AHHHH! I've been holding that one in for so long. Hehe
*Julia*The morning light stung Julia’s eyes as she sat up. It had not been an easy night because of the pain. But, sleep or not, it was time to get to work.“Mew,” The white cat grumbled as Julia got up. He yawned and stretched out his legs before sitting up to watch her.“I’m glad someone at least got to sleep.” Julia scratched his head to get a purr out of him. He begged for more, but Julia couldn’t waste any more time.It was time she saw exactly how bad it was. Julia stood before the mirror, looking at her new wounds. Her back and legs were riddled with thick red lines. Queen Belinda had stayed to her word. Julia was whipped with exactly 20 lashes on her back. But my poor legs. Julia touched them, careful of the puffed-up skin. Belinda had given each leg 20 on its own.“She didn’t need to be so excessive.” Julia lamented, but she wasn't angry or resentful. The opposite, actually, is that Julia could sympathize. Belinda wanted to make a point of it. And poor Julia had to
*Nicoli*“I don’t understand. It should be right here.” Nicoli kept saying it. But it didn't seem to work. It wasn’t anywhere.But that doesn’t make any sense. Stone figurines don’t just get up and walk off by themselves, do they? Of course not.“I swear I had it right here before I left.” Why did I leave it behind? Again, Nicoli regretted it, but his pockets were too small. It wouldn't fit.I should have just taken it with me. If I had known it would be gone- I wasn’t gone that long, though. For once, Hidi was actually serious. She didn't make any jokes or try any tricks. It surprised even him. Hidi was surprisingly mature about leaving back for Almony that morning. “I can’t stay and play with you forever, Nicoli. Though it has been fun.” Hidi was giving her last farewells.“But I need to start ruling my country.” Hidi then laughed at something. “But it doesn't mean you are off the hook. You better grow another foot when I come back. I am not fond of short men.”“Short- you're
*Admiral Nugen*“What is this?” Admiral Nugen mused as he went through his bag to find the atlas, and then he spotted the foreign object inside.I don’t remember packing this. Admiral Nugen pulled it out curiously. It looked to be some kind of journal of sorts. But it had no markings and was bound in some soft black leather. Too soft, Admiral Nugen could immediately feel the leather was of high quality. But that didn’t make any lick of sense. Nugen never had anything beyond what was practical. This journal was clearly expensive. Something he could never afford, let alone own one.So clearly, this isn’t mine. Admiral Nugen was sure of it. But then, why did he have it? “How’d you get in there?” Admiral Nugen moved to open the cover.“Who-”“Admiral Nugen?” The voice entered the tent before one of his men stepped forward. Admiral Nugen dropped the book to the side expectantly.“Do you have an update?” He asked but it was more a formality at this point. The news was the same. The vampi
*Mykhol*I know I shouldn’t, but- Mykhol lifted his eyes to steal yet another peek. The sight of Ana at her desk immediately curled something underneath his ribs.Suppose my parents were to see me right now. Mykhol clenched the book. It was a problem. He knew it was bad to be so obvious. Mykhol already saw their shock and horror. But so what? He was happy. And Mykhol had good reason to be. Both obstacles to their plan were gone. The king was still in Dawny. And now even Admiral Nugen was away. And Mother and Father are wasting no time enjoying their new riches. Mykhol smirked, touching the sleeve. It was another new gown. But, of course, Ana didn’t notice. But You never know when she might start to. Mykhol rubbed at the embroidery of a dragon. And when she does, she’ll be the one sneaking looks at me.It’s all just going so well. Mykhol curled his lips. So well, in fact, Mykhol’s only worry was what ‘company’ he would take later.Mykhol licked his lips. He had options. Almost
*Lady Funda*“A meeting? Now?” Funda frowned, pulling deep lines around the corners of her mouth. It was the last she expected to hear, let alone the last thing she wanted to do right now.Not when I was just about to order more dresses. Funda couldn’t help but find it annoying and against her plans. But seeing the meek boy just stand there, waiting for her confirmation, left with little else to do.“Very well,” Funda sighed, having little other choice. She motioned for the royal tailor and jeweler to both bow out. She would not get to order pretty new things just yet. But Funda already planned to call them back after. That was something to look forward to, out of all this unpleasantness. Funda noted with a thinly veiled look of contempt at the boy. This little inconvenience was almost as unsightly as his fake fang.“Thank you, Sir Celbest,” Charles, meanwhile, called after with a little more warmth, not from friendliness but out of respect for his family. “Of course,” Sir Pendwick
*Admiral Nugen*“See that the horses are set up.” Admiral Nugen commanded the servants as he slipped down from his saddle. Hitting the sandy floor immediately made a shock run up his feet painfully. I’m getting too old for this. Admiral Nugen hissed quietly. His body ached from top to bottom.The ride back was harsh. They had to limit their breaks to get back quickly. And he and his men felt it, Admiral Nugen especially.His head throbbed from exhaustion. He could use a nap- and a bath. Admiral Nugen caught a whiff of himself.He smelt almost as bad as the horses.But there is no time. As soon as they pulled up, Admiral Nugen dismounted his horse. Leaving his men, to beeline directly inside. He needed to find Ana.She’s not here? Admiral Nugen frowned as he stood in the doorway. She wasn’t anywhere he could see. The maid, meanwhile, held up the dress with wide shocked eyes.“What are you doing here?” Her voice shook. It was clear she was in shock. But Admiral Nugen wasn’t about t
*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
*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
*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
*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