*Nicoli* It was as if he was compelled to revisit it, wondering despite the cold. Nothing seemed to stop him from ending up at the spot. Once again, Nicoli found himself coming to the same place.The last place he saw her.I wish I could forget it. Nicoli thought, but the memory was etched inside now. Every detail was vivid and haunting. And it kept playing back over and over.The sky was colored white in snowfall, but Ana's red shawl stood out. It was blinding against the white sky while her silver hair danced and coiled against the wind. And Anas' eyes were bright and clear as they met. "Nicoli-" Her little hand reached for him expectantly. As they had the other times before. Her lips broke into a hardy smile.But Nicoli did not smile. He didn’t reach back. No, he was a coward.He turned and ran. He was running, running so fast and hard that his heart was beating through his chest. He pushed his feet hard into the slippery snow. His mind spinning as if desperate to get away as soon
*Naska*“Your food’s gonna get cold.” the new maid, Naska, went to move the plate. Shifting the pool of blood almost to spill over. The meat was practically raw save for a few charred edges.“Look, I picked up the best meat from the cook.”But despite what Naska thought looked savory, the girl just paled.“I can’t eat this.” Ana turned away from the plate for her book. “Take it back.” “You can’t-” Naska’s mouth fell open, suddenly left holding the plate like an idiot. The girl was not being easy at all. “This little bitch.” Naska cursed. She meant it to be quiet, but she underestimated Ana’s hearing.“What did you say?” Ana’s head popped up with a clear glance. “Nothing, your Empress.” Naska lied, but inside, she was only growing angrier.Spoiled brat! Naska cursed silently. She quickly found out that Ana was not an easy master. Naska seemed to have her hands full. Regardless of how nice I am, she is still an ungrateful bitch.Naska looked to the door with a longing stare. If only
*Alexander*“How’s it going, champ?” King Alexander watched Nicoli drag the crayon over.Nicoli was wholly focused on his creation. Probably concerned with showing off to Ana how his drawings were improving since the last time. A child's drawing was not something to trifle with, Alexander learned. Therefore, Alexander gave the boy ample space to achieve his artistic goals and humored him.As long as the letter is done. Alexander had no other worries. “Quite the little artists you are, my boy.” Alexander admired his passionate resolve but wondered who it sourced from. It was certainly not from him.Perhaps the queen?But the thought of Belinda made Alexander frown. Despite the month passing, the events of that morning still did not sit well with him. And he did not know what to think of her at the moment.“All done!” Nicoli lifted the paper with pride.“Er…how lovely….” Alexander narrowed his eyes. “What a nice…mouse?”“Bear! It’s a bear!”“A bear!?” Is that what this terrifying creatu
*Mykhol*Mykhol didn’t return until late the following day. And as if it came naturally to him, he went directly to see Ana. Naska blushed as she let him in. “L-Lord Mykhol.” Naska curtsied low to show off her cleavage. Mykhol noted her speak quietly. It didn’t take him long to see why.Ana was still asleep. Her hair was unbraided and spilled over the pillows. It looked like cobwebs. And her cherry lips puffed as she gently snored.“She’s going to be quite a beauty when she’s older,” Mykhol spoke.“Just like her mother.”“Lord Mykhol?” Naska blinked up, confused, but Mykhol didn’t explain. Instead, he left to come to her bedside.No, she’ll be better. Mykhol smiled with his fangs.Mykhol pulled open the covers and crawled in. He was careful not to disturb Ana. He did not want her to awaken just yet.Mykhol ventured further and scooped her into his arms. He pulled her close to his chest. Closer, he was able to smell her. Her sandalwood filled his nose with intoxication.I missed this.
*Belinda*Belinda tapped her quill on the desk as she looked at the letter. It was somewhat of a little feat to retrieve it off of Post Master Nettle without anyone the wiser. But of course, Julia had managed. Belinda could count on her for things like this.But getting the letter into her hands was one thing. Now was the question of what could be done with it. What was Belinda going to do? Briefly, she regarded Nicoli’s hand script on the envelope. It had improved.Even I can see that. Belinda had to admit. But the reason it had to do with that bastard child, only soured her mood further. Belinda tapped her quill with more force. She was practically stabbing into the desk’s wood now. The quill’s nip got duller as small chunks of wood came up.“My Queen,” Julia broke the silence at last. “We can no longer delay the letter. They will check and wonder why it hasn’t been sent.”“I’m well aware of the time frame, Julia.” Belinda glanced over at her. Julia bowed with a quick apology. But
*Ana*Another week of nothing from Nicoli. I don’t mean to but I find my thoughts fall back to it. It’s going to be another week of nothing from Dawny.At some point, I’ll need to stop counting. I know. If anything, to help clear my thoughts. I know I should stop wasting my energy on this.I know I should but-I need to study. I tell myself. It’s not the time to be distracted. Things move on. And so must I.I make to start reading my book once more before I hear the sound of a soft snore.“Cousin?” I cannot help but look over my book to find Mykhol. I can’t help but roll my eyes at the sight, as sure enough, he is doing it again.If it’s that boring, he should leave. I watch his head drop off his hand as if about to sleep only to jolt himself awake again and sit up. He moves to shift the book onto his lap as if to read, but it’s clear he’s not.And I find his insistence to pretend almost laughable.“You could go if you wanted, Cousin,” I say, breaking the silence. “I’m fine by myself.”
*Ana*“Thank…you.” I barely feel my lips move to make a sound as I draw quiet at the sight of the blue wax seal. Dawny’s royal stamp is pressed deeply into it.It’s here. I breathe softly. I thought it’d never… I’m suddenly weightless.Deep shallow breaths fill my ears before my hand raises. The letter shakes in my hand. I can feel the weight of it. It’s real.It’s here. I can barely believe it is here.“Nicoli.” Just thinking of his name makes my heart jitter.I thought you wouldn’t…that I lost…“Nicoli has written to me.” The words can no longer stay inside. I breathe again.“Oh, Cousin!” I rush to see Mykhol.“It’s finally here!” I find myself leaping forward and hugging Mykhol in joy.“I thought he would never write to me again.”“Oh,” Mykhol stiffens ever slightly, but he still smiles. “How wonderful for you.” “It is- I never thought- My paper-knife?” I let go, turning to Naska."Heh?" Naska blinks, caught off guard. She looks after me, or, more at my smile, with a perplexed exp
*Mykhol*“How dare she throw me out!” Mykhol hissed through his fangs, shaking as he stood in the hall. It was infuriating, no, even humiliating. And it took all he could not to just turn back around and bust down the door.She dares do this to me! Mykhol stomped ahead. His mind was burning and red. It was unbelievable. She doesn't even know what she's done!“Ana,” Mykhol bit through his teeth. Wait until my parents hear about this, they'll- Mykhol turned, ready to head toward their wing. He was going to tell them everything that just happened, even if his mother was already there to see part of it. The last part, the part where Ana just carelessly tossed him out.She dares push me, ME, aside as if I were nothing? As if I haven’t been here this whole time. Helping and comforting her? Something much more than any of those damn humans ever did. No, Ana will realize how much she’s messed up. I’ll show her. Once I tell Father and Mother-It was only then that Mykhol stopped in his trac
*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