised Ana. Looking at his face, she guessed him to be middle-aged. But despite that, he still carried himself well. “What news do you have?” “Your Empress, the Bulgeons are-”“Oh, not again with this!” Mykhol interrupted. He made a show of doing an eye-roll that sparked laughter. But the laugh so
Last Updated : 2022-11-28Will Bear the Moon Chapter 15
Ana mulled over the new information in the bath. It helped distract her mind as Naska scrubbed. She was rough with Ana to the point of pain, leaving her skin red and sour. Ana had to wonder if it was because she was being thorough.Everything has a purpose. Ana dismissed. Naska is just heavy-handed. She’s not like Maddie. Maddie was always gentle. It was vague, but Ana could still recall the feeling of her hands. They were always warm and soft. And they smelt of soap.But Naska is not Maddie. Ana pulled away from her thoughts. I shouldn’t hold any expectations. Naska is doing her job. Ana didn’t have to think any harder than that. Just let it be.“Your quiet today, your Empress” Ana was surprised to hear Naska speak. She usually didn’t talk.It also brought Ana to the present. She was now aware of how hard Naska was scrubbing. She flinched after Naska raked down her arm.“You're being too rough.”“Apologise, your Empress.” Nasaka excused, but by now, she was done. She went for a
Last Updated : 2022-11-28
Latest chapter
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 3 The Arrival
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 2 Old Enemies Still Enemies
*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
Will Bear the Moon PRT III 9 Year Wait
*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
Will Bear the Moon Pick Up
*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
Will Bear the Moon Stirred into Calmer Waters
*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
Will Bear the Moon A Quiet Retreat
*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
Will Bear the Moon Polar
*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
Will Bear the Moon Lamentations and Glee
*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
Will Bear the Moon Hold Up Your Cards
*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
