*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
*Ana*“The next order of business will be supplies.” I am going through the list I’ve written to prevent forgetting anything.As this is my first time speaking officially to the court, I want to instill the impression that I will be a clear and organized leader. At the same time, I do not wish to make any mistakes. Which, I believe, is going well so far. You got this. I tell myself with a breath and go to read the following line.“We will need to send boats over with supplies. Food, bandages, weapons restock-”“I wonder what his lordship will wear?” The whisper is loud enough to stop me. It’s coming from below. I look at them for a moment before taking a breath.It’s okay. People get distracted. I tell myself. But don’t let them distract you. Stay focused. I go back to read my list.“Like I said, we need to send restocks. They mustn't run out.”“I heard he plans to match her Empress’s gown.” Another voice doesn’t even bother to whisper this time. I have to look up yet again to see t
*Mykhol* Mykhol barely hid the smile growing out of sheer enjoyment. If only he could save the moment, he would replay it later because it was too good to forget. I didn’t even know she could make such a face. Mykhol thought and covered his mouth to rub off yet another smile. A slight laugh escaped his lips before he pulled himself back together. Ana did not notice any of this. She was too busy pouting, huffing, and doing everything she could to express her growing frustration without speaking it as if that would make things any better. Everyone could see Ana was upset. But did anyone do anything about it? No, of course not. Mykhol could swear that his mother was purposely taking her time. She seemed to relish the fact she could annoy her. Or she might have been that invested in the selection. Mykhol would ask her about it later. As for Naska, Mykhol looked to see her. She seemed rather more interested in their son. She was fussing and fidgeting with his clothes as he had yet ag
Chapter # Mykhol Continues to Find Suitors Everywhere*Ana*“So, I was thinking about Pave-” I begin but find Mykhol staring at something. I hear him growl.“Don’t tell me they dared to,” Mykhol whispers to himself again. He is staring hard. “What are you-” But as I turn my head to see more men inside have followed us out, Mykhol yanks me forward.“Come, Anastasia, let’s go over here. The Roses look nice and full over here. ” Mykhol doesn’t even wait for me to answer. I am pulled along sharply to another aisle.“Cousin, as I was saying.” I try to get back to the topic.“The situation in Pave with the Bulgeons is-” I stop again. Mykhol is looking over his shoulder.“Cousin? What are you doing?” I can’t stop myself from turning. But just as I do, Mykhol seems to sigh. He looks relieved about something.“Finally.” I can feel Mykhol soften his arm enough to let me slip away. But he doesn’t let go. His hand snakes to take mine in a spare second.“You look nice today.” Mykhol weaves his f
*Ana*My body freezes, every muscle locked in place as Nicoli leans in closer. His face is inches from mine, and I feel my breath catch, a whirlwind of confusion and anticipation racing through my mind. What is he doing? Is…he going to kiss me?But we can’t—we shouldn’t. We aren’t children anymore.As children, it was innocent. Nicoli used to kiss me on the lips, but it was always affectionate—nothing more, just like when he would hold my hand or offer a playful hug. It was natural to him, something that didn’t feel strange, something I expected from him without question. But that was then.Now, we’re adults. And that changes everything.We can’t– I try to tell myself that, but something in me hesitates, unsure whether I want him to stop or... not. I’m paralyzed, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears. As his face nears mine, I feel the world shrinks, the air around us thick with tension. A strange eagerness stirs in my chest—a warmth I don’t understand. It coils through
*Ana*“Nicoli–” He’s going the wrong way again. I shake my head, the soft chime of my gold chains punctuating my amusement. But he insists on leading, judging by the stubborn set of his shoulders. He’s determined to get somewhere despite having absolutely no idea where that is.For the past twenty minutes, Nicoli has forged ahead with all the confidence in the world, only to crumble in confusion when we inevitably hit another dead end or loop back to the same hall. Left, then right, then left again. Each turn is taken with steadfast determination — and each time, I have to stifle a new laugh as we encounter yet another wall.“Nicoli, just let me show you–” I try, though I’m already bracing for him to ignore me. It would be far easier if he let me lead, though. This is my palace, after all. I know the twists and turns, the subtle variations in the endless white corridors. But he seems lost in his resolve. As if doing this out of spite at the challenge and not wanting it to get the bett
*Hidi*“But, what about me–” For once in Hidi’s life, her voice was too soft to hear—lost, swallowed under the sound of laughter. Their laughter. Hidi froze, her breath caught in her chest, her words useless in the space they left behind. Her eyes only widened as she stared after them, watching–watching, but not moving in disbelief.The two of them were running, laughing, hands clasped like children lost in their own world. And she was still standing here.She blinked. Did they really just… leave me?The air seemed too still while everything else moved too fast. Nicoli had been right there. Right there. She could have reached out, close enough to brush her fingers against his sleeve. But he hadn’t even looked at her. Didn’t even voice a hello.Not once.His sapphire-blue eyes had locked onto Ana, and nothing else had mattered.For the second time.A cool flick of irritation ran beneath her ribs, lodging itself somewhere deep inside her. She knew this was their grand reunion, knew th
*Ana*Standing between my aunt and uncle in the banquet hall, I must appreciate everyone’s hard work for the party. They really put in a lot of effort.The banquet hall is beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers cascading down to the center of the high ceiling. Each arched window features a garland of fir and pine, filling the room with a clean yet sweet reminder of the winter outside. The candelabras are all set and lit with fresh beeswax candles, brightening the room and causing the windows to fog up slightly. The tables that line the walls are adorned with an assortment of cakes, meats, and double boilers filled with various types of blood for those who prefer.It’s everything I could have hoped for. And I swell with pride. So far, I think my first real celebration is going well. I gaze over the steady stream of new guests. Once again, I have to note that most of those arriving are unaccompanied men I spot yet another group. They put on a show by bowing or smiling at m
*Nicoli*“So… this is Nochten,” Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was certainly different from home.His gaze traveled upward, taking in the domed ceiling overhead, the polished stone walls that gleamed in the candlelight. Beneath his feet, a mosaic of a bat soaring toward the moon—Nochten’s national symbol—stood in sharp contrast against the pristine white stone. The palace lacked the excessive paintings and portraits he was used to. Instead of gold trim and plush fabric, there was only carved stone and painted walls. Even the flooring was a departure from what he knew. No wood, only cold, solid stone.Nicoli's eyes caught the mosaic again, its intricate details holding him transfixed. Slowly, a small smile pulled at his lips.It suits her. He thought. Yes, it most definitely did. This was most definitely Ana’s home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
*King Alexander*Alexander and Bratha walked down the side path leading to the gardens. It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did, he couldn’t help but smile a little. Even after all these years, it felt natural to take this path. The habit was still there after all this time.We always used to meet here.The memory stirred something deep within him—afternoons sprawled on soft blankets, the scent of wildflowers thick in the air, laughter curling between the hedges like vines. If he closed his eyes, he could hear it still—such wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himself–But when he opened them, all that remained was frost and silence.Now, the garden lay barren, stripped bare by winter. No vibrant petals, no soft grass, only brittle leaves crunching beneath their boots. And between them, a silence stretched too long.It had to be him who spoke first. Bratha would not. Her sense of morality dictated that burden to him.After all, he committed the greatest
*Hidi*Hidi stood off to the side, her eyes fixed on the doorway. Each time a new arrival was announced, she held her breath, only to sigh in disappointment moments later. It wasn’t him.None of them are, Hidi scanned the room, watching as wave after wave of red-haired vampires entered. She was beginning to grow sick of it.“I’m bored.” Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.“So bored,” She huffed, loud enough for a few nearby vampires to take notice. Some observed her with curiosity, never having seen a giant before. Others, like Sir Celbest, however, seemed eager to make her acquaintance as the Queen of Almony. But Hidi didn’t buy it for one second to be good-willed.Almony was a rich country, and Hidi had long since learned to recognize opportunists. And She met their stares with a hard, flat look, and just like that, their attention turned elsewhere.If only Ana were here. At least then, she’d have someone
*Nicoli* The sudden jolt of the carriage nearly knocked Nicoli out of his seat. If not for his father's firm hand on his shoulder. He would have.Nicoli blinked a few times, swallowing as he steadied himself and slid back onto the velvet bench.“When did I fall asleep?” He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldn’t have. He barely slept at all until now, determined not to miss a single moment of his first journey beyond the kingdom. He wanted to commit every detail to memory, to recount them later when he finally saw her.He just hoped he didn’t miss too much.“I’d say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,” Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. “Yes, you were out like a light,” he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.“What? I missed the border?” Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
*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