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Part II Five Years Ahead
Last Updated:
2022-09-07 00:39:09
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 2 Same Old Song
*Ana*“Empress Anastasia, and Lord Mykhol entering” The announcer booms to turn all eyes toward us. I make no reaction but Mykhol puts on a smile. It causes a slight flurry from the floor of both the noblemen and women. As it usually does, and the whispering doesn’t fall far behind.“She comes with Lord Mykhol.” Someone whispers from the side and her partner nods with a knowing smile. “Of course she does.” And both shot a look up to find Mykhol.Mykhol again smiles back at them, as a habit. It again sets the women in the room into a new flush of whispers and fanning. Aunt Funda seems to find this a reason to beam a smile. She goes to look over the crowd as if counting the number of lookers.“The number has grown.” Aunt Funda whispers to Uncle Charles with a knowing smile. My uncle simply nods with a small more tame smile of his own.Why would that matter? I find myself not seeing any reason to be pleased. But that could be because my mind is preoccupied with heavier thoughts and take
Last Updated : 2022-09-14Will Bear the Moon Chapter 3 Daddy's Worry
*King Alexander*King Alexander was stumped. And when he looked to advisors for some possible insight, maybe a different point of view, he met with the same expression. They seemed just as perplexed. Everyone at the table seemed to be at a loss for words. Everyone, that is, except the very Prince Nicoli. He seemed completely unbothered. But Alexander had a suspicion as to why that might have been. Despite the very reason Nicoli was supposed to be here to learn, the boy was not paying attention. No, Alexander watched his son. His son was most definitely not paying attention as he watched him. Nicoli sat next to his father with a book in front of him. But he was not reading it. Instead, Nicolli was drawing bear doodles over the pages. I pity his tutors. Alexander grimaced. Those poor tutors tried their best, but it could only go so far. Nicoli still had no interest in learning. Instead, he seemed to prefer daydreaming over anything.It’s either that or writing another letter. Alexa
Last Updated : 2022-09-19Will Bear the Moon Chapter 4 Still Trying
*Nicoli*“Hello everyone!” Nicoli waved and greeted the servants as he passed. They met his smile and stopped with the expectation that he would come to chat. Many looked forward to the boy's conversations. But that wasn't going to happen today.“No, sorry, I’m busy.” Nicoli only shook his head after them and kept moving. Today was not the day for chit chat. No, nothng was stopping him today. Talking to them, though delightful, would just slow him down. And he wasn’t interested in talking to anyone but Ana.For someone so young, Nicoli was quite sure of himself in that regard. Ana was the best. And he wanted to use his energy towards her first. “My lord,” Thomas stood up from his resting spot to open the bedroom door. He feigned like he was awake all the while waiting. But Nicoli wasn’t fooled because he could see the droll dried on the side of his face. Mother would be livid if she knew he was sleeping on the job. But Nicoli didn’t mind. He wished Thomas would keep sleeping. It mad
Last Updated : 2022-09-26Will Bear the Moon Chapter 5 Mother's Worry
*Queen Belinda*Queen Belinda looked off after her cup while musing on the peaceful day. And it was such a lovely day. The sun was shining in the summer sky. The birds were singing. And best of all, the garden was blooming.Perhaps I’ll walk the maze later? Queen Belinda stirred her tea in thought. It made her think of her son then. Yes, Nicoli would most certainly want to take a walk with her. Especially after having to sit in one of those boring meetings. Belinda knew how much even Alexander hated them.But it is about time Nicoli started being more involved in such matters. Belinda sighed. Nicoli was growing up, much to her secret dismay. It would be a lie to say Belinda didn’t wish to keep her son a child forever. She could keep him close as any mother would. But, alas, he was growing, and it was better to prepare him for his future as King. That, however, would be for many years later. Belinda could take some comfort. She still had time. So until then, Belinda planned to take u
Last Updated : 2022-10-03Will Bear the Moon Chapter 6 The Date Thats Not
*Ana*“Cousin, must we be doing this now?” I break the silence at last. Manure baking in the hot Nochten sun is not something anyone wants to endure. And I have tried my best to hold myself in place, not for my sake, but for Mykhol’s. He is abdomen that we are out here.As much as I’d like nothing better than to go back inside. I go on and test my hand. But of course, it will not budge. It is firmly wedged between the crook of Mykhol’s arm. And more, Mykhol darts a gaze down every time I do.“Have somewhere to be dear cousin?” Mykhol asks but I flinch. He knows very well I don’t. And it’s all the more to make me grow quiet again.I’ll bear with it for now. This is the only conclusion. And I have one saving grace to distract me. I can hear the horse master leading up a new horse. Usually, I would enjoy meeting the new horses. But not today, today it is too hot and not my idea. This is all Mykhol’s doing. And I am just being pulled along.I feel like I’m some tag-along. I note with a str
Last Updated : 2022-10-10Will Bear the Moon Chapter 7 What News
*Ana*What is he doing out here? I find myself turning to spy on someone I least expected. He has no reason to be out here, I know. He should be inside the palace, but there he is standing by the stables. And what’s more, he’s looking directly at me as if waiting to get my attention.I can’t help but be compelled. I turn the horse back over to find him immediately step up as soon as I’m close enough.“Your Empress,” Admiral Nugen bows. As he stands, his eyes dart over my bare thighs. But whatever judgment he has, he mentions nothing. Instead, he cast his gaze back up to me. “I was hoping to have a moment of your time.”“Admiral Nugen.” I greet, eyeing the stoic man’s face. He does not rain compliments down on me, nor does he start with small talk. Quite different compared to the others in court.Admiral Nugen seems the straightforward type. I am learning, but it makes me grow a little fonder for him. But still, why is he standing out in the growing heat?“What brings you to my stables
Last Updated : 2022-10-17Will Bear the Moon Chapter 8 The Wrong Sort of Gift
*Belinda*“Philpé?” Belinda waited for Philpé, the royal artist, to finish his bow. “I didn’t know you were coming,” Belinda noted the bag and supplies for his work. Then, to see his assistant struggle to get up, almost dropping the easel and paints.”Are you here to do one of my ladies' portraits?”“Ah, no, your majesty.” Philpé shook his head. “I’m here to paint a miniature of his highness.” “A miniature?” Belinda raised a brow. He was here to paint his majesty? She never heard Alexander mention it before.Perhaps he’s making it for me? Belinda thought then with delight. Of course. Belinda had her heart flutter then. It had been quite the time since she last had his miniature, back when they first married. What a wonderful surprise! Belinda thought instantly giddy at the idea.“Then, here, I will escort you there, myself.” Belinda beamed. “Come, he should be in his study now.”“Oh no, my lady.” Philpé purred back, matching her energy.” I could never ask you too-”“Oh hush, Philpé
Last Updated : 2022-10-24Will Bear the Moon Chapter 9 Stay Still Please
*Nicoli*It wasn’t long before Nicoli regretted his choice. The maze was hot thanks to the direct sunlight. And the sun seemed hell-bent on attacking the back of his head. It felt like a magnifying glass burning into his skull.And that’s not to mention the bugs. Oh, the bugs.I hate bees. Nicoli flinched as another flew by. Was it him, or were they venturing too close to his face? Either way, it made him nervous. Bees being his least favorite bug.Last year, Nicoli had been stung by one and the pain was horrible. He swelled up like a balloon. It was a whole ordeal, and Nicoli wasn’t about to forget it. But I have to. Nicoli thought to persevere. Because this is for Ana. That was reason enough to put up with it. But, despite the resolve, the threat of another sting was fresh in his mind. And when one flew too close to his nose, Nicoli couldn’t help but jump.“No!” Nicoli yelped, quickly moving to duck down. “Get away,” And he stayed hunched over.“Your Highness?” Philpé, meanwhile, w
Last Updated : 2022-11-01
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Will Bear the Moon Chapter 18 Tomato Tomato
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 17 The Bulgeons
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 16 Guess What I Heard
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 15 It's All About the Delivery
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 14 Private Lessons
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 13 A Family Affair
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 12 What Kind of Party is This
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 11 Two to Go, Please
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 10 Pretty Please
*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
