*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
*Admiral Nugen*“Where are you?” Admiral Nugen was growing a little frustrated, finding yet another room empty. I can’t even find that lazy maid of hers. It was like the two had vanished in thin air.No, I must find her. He would not give up. It was imperative that he did.Because something told him that the longer he waited, the worse things would get.Not that it’s not already bad. Admiral Nugen took another corner. It still bothered him. The armory was so poor and ill-equipped. A country is only so good as its weapons. But the state of the armory right now was disturbing.“We would barely strife off an attack if it were to happen tomorrow.” It wasn’t an idle threat. Things were that bad.But why? How could things slip this far?Even if Ana knew about the cuts, she wouldn't have known how severe they were. Surely, notAdmiral Nugen held the ledger close as he turned the hall. He would try the library next if Ana weren’t in her study. And if not there, then-“Maybe the garden?” Wh
*Ana*“I don’t see why you are so obsessed with these damn things?” Behind me, Naska kicks another rock to make more noise. “It’s just a bunch of leaves and sticks.” “It’s not leaves and sticks, Naska.” She has quite the attitude today. But I ignore her.It’s too nice to be inside today. The winter chill has lifted, and the sun is out. Besides, I wanted to gauge the new growth. I look around the walls. Everything is green and full now. Spring is almost here.“Well, they look like twigs and leaves.” Naska goes again.“Naska,” I take a breath. She really is quite the sour sport today, isn’t she? But I can manage myself. She will not make me go any faster.“Well, they are not.” I touch a new leaf. “They are roses.”“Roses?” Naska pulls her lip up. “No way, roses are pretty. And these are-“She shakes her head.These can’t be roses. I know what a rose looks like.“You're lying. ”“Since when do I lie?” But Naska just shrugs.“Well, they are.” I defend. “And they’ll be in bloom soon
*Ana*“Ana?” Mykhol stands waiting with a measured smile. “Am I interrupting something?”“Not at all.” I go simply. “Sir Pendwick is on a walk. We stopped to chat.” “Yes, I was on a walk,” Pendwick adds, stepping a little closer. “For my health,”“Is that right, a walk?” Mykhol lifts his chin as if to stretch. It makes me notice his gown.Again, I seem to be the only one dressed down today.As always, Mykhol is dressed sharply. His hair is combed and parted to the side, and his golden earrings shine in the sun. He also has another new gown on.However, Mykhol does not look like he is dressed for a walk any more than Pendwick is. But I push the odd note aside. Who am I to question people’s preferences? My favorite color is purple, after all. “Yes,” I answer. “It is a good day for a walk like Sir Pendwick was just telling me.”“Yes, I was just-”“So it is.” Mykhol cuts over, only looking at me. “ And You both happened to want to go on a walk today of all days? At the same time?”
*King Alexander*It’s going to take more than a day to wrap up everything—a week at best, maybe?Yeah right. Alexander sank, looking over the stacks of papers. Who am I kidding?Even if I worked straight through the day with no breaks, or sleep, I still wouldn’t finish. “I know I was gone awhile, but how could there be so much?” Just looking at them made him exhausted. I want to go back to Nochten. Alexander couldn’t stop feeling restless. He didn’t mean to stay this long.But the paperwork- Alexander leaned back to press the space between his brows. “I thought Belinda was taking care of all this?”“I’m sure she was, Your Highness,” Johan went with a measured air, “On top of planning his majesty's birthday, entertaining the guests, and her Majesty Hildenberg.”“All by herself, I might add.” Johan’s last statement made Alexander flinch.“Right,” Alexander shrank, feeling the blow. “Guess Belinda has been a little busy.”“It’s not a guess, sire,” Johan went, looking out the wind
*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