*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
* Music suggestions when reading this chapter: Lullaby by the abyss inside us & On the nature of daylight by Max Richter*Ana waited until the footsteps faded away before dropping her shoulders. The fire and rage within her were quickly sinking away. Instead, she now felt guilty for having lost herself.I didn’t mean to yell at him. Ana thought. But she could not have Mykhol stay, not after seeing that.I couldn’t bare someone else seeing this. Ana walked to the window. She could feel the sun shine through. It felt warm on her skin. It seemed a welcome change. Ana did not realize it, but she had been cold until now.But the warmth could only reach so far. It was like a wall had come up inside that the sun would never breach. Just behind her eyes, it felt dark.I have to read it.Ana slowly unfolded the letter. Again she could see the delicate script of her Father's. But it was the only thing Ana could recognize as his. The words he had written were unfamiliar.“I think it is now nece
*Nicoli*Nicoli moved from the bookshelf to the clock again. The postmaster was on his deliveries by now. So he only needed to wait a bit longer.But it was challenging to sit and do nothing.“You’re going to run a line through my rug if you keep pacing like that.” His father lifted his head from the desk with a knowing expression.Nicoli stopped. But not for long. He began to fidget again. “You think it’ll come today?”Nicoli pulled out a book to put it back without looking. The book fell back with a loud thud on the shelf. He pulled out another to put it back. Again another thud.Alexander flinched a little at the sound but said nothing to it."Could be today, or it could be tomorrow.” He went but Nicoli shook his head at the answer not being good enough.“You said that yesterday.” Nicoli pouted and returned to the books. “And the day before and the day before that. Why don’t you know?” Nicoli went and his Father sighed.“I…if I knew, you would be the first one to know.” He went but
Twelve-year-old Ana watched her aunt move within the glasses reflection. She was setting something down on her desk. It was white. Briefly, Ana could guess what it was, but it gave her no satisfaction.Instead, she remained by the window. Below, Ana could see a crance. She was walking the pond with a trail of her chicks.The said chicks were quite a contrast to their mother. They were disorganized and clumsy puffs of fluff. And each seemed to have trouble by just not colliding with their siblings.Ana curled her lip slightly at the corners. The sight was funny enough to smile. But she dropped it as soon as she noticed Aunt Funda looking at her in the glass.“Aunt Funda.” “Another letter from Dawny, your Empress.” Aunt Funda went with a straight posture. She remained standing. Her eyes flickered down to the letter as if waiting for something. Ana turned to make Maddie's shawl lift as she moved. Underneath, Aunt Funda could see her silver hair. It had grown thick and wavy over time. An
*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