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Seeing Green
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2024-08-22 23:59:54
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Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Two Bees One Flower
*Ana*โItโs so quiet.โ Now that everyone is gone.Bruno is away with Naska. Father and Hidi are in Dawny. And now, even Admiral Nugen is gone.โFunny,โ I muse to the roses.I used to like the quiet. But now I canโt stay still for some reason.Perhaps because even Mykhol is busy nowadays?โHe's always been popular.โ However, itโs intensified as of late. Mykhol has so many social gatherings now that I barely see him.โHow long has it been since Iโve been alone like this?โ Dare I say it, am I lonely?I cradle the rose gently with one hand. This one is just starting to bloom. โIf Maddie were here, she would put you in my hair.โ She had a habit of doing that. I smile sadly.โMaddie,โ Yes, itโs been quite a long time since Iโve genuinely been alone. Not since she came into my life. And even after when she- I sink a little, remembering.I must be so lost in my thoughts that I donโt hear them come up.โYour Empress,โ The voice starts. โAre you alright?โโ Sir Pendwick?โ I look up to
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-01Will Bear the Moonย ย ย The Wasp
*Ana*โCousin,โ I turn to find him before lifting my brow. Mykhol looks like he was in the midst of changing. His hair is a little jumbled, and his clothes are somewhat in disarray. Itโs very unlike him. Is he in a rush for something? I wonder before catching myself staring too long.โCousin, what are you doing here?โ โSomeone didnโt heed my warning.โ Mykhol slides his hand down my arm to pull up my hand.โOh,โ A small gasp escapes as he not only takes it but brings it up to his lips.โUnless you like to make me jealous.โ Mykholโs lips press lightly over my skin.A shiver runs up my spine as he looks up.Jealous? โDon't be silly,โ I mutter, quickly averting my eyes to calm my suddenly fast heart. โI would do no such thing.โโIf you say so.โ Mykhol lowers my hand, but not before weaving his fingers through mine.โCousin,โ I pout. But itโs too late. His grip is already tight around me.Mykhol must be in one of his grabby moods again.I wish he would grow out of this habit. I sink bu
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-01Will Bear the Moonย ย ย The Shady Invoice
*Alexander*โHow long were you planning on doing this, Belinda?โ Alexander held up the letters in her face.โThree letters are here!โ It was Physical proof. Alexander didnโt want it to be true. But Johan was right. They found the letters in the study. There were three. Three letters all marked to him but somehow managed to end up in Belindaโs mail. Not, not just, they were buried underneath the pile for who knows how long?Or how long they would be there, which was the darker question.A question Alexander was going to face first.โWhat are my letters doing in your possession?โโI donโt know how they got here.โ She doesnโt know? Was that the god's honest truth? No, Alexander couldnโt believe it even if he so very much wanted to because the evidence was right in his hands. โDonโt lie to me.โโIโm not.โ Belinda raised one brow as if hurt. โ Iโm sure this is a mistake, right Julia?โโYes, your majesty,โ Julia bowed. She looked more remorseful than Belinda. โYou get so many letters,
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-09Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Late NightvDelivery
*King Alexander*โThe horses are getting restless, Sire.โ Johan pointed out, but Alexander didnโt need him. He could the beasts neigh and hoove the ground from the platform. It was time to go. But still, Alexander lingered.โSire,โ Johan motioned again, pulling his sleeve. โIf you want to postpone till tomorrow.โโNo, letโs go.โ Alexander turned, with one fleeting look, to the castle. But the door remained shut. No one was coming to see him off.โSheโs really not going to say goodbye.โ โYour Majesty?โ Johan turned, but Alexander waved him off. It wasnโt meant for his ears.โNothing, weโve wasted enough time.โ Alexander went for the stairs. He kept his face firm to hide everything. Instead, he turned to look up to the sky. It was littered with stars, and the moon was waxing.โIt will be a full moon by the time we get there.โโIt will, your majesty.โ โI hope we wonโt be too late by then.โ Alexander clenched his hand as the carriage came closer. โWeโll just have to hurry-โโWait!โ Th
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-09Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Scars Can Fade
*Julia*The morning light stung Juliaโs 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.โMew,โ The white cat grumbled as Julia got up. He yawned and stretched out his legs before sitting up to watch her.โIโm glad someone at least got to sleep.โ Julia scratched his head to get a purr out of him. He begged for more, but Julia couldnโt 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.โShe didnโt need to be so excessive.โ 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
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-16Will Bear the Moonย ย ย It Happened Again
*Nicoli*โI donโt understand. It should be right here.โ Nicoli kept saying it. But it didn't seem to work. It wasnโt anywhere.But that doesnโt make any sense. Stone figurines donโt just get up and walk off by themselves, do they? Of course not.โI swear I had it right here before I left.โ 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 wasnโt 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. โI canโt stay and play with you forever, Nicoli. Though it has been fun.โ Hidi was giving her last farewells.โBut I need to start ruling my country.โ Hidi then laughed at something. โBut 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.โโShort- you're
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-16Will Bear the Moonย ย ย First Clue
*Admiral Nugen*โWhat is this?โ Admiral Nugen mused as he went through his bag to find the atlas, and then he spotted the foreign object inside.I donโt 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 didnโt 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 isnโt mine. Admiral Nugen was sure of it. But then, why did he have it? โHowโd you get in there?โ Admiral Nugen moved to open the cover.โWho-โโAdmiral Nugen?โ The voice entered the tent before one of his men stepped forward. Admiral Nugen dropped the book to the side expectantly.โDo you have an update?โ He asked but it was more a formality at this point. The news was the same. The vampi
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-23Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Before You Know It
*Mykhol*I know I shouldnโt, 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 didnโt notice. But You never know when she might start to. Mykhol rubbed at the embroidery of a dragon. And when she does, sheโll be the one sneaking looks at me.Itโs all just going so well. Mykhol curled his lips. So well, in fact, Mykholโs only worry was what โcompanyโ he would take later.Mykhol licked his lips. He had options. Almost
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2024-09-23
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Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 26 At Last
*Nicoli*โSoโฆ this is Nochten,โ Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasnโt sure what to expect, but it was certainly different from home.His gaze traveled upward, taking in the domed ceiling overhead, the polished stone walls that gleamed in the candlelight. Beneath his feet, a mosaic of a bat soaring toward the moonโNochtenโs national symbolโstood in sharp contrast against the pristine white stone. The palace lacked the excessive paintings and portraits he was used to. Instead of gold trim and plush fabric, there was only carved stone and painted walls. Even the flooring was a departure from what he knew. No wood, only cold, solid stone.Nicoli's eyes caught the mosaic again, its intricate details holding him transfixed. Slowly, a small smile pulled at his lips.It suits her. He thought. Yes, it most definitely did. This was most definitely Anaโs home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 25 Touch Stone And Memory
*King Alexander*Alexander and Bratha walked down the side path leading to the gardens. It took him a moment to realize it, but when he did, he couldnโt help but smile a little. Even after all these years, it felt natural to take this path. The habit was still there after all this time.We always used to meet here.The memory stirred something deep within himโafternoons sprawled on soft blankets, the scent of wildflowers thick in the air, laughter curling between the hedges like vines. If he closed his eyes, he could hear it stillโsuch wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himselfโBut when he opened them, all that remained was frost and silence.Now, the garden lay barren, stripped bare by winter. No vibrant petals, no soft grass, only brittle leaves crunching beneath their boots. And between them, a silence stretched too long.It had to be him who spoke first. Bratha would not. Her sense of morality dictated that burden to him.After all, he committed the greatest
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter Quick Hello Faster Goodbye
*Hidi*Hidi stood off to the side, her eyes fixed on the doorway. Each time a new arrival was announced, she held her breath, only to sigh in disappointment moments later. It wasnโt him.None of them are, Hidi scanned the room, watching as wave after wave of red-haired vampires entered. She was beginning to grow sick of it.โIโm bored.โ Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.โSo bored,โ She huffed, loud enough for a few nearby vampires to take notice. Some observed her with curiosity, never having seen a giant before. Others, like Sir Celbest, however, seemed eager to make her acquaintance as the Queen of Almony. But Hidi didnโt buy it for one second to be good-willed.Almony was a rich country, and Hidi had long since learned to recognize opportunists. And She met their stares with a hard, flat look, and just like that, their attention turned elsewhere.If only Ana were here. At least then, sheโd have someone
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 23 Reunion Long Overdue
*Nicoli* The sudden jolt of the carriage nearly knocked Nicoli out of his seat. If not for his father's firm hand on his shoulder. He would have.Nicoli blinked a few times, swallowing as he steadied himself and slid back onto the velvet bench.โWhen did I fall asleep?โ He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldnโt have. He barely slept at all until now, determined not to miss a single moment of his first journey beyond the kingdom. He wanted to commit every detail to memory, to recount them later when he finally saw her.He just hoped he didnโt miss too much.โIโd say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,โ Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. โYes, you were out like a light,โ he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.โWhat? I missed the border?โ Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 22 Business and Pleasure
*Pendwick*As soon as his grandfather took to forming his circle of friends to talk, Pendwick tucked to one side of the domed lobby. There, he took his chance to look around unnoticed. Hoping eagerly to catch where the petite Empress could be. But he didnโt see her. Did I miss her? Pendwick sank, yet again losing a chance to talk to her again today. It seemed so long since the two could.Ever since his confession, the two had not had a moment together alone. What with Ana busy with Chief Amul- she had her hands full as it was.And as for Pendwick, well, he had to deal with his grandfather.It came as no surprise that his grandfather was not happy with the results the days before. Pendwick failed yet again. And last night, his grandfather made sure to drive home the point that FAILURE was not an option. Leaving him with bruises so deep, that even vampiric healing couldnโt heal fast enough before the following morning. Thus, Pendwick had to acquire and apply camouflage to cover up hi
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 21 The Party Guests
*Bruno*Bruno stoically surveyed the lobby filling with new arrivals. Lords and Ladies from across the far reaches of Nochten had come to see the historical event- no doubt wanting to mark the memory as a great triumph for the empire. Or, at least, thatโs what Ana says. Bruno, however, was not convinced. And from the sight of more men flooding through the great gilded doors of glass and silver, it only confirmed his suspicions.They were here for something less noble. Quietly, the 14-year-old sighed, feeling himself once again needing to protect her.Bruno slipped through the crowd like water, going unnoticed like usual. The only ones who did were Ana- because he lightly tapped her elbow in warning, and Admiral Nugen. The scared human exchanged a weary but familiar look with the vampire. Bruno instantly felt a kinship in sentiment. The human was on edge as he was, and had no plans to leave Anaโs side. Not with all these Hyenas about.Bruno lightly smiled at that. Between them, it m
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย A Friend Of Your Mother's
*Ana*โIt will take some time, but as long as we keep an open communication,โ I pause on habit, turning crimson eyes from the map, half expecting to find the Bulgeon chief either dozing off or distracted. Thanks to my less-than-lustrous experiences in court, creating a low bar for many. However, instead of finding the king of pirates inattentive, I am met with an unwavering gaze of chocolate brown eyes. Amul smiles at me from across the table, bronze-calloused hands folded over the other, still in the same pose he first took when we began three hours ago. He tilts his head, shifting beads of bone to clink against the metal chains, before lifting his bushy eyebrows as if expectant, unaware of anything but just following along.โOpen communication?โ Amul prompts. โYou were saying, Empress?โ โI-yes,โ I come back to it with a slight laugh. โSorry, I- itโs not often I have someone listen without interruptions. And for this long,โ. โThey speak when you speak?โ Amulโs brown lips dip down
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 19 Like Mother Like Monster
*Hidi*โMama!โ Hidi exclaimed in billowing steam before digging heels to clack against the limestone pathway. The yellow sigil of Almony on the carriage's black door stuck out like a beacon of hope against the ashen skies ripe with snow. The door swung out seamlessly just in time for Hidi to reach out for her hand. Intending to help her mother down. But the elder blond slapped her hand away with a stinging clap, insistent on getting down on her own. Even now, refusing to give her daughter even the smallest admittance to her declining age.Instead, Bratha rose to her staggering height of eight feet on thick but confident legs before reeling back her lips to pinch her nose as if shocked by a horrible odor.โI forgot how much sand stinks.โ She grumbled. Hidi had to giggle.โMama, be kind.โ Hidi looped her arm into her mother's as the servants bobbed their redheads, faces ruddy from waiting in the cold, to make for her luggage. Which, Hidi noted, was not much. Mama does not mean to sta
Will Bear the Moonย ย ย Chapter 18 Tomato Tomato
*Ana*โAm Iโฆ โ 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.โAmโฆI?โ 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.โAre you a virgin?โ 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.โI asked if you have laid with another man before.โ โIโฆ?โThe 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 aโฆI 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 donโt know. Or maybe this wa
