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Picking Up the Pieces
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Will Bear the Moon Long Awaited Guest
*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
Will Bear the Moon The Empty Chair
*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
Will Bear the Moon Something is Fundamentally Wrong
*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
Will Bear the Moon The Coronation Dress
*Ana*“So, here it is?” I take in a deep breath and turn. “How do I look?” I would take a spin to show Father the entirety of the dress, but it is too difficult. All the jewels and embroidery make the dress heavy. Just extending my arms, I can feel the weight pull me down. All this work and the dress is still impractical. I can’t help but renew my distaste for the dress. Not only is it gaudy, but it’s not even functional, which I consider the worst sin. But I console myself that this will be the first and last time I must bear with it.It will be over soon. I keep repeating. It helps calm me down.“Papa?” I check on the uncharacteristically silent man. Father seems to be looking over the dress before reanimating. “Like a beacon of hope.” Father praises with a grand smile. “You are breathtaking.”“Papa,” I reached out to take his hands. He kissed mine before kissing my head. His beard moved the chains for my shawl as he pulled back to look down on me.“Your mother would be so proud.
Will Bear the Moon The Coronation
*Ana*It’s finally here; I breathe and stiffen my back. It is the moment I have been waiting for. My heart is beating so fast. I barely feel my feet pick up as I step into the room.The head priest stands in the center. The old man is beyond years, and all the red in his hair has faded to white. But his eyes look over me with a cold sternness.I can almost hear him say, ‘Hurry up’ through his eyes. I would love to. But this dress is so heavy that I must pace myself or topple over. It would be better without heels. I already curse the damn footwear. But I couldn’t forgo them because the hem would be dragging. It is yet another addition that makes this dress somehow worse. I am starting to suspect this was done on purpose. Aunt Funda made the dress as uncomfortable and noxious as possible.But I won’t let it get to me. I stay focused. It’s finally here! I have to try hard to steady myself. But even with all my excitement, something lingers in my mind. “Why did he-” My lips still ting
Will Bear the Moon State your Intentions
*Ana*It’s been a while since I’ve seen everyone in such a good mood. I think and try to remember when that was. The great hall is loud and full of excited voices. Everyone seems to be talking at once. Happy sounds surround us as we take our seats at the table. Maybe when Mykhol first came back from the academy, I recall. Yes, it’s almost the same. But this time, it’s not about him. I smile a little at the thought.“Ana?” Mykhol, meanwhile, looks up curiously.”What is it? You're smiling.” “I-” I feel my breath catch as I suddenly remember before. “It’s nothing, Cousin.” I quickly dart away to look at anything else. I must stop dwelling on it and force down the strange feeling in my stomach. “I was just admiring the room.” I avoid Mykhol to look at Aunt Funda purposely. “You did a wonderful job of decorating, Aunt.”“Ha, of course, I did.” Aunt Funda clicks her tongue and puffs up her chest in praise.” I have been slaving day and night to ensure everything goes well.”“I can see th
Will Bear the Moon King Alexander Makes an Annoucement
*King Alexander* “I want to make an announcement.” Alexander used a strong, clear voice to make the room turn. Suddenly, Alexander could feel a thousand red eyes staring back at him. It was intense and pulled on his gut. It’s like a mouse gazing into the eyes of a snake. Alexander mused darkly. His instinct was flaring up, but he fought it back. It would only make things worse if he backed down. Most of all, Alexander didn’t want to give the satisfaction. They would like nothing better than to see Alexander cower. Even now, Alexander could see the open glares come from many. “Damn foreigner,” A low hiss rumbled across the floor as another coughed. “Just like a human, trying to steal the attention.” “Why is he even here?” Alexander looked at the mass of sour faces. So few faces looked neutral, let alone friendly, which only reaffirmed Alexander’s resolve. “Everyone,” Alexander went again, pulling on his winning smile.“ first, I propose a toast to my daughter,” Alexander motioned
Will Bear the Moon Are You Sure
*Ana *“Papa?” I notice a change in Father, who seems to grow quiet. I follow his gaze to see Admiral Nugen leaving. Did he have business with him? “Do you need something with Admiral Nugen?” Should I call him?“What?” Father blinks like he is waking back up. “What, oh, no, nothing.” Father smiles and moves to take his wine. He reanimates as if it were nothing, but I can’t help but look over.I am too late. Admiral Nugen is long gone. Whatever Father needed, I won’t find out. But I have other things to worry about right now, like how this will work. “Are you sure about this, Papa?” I ask after recovering from the shock. Everyone else seems to be moving back to a leisurely pace. People converse or eat again. Save from Mykhol and Aunt and Uncle. They are reticent despite how loud the room is getting. Maybe they are just enjoying their food. Aunt Funda certainly worked hard enough for it. I consider watching her fiddle with her fork. She must be hungry.“How will this work? ” I look
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Will Bear the Moon Polar
*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
Will Bear the Moon Lamentations and Glee
*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
Will Bear the Moon Hold Up Your Cards
*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
Will Bear the Moon Nail in the Coffin
*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
Will Bear the Moon The Calvarey and the Canary
*King Alexander“Your Majesty, we’re here,” Johan’s voice woke Alexander from his sleep.“Are we?”Alexander grumbled, shifting up in his seat. He blinked a few times to help adjust his sight before looking out the window to see if it was true.“How long was I asleep?” It surprised him he even could. Alexander barely slept the entire ride. He should have though, because now his eyes cursed him.“Not long,” Johan answered as the door opened. The familiar smell of sand immediately washed over them. Alexander took in a deep breath and closed his eyes nostalgically.It’s good to be back. Alexander relaxed as everything flooded back to him. Though he loved his country, something about Nochten weighed in his heart.Maybe it was because of their past, or it was Parsul’s home. But now, he had other reasons. But that twisted his stomach thinking of her.“I hope we aren’t too late.” Alexander got up first. “They’ve made themselves quite busy with me gone.”But it was better to know this now. Ale
Will Bear the Moon Is It an Act
*Mykhol* Now, standing left behind on the platform with Ana gone along with Admiral Nugen and Sir Pendwick, Mykhol breathed out. He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath till now. “How did he…get the book?” Mykhol dropped his smile by inches until it was fully gone to a straight line.That, Mykhol hated to admit, could have turned out much much worse. Despite his planning, the idea of the book falling into the wrong hands had never occurred to him.And in the very hands of Admiral Nugen of all people. However, it had, somehow, someway. Mykhol again felt something shift under his skin as things were adding up. Someone took that from Father’s safe. Someone knew they had it. Moreover, they knew the lock combination to get it out.Something which, as far as Mykhol was aware, should have only been three people: Father, Mother, and himself.So it seems we have a little mouse on our hands. Mykhol smirked as he glanced back to the corner. But the corner was already empty. The silent b
Will Bear the Moon Plead the Case
*Ana*“It’s because of me.” Mykhol steps forward. “I did it.”“Cousin?” My breath crawls out as I, Admiral Nugen, no, the whole room is shocked into silence. What did he just say? Did he just admit that he is-? No, it can’t be- I breathe to catch myself again. Mykhol wouldn’t do that. He would never- No, I shake my head. It can’t be. Mykhol is family. And families wouldn’t betray each other.I have to have misheard. But Mykhol doesn’t look back at me. He is stepping down the platform. And meets Admiral Nugen at his side. “Lord Mykhol?” Admiral Nugen stiffens “What is the meaning of this?” Mykhol however, does not look at him, instead he turns to face the room.“You heard correctly. I am responsible.” Mykhol goes with a stronger voice. “I have failed you all.” “What is he talking about?” Someone whispers.“Responsible for what?” More start to perk up.“Mykhol?” Aunt Funda, meanwhile, steps up. Her hands are clenched up at her chest, her face dead white. “Honey, what are you doing
Will Bear the Moon Evidence
*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
Will Bear the Moon Something on the Horizon
*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
