*Mykhol* Mykhol took a deep breath as he looked over the new gown. It was exquisite. The gown had gold thread trim, and gems and jewels were everywhere. It sparkled in the light as the tailor moved to show off what could only be his masterpiece. It’s beautiful. Mykhol felt his heart quicken. It was the kind of clothes he had always wanted. It was regal and dripped with power. The gown may have been even better than Ana’s. But that’s the problem. Mykhol felt himself frown. “Tone it down just a little more.” Mykhol could see his words strike the tailor. The man paled as he looked at the gown. But whatever shock he felt, he did not show it for long. “Yes, My lord,” The tailor took the gown wordlessly. But not before his mother stepped in front to block his way. “ Are you sure?” Aunt Funda didn’t hide the pain in her voice. She seemed hurt at the idea. She looked back at the gown and lingered over the gems. “It’s already so plain.” She made a pitiful look back up. It was her w
Chapter # The Impatient Guests *King Alexander* King Alexander looked out the window to admire the seasonal change. The once lush greenery was turning into brass, gold, and red shades. It was a bittersweet sight. Time has moved on. King Alexander couldn’t deny it. It was months since Ana was gone, and months of silence only dragged on as he waited. “I hope everything is alright-” King Alexander didn’t get to finish the thought as the door opened. It revealed just the man he’d been waiting to see. “Well?” King Alexander met Johan’s eyes. He had left to see Nettle, the postmaster. “Has it come?” “It has.” Johan nodded, and Nicoli, eagerly awaiting the mail like a habit now, sprang from the couch. “Finally!” The boy was up and running over with his hands up.“Give me! Give me! I want to see!” “Son,” King Alexander brandished. But just as quickly, he couldn’t fault the boy. Nicoli had been waiting as much as he was. It’s here at last. King Alexander moved to take the letter and
*Ana* “The season has changed quite nicely, don’t you think, Naska?” I look at the roses. “I guess.” Naska glances over with little interest. Most are dead save the last few blooms. I wanted to savor them as it would be the last time I would see them until the following spring. “Just means it's going to get cold soon.” Naska goes. Again, she pulls the shawl around as if she is about to shiver. But she’s the only one. Bruno seems comfortable as he plays with a stick by me. “It will be winter soon.” Bruno goes, and I have to smile.“Yes, and it will be Nicoli’s birthday.”“Who?” Bruno snaps the stick and stares at me before it dawns on him. “Oh! The Prince. Yeah.” “Perfect, Bruno.” I pat his head. “You remembered well.”“I’m good at memorizing stuff.” Bruno declares as he moves to pick up a stone. He looks over it before putting it in his pocket. I guess it must be a good one.“You are, indeed.” I smile before something else dawns on me. “He will be nine this winter.” “Nine!” Bru
*Ana*I clench my teeth as the words spin. I don’t know what to think, but my legs seem to understand what to do. They take off as soon as it’s over.“Are you mad?” Bruno’s voice is small as he follows a few steps back. I almost forgot he was there. Bruno is a reticent sort of child. Even his footsteps are hushed.“I-” I can’t formulate the words. I’m not sure I should. Bruno is a child who knows nothing of this. It would confuse him.Besides, Bruno is not the one I want to talk to. I turn into the familiar hall to see Mykhol’s door. It’s left slightly open. He must be in there.“Cousin,” I push through without any warning. “We need to talk-” “Your Empress.” Naska scrambles to get up from the floor. Her face is flushed as she moves to wipe her mouth. “Why are you-” I blink but shake my head.” It doesn’t matter. I need to speak with my cousin alone.” “Alone? But why-” Naska frowned with a quick look at Mykhol, but he seemed unbothered. “Privately? This is a surprise.” Mykhol turns
*Admiral Nugen*Admiral Nugen was still in pain from the dungeons. But he worked hard to hide it just as he hid all the bruises underneath his clothes. He did not want to disturb Ana any more than she already was. Admiral Nugen could take care of himself. He didn’t like to worry her. It was what Admiral Nugen was worried about. And it seemed his worries were justified. All he needed to do was look around the room before seeing the disappointing reality. It’s good I came when I did. Admiral Nugen’s chest lifted as he caught one of the advisers yawning. Beside the same man, another leaned over to whisper something, followed by a snicker.No one is taking this seriously. Admiral Nugen narrowed his eyes on the man to make him stop abruptly and straighten up. He seemed to be paying attention now, but it was too late. As the light shone through the windows, it was clear that the room full of men did not want to be there.These men were to be her advisors. They were seasoned stagiest, gene
*Hidi*“Mama,” Hidi loudly sighed before picking up her fingernails. It was a dull affair for her because it meant waiting. But still, habits die hard, don't they?“Mama,” Hidi went again with a roll of her eyes. “Can you read any slower, mama?” Hidi dug her teeth under her nails to spit out the dirt. “Or maybe you need glasses?” Hidi stopped to smile as her mother made a face, finding out what she was doing.“Hidi, stop that.” Bratha, Hidi’s mother, made a face before giving up. Hidi, out of all her children, was the most headstrong. Bratha had gone over and over why she should stop the nasty habit. But of course, Hidi wouldn’t listen.“And be quiet, or I’ll behead you.” Bratha went, flipping the invite over again. “I need glasses? Ha,” She scuffed to herself. “I’m not that old.”“Could have fooled me.” Hidi widened her grin, making the jab. “Hidi,” Bratha flinched. Age was always a concern to her, though no one would guess how old she was just by looking.Bratha was still a vibran
*King Alexander*King Alexander could hear the horse jitter and neigh. They were growing annoyed by the weight of the reins and the cold air. They wanted to go, but Alexander could not abide them just yet. He still had to give his goodbyes, and with that, he turned to meet his family.Queen Belinda stood together with Nicoli. Her eyes were wet, likely from crying where no one could see, but otherwise, she stayed composed. Belinda even took the time to dress in her finest for him. It seemed important that she was beautiful to him the last time they saw each other, even when no one was around to see her. “You will be back right after, I expect.” Belinda’s voice was somewhat sharper than Alexander would have expected. She’s still angry. Alexander didn’t have to ask. But he pretended not to notice all the same. Otherwise, it just restarted the argument. Both did not seem to want to have this early in the morning.“Eventually, my dear.” Alexander leaned in to kiss her cheek, but Belinda
*Ana*We are in the middle of briefing in my study when the knock on the door interrupts us. It is Aunt Funda. And she seems to be in a hurry, as there is a rush to her step.“Aunt Funda?” I start as Mykhol stirs up from the couch.“Mother?” A loud yawn stretches Mykhol’s mouth, and he rubs his eyes. Was he asleep? I am immediately disappointed. I thought he was just being quiet.“Cousin,” I shake my head at him. But I’m already adjusting. Cousin must have gotten too comfortable on the couch, that’s all. I will have to hold our next meeting at a table with hard chairs. I conclude before catching Admiral Nugen. He looks between Mykhol and Aunt Funda in silence, but I see a faint frown turn his lip. I should hurry this along so we can get back to work. “Aunt Funda?” I notice she’s not carrying the silver letter tray. So she’s not here to bring mail. “What is it?” “A guest,” Aunt Funda sounds a little haggard with a glance to Mykhol. “has arrived, your empress.” “Already?”Mykhol l
*Ana*“Am I… “ 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.“Am…I?” 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.“Are you a virgin?” 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.“I asked if you have laid with another man before.” “I…?”The 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 a…I 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 don’t know. Or maybe this wa
*Ana*At least…everyone is quick to assemble on short notice. I shiver as another gust of wind blows over us, making even me flinch, and pull up my cloak, before stealing a glance back.On the platform, wrapped up tightly in thick cloaks, Aunt Funda and Uncle Charles miserably stand together against the cold on the left side. Underneath the cloak’s hems, I can spy the hint of blue of the matching gown sets I had ordered made for them. Something Aunt Funda insists is too plain, what with not having jewels sewn in or metallic threads used. But Sir Celbest is always quick to remind her of the budget restraints. Or threaten her that she won’t get any new gowns. Something which seems always to make her grow quiet again. Which is quite impressive on its own, but that just proves Sir Celbest making a good treasurer.Better than Uncle, even. I think with a look over to the crowd and find them both together. Both of them, Pendwick and his maternal grandfather, Sir Celbest, stand in the front
*Naska*“She…turned him down?” Lady Funda was still processing between disbelief and joy at the news, but it didn’t take long before her lips lifted to show a fanged smile. With a smile, Naska was quick to pick up.“Oh, yes. She turned him down, alright.” Naska repeated. “It’s a pity you couldn’t have been there to see it with your own eyes.” Naska went on, and Funda laughed, clearly taken in by the thought.“It would have been grand if I could,” Funda admitted. “To see her, shoot him down like that.” She chuckled again, touching her rings, before turning with a smile.” My, good work, Naska. You’ve done wonderfully.” “I have, haven’t I?” Naska beamed, pleased beyond measure how quickly her work was being praised. But of course, Naska knew she would be.Maybe, Lady Funda will give me another of her pretty necklaces again? She hoped so, reminded of the necklace Lady Funda had just given her the other day. Lady Funda liked her so much more now. Her affection was clear by all the gifts
*Ana*“A confession?” What could Pendwick possibly have to confess to me? I must say, it is quite a surprise to hear, coming from him, of all people.Pendwick is the most forthcoming person I know. He may be shy in his words, yes, but he is candid with me. So, it’s quite a surprise to hear we had secrets between us.Though, he did mention something like this before, didn’t he? Back in the garden the other morning? Perhaps this is referring to that?“Pendwick? What is this confession?” I curiously look down at our hands, his cupping over mine, before looking back up. “Have you..done something?”“Done..?” Pendwick flinches, his hands slightly shaking over mine a moment, but takes in a shaky breath, before calming down. “It’s.. not something I wanted to do.” Pendwick lowers his eyes then. “Not intentionally.”Not intentionally he says? “Then, Pendwick, what is it?” I press because now I am starting to feel my stomach tighten, a bit confused. What could he be confessing about? And… what
*ana*“Bruno, I would have thought you, out of everyone, would have liked this idea.” But clearly, I am wrong. And, instead of excitement like I thought, I now have a 14-year-old boy, brooding at me. Bruno’s overgrown dusty red bangs cover his eyes, making it hard to see where he is looking, let alone what kind of expression he’s making now.“What’s so wrong with a dance?” I ask him. “Tell me, why don’t you like it?”“Because…it’s foreign.” Bruno goes off, shaking his head as if that is a good enough reason. But I can’t help but frown all over again.“I know it is. But just because it’s foreign, doesn’t mean we can’t do it.” “Why?” Burno only shoots back, blowing his bangs out of his face with a huff. “It’s enough for me. It’s a silly idea.”“Silly? Oh, Bruno.” I have to smirk at that. “Well, I thought it was something to help liven the party a bit. Something practical in terms.” I answer at last. “I mean, most of us know a dance or two.” “I don’t.” Bruno corrects flatly. “That…ye
*Sir Pendwick*He’s going to be mad. Pendwick didn’t even need to bother pretending. The instant he opened his mouth, he knew what he did. No one overspoke the head of the Celbest family.But I did. Worse, Ana even went with his idea. No, this would not be overlooked, and, inwardly, Pendwick sighed.It’s better if I get it over with now than later. He knew and turned.“Your Empress,” Pendwick started. “I will join you in a moment. I…just have to speak with my grandfather, first.” “Of course,” Ana, unaware of Pendwick's problems, easily replied. Her voice was sweet and soft like always to him. Even in this turmoil, Pendwick could not help but admire her eyes, so beautiful and clear, as she regarded him like a thousand times before.How much I wish I could just fall into them and stay there. Pendwick looked on, longingly, cheeks warming a little. But just as he wished it, he knew he couldn’t stall. He had to go and go he would.“Yes,” Pendwick nodded just before Hidi started.“Well
*Ana*“Hidi,” I go, but Hidi simply smiles back at me, the damage already done.“It will fit.” Hidi turns back to overlook the procession of more crates. Her newest ‘gifts’ of ‘decor’ are looming in multiple boxes. Just looking at the boxes now, I’m afraid to even ask what they are.“Hidi,” I sigh again, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this to be a manageable party.” “Oh, Ana,” Hidi tsks. “You must make it big. This is your first real party since the coronation, and that was a decade ago.”“It was 9 years, Hidi.” I correct, “Not ten.” but Hidi rolls her eyes.“Worse than that,” Hidi shakes her head, “ You know it too. Come, Ana, I know these things. You must impress the other nobility and royals coming. My Mama alone will have opinions.”“Your-her majesty is coming?” I raise a brow at the news. “She will attend this time?”“It’s nothing major.” Hidi goes off-handedly. “Mama is curious about how things have been.”“But Hidi,” I pout a little, finding the revelation not small
*Julia*“Your Majesty.” Julia piped up, although she knew it was hopeless, that Belinda was already set in her ways. And sure enough, Belinda proved her right.“He wants to go,” Belinda went, her grey eyes watching both her beloved men step into the carriage. “You know, I can’t stop him.” Belinda went on, seeing Nicoli move for the carriage, his excitement clear to see, even from where they stood on the platform. Nicoli lingered to give one last wave and blow of a kiss. Belinda cracked a little, but quickly defaulted back to her icy demeanor as it was now Alexander’s turn.He looks even worse than when he first came back to Dawny some weeks ago. Julia thought with a sinking feeling. Alexander’s face had changed in his short stay, it was sunken to show his cheekbones, and his tan skin was losing color. Even his eyes were different, the blue shine was gone and dull.Alexander had stopped coughing shortly after a few days rest, but now new ailments attacked him, a shortness of breath, an
*Hidi*“Don’t be a pussy, Mama.” Hidi sighed with a roll of her eyes. But really, it wasn’t like she was asking for much. So why did she have to be so obstinate? Hidi pouted.It was one thing for her to be stubborn, but that was different. She was queen now, but even before, Hidi was always that way, never letting up, until she got exactly what she wanted, which she always did. But it was quite something else to have someone treat her the same.No, it’s worse. Hidi thought looking over to her mother, dressed in her thick bear fur coat. No, it was, because Bratha was so much worse. If Hidi was stubborn, Bratha was the main source. She oozed defiance, down to her bones, set in her ways, a queen to the very end, even still, in her older age. But, perhaps it wasn’t just because of her natural stubbornness. Bratha didn’t fear Hidi as everyone else did. No, Bratha didn’t fear anyone. And it was because of that, she had no problem refusing Ana’s invitation now. Even with Hidi’s insistence