Chapter 84 On Deaf Ears(reviewed & edited 5.27.24)*Mykhol*Mykhol stood by as the royal family passed them. Queen Belinda met his eye but no more. But he didn’t expect there to be any reaction. Our business is over. Mykhol thought. They both got what they wanted. They wouldn't need each other anymore.It was fun while it lasted. Mykhol had to admit. Mykhol thought he was good. But Queen Belinda's performance was unworldly. I shouldn’t ever make an enemy out of that woman. Mykhol had to shiver. She was formidable.Even for humans, Mykhol had to give credit. But it was a comfort to know that that wouldn’t happen now. Their work here was done. It was now just a matter of tying off the stray pieces.Speaking of which, Mykhol looked over at Ana. She was still kneeling. And her hair was a mess of wild curls.It was jarring to see all that silver where red should be. Mykhol wanted to reach out and grab a fistful. But again, Mykhol also wanted to curl the strands around his fingers.In t
Chapter 85 Downpour(reviewed & edited 6/2/24)*Nicoli*“Smile, Your Highness.” Another clown danced and honked his nose at the boy. But Nicoli only stared back quietly. His blue eyes looked bored, and the clown sighed.“Happy birthday, your majesty.” The clown gave up and bowed out. Nicoli saw him walk off toward his friends Philip and Tommy. Philip squealed with delight at the clown, and Tommy demanded a balloon animal. They’re having fun. Nicoli smiled weakly, seeing how the clown enthralled them. They looked so happy and carefree, like all the other children enjoying the circus. But Nicoli couldn’t share the sentiment.Unable to react, Nicoli looked over his shoulder for the umpteenth time. His eyes scanned the face of the castle. A curtain shifted as if someone were looking out. Ana? Nicoli stopped to train his sight on the window, but nothing happened. Whoever it was did not dare peek out again. They were not brave enough to show their faces. I want to see you. Nicoli thought
Chapter 86 The Aftermath*King Alexander*“Ha,” King Alexander dropped the quill altogether. It was pointless. He couldn’t focus. He couldn’t for the past few days. His mind kept wandering off to think. Ana’s going to miss the whole thing. Today was the last day for the circus. But Ana still did not leave her room. She hadn’t for days. I would have thought she would by now. Alexander had hoped. He had trusted Ana to be curious enough to come out, at least, for the circus. Alexander remembered the excited faces on both of his children. Alexander recalled that they had even planned to stay up to wait for it just days before, but he had underestimated even that much.What am I to do? Alexander fumbled with his fingers. Time was running out, and Ana would leave soon. But things weren’t any better than before. Should I see her? But the thought scared him. What would he find if he did? What if she doesn’t? It left Alexander stuck and useless. What then? How do I fix this? Again, Alex
(Revised & edited) 6.17.24) *Maddie*“Thank god I brought a blanket.” Maddie cheerfully stretched the blanket over them. She could immediately feel the heat change like a blessing. It was way too cold for anyone to be outside. But if Ana wants to go outside, Maddie wouldn’t complain, not at this point. Though I don't know why she’d pick here of all places, still Maddie was willing to make the most of it.”It didn’t look so cold from the window,” Maddie perked up. “But that’s just how Dawny winters are.”“Are they?” Ana fell quiet. I may need to try a bit harder. “Well, I don’t think they're as cold as Almonies winters.” Maddie looked at Ana pointedly. “Do you know?”“No, they are not.” This girl- Maddie could roll her eyes just then. Ana was undoubtedly going to make her work for it.“Then how cold would you say they are?” Maddie leaned in, still smiling. “Cold? Very cold? Or to the bone?” It was meant to be a joke, but it seemed to fly over her head.“Yes, it's colder.” Oh, c
(Edited & reviewed 7/1/24)*Ana*I can do this. I tell myself. Just keep your head up. Keep your face still.You are almost there. The carriage is just ahead. And then I won’t have to pretend. Just keep it in, and you’ll be fine.“Ana?” Maddie whispers. Her eyes were big and searching. “Ana, are you alright?” She moves to take my hand, but I have to shoo it away. “Let’s go,” I breathe as the grand doors open. The cold wind busts through to throw back my shawl. It’s freezing, but I can’t stop.It’s time.I start the walk down the path. Maddie close behind me. I wish I could just run but that wouldn’t do. Empresses don’t run away. So I can’t. I must walk as the trumpets blare and the crowd throws rose petals. "Goodbye, Empress Anastasia." Some call out in sweet voices."Safe travels." Others throw more petals."Come back to us again."But between their cheers, I can hear the whispers. My ears are too open to ignore them. Sharper words pass between the smiles."Did you hear what ha
“Your Empress?” I don’t mean to, but I cringe in response. Maddie has been at it ever since we’ve returned.And it doesn’t look like today will be any different.“It’s coming up another week.”“I said no.” I hold the book tighter. The words dance across my eyes as my vision blurs. But I suck back the tears.Not today. I’m not crying today. I try to be angry instead. I shouldn’t have to keep answering the same question. I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop her either.I just don’t want to think about any of it at all. “Ana,” Maddie comes near.“At least write a ‘thank you for your stay.”“Maddie, please stop.” I lean back in my chair. I already know what’s coming next, but Maddie will give another lecture.And true enough, Maddie does not delay.“Ana, I am not saying this for my good.” Maddie snatches the book away.“Maddie!” My book? I look to see her in the eye. “Are you going to listen now?”I reach for the book, but she lifts it.“Give that back.” Why can’t I just read? It’s all I wan
*Queen Belinda* “Nicoli,” Belinda forced her smile to be extra warm. It had to be. It was the only thing that seemed to work on him nowadays.Otherwise, the boy was barely there.“Eat some.” She pushed the plate towards Nicoli.“It’s your favorite. I had it specially made for our tea time.”Nicoli glanced at the cake, but it didn’t spark any reaction. Instead, he looked back to the toy in his hands.He had brought it along again today. Nicoli was never attached to his other toys. But the little bear was different. It held some particular importance. However, Belinda didn’t have the energy to guess whatever it was. It was already tiring enough to do with him as it was. “Ah,” Belinda sighed and leaned back. It was undoubtedly a trial to deal with him nowadays. She loved Nicoli dearly, but enough was enough. Her patience was running out.“Nicoli, do you want to return to your room?.” “Yes, please.” Nicoli quickly left his chair and ran up to kiss her on the cheek before retreating.
*Ana*“No, I can’t do this.” I crumble the paper and toss it on the ground. It lands amongst the others.“Maybe I should give up?” Why is this so hard to do? “What was wrong with this one, Ana?” Maddie picks it up to unfold and read. “This one looks fine.” “It’s not.” It’s bad; they all are. There are balls of paper all over the floor. All rejects that weren’t good. I just can’t seem to get it right.“It’s too hard.” I clench my hands. “I’m just not good at this.”“I think we should just pretend this never happened and-” Just carry on like before, but Maddie is spreading the paper out before me.“Maddie-”“I’m telling you, this one is fine.” Maddie steps back. “I mean it. Let’s use this one.”“But Maddie. It’s not-” But Maddie is shaking her head.“You are being too critical of yourself. It is fine. Here, I’ll even read it out loud.”“No, please don’t-” But I’m too late as Maddie starts.“To Prince Nicoli,” “Maddie-” But she throws up her hand at me. “I hope you will find this l