*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
Chapter # The Departure *Ana*The heat wave breaks at last. And though it does feel good to stand outside, I can’t help but think it’s a cruel joke. Because the day I can finally stand outside to enjoy it is also the day we must leave.And leave we must. I have to tell myself again. I have to. There is much to do once I return. I do not need a reminder. The news has plagued my thoughts since Admiral Nugen came.I know I must go. I can not stall any longer. But still, my chest aches. And I feel the familiar sting of tears want to come up. At last, I am free, but I must go. And I will push through for the sake of my people. I tell myself. For them, I will bear the separation once more.It won’t be long. That is something I look forward to. I will be back.The faster I go and settle things, the faster I can return. Yes, once things settle, I will be back. I have a promise to keep. At that, I peek at Nicoli. He perks up when he notices. A smile is back on his face, but I know it's onl
*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
*Ana*“Papa, you are back,” I say, stifling a yawn. It is late, even for a vampire, and it would be a lie to say I wasn’t annoyed by Admiral Nugen’s appearance at my door. But despite being tired, I can not help but be happy as I find the man in the room. At last, he is back! It’s like a dream. And as soon as my eyes find him in the room. All I want to do is rush in and hug him.But wait, I shouldn't do that. I barely collect myself in time. That is not proper.I am an Empress, now, after all. I have to be more aware of my actions. Empresses do not hug on a whim. Even if he may be my father, I must pull myself in. I am not a child anymore. So, instead, I do my best to appear calm and collected. It’s two monarchs meeting each other, after all. I need to start the practice of acting more maturely. My voice, however, despite my desires, cracks with my inner excitement. “I didn’t receive word you were coming.” In truth, I haven’t received any letters at all. From him or Nicoli for som
*King Alexander“Your Majesty, we’re here,” Johan’s voice woke Alexander from his sleep.“Are we?”Alexander grumbled, shifting up in his seat. He blinked a few times to help adjust his sight before looking out the window to see if it was true.“How long was I asleep?” It surprised him he even could. Alexander barely slept the entire ride. He should have though, because now his eyes cursed him.“Not long,” Johan answered as the door opened. The familiar smell of sand immediately washed over them. Alexander took in a deep breath and closed his eyes nostalgically.It’s good to be back. Alexander relaxed as everything flooded back to him. Though he loved his country, something about Nochten weighed in his heart.Maybe it was because of their past, or it was Parsul’s home. But now, he had other reasons. But that twisted his stomach thinking of her.“I hope we aren’t too late.” Alexander got up first. “They’ve made themselves quite busy with me gone.”But it was better to know this now. Ale
*Mykhol* Now, standing left behind on the platform with Ana gone along with Admiral Nugen and Sir Pendwick, Mykhol breathed out. He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath till now. “How did he…get the book?” Mykhol dropped his smile by inches until it was fully gone to a straight line.That, Mykhol hated to admit, could have turned out much much worse. Despite his planning, the idea of the book falling into the wrong hands had never occurred to him.And in the very hands of Admiral Nugen of all people. However, it had, somehow, someway. Mykhol again felt something shift under his skin as things were adding up. Someone took that from Father’s safe. Someone knew they had it. Moreover, they knew the lock combination to get it out.Something which, as far as Mykhol was aware, should have only been three people: Father, Mother, and himself.So it seems we have a little mouse on our hands. Mykhol smirked as he glanced back to the corner. But the corner was already empty. The silent b
*Ana*“It’s because of me.” Mykhol steps forward. “I did it.”“Cousin?” My breath crawls out as I, Admiral Nugen, no, the whole room is shocked into silence. What did he just say? Did he just admit that he is-? No, it can’t be- I breathe to catch myself again. Mykhol wouldn’t do that. He would never- No, I shake my head. It can’t be. Mykhol is family. And families wouldn’t betray each other.I have to have misheard. But Mykhol doesn’t look back at me. He is stepping down the platform. And meets Admiral Nugen at his side. “Lord Mykhol?” Admiral Nugen stiffens “What is the meaning of this?” Mykhol however, does not look at him, instead he turns to face the room.“You heard correctly. I am responsible.” Mykhol goes with a stronger voice. “I have failed you all.” “What is he talking about?” Someone whispers.“Responsible for what?” More start to perk up.“Mykhol?” Aunt Funda, meanwhile, steps up. Her hands are clenched up at her chest, her face dead white. “Honey, what are you doing
*Ana* “Your Empress?” Aunt Funda coughed to make me blink awake again. I can suddenly make her out.“Are you…alright?”“That-yes,” I say but in truth I am not sure. How long was I just sitting there? Staring off into nothing? By looking over the room, it might have been a good long time. Because now, everyone is looking at me. I have their attention.That’s a rarity on its own. That’s right, we are in court. I suddenly remember as if my mind was slowly unthawing. I was holding a meeting today. Because Admiral Nugen has- My thoughts stop again. But their stares prompt me to need to do something.Yes. I think sluggishly. I should speak, shouldn’t I? “I-” But just as quickly as I make a sound, it closes. My mouth clamps shut and I swallow. The words seem too big to force out.What I want to say and what I’m trying not to say seem to mix up. I have to use more effort to push out something logical. It has to be, logical, I mean. I don’t want to let my emotions get the better of me.I
*Mykhol*“Mother, Father,” Mykhol greeted, feeling eyes on him almost immediately as he entered the courtroom. It was almost like everyone was waiting more for him. Maybe they are, especially the women. Mykhol smiled at no one in particular. The action set more than a few women to react. Mykhol could hear the soft dreamy sighs and underlining lust for him. It helped swell his pride.They were so easy. But they were not what held his attention as he lifted a brow at the startling discovery. “Is she still not here?” Mykhol noted the throne was empty. Ana was nowhere to be seen.When I’m already this late? How very unlike her. It wasn’t like Ana to break habit. But Mykhol relaxed. If she wasn’t here, all the better. She wouldn’t notice he was tardy too. Though it would be a bit funny if she did. Because then she would want to know why. And wouldn’t that be a fun surprise? Something caught in his chest at the idea. How would she react if I told her what I was just doing? Hearing al