Once the party was dismissed, Belinda stole away into her room. She needed to dress and make herself ready. For what, though, was the cause of her frustrations.“Julia!” Belinda screeched. The old woman appeared without a flinch. Instead, she seemed to expect the abuse. “Inform the servants to set up tables in the dance hall- but clean it first! I mean, sweep the floors, polish the statues, clean the mirrors-.” “Oh god.” Belinda groaned while thinking. There was just so much to do. And she felt frazzled. It’s all because of that bastard of a girl. Belinda blamed. This was her fault. Otherwise, her husband wouldn’t have been so stupid and rash as to make an announcement right in front of everyone like that. Yes, Belinda would now have her hands full because of her. She'd have to assemble a ball in a matter of hours. Something unheard of- such things take months to prepare.But here I am again, picking up after that foolish man.Belinda could already feel a headache start above her
Naska was not in a good mood. She was still hot and sweaty. There wasn’t even a grace of shade from a nearby tree she could stand under. And Mykhol refused to go back inside despite how blatantly Naska complained.But that wasn't the worst of it.No one even talked to us. Naska remembered feeling even more slight. They were standing so long, and no one bothered to come over. They just stared and kept their distance.The only one who did was the queen herself. Thinking of her made Naska shiver. She could still feel those gray eyes on her and judge her even when sitting. Almost like she was trying to make, her shrink away.What a scary human. But even with that, Naska found the woman gorgeous. And the way she carried herself was inspiring.If I were a queen, I’d like to be like her. And Naska had a quick thought of being the one at the table. Sitting so comfortably sipping tea and she stared down at whoever spoke to her- both imposing and beguiling.I could. Naska thought again. I c
After the King’s announcement, Hidi took to her room. “But, your majesty,” Lady Poole whimpered again as Hidi pulled another dress from the armoire. “What do you think? Is it good?” Hidi held it over her. Lady Pole just shrugged. “Is not good then?” And Hidi threw it over her shoulder to let it drop. A maid quietly moved to pick it up. But she needn’t bother. As soon as she did, another was thrown over.Hidi seemed to be going through her armoirs with out hesitation.“Which blue do you think?” Hidi turned to Lady Pole. But the girl only wrapped her arms around her waist. She seemed to want nothing to do with it.“This isn’t fair.” Lady Pole said off to the side. “I didn’t pack for any ball. This was meant to be a tea party.” “But life is unexpected. Yes?” Hidi went moving through another armoire. She had a smile on.“You make do. Now stop being a stick in the mud, Lucy. Start going through your things less you want me to dress you.” And Hidi stopped to give a playful wink. A wi
*Hidi*It didn’t strike Hidi at first. She kept walking down the halls as if she knew where to go. But that was the thing. She didn’t.Hidi didn’t know where Ana was in the castle. She just burst out of the room and straight to it. But now she was in the middle of nowhere.And there was no sign of Ana.Perhaps I should have the maid show me the way? Hidi thought and looked over her shoulder. But did she know the way back? No, of course not. She didn’t think to pay attention. That was something she’d have Lady Pole do. Without her, Hidi was prone to get lost- like she was now.But no worries. Hidi thought easily. Sure enough, someone should come along. And she could let them take over from there.The only downside was how long that would be.“I hate waiting.” Hidi frowned but looked at her fingers. She inspected them for any chips in the polish. There were none.But I've already grown bored of the color. Hidi thought. When she’d get back, she’d have Lady Pole change it. Perhaps it s
*Ana*“Queen Hildenberg!?” I am in shock. She is the last person I expect to see. And I am lost in the moment.“Hidi,” Hide corrects but doesn’t seem hurt by it. Instead, she moves deeper into the room. She seems to be at ease the further she walks.“What are you doing here?” Hidi shrugs but still is on the move. She eyes me as she proceeds forward. “I came to say there is a change to plans.” Hidi stops just short of touching me. I feel her loom over by a good foot or two. It reminds me how small I am, and I find it uncomfortable.“Change?” I turn to get a better look at Hidi, but she is ahead of me. She is walking around as if to see me from a different angle.“It is a costume ball now.” Hidi stops to let me catch up.“A costume?” Hidi nods.“I came to tell you.” “Ah, I see.” I nod. That is why she is here. That was nice of her to tell me.“I must thank you then-”“Where are your maids?” Hidi looks at the room. It feels like she is holding her breath as if to clarify something.
*Nicoli* “Your Majesty,” Thomas spoke with an edge to his tone. “Hmm?” Nicoli fumbled as he stood with his vest half-buttoned. Thomas had barely been able to put it on. “Can you stay still for just a minute more?” "Your majesty?" Thomas tried to smile. But it came off all wrong. And Nicoli could see it. The man was annoyed. Just a little more. Nicoli thought. “What’s taking so long?” Nicoli moved again to undo the button to his shirt. It was red, like the vest, and so were his pants. Thomas sighed as he dropped his hands to his side. “My lord, If you stop moving, I can finish.” “Have I?” Nicoli put on an innocent smile. This made Thomas stiffen. His usually stoic face was turning red. Almost there. Nicoli thought again. He needs to push a little more and- “Sorry.” Nicoli fluttered his lashes. It wouldn’t work on Thomas. He knew that already. But it was more out of habit now. And the maids seemed to like it. “I am just excited about the ball.” Nicoli raised his ar
*King Alexander*King Alexander couldn’t hide the glow on his face. And why would he? This happiness was a long time coming.King Alexander skipped a step as he walked.“I’ll dance the whole night with her.” “Your Majesty?” King Alexander didn’t need to look behind to know the old man was looking at him. But he played as if he couldn’t guess why.“What, Johan?”“The whole night?”King Alexander turned his head to smile back at his butler.“Well, who else will dance with her?” And he winked. But Johan didn’t seem to be phased by it.“She has Prince Nicoli.” Johan went knowingly. “Ah, right. My son.” And King Alexander paused to hold his chin. “Hmm.” His fingers raked through his hair as he thought. Finally, he came to a conclusion.King Alexander held up on finger. “He may have one dance.”“Just one, sir?” Johan raised a brow. Again King Alexander could feel the judgment. So he had to slip a little.“Maybe…two?”“Sir,” Johan shook his head. But King Alexander only doubled down on
* Mykhol?*Mykhol left Naska on the sofa so he could dress. And he went to the mirror and pulled his gown on. Behind him, Naska stretched. Her naked body was free to see in the mirror.“Do you plan to keep lying there?” Mykhol went counting the bite marks he left on her. He had left many since he was quite hungry. My thirst seems to be on the rise lately. So Mykhol thought with vague notice. It just seemed never to be enough.No. Mykhol corrected himself.That wasn’t it.I’m not getting blood from the one I want, is all. Mykhol rationalized. But he knew that would ramify when he did for both his lust for blood and ‘other’ things.All would be well then. “Where are you off to so quickly?” Naska purred from the sofa. She sat up to stretch her arms over her head. Her bare breast sagged slightly from breastfeeding. But they were still plump.And as if to give more affection to her frame, Naska wiggled her shoulders to allow them to wobble. All to entice Mykhol back to the sofa. And for
*Nicoli*“Mother,” Nicoli barely spoke, short of breath, as he rounded the stairs. His mother already on her way down, with Julia in close tow. “You shouldn’t run, Nicoli. ” Belinda reprimed with a slight shake of her head, “it’s unbecoming of a Monarch.” But she stopped as if to wait. Seeming to want him to join her side. Something Nicoli had no problem doing. Because Nicoli knew what she really wanted. And he moved without needing to be asked. Taking her hand into the crook of his arm, it earned him a gentle smile back. Her angry already half dissolved by the act.And further diminished by Nicoli tacking on his best smile.“Forgive me, Mother, I was just excited to find Father coming home earlier than expected.” Nicoli went before noticing the slight pink hue around her eyes. Making his smile thin a little. She was crying again. His eyes darted to Julia. She gave the barest of nods to confirm he was right. But even then, she said nothing to betray her master. Her steadfast loyalt
*Nicoli*“It’s here, it’s here!” Nicoli’s elation only heightened the further he moved. His long legs take him in leaps and bounds leaving everyone behind.Why, he was already taking the stairs before he dared another glance down at his letters. He knew he shouldn’t, it wasn’t wise to be distracted when climbing the stairs. But Nicoli was more coordinated than most. And he trusted his balance and memory of the castle. Even if he didn’t, Nicoli would have caved to his excitement anyway. It happened each time he got another letter. Nicoli would lose his crafted mature and pleasant demeanor, which everyone loved so much, for that of an excited child in an instant. Ana just had that effect on him.And Nicoli would not restrain himself when it came to her. Not anymore, not after so many years. And so, his eyes freely roamed over the letters. Passing over Hidi’s careful cursive and yellow seal for the red seal. It was Ana’s letter that he wanted to read most. Hidi’s of course, would be r
*Julia*Julia was already out before the posthorse was even taken to the stable. And Like clockwork, she took her spot to stand and wait as the mail was delivered over to Postmaster Nettle. Her presence shocking no one. Why, it was such a common sight to see her now that Nettle nor the other servants even stirred. The silent old woman’s presence was nothing to them. She was simply a part of the process. And like always, she waited and watched for Nettle to approach with hawk-like precision. But regardless of her cold approach or silent pressure, Nettle still kept his own. He would not move faster, even for the queen’s handmaid. He only nodded to her in greeting.“Ah, Julia, I see you have ears like a cat.” he joked. “You arrived just in time. I’ve just received the post.”“PostMaster Nettle,” Julia returned stiffly, already looking past him. Her eyes scanned the letters on the golden tray in his hands. They immediately went to the return addresses. She already vying to see where th
*Ana*Is it really time? Can I really do it at last? The thoughts swim in my head as I dash away from Father. The breeze lifts my shawl as I move.Can I write to Nicoli? I knew this day would come. But now that it’s here, I am almost overwhelmed.It doesn’t feel real to me. After going through so much, the first blood, the coronation, the trade problems, Mykhol’s departure, and countless other things. So much has happened since then. It just never felt like it would happen. But here I am, running. And it feels so unreal. Nothing does now. I can’t even feel the ground under my feet as I move. Everything seems to slow down, or I move even faster.I am only vaguely aware of the sound. It’s my heart. It hits against my chest like a drum and by the time I am back inside, a slight wave of dizziness is swimming over me.But I can’t stop. I won’t stop. I am driven like a moth to a flame. It is like I am floating through the halls. And my body feels weightless as I come to my door.“Naska!” I
*Ana*Is this where I get my work ethic from? It’s fair to make the argument because I am surprised how immediate Father is to start as soon as we get back inside. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so seriously.But he is. And I can’t say I’m not glad about it. When he said get to work, he meant it. Immediately after Mykhol departed, one of the first and most important things Father sought to fix was the supply issue.He made it all look so simple. A new trade route was established going through the Almony mountains, not our desert. And secondly, Almony, not our Nocthen merchants, would be used going forward. This, of course, caused quite the outburst in court, not to have any Nochten’s but foreigners involved. I included. But Father assured me that they would be reliable thanks to his own experience. Even Hidi has vouched for them through letters, among other things. As for the other things, Hidi sounded peeved in her letter. Something about doing surprise visits instead of correspo
*Naska*“I will hold things down until you are back.” Naska managed to whisper, finally having that spare moment alone with Mykhol all morning.Otherwise, I’ll never get my chance. Naska gave a sharp glare behind her to the crowd. Somehow, word had spread overnight of Mykhol’s departure. Thus, why did so many come despite the early morning? They had come to bid their farewells.On any other day, Naska would have warmed at the sight. It demonstrated how many gave their support to him. She would have gloated, prideful at how much power Mykhol had by the display.But the high number of girls in the crowd kept her escalations at bay. The sight of so many in the audience cooled Naska down with their pained expressions and wanton eyes. Eyes, which were all directed at Mykhol, no less. Naska clenched her hand at the sight.Back off, he’s mine. Naska wished she could break away right there and start throttling them. Harm them and something more, that is, until she felt his cool finger graze
*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