*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*“They are doing it again.” Naska’s voice makes me break my concentration. “Doing what?” I look up from my book to find her at the window. She’s looking down with a growing sneer. “Pesky bastards.” She curses and closes the blinds as if to cut out whatever it is. It won’t work because the window blows them aside again. Today is windy with the change from summer to autumn. Time is moving on. And my coronation looms ever closer.I wish it to be over with already. I think sourly. This whole business is frustrating, and I hope I never go through something like it again.Especially if it is to do another gown fitting, I think, and eye the mannequins. I have new gowns that will replace my old ones, particularly my collection of purple dresses. As much as I hate to lose them, it's happening anyway. I’m the only one upset about it, though. I think while looking over the replacements. They are pretty, but none of them are purple, of course. I doubt they will be any time soon. Not if
*Mykhol* Mykhol took a deep breath as he looked over the new gown. It was exquisite. The gown had gold thread trim, and gems and jewels were everywhere. It sparkled in the light as the tailor moved to show off what could only be his masterpiece. It’s beautiful. Mykhol felt his heart quicken. It was the kind of clothes he had always wanted. It was regal and dripped with power. The gown may have been even better than Ana’s. But that’s the problem. Mykhol felt himself frown. “Tone it down just a little more.” Mykhol could see his words strike the tailor. The man paled as he looked at the gown. But whatever shock he felt, he did not show it for long. “Yes, My lord,” The tailor took the gown wordlessly. But not before his mother stepped in front to block his way. “ Are you sure?” Aunt Funda didn’t hide the pain in her voice. She seemed hurt at the idea. She looked back at the gown and lingered over the gems. “It’s already so plain.” She made a pitiful look back up. It was her w
Chapter # The Impatient Guests *King Alexander* King Alexander looked out the window to admire the seasonal change. The once lush greenery was turning into brass, gold, and red shades. It was a bittersweet sight. Time has moved on. King Alexander couldn’t deny it. It was months since Ana was gone, and months of silence only dragged on as he waited. “I hope everything is alright-” King Alexander didn’t get to finish the thought as the door opened. It revealed just the man he’d been waiting to see. “Well?” King Alexander met Johan’s eyes. He had left to see Nettle, the postmaster. “Has it come?” “It has.” Johan nodded, and Nicoli, eagerly awaiting the mail like a habit now, sprang from the couch. “Finally!” The boy was up and running over with his hands up.“Give me! Give me! I want to see!” “Son,” King Alexander brandished. But just as quickly, he couldn’t fault the boy. Nicoli had been waiting as much as he was. It’s here at last. King Alexander moved to take the letter and
*Ana* “The season has changed quite nicely, don’t you think, Naska?” I look at the roses. “I guess.” Naska glances over with little interest. Most are dead save the last few blooms. I wanted to savor them as it would be the last time I would see them until the following spring. “Just means it's going to get cold soon.” Naska goes. Again, she pulls the shawl around as if she is about to shiver. But she’s the only one. Bruno seems comfortable as he plays with a stick by me. “It will be winter soon.” Bruno goes, and I have to smile.“Yes, and it will be Nicoli’s birthday.”“Who?” Bruno snaps the stick and stares at me before it dawns on him. “Oh! The Prince. Yeah.” “Perfect, Bruno.” I pat his head. “You remembered well.”“I’m good at memorizing stuff.” Bruno declares as he moves to pick up a stone. He looks over it before putting it in his pocket. I guess it must be a good one.“You are, indeed.” I smile before something else dawns on me. “He will be nine this winter.” “Nine!” Bru
*Ana*I clench my teeth as the words spin. I don’t know what to think, but my legs seem to understand what to do. They take off as soon as it’s over.“Are you mad?” Bruno’s voice is small as he follows a few steps back. I almost forgot he was there. Bruno is a reticent sort of child. Even his footsteps are hushed.“I-” I can’t formulate the words. I’m not sure I should. Bruno is a child who knows nothing of this. It would confuse him.Besides, Bruno is not the one I want to talk to. I turn into the familiar hall to see Mykhol’s door. It’s left slightly open. He must be in there.“Cousin,” I push through without any warning. “We need to talk-” “Your Empress.” Naska scrambles to get up from the floor. Her face is flushed as she moves to wipe her mouth. “Why are you-” I blink but shake my head.” It doesn’t matter. I need to speak with my cousin alone.” “Alone? But why-” Naska frowned with a quick look at Mykhol, but he seemed unbothered. “Privately? This is a surprise.” Mykhol turns
*Ana*“Am I… “ I blink, gobsmacked, as my mind can not quite process what I just heard. That, or maybe fight it? The sheer audacity that anyone would even think to ask such a question, let alone someone ask me, is unthinkable.“Am…I?” I try again before Amul nods, his brownish-black eyes glinting with amusement and interest, before spreading his beard thin to betray a toothy grin.“Are you a virgin?” Amul repeats slowly but clearly. As if he thought I might not have heard him correctly the first time, before tilting his head to one side quizzically and shifting a sun-bleached dreadlock off his shoulder.“I asked if you have laid with another man before.” “I…?”The words squeaked out of my chattering teeth before stalling on my tongue, again in disbelief that this was happening.But it is. Amul just asked me if I am a…I look back at him, wide-eyed and not sure how to even start to react to such an off-putting question.Should I be angry? Upset? Disgusted? I don’t know. Or maybe this wa
*Ana*At least…everyone is quick to assemble on short notice. I shiver as another gust of wind blows over us, making even me flinch, and pull up my cloak, before stealing a glance back.On the platform, wrapped up tightly in thick cloaks, Aunt Funda and Uncle Charles miserably stand together against the cold on the left side. Underneath the cloak’s hems, I can spy the hint of blue of the matching gown sets I had ordered made for them. Something Aunt Funda insists is too plain, what with not having jewels sewn in or metallic threads used. But Sir Celbest is always quick to remind her of the budget restraints. Or threaten her that she won’t get any new gowns. Something which seems always to make her grow quiet again. Which is quite impressive on its own, but that just proves Sir Celbest making a good treasurer.Better than Uncle, even. I think with a look over to the crowd and find them both together. Both of them, Pendwick and his maternal grandfather, Sir Celbest, stand in the front
*Naska*“She…turned him down?” Lady Funda was still processing between disbelief and joy at the news, but it didn’t take long before her lips lifted to show a fanged smile. With a smile, Naska was quick to pick up.“Oh, yes. She turned him down, alright.” Naska repeated. “It’s a pity you couldn’t have been there to see it with your own eyes.” Naska went on, and Funda laughed, clearly taken in by the thought.“It would have been grand if I could,” Funda admitted. “To see her, shoot him down like that.” She chuckled again, touching her rings, before turning with a smile.” My, good work, Naska. You’ve done wonderfully.” “I have, haven’t I?” Naska beamed, pleased beyond measure how quickly her work was being praised. But of course, Naska knew she would be.Maybe, Lady Funda will give me another of her pretty necklaces again? She hoped so, reminded of the necklace Lady Funda had just given her the other day. Lady Funda liked her so much more now. Her affection was clear by all the gifts
*Ana*“A confession?” What could Pendwick possibly have to confess to me? I must say, it is quite a surprise to hear, coming from him, of all people.Pendwick is the most forthcoming person I know. He may be shy in his words, yes, but he is candid with me. So, it’s quite a surprise to hear we had secrets between us.Though, he did mention something like this before, didn’t he? Back in the garden the other morning? Perhaps this is referring to that?“Pendwick? What is this confession?” I curiously look down at our hands, his cupping over mine, before looking back up. “Have you..done something?”“Done..?” Pendwick flinches, his hands slightly shaking over mine a moment, but takes in a shaky breath, before calming down. “It’s.. not something I wanted to do.” Pendwick lowers his eyes then. “Not intentionally.”Not intentionally he says? “Then, Pendwick, what is it?” I press because now I am starting to feel my stomach tighten, a bit confused. What could he be confessing about? And… what
*ana*“Bruno, I would have thought you, out of everyone, would have liked this idea.” But clearly, I am wrong. And, instead of excitement like I thought, I now have a 14-year-old boy, brooding at me. Bruno’s overgrown dusty red bangs cover his eyes, making it hard to see where he is looking, let alone what kind of expression he’s making now.“What’s so wrong with a dance?” I ask him. “Tell me, why don’t you like it?”“Because…it’s foreign.” Bruno goes off, shaking his head as if that is a good enough reason. But I can’t help but frown all over again.“I know it is. But just because it’s foreign, doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” “Why?” Burno only shoots back, blowing his bangs out of his face with a huff. “It’s enough for me. It’s a silly idea.”“Silly? Oh, Bruno.” I have to smirk at that. “Well, I thought it was something to help liven the party a bit. Something practical in terms.” I answer at last. “I mean, most of us know a dance or two.” “I don’t.” Bruno corrects flatly. “That…ye
*Sir Pendwick*He’s going to be mad. Pendwick didn’t even need to bother pretending. The instant he opened his mouth, he knew what he did. No one overspoke the head of the Celbest family.But I did. Worse, Ana even went with his idea. No, this would not be overlooked, and, inwardly, Pendwick sighed.It’s better if I get it over with now than later. He knew and turned.“Your Empress,” Pendwick started. “I will join you in a moment. I…just have to speak with my grandfather, first.” “Of course,” Ana, unaware of Pendwick's problems, easily replied. Her voice was sweet and soft like always to him. Even in this turmoil, Pendwick could not help but admire her eyes, so beautiful and clear, as she regarded him like a thousand times before.How much I wish I could just fall into them and stay there. Pendwick looked on, longingly, cheeks warming a little. But just as he wished it, he knew he couldn’t stall. He had to go and go he would.“Yes,” Pendwick nodded just before Hidi started.“Well
*Ana*“Hidi,” I go, but Hidi simply smiles back at me, the damage already done.“It will fit.” Hidi turns back to overlook the procession of more crates. Her newest ‘gifts’ of ‘decor’ are looming in multiple boxes. Just looking at the boxes now, I’m afraid to even ask what they are.“Hidi,” I sigh again, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this to be a manageable party.” “Oh, Ana,” Hidi tsks. “You must make it big. This is your first real party since the coronation, and that was a decade ago.”“It was 9 years, Hidi.” I correct, “Not ten.” but Hidi rolls her eyes.“Worse than that,” Hidi shakes her head, “ You know it too. Come, Ana, I know these things. You must impress the other nobility and royals coming. My Mama alone will have opinions.”“Your-her majesty is coming?” I raise a brow at the news. “She will attend this time?”“It’s nothing major.” Hidi goes off-handedly. “Mama is curious about how things have been.”“But Hidi,” I pout a little, finding the revelation not small
*Julia*“Your Majesty.” Julia piped up, although she knew it was hopeless, that Belinda was already set in her ways. And sure enough, Belinda proved her right.“He wants to go,” Belinda went, her grey eyes watching both her beloved men step into the carriage. “You know, I can’t stop him.” Belinda went on, seeing Nicoli move for the carriage, his excitement clear to see, even from where they stood on the platform. Nicoli lingered to give one last wave and blow of a kiss. Belinda cracked a little, but quickly defaulted back to her icy demeanor as it was now Alexander’s turn.He looks even worse than when he first came back to Dawny some weeks ago. Julia thought with a sinking feeling. Alexander’s face had changed in his short stay, it was sunken to show his cheekbones, and his tan skin was losing color. Even his eyes were different, the blue shine was gone and dull.Alexander had stopped coughing shortly after a few days rest, but now new ailments attacked him, a shortness of breath, an
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence