*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
*Ana*“They are what?” I find myself having to repeat. But it’s not like I’ve misheard it. No, my ears are sharper now. I couldn’t mishear anything if I wanted to.It’s just that I don’t want to believe it. It’s like my mind is refusing to process the words. A wall has come up to block my logical senses. I know it, but I refuse to accept it.“What did you say?” I look at Admiral Nugen once more. How foolish I feel right now, but Admiral Nugen bears with me.No, he does much more than that, I can tell. I see he’s tired. His clothes are ratty from what must have been riding nonstop. And he comes alone. He made the journey by himself. And now he is as patient to deal with me as I am. I can’t help but like Admiral Nugen all the more. He is truly loyal.“The Bulgeons have joined forces with the southern colonies.” I feel bad for making him repeat it. But he does without a shred of annoyance.But in the next part, he seems to stall for words.“What is it?” I feel myself hold my breath. W
*Hidi*That makes it twice now. Hidi held in her smile as she sat across from Nicoli. Although this technically exploited the situation, Hidi was not troubled by her conscience. And why would I? Hidi contended. Hidi wasn’t a fool enough to let go of an excuse as good as this. If it got Nicoli back into her room, she would use it. It’s what they call an Advantage. Hidi beamed. And it was, even if it wasn’t solely about her. Both times Nicoli came to her room had to do with Ana, but Hidi could ignore that little fact over the big picture. What mattered was that Nicoli was in the room again. And he had come on his own accord. So, it all works out in the end. Nicoli was starting to trust her. It was still a far cry from being lovers but it was a development. Hidi was gaining ground elsewhere. And she couldn’t be happier. Things are moving much easier between us. And in such a short time. Hidi would have to thank her future sister-in-law, Ana, for that. With Ana locked up, I have mo
*NIcoli*Again, Nicoli lifted the cup to see Ana mirror the action. She held it to her ear, waiting. “Ana, I-” Nicoli opened his mouth, but again, nothing came out. It was hard even to start, let alone say it. Maybe if I don’t say it, it can’t happen. Nicoli thought with a bit of hope. But what did Ana want? It was one thing for Nicoli, but what about her?I can’t put it off any longer. Nicoli knew he couldn't run away from it forever. It was time.“Ana? ” Nicoli started again to see Ana grip her cup.“Yes. I’m here.” Ana’s voice went again.“I heard…you had a visitor yesterday.” “News travels.” Ana forced a soft laugh. The laugh died into a painful silence as both children lingered. It was clear that both children were suffering. But Nicoli still had to speak.“So it's true.” “That-” Ana’s voice caught on the other side. Nicoli could see her little face crumble. Whatever bravado she tried to muster fell, and she couldn’t look at him. “I don’t want you to go.” Nicoli gripped the
*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
*Sir Pendwick*He’s going to be mad. Pendwick didn’t even need to bother pretending. The instant he opened his mouth, he knew what he did. No one overspoke the head of the Celbest family.But I did. Worse, Ana even went with his idea. No, this would not be overlooked, and, inwardly, Pendwick sighed.It’s better if I get it over with now than later. He knew and turned.“Your Empress,” Pendwick started. “I will join you in a moment. I…just have to speak with my grandfather, first.” “Of course,” Ana, unaware of Pendwick's problems, easily replied. Her voice was sweet and soft like always to him. Even in this turmoil, Pendwick could not help but admire her eyes, so beautiful and clear, as she regarded him like a thousand times before.How much I wish I could just fall into them and stay there. Pendwick looked on, longingly, cheeks warming a little. But just as he wished it, he knew he couldn’t stall. He had to go and go he would.“Yes,” Pendwick nodded just before Hidi started.“Well
*Ana*“Hidi,” I go, but Hidi simply smiles back at me, the damage already done.“It will fit.” Hidi turns back to overlook the procession of more crates. Her newest ‘gifts’ of ‘decor’ are looming in multiple boxes. Just looking at the boxes now, I’m afraid to even ask what they are.“Hidi,” I sigh again, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this to be a manageable party.” “Oh, Ana,” Hidi tsks. “You must make it big. This is your first real party since the coronation, and that was a decade ago.”“It was 9 years, Hidi.” I correct, “Not ten.” but Hidi rolls her eyes.“Worse than that,” Hidi shakes her head, “ You know it too. Come, Ana, I know these things. You must impress the other nobility and royals coming. My Mama alone will have opinions.”“Your-her majesty is coming?” I raise a brow at the news. “She will attend this time?”“It’s nothing major.” Hidi goes off-handedly. “Mama is curious about how things have been.”“But Hidi,” I pout a little, finding the revelation not small
*Julia*“Your Majesty.” Julia piped up, although she knew it was hopeless, that Belinda was already set in her ways. And sure enough, Belinda proved her right.“He wants to go,” Belinda went, her grey eyes watching both her beloved men step into the carriage. “You know, I can’t stop him.” Belinda went on, seeing Nicoli move for the carriage, his excitement clear to see, even from where they stood on the platform. Nicoli lingered to give one last wave and blow of a kiss. Belinda cracked a little, but quickly defaulted back to her icy demeanor as it was now Alexander’s turn.He looks even worse than when he first came back to Dawny some weeks ago. Julia thought with a sinking feeling. Alexander’s face had changed in his short stay, it was sunken to show his cheekbones, and his tan skin was losing color. Even his eyes were different, the blue shine was gone and dull.Alexander had stopped coughing shortly after a few days rest, but now new ailments attacked him, a shortness of breath, an
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence