*Belinda*“Of all the things he could do.” Belinda clenched her teeth to stop herself from yelling. The fury and disappointment were welling over, but servants were still running about. What if they were to hear her?Worse, what would they report back to Alexander? Belinda could already imagine how eager they would be to report the smallest of infractions. And it made Belinda’s stomach turn. Belinda, like always, could never let her guard down. Whatever happened in this room would never meet the light of day. Julia would be the only confidant Belinda could afford.“Your Majesty?” Julia, meanwhile, patiently moved closer. “Your majesty, what made you so upset?”“Julia,” Belinda closed her eyes. But it made no difference; the words burned under her eyelids. She couldn’t get away from them.“I feel sick. I might throw up.” Belinda's throat tightened. “No, I might cry.” But there were no tears in her eyes as she opened them to see the letter before her again—both of them. Hidi and her h
*Ana*“Hmm?” I look up from my desk. But Hidi is busy. She didn’t say anything. No, I swear I heard it. I look around again. But it’s absurd, and I know it. Nicoli is miles and miles away.And auditory hallucination, perhaps? I consider it. I’ve read about those. I sit back and peer out the window to see the gray sky. The clouds are heavy with snow, but it will never fall. Snow never finds Nochten. I used to wish for snow. The thought makes me smile sadly. Back then, when I was alone and the afternoons were too hot, I would look at some illustrations and wonder what snow was like. That was before Maddie, I remember, and I pinch my shawl. Even now, thinking about her makes me feel mixed. Should I condemn Maddie? Or should I thank her? Because without her, would I be where I am?“Ana?” Hidi smiles after me; she always smiles so quickly, as if it's nothing. “What are you doing staring off like that?” “I, it’s nothing,” I motioned for her to sit back down. “I thought I heard my nam
Chapter # Lovebirds*Johan*Johan stood upright as they waited for the impending arrival. He was calm and ready, as always. But the same could not be said for the vampire.The boy looked nervous, as he wouldn’t sit still. Pendwick seemed fixated on fixing or fussing over something. He fiddled with his sleeves, then his shoes, and now his hair. But no sooner was he done with one task than he was on to the next. “Sir Pendwick,” Johan went to calm the boy. Pendwick stopped to put his hands in his lap.“Sorry,” Pendwick went with a slight pink to his cheeks. “I- I’m just so nervous.” I can see that. But Johan didn’t say it aloud. The boy seemed to have a natural temperament of nervousness, but it wasn’t too severe. And over time, the boy would grow out of it. But for now, the boy needed steady reassurance.“Don’t be.” Johan went instead. “As long as you stick to the script, everything will go according to plan.”“Ah, yes, right.” Pendwick nodded a little too eagerly. “Yes, I’ll stick to
*Bruno*Bruno tried to shrink himself as much as possible on the couch, not because he was afraid but because of who he was with. His mama may have been there, but it didn’t mean Lady Funda couldn’t anyway, right?No, it didn’t change anything. Bruno knew. And he wasn’t going to retake another chance. It wasn’t worth it. His leg still hurt from the last kick. “Bruno,” Naska, sitting beside him, took his hand. “Stop fidgeting.” “But—” But his mother was already looking at Mykhol. Her eyes were doing that thing again, turning soft and dreamy whenever she was in his presence. It was clear she would not listen. Mama, Bruno groaned inwardly. It looked like she was going to be no help. So Bruno would have to protect himself yet again. But he may do better this time.Bruno hoped so anyway because it was only a matter of time. Lady Funda was on the move again. The woman never sat still, and she certainly wasn’t today. “Of all the people he could have chosen,” Lady Funda walked past the co
*Ana*I don’t think I’ve had this many people in my study before. It’s quite a sight to see. Hidi takes up an entire couch on her own. It leaves Father, Cousin, and Sir Pendwick to share the other one.It's more like squished together. Father and Mykhol do not look happy sitting on opposite ends of the couch. But poor Sir Pendwick has the worst of it. He is smaller. So he must sit in the middle. And speaking of Sir Pendwick, I catch him in the act again.“Ah,” Sir Pendwick quickly looks away before his cheeks turn pink. Is my hair showing? I quickly check. No, my shawl is in the right place.Is it a bad habit of his, then? I go before catching Mykhol. Mykhol certainly has a bad habit of glaring today. He seems to like glaring at Father and Pendwick. Is Mykhol upset about something? I don’t recall any incidents. It’s been a peaceful morning. Maybe it’s the couch? It’s the only thing I can think of.Should I have another chair brought in? I turn to find Naska before I notice Father n
*Hidi*The farewell party was small, but Hidi wasn’t too surprised. If not for the cold, the court would have been pretty much deserted. With the coronation over, most had departed back to their estates, a sad sight to see as Hidi enjoyed the parade of men.It's not that Ana even thinks about these things, though. But that only makes it funnier. Hidi had to muse over how many worked so hard only to return with nothing.There are a few who’ve stayed. Hidi noted the Sir Pendwick. He was now working for King Alexander, so he had to wait.I wonder if that’s the only reason. Hidi caught the boy sneaking a stare at Ana. That alone was enough to satisfy her question. “Little Ana,” Hidi chuckled.“Did you say something?” Ana went, completely missing everything like always. “Oh, nothing.” Hidi frowned as her maid waved her hand. The carriage was packed and ready. “It seems my time to go is near.” How could she be so bored yet not want to leave? Hidi sighed. If Ana could go with me, would
*Belinda*Instead of being out on the platform, Belinda waited inside, where it was warm. It was rare for her to be so informal. But today, she would make an exception. After putting in so much effort to dress and apply her makeup to perfection, it would only be a shame to have it all go to waste. After all, the cold, damp air would do nothing but ruin her complexion. And that was the last thing Belinda wanted anyone to see after a week's journey. But that wasn’t the sole reason. The other reason was more complicated, but Belinda quickly pushed her feelings aside as the doors opened. It was time to start the act. And Belinda was up from her throne as the first, more consequential, guest came rushing in without a pause.“Hidi, ah, you’ve come at last.” Belinda opened her arms out for the giant “Belinda!” Hidi yelled at the top of her lungs before swooping down to crush her into an embrace. “Hidi?” For a moment, Belinda winced from the pain. Hidi seemed a little too excited and had
*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*“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
*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
*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
*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
*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
*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
*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
*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
*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