*Nicoli*God, he is persistent. Nicoli bit his lip. But they were almost there. “Your Majesty!?” Thomas breathed between running. “Please wait-”No way. Nicoli sped up a little more. He pulled Hidi’s hand closer as they made another turn.“Ha, this is fun!” Hidi giggled, thoroughly enjoying herself. She was grinning and not even haggard. “I love a game of tag.”“Tag?” What did she think this was?Just keep running. Nicoli decided whatever Hidi was thinking, or, better, not, it didn’t matter. He just needed to be the one to keep moving.There it is! His bedroom was now in sight. But could he get there before Thomas? “Your Majesty!?” Thomas called again just before the bump in the rug. A sharp cry ripped from his throat as he fell over.“Your Majesty?” Thomas groaned with pain. But he still tried to push himself up. “Please, let me assist-”“We’re fine!” Nicoli yelled back, taking the last steps. His hand immediately shot for the knob and pulled both of them inside.“Your majesty!”
*Ana*They should both be back by now. I look out the window at the gray clouds. It's been more than a week since they've gone. And things have returned to how they were. More or less.Save a few things. “I wish it would snow here.” I smile to myself, distracted.“Ana?” “Sorry,” I quickly return to what I was doing. “As I was saying, we will patrol the route here.” “Very well, Your Empress,” Admiral Nugen nods with approval as Sir Pendwick looks at the map. “I didn’t realize you were such a strategist, Your Empress”“I am?” The comment made me open my mouth, but I quickly corrected myself.” I mean, you think so?”“I do.” Sir Pendwick goes again with a little smile. “I think you are great at it.”“Oh, do you?” Mykhol says in a tone that makes Pendwick look down.“I must say it’s not bad,” Admiral Nugen says.“How did you come up with all of this?” “I have been taking ideas from the old military journals.” “You mean you read those old tomes?” Sir Pendwick looks generally i
*Nicoli*“Happy birthday, your majesty!” The room erupted in cheers. Everyone looked so happy. It was Nicoli’s birthday, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Even Hidi was enjoying herself.“Yes, Happy birthday!” Hidi’s voice went loud before she moved to take more wine. How does she manage to drink so much? Nicoli couldn’t keep up with her, and he had been drinking wine since he could remember.Giants are scary like that, I guess. Nicoli decided that he would never challenge her to a drinking contest.I could die. “You want some?” Hidi held out her cup, which Nicoli made a face.“I don’t want your germs.”Nicoli went to take his own as Hidi laughed and drank even more. At least Hidi was fun when she drank, unlike Someone else at the table.“My sweet boy,” His mother slurred before she finished her glass. “Another,” She motioned, and Julia moved to pour. She quickly finished it before motioning for more.“Your Majesty?” Even Julia had to raise a brow. “What, it’s a party, is
*Ana*“How did this go so wrong?” I barely give the last attendees a chance to settle. But it shouldn’t have taken this long. But that is a problem for another day. I make a mental note to add to a list that only seems to grow. “Your Empress, it is late,” Someone from the crowd remarks with a few disgruntled agreements. “I said, what happened?” I repeat. “You dragged us in for that?” Someone scuffs as others join in.“This is war,” Others roll their eyes, looking between them. These things happen.”“These things?” I repeat as the door opens—a flash of red darts from the door to cling to the side.Why, that’s Bruno. I watch him curiously slip from the side to crunch down behind a pillar. He thoroughly covers himself in the fixture before I see his head peek out. He peers half of his face out as if to watch.What is he doing? “I understand you are upset, but Her Empress is too sensitive. This is why women shouldn’t-”“Care to repeat that!” Admiral Nugen snaps to shut them up immed
*Bruno*Bruno stood by with the breakfast tray as he waited for the maids to move. Once again, he found the hall blocked, And He couldn’t move around them this time. They were lounging and taking up all the space. Why is everyone so talkative today? Bruno frowned slightly. It wasn’t the first time he had to stop and wait. It seemed every hall was full of gossip. Servants and Nobles alike were engrossed in the latest topic and stopped where they were to talk.It was like they forgot other people needed to use the halls. Or maybe it was the fact that no one noticed he was there. Either way, Bruno could hear everything. “Excuse me-” Bruno tried, but this time would be no different. They ignored him to talk to each other.“Did you hear about Pave?” The first maid with a big nose went to the other. “The ambush, you mean?” The diminutive manservant went to have the short-armed maid speak up.“It’s all her Empress’s fault those good men died.”“Damn-ignorant girl.” The man shook his head
*Belinda*Belinda paused to enjoy the moment, content with herself. With Alexander back home, things were in order once more. But for how long will it last? The thought made Belinda’s lips stiffen. How long until he would come crawling back to that bitch?“Mother?” Hidi’s voice was so sweet when she said it that Belinda immediately brightened. “Did you enjoy the party?”“Why, of course,” Hidi chirped, her cheeks turning pink.” I love a party.”“Yes, and the fact you held my son's hand under the table.”“You saw that?”Belinda only smiled.“I don’t miss much when it comes to my son, dear.”“Well, like I said,” Hidi triumphantly smiled into her cup,” I love a party.”“I’m glad to hear it.” “But I need to return.” Hidi sighed before snapping her fingers for Julia. Julia made a thin smile as she took her cup. But nothing more. ” I have plans with Nicoli.”“ A date?” Belinda felt her cheeks warm with amusement. “How delightful.”“Yes, well,” Hidi didn’t hide her boastful air as she f
*Admiral Nugen*“Like I was saying, for the last time, Mr. Brunce.” Admiral Nugen could feel the headache forming just above his brow. And the day wasn’t even over yet.Wonderful. Admiral Nugen groaned in his throat. He would need to make sure to thank the person responsible. Though it was doubtful, Mr. Brunce would get it. It was almost unbelievable how anyone could be this stupid. Who chose him as the Armory Supervisor? Whoever it was, they clearly were not checking for basic intelligence. Or was this another spoil of nepotism? Ana is going to have a lot to clean up. It was becoming clear that many were in positions they didn't qualify for, and many would need to be replaced.But then again, Par had the same issues.At least I can help this time around. Admiral Nugein would see it through at her side. It was a job he would look forward to. Well, almost. Admiral Nugen looked back at the vampire with a dull throb. But a headache was a small price to pay.“There is stock missing.”
*Lady Funda*“You won’t believe the day I’ve had!” ”Funda didn’t knock and just burst in. Her voice carried over the room and seemed to stun the men inside momentarily. But as they realized it was only her, Charles lowered his brows.“Must you be so loud?” He grumbled, but Funda ignored the comment. She was pretty used to her frumpy husband. And besides, he will change his tune as soon as he knows why. Funda shimmied with joy.“I trust you had a good walk, Mother?” Mykhol mused. “Did something happen?”“Did something happen?”Funda chuckled and patted her lips. “You won’t believe what I heard going around.” “Gossip?” Charles finally showed some interest. “What are they saying? Is everything going to plan?”“Oh, it’s even better!” Lady Funda gushed. Her cheeks were still flushed from running around. “Everyone is talking about it. And I mean Everyone. They are talking about nothing else.” Lady Funda went forward to hold her son by the arm. “They are damning Anastasia left and right
*Ana*My body freezes, every muscle locked in place as Nicoli leans in closer. His face is inches from mine, and I feel my breath catch, a whirlwind of confusion and anticipation racing through my mind. What is he doing? Is…he going to kiss me?But we can’t—we shouldn’t. We aren’t children anymore.As children, it was innocent. Nicoli used to kiss me on the lips, but it was always affectionate—nothing more, just like when he would hold my hand or offer a playful hug. It was natural to him, something that didn’t feel strange, something I expected from him without question. But that was then.Now, we’re adults. And that changes everything.We can’t– I try to tell myself that, but something in me hesitates, unsure whether I want him to stop or... not. I’m paralyzed, my heart beating so loudly I can hear it in my ears. As his face nears mine, I feel the world shrinks, the air around us thick with tension. A strange eagerness stirs in my chest—a warmth I don’t understand. It coils through
*Ana*“Nicoli–” He’s going the wrong way again. I shake my head, the soft chime of my gold chains punctuating my amusement. But he insists on leading, judging by the stubborn set of his shoulders. He’s determined to get somewhere despite having absolutely no idea where that is.For the past twenty minutes, Nicoli has forged ahead with all the confidence in the world, only to crumble in confusion when we inevitably hit another dead end or loop back to the same hall. Left, then right, then left again. Each turn is taken with steadfast determination — and each time, I have to stifle a new laugh as we encounter yet another wall.“Nicoli, just let me show you–” I try, though I’m already bracing for him to ignore me. It would be far easier if he let me lead, though. This is my palace, after all. I know the twists and turns, the subtle variations in the endless white corridors. But he seems lost in his resolve. As if doing this out of spite at the challenge and not wanting it to get the bett
*Hidi*“But, what about me–” For once in Hidi’s life, her voice was too soft to hear—lost, swallowed under the sound of laughter. Their laughter. Hidi froze, her breath caught in her chest, her words useless in the space they left behind. Her eyes only widened as she stared after them, watching–watching, but not moving in disbelief.The two of them were running, laughing, hands clasped like children lost in their own world. And she was still standing here.She blinked. Did they really just… leave me?The air seemed too still while everything else moved too fast. Nicoli had been right there. Right there. She could have reached out, close enough to brush her fingers against his sleeve. But he hadn’t even looked at her. Didn’t even voice a hello.Not once.His sapphire-blue eyes had locked onto Ana, and nothing else had mattered.For the second time.A cool flick of irritation ran beneath her ribs, lodging itself somewhere deep inside her. She knew this was their grand reunion, knew th
*Ana*Standing between my aunt and uncle in the banquet hall, I must appreciate everyone’s hard work for the party. They really put in a lot of effort.The banquet hall is beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers cascading down to the center of the high ceiling. Each arched window features a garland of fir and pine, filling the room with a clean yet sweet reminder of the winter outside. The candelabras are all set and lit with fresh beeswax candles, brightening the room and causing the windows to fog up slightly. The tables that line the walls are adorned with an assortment of cakes, meats, and double boilers filled with various types of blood for those who prefer.It’s everything I could have hoped for. And I swell with pride. So far, I think my first real celebration is going well. I gaze over the steady stream of new guests. Once again, I have to note that most of those arriving are unaccompanied men I spot yet another group. They put on a show by bowing or smiling at m
*Nicoli*“So… this is Nochten,” Nicoli whispered, his breath barely stirring the cold air. He paused at the threshold, eyes sweeping across the grand lobby. He wasn’t 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 moon—Nochten’s national symbol—stood 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 Ana’s home. But, where was Ana?He stepped further
*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 couldn’t 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 him—afternoons 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 still—such wonderful times all together. Belidnda, Bratha, Parsul, himself–But 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
*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 wasn’t 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.“I’m bored.” Hidi rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. It was becoming a real struggle not to slump to the floor in frustration.“So bored,” 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 didn’t 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, she’d have someone
*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.“When did I fall asleep?” He asked, glancing at his father, somewhat surprised. Though he shouldn’t 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 didn’t miss too much.“I’d say shortly after we crossed the mountains of Almony, Your Royal Highness,” Johan replied matter-of-factly. His father smiled and pulled his fleece tighter against the cold. “Yes, you were out like a light,” he mused, gazing out the window. Yet, despite his relaxed posture, his blue eyes still held the same restless energy as before.“What? I missed the border?” Nicoli groaned, running a hand t
*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 didn’t 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 couldn’t heal fast enough before the following morning. Thus, Pendwick had to acquire and apply camouflage to cover up hi