*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
*Aunt Funda*It was a testament of sheer will that Aunt Funda could withstand herself until they were out of the carriage, but that was as much as she could do. Aunt Funda could no longer bear the wait and took off first. The crowd and her husband be damned. “My son!” Aunt Funda wrapped her arms around the teen and buried her face into his shoulder to cry joyfully. “Finally, you are home!” Aunt Funda couldn't help herself. She rubbed her face into his shoulder to take in his scent. It was too long since she had last smelt him. But at last, her son was home. And all felt right again. He should have never gone at all. Aunt Funda squeezed him tighter as she felt a sting of anger. It wasn’t his fault.It was hers. Aunt Funda pulled up a little to glance at the girl standing alone. There was no expression on her face until she met eyes with someone in the crowd. Admiral Nugen moved to one knee to place a hand over his heart. A few others followed suit to show respect shortly after, but