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That Could Have Gone Better
Last Updated:
2024-05-05 18:28:48
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Will Bear the Moon Wedding Bells and Cockle Shells
*Ana*“Marriage?” I repeat the word. “You…want to talk about-” I pause to look around the room. “You mean,” I point at myself, “My marriage?”“Yes, your marriage,” Duke Zaver nods with another laugh behind him.“Are we finally talking about it?” A noble woman turns to another with a happy clap. “Now that the coronation is over, we can resolve the real issues.”“Real issues?” I repeat as Duke Zaver takes back the spotlight. “As you can see, your empress,” Duke Zaver cuts over, gesturing to the ruly crowd. “Everyone is anxious to see this matter settled.”“You are anxious? About my marriage?” I must repeat to see Duke Zaver and many others nod in agreement.“Now that the coronation is at an end, We should start deliberating on who shall share the throne with you-”“My marriage is more important than… the colonies?”“Er, in a way, yes, your Empress.” Duke Zaver stiffens a little. “We need to secure an heir.”“An heir?” I nod slowly. I understand the words, but it’s like translating
Last Updated : 2024-05-05Will Bear the Moon Cupid
*King Alexander/Johan *“Oh, happy day,” Alexander sang as he traversed the halls with Johan in tow. Johan only shook his head at the apparent display of joy. Alexander was on the brink of bursting by this point. “As old as you are, you never learned to be subtle, did you?” Johan remarked as soon as they were back in the room. But even as he said it, he receded.“But I suppose your good mood is warranted.” “Of course it is!” Alexander laughed and took a spot on his couch. Then he was up on his feet. He couldn’t sit down if he wanted to. I need to do something- dance, sing- whatever. Energy and joy were surging through him. “Any father would be over the moon!” Alexander put his hands in his pockets to pull them back out again.“If I could just replay that moment, Johan, it was amazing.” Alexander moved to the small desk provided in the room. The chair squeaked as he sat, only to get up again. “It felt so damn good to see all those faces fall at once!” “It was.” Johan relished in
Last Updated : 2024-05-12Will Bear the Moon Something Out of the Blue
*Nicoli*It must be today. Nicoli thought before involuntarily shivering. Despite it not snowing for some time, the air was still freezing. Sitting next to the window proved quite the task, but Nicoli refused to budge. He was determined to stay at his post. “Nicoli, if you are cold, come away from the window,” Belinda called, but Nicoli curled up his legs.“Not until the post comes.” Nicoli went with his eyes piercing down the path. “Nicoli,” Belinda called again. “Nicoli, listen to your mother for once.” But again, Nicoli shook his head. “No,”“Nicoli,” Belinda sighed, not having the strength to fight him today. Another problem had arisen the night before, swamping Belinda with work. The paper stack was even taller than yesterday.“Julia?” Without needing a word, the maid knew what to do. Nicoli felt the blanket draped around him.“Ah, thank-” Nicoli looked up, but the maid was already gone and by his mother’s side. She always was, Nicoli noted. I wonder how Mom doesn’t get tire
Last Updated : 2024-05-19Will Bear the Moon Betrayed But Not Surprised
*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
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*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
Last Updated : 2024-06-02Will Bear the Moon Lovebirds
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
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*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
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*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
Last Updated : 2024-06-23
Latest chapter
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 30 Misdirection
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 29 Interconnection
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 28 Not Everyone Can Be Happy For You
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 27 The Corner
*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
Will Bear the Moon Chapter 26 At Last
*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
Will Bear the Moon 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 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
Will Bear the Moon 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 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
Will Bear the Moon 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.“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
Will Bear the Moon 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 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
