*Naska*Naska lifted her head as she heard the sound at the door. Someone had stopped to try the knob. It instantly made Naska frown out of reflex.What do they want now? Naska had just finished talking with the royal captain, an insufferable exchange, from her point of view. It annoyed her greatly how all the humans kept bugging them, always coming back up to ask more questions about the Empress.Can’t they go away? Naska growled before seeing the door open. Her back straightened as she expected to see the same human again. But immediately, she felt her face drop. It wasn’t him- it was none other than Mykhol.“My lord.” Naska immediately brightened at the sight of him. Mykhol nodded slightly before closing the door. Naska could see he had changed yet again. He wore a thin cotton gown- more for the Nochten summer heat, but it sufficed in Dawny.“Have you bathed-” Naska was about to ask, hoping to use the chance to sneak away with him. But Mykhol nodded again. He didn’t want to talk-
*Nicoli*Nicoli could hear the sound of footsteps crunching down the pavement. He looked up but wasn’t surprised to see who it was. It could only be three people- well, four if he included Thomas.But Nicoli never liked to include Thomas. The man was never something to consider in Nicoli's eyes. And Thomas, no doubt, felt the same. But that was neither here nor there.Watching them come up, Nicoli only turned back to the cup in his hands. He gently tested the string. It was yanked taunt, so it should work. But yet, the line remained silent this whole time.I guess she isn’t awake yet. Nicoli gave a hearty sigh.Nicoli had been waiting since the mid-afternoon till the early evening. And things were starting to grow dark. But still, Nicoli held the cup obediently. With a periodic check to see if it was still quiet, and it was. Nicoli looked back up to the window above- Ana’s window. It looked dark inside. Was everyone else asleep?“How long do you plan to stay out like this?” Johan voi
*Ana*“Hmmn?” I stir at the strange sound. It’s a sort of insect buzz that fills the room. “Wha-” I try to speak, but my tongue is dry and stupid. I need to snap my mouth a few times to get the saliva working before I try again.“Crickets? Why?” I slowly open my eyes as the sound drones on. I see the canopy of the bed above me. Just as I thought, I was still in my room. But why do I still hear those damn crickets?“Hmm,” I scrunch my nose as I feel a rush. The light hurts and gives a light throb above my right eye. I wince before blinking a few more times to wake up. I must have been asleep for quite some time.“Good morning, sleepy head-” A voice calls. It’s close. Closer than I expected anyone to be.“Cousin?” I groan as my eyes focus. I find a face looming over me. Mykhol is next to me on the bed. “What time is it?” I get up to rub my eyes and peer around for Naska. She doesn’t appear to be in the room. Did she go to get more blood? Or take a break? I doubt she will be gone for
*Ana* It’s vaguely clear I am drinking. I can feel the smooth glass in my hand. It’s warm, thanks to the water. But the blood tastes like nothing. I keep sipping until I realize the glass is empty.“Oh?” I pull back, a little embarrassed. But it doesn’t last before I grow distracted again. My eyes stare back out the window. All to see the chance that he may be back.Where did he go? And Why? How long will he be? I wish I had asked at that moment.“It's quiet…” I mutter as I listen to the insects. Mykhol says something here, but I don’t catch it. I’m sure it wasn’t necessary. I should have asked. I sink into my couch and cradle the glass. I want another but don’t at the same time. “Do you think he left…for the night?” I turn to find Mykhol taking the cushion beside me. His arm rests behind my head, and he lets out a puff of his cologne. “It is late-” Mykhol leans over me. He takes the glass from my hand to finger the remains. It’s surprising to see because Mykhol has never been one
*Mykhol*Mykhol closed the door but lingered on the threshold. Any minute now, he expected the door to open. Ana would come bursting out any moment. Ana will be worried about me; Mykhol knew she saw him bleeding. So, of course, she would be concerned. Mykhol smiled at the idea of Ana coming to his aide. She was so small, so what could she do? Give him a bandage? Kiss his cuts?“Kiss them?” Mykhol thought of her lips. How gently would it be? A kiss from her could cure any pain he had. And then some. Mykhol could feel himself fidgeting with the idea. So Mykhol stayed, waiting for the sound of feet. But the longer he stood, the more he felt guards turn to him.“What is he doing?” Someone whispered. Mykhol could feel more eyes turn to him. “Idiots.” Mykhol turned to block out the annoying pests. Mykhol wished they could mind their business. But even then, he felt his gut tighten. Again, he expected to see the door open, and Ana burst out in a fret. ‘Your bleeding,’ She would say. ‘H
*Ana*It is another hot day, and the sun warms my skin. It breaks my constant chill. A chill I can’t seem to shake no matter how much I drink. I still can’t keep a decent temperature.But even as I enjoy the sun, I must be careful. Sunsickness is still a risk, even if Dawny is cooler. So, I must take caution and pull up my shawl. It’s better to be cautious. I am wise for my age. But I see I am not the only one. Someone has ensured Nicoli and Hidi do the same with a white tent below the window. The tent is also furnished, like a small house. Carpets spread over the grassy ground with a table and chairs. And the maids take rotation around the clock. I see them come in with trays of refreshments; most of the plates seem to be of pastries and sweets.All those sweets. I think before my chest sharpens with a dull pain. If it were only a week before, I would have been excited to see such cakes or cinnamon rolls come steaming fresh from the ovens. Now, though, I feel nothing. They don’t l
*Nicoli*“Ah, you can’t?” Nicoli didn’t try to hide his disappointment. It was the worst thing he could hear all day. And he had been looking so forward to it- he even ate fast so he could come back.I even got hiccups. Nicoli kicked the ground before throwing on the most prominent pout. It seemed to move Ana, but not enough to change her mind. “I’m sorry.” Ana’s voice vibrated into the cup. It did sound remorseful, but Nicoli didn’t want an apology.I want to play!“Boo!” Nicoli watched Ana close the window and step away. And with that, she was gone. They would not play for the rest of the day.Because she wants alone time, Nicoli repeated with a pause. What does that even mean? Nicoli didn’t need alone time- not when Ana was back.I still want to play. Nicoli kicked a dandelion to throw up the seeds. The seeds threw up into the air and to Hidi’s face. She moved to blow on them.“Come, Nicoli, we can still play.” Hidi was still in good spirits. But Nicoli refused.“It’s no fun with
*Admiral Nugen*“Her first blood!?” Admiral Nugen didn’t want to believe his ears. But it did not seem like King Alexander would joke about such things.“Yes.” He didn’t have to repeat it; Admiral Nugen heard him.I don’t want to believe it. Admiral Nugen felt his stomach tighten. It was already a wrong time, but to add puberty into the mix was just cruel karma.“I thought there would still be some time till then.”Admiral Nugen racked his hand through his choppy brown hair. King Alexander leaned back on his chair with a tired smile. His exhaustion matched Nugen’s.“Life has a funny way of tricking you like that.” King Alexander looked up to the ceiling as if drifting off. But just as quickly, he was back to his senses. “No one was hurt.”“Good.” Admiral Nugen sighed. At least there would be no more problems on that front. They didn’t need another diplomatic affair right now.“But this news-'' Still, this was worse than he thought. Admiral Nugen rubbed his tired eyes to stop on the sca
*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
*Bruno*Bruno stoically surveyed the lobby filling with new arrivals. Lords and Ladies from across the far reaches of Nochten had come to see the historical event- no doubt wanting to mark the memory as a great triumph for the empire. Or, at least, that’s what Ana says. Bruno, however, was not convinced. And from the sight of more men flooding through the great gilded doors of glass and silver, it only confirmed his suspicions.They were here for something less noble. Quietly, the 14-year-old sighed, feeling himself once again needing to protect her.Bruno slipped through the crowd like water, going unnoticed like usual. The only ones who did were Ana- because he lightly tapped her elbow in warning, and Admiral Nugen. The scared human exchanged a weary but familiar look with the vampire. Bruno instantly felt a kinship in sentiment. The human was on edge as he was, and had no plans to leave Ana’s side. Not with all these Hyenas about.Bruno lightly smiled at that. Between them, it m
*Ana*“It will take some time, but as long as we keep an open communication,” I pause on habit, turning crimson eyes from the map, half expecting to find the Bulgeon chief either dozing off or distracted. Thanks to my less-than-lustrous experiences in court, creating a low bar for many. However, instead of finding the king of pirates inattentive, I am met with an unwavering gaze of chocolate brown eyes. Amul smiles at me from across the table, bronze-calloused hands folded over the other, still in the same pose he first took when we began three hours ago. He tilts his head, shifting beads of bone to clink against the metal chains, before lifting his bushy eyebrows as if expectant, unaware of anything but just following along.“Open communication?” Amul prompts. “You were saying, Empress?” “I-yes,” I come back to it with a slight laugh. “Sorry, I- it’s not often I have someone listen without interruptions. And for this long,”. “They speak when you speak?” Amul’s brown lips dip down
*Hidi*“Mama!” Hidi exclaimed in billowing steam before digging heels to clack against the limestone pathway. The yellow sigil of Almony on the carriage's black door stuck out like a beacon of hope against the ashen skies ripe with snow. The door swung out seamlessly just in time for Hidi to reach out for her hand. Intending to help her mother down. But the elder blond slapped her hand away with a stinging clap, insistent on getting down on her own. Even now, refusing to give her daughter even the smallest admittance to her declining age.Instead, Bratha rose to her staggering height of eight feet on thick but confident legs before reeling back her lips to pinch her nose as if shocked by a horrible odor.“I forgot how much sand stinks.” She grumbled. Hidi had to giggle.“Mama, be kind.” Hidi looped her arm into her mother's as the servants bobbed their redheads, faces ruddy from waiting in the cold, to make for her luggage. Which, Hidi noted, was not much. Mama does not mean to sta
*Ana*“Am I… “ I blink, gobsmacked, as my mind can not quite process what I just heard. That, or maybe fight it? The sheer audacity that anyone would even think to ask such a question, let alone someone ask me, is unthinkable.“Am…I?” I try again before Amul nods, his brownish-black eyes glinting with amusement and interest, before spreading his beard thin to betray a toothy grin.“Are you a virgin?” Amul repeats slowly but clearly. As if he thought I might not have heard him correctly the first time, before tilting his head to one side quizzically and shifting a sun-bleached dreadlock off his shoulder.“I asked if you have laid with another man before.” “I…?”The words squeaked out of my chattering teeth before stalling on my tongue, again in disbelief that this was happening.But it is. Amul just asked me if I am a…I look back at him, wide-eyed and not sure how to even start to react to such an off-putting question.Should I be angry? Upset? Disgusted? I don’t know. Or maybe this wa
*Ana*At least…everyone is quick to assemble on short notice. I shiver as another gust of wind blows over us, making even me flinch, and pull up my cloak, before stealing a glance back.On the platform, wrapped up tightly in thick cloaks, Aunt Funda and Uncle Charles miserably stand together against the cold on the left side. Underneath the cloak’s hems, I can spy the hint of blue of the matching gown sets I had ordered made for them. Something Aunt Funda insists is too plain, what with not having jewels sewn in or metallic threads used. But Sir Celbest is always quick to remind her of the budget restraints. Or threaten her that she won’t get any new gowns. Something which seems always to make her grow quiet again. Which is quite impressive on its own, but that just proves Sir Celbest making a good treasurer.Better than Uncle, even. I think with a look over to the crowd and find them both together. Both of them, Pendwick and his maternal grandfather, Sir Celbest, stand in the front
*Naska*“She…turned him down?” Lady Funda was still processing between disbelief and joy at the news, but it didn’t take long before her lips lifted to show a fanged smile. With a smile, Naska was quick to pick up.“Oh, yes. She turned him down, alright.” Naska repeated. “It’s a pity you couldn’t have been there to see it with your own eyes.” Naska went on, and Funda laughed, clearly taken in by the thought.“It would have been grand if I could,” Funda admitted. “To see her, shoot him down like that.” She chuckled again, touching her rings, before turning with a smile.” My, good work, Naska. You’ve done wonderfully.” “I have, haven’t I?” Naska beamed, pleased beyond measure how quickly her work was being praised. But of course, Naska knew she would be.Maybe, Lady Funda will give me another of her pretty necklaces again? She hoped so, reminded of the necklace Lady Funda had just given her the other day. Lady Funda liked her so much more now. Her affection was clear by all the gifts
*Ana*“A confession?” What could Pendwick possibly have to confess to me? I must say, it is quite a surprise to hear, coming from him, of all people.Pendwick is the most forthcoming person I know. He may be shy in his words, yes, but he is candid with me. So, it’s quite a surprise to hear we had secrets between us.Though, he did mention something like this before, didn’t he? Back in the garden the other morning? Perhaps this is referring to that?“Pendwick? What is this confession?” I curiously look down at our hands, his cupping over mine, before looking back up. “Have you..done something?”“Done..?” Pendwick flinches, his hands slightly shaking over mine a moment, but takes in a shaky breath, before calming down. “It’s.. not something I wanted to do.” Pendwick lowers his eyes then. “Not intentionally.”Not intentionally he says? “Then, Pendwick, what is it?” I press because now I am starting to feel my stomach tighten, a bit confused. What could he be confessing about? And… what
*ana*“Bruno, I would have thought you, out of everyone, would have liked this idea.” But clearly, I am wrong. And, instead of excitement like I thought, I now have a 14-year-old boy, brooding at me. Bruno’s overgrown dusty red bangs cover his eyes, making it hard to see where he is looking, let alone what kind of expression he’s making now.“What’s so wrong with a dance?” I ask him. “Tell me, why don’t you like it?”“Because…it’s foreign.” Bruno goes off, shaking his head as if that is a good enough reason. But I can’t help but frown all over again.“I know it is. But just because it’s foreign, doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” “Why?” Burno only shoots back, blowing his bangs out of his face with a huff. “It’s enough for me. It’s a silly idea.”“Silly? Oh, Bruno.” I have to smirk at that. “Well, I thought it was something to help liven the party a bit. Something practical in terms.” I answer at last. “I mean, most of us know a dance or two.” “I don’t.” Bruno corrects flatly. “That…ye