Chapter # Who the Hell Invited Her *Aunt Funda* “What is she doing here?” Aunt Funda exploded as soon as the door closed behind them. It was a miracle she had held back until now. But her patience ended, and she was on a warpath. And then it wasn’t long before Aunt Funda located her first victim. “You-” Aunt Funda hissed as her eyes fell on Bruno, who seemed to be in the middle of helping Uncle. The boy, on his part, was rather clever. Sensing danger, Bruno immediately ducked down and out of sight behind a potted plant. But Aunt Funda was already livid at just having seen him. “The hell are you thinking about having that bastard in here!?” Aunt Funda spat to make Uncle flinch. “He was just- I need help with the.” “Just forget it.” Aunt Funda didn’t want to hear that. It didn’t matter what the boy was for; she didn’t like to see him or even think about him. I already have enough going wrong! Aunt Funda’s heart squeezed as she looked back at Mykhol. Her precious son! Aunt Funda
*Hidi*“So, this is the infamous gown.” Hidi moved to touch the dress on the mannequin. Her fingers curled around one of the many sapphires. “I didn’t think you had such rich tastes?” Rich in terms of how much this costs. Hidi looked back with a grin. Hidi meant it to be a joke, but it fell flat. Instead of laughing, Ana had the opposite effect.“You heard?.” Ana crumbled at the news.“What’s the matter?” Hidi, curious about the reaction, left the mannequin to walk around. It must be Ana’s private study. Hidi looked over the desks and countless bookshelves, stopping at the first portrait.What a cruel-looking man! Hidi instantly found the vampire menacing and unapproachable. Why did Ana keep it up? Hidi couldn’t see the draw; it was unpleasant. However, the second one was a completely different story. Since when did Ana get a miniature? Hidi couldn’t help but pout. She didn’t have one, but Ana did. Now, that just wasn’t fair. Look how cute he is. Hidi touched the small frame. Ni
*Hidi*Hidi could barely hold in her jaw. It was shocking- appalling, no, the sheer lack of respect was thick enough to taste.How can any court be so unruly? Hidi looked over the group of men, no women, amongst the gathered. They weren’t even looking over at Ana but talking amongst themselves. And they were talking so loudly that Ana had to repeat herself.“I said quiet, everyone.” Ana raised her voice. Hidi watched a few throw a nasty look over at her.“Since when did she get such a nerve?” Hidi could hear someone whispering not so quietly. “My god,” Hidi scuffed under her breath. This was Ana’s court? Hidi felt even more pity for her dear friend. Ana, meanwhile, seemed to overlook the stares. “Admiral Nugen,” Ana motioned back to the scarred human standing before them. “Please, continue with your report.”“As I was saying,” Admiral Nugen remained perfectly still during the ordeal. “We need to transfer more funds to the armory-”“Not this again.” One from the council cut off with
Chapter # A Gift with Hidden Meaning*Mykhol*“It’ll do.” Mykhol purposely held back any initial praise from the royal tailor. Otherwise, it might go to her head.And she won’t ask for a tip. Mykhol smirked as he took the white scarf and left. It was time to find wherever that giant took Ana. But Mykhol wasn’t pressed on it.Ana is a creature of habit, Mykhol knew quite well. If Ana wasn’t anything, she was predictable, and that meant there were only a few places she could be.It’s too cold to be outside now. So Mykhol could assume the Rose Garden was off the list. That meant only two other places. I’ll check her room first. Mykhol felt his steps quicken with excitement. Mykhol opened the scarf to look over the hard work. The stars and moons look so delicate. Mykhol was glad that he asked for ultramarine for the thread. It paired well with the white background. And there was another reason. All the blue made one particular shape stand out all the better.“I wonder how long it will
*Naska*Naska carried the tray with ease thanks to repetitive practice over the years. It was not even a thought for her to ever worry about dropping it at this point. But Naska couldn’t help but throw a worried glance over to the little boy beside her more than once.“Careful, honey.” Naska again stopped to shift a cup from the ledge. It was a good thing she checked for the umpteenth time. Naska patted herself on the back for being so wise.“Yes, Mama.” Bruno bowed his head with a gentle voice. The boy was sweet and quiet—not that he was ever a loud boy—but still, Naska felt proud to have such a well-behaved son.“After this, we’ll go see your grandpa and grandma.” Naska went quickly, like many times before. But this time, Bruno had to stop with a pout.“Why?”Bruno clenched the tray to him as he looked down.“Why?” Naska looked back with surprise. Since when did Bruno ever question her? “So you can tell them what you heard when that big lady was with her Empress.” Obviously. Why else
*King Alexander*King Alexander took in a breath of the odd yet familiar flavor that lingered in the air. It had been so long that he had almost forgotten about the taste but quickly found it brought him back. Alexander could feel the rush of memories like a key unlocking a forgotten door. For a moment, Alexander stood silently as the phantoms played before his eyes. At once, everyone was together like they used to be. Belinda was in the middle, linked in arms with Brartha on one side and Parsul on the other. Alexander remembered the unholy trio as what they used to call themselves. Back then, they were inseparable and seemed to enjoy making him suffer for it. Alexander could remember feeling put out many times as the three would scurry off ahead of him. Each would be engrossed in conversation, breaking into a laugh at a secret joke, and then, as if teasing him, throw a look his way before breaking into laughs again.If only I could go back to that simple time. Alexander watched as
*Ana*“You must be so disappointed not to see Nicoli. ” Father squeezes my hand as we walk back inside. “I’m sorry, Ana.” “No, that’s not-” Why would he say such a thing? Could he see it on my face? I touch my cheeks and mouth quickly. No, I haven’t been frowning. So, how could he guess it?“Not at all,” I quickly excuse. “That’s not- I’m not disappointed.” But, again, Father must see something I don’t know because he shakes his head.“No, You are.” Father rubs my hands. It makes them warm up. I barely register how cold I am until he does. We weren’t outside for long, but my skin must be icy because Father moved to breathe onto my fingers. His hot breath warms my digits even faster.“Why else would you be foolish enough to run outside without a coat?” Father winks. “You were gung-ho on seeing him, weren’t you? ” Father continues to rub and breathe on my skin. “I mean, look how cold you are. You’re like ice now.”“ Did I bring back snow?” Father laughs before kissing my fingers.”My li
*King Alexander* Alexander washed his hands in the icy water before drying them. He could feel Johan waiting behind him. But Alexander needed a moment to steady himself. “Is it all true?” Alexander finally spoke, watching the water in the basin bowl settle. His face looked up at him, suddenly years older. The grays in his beard seemed to have multiples in the very day. “Johan?” Alexander looked over to see his old friend. “Tell me.” “Her Majesty Hildenberg is right.” Johan went to make Alexander wince. “God.” “It’s worse.” “What could be worse?” Alexander was already in disbelief as it was. He had already seen and heard enough to be more than troubled. “What’s possibly worse?” How has Ana been able to survive this long on her own? It made Alexander more depressed the longer he thought about it. “Those rumors are back.” Johan went. “What rumors?” Alexander turned to see Johan only looking at him ”Oh,” Alexander’s stomach turned.” You mean ‘THAT ONE’ ” “That pesky rumo