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Unpleasant Exchanges
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Will Bear the Moon Is That Green I See
*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
Will Bear the Moon Thorns
*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?”
Will Bear the Moon Delay
*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
Will Bear the Moon Murder
*Admiral Nugen*“The bookkeeper is dead?”Admiral Nugen felt the air push out from the bottom of his stomach.Nugen did have suspicions, but he still hoped he was wrong. He hoped the man hid himself away or fled to another country. I was too optimistic. Nugen could not help but drop at the news. His last line of evidence was gone.He had nothing again.“And the spare ledger?”“We could not find it, sir.” The subordinate sounded generally sorry; he was one of the few honest vampires Nugen trusted. “The room was ransacked.”“A robbery gone wrong?” “It does appear so.” Nugen could feel his doubt show. But he managed to keep his sarcasm at bay. “That’s terrible.” “He was a good man,” the subordinate continued. “He had a wife and child.” Ana’s face fell a little when he mentioned the child.“I will make sure they receive his pension.” Ana closed the report silently. “You are dismissed.”“Yes, Your Empress.” The subordinate bowed and left to return to his post outside. Nugen watched
Will Bear the Moon Brewing
*Alexander*Alexander flicked his eyes up to find Julia. She looked content, standing by with the other servants. But unlike them, Julia wasn’t chatting aimlessly or forgetting herself.Julia was vigilant. She stood alert and ready. It was clear how dedicated she was to her role and master. Too dedicated. Alexander sank into his chair. Belinda chose well with her.But that made things harder. Someone so dedicated would never voluntarily give up anything. That left Alexander with two hard choices. Confession by torture or being caught in the act. And Alexander was not keen on the first option.So, all the more reason, he hoped she would slip up. It would make things so much easier.But if she doesn’t, Johan will find another way. Even now, Johan was at work. While Alexander sat with everyone outside for tea, Johan was using the chance. He and his men were going through her room for clues.But if he finds anything, King Alexander stopped the thought. Right now, it did not seem like
Will Bear the Moon It Gets Worse
*Ana*“A letter?” Something perks up. Is it from Father? Has he written to say he’s coming back?“Is it from the king?”Admiral Nugen, meanwhile, sounds just as optimistic.Could it be Nicoli? Something jumps in my stomach. I love Father, but a letter from Nicoli would be -“It is not.” Aunt Funda lowers the tray like my hopes. I spy the sunflower yellow wax of Almony. “That’s… kind of Hidi.” She did say she would write. I do my best not to be disappointed.Admiral Nugen, however, does not restrain his.“That’s all you have?” Admiral Nugen looks over the tray. “You don’t have anything else? Are you sure?”“I know how to do my job, Admiral Nugen.” Aunt Funda says curtly. “Doesn’t mean you can do it right.” Admiral Nugen meets her tone.Aunt Funda lifts her brow at that. She looks after him before I see fangs come out. “Are you suggesting I—” “Thank you, Aunt Funda,” I cut over. “You can go now.” “Yes, Your Empress,” Aunt Funda bows stiffly. She makes to leave, but not before gi
Will Bear the Moon It Gets Worse and Then Some
*Ana*“Your Empress! We need justice!” “I understand that, but-” “Why are men dying from dirty bandages?” “Can’t you get them medical supplies, at least?”“I did-” But again, my words are swallowed up in the noise.“The Bulgeons are laughing at us- they’ve made songs.” “We want blood!” It’s almost in unison. “But the Bulgeons-” My words will not reach them. “Kill them all.” They chant together. “Kill the Bulgeons!”“Quiet,” Admiral Nugen booms over to cut them off.I didn’t think he could get so loud. But I am grateful. At least that stopped them.“Please,” I finally take a breath. “I understand everyone is upset. But we need to keep order.” I look over the crowd.”We can’t get anything done otherwise.” A few nod at my words. Most, however, are only waiting. Like fireworks, they only need a new spark to start again. I must work quickly, then.“Admiral Nugen,” I turn. “what do you have to say?”“Your Empress, this is-” Admiral Nugen starts, but as soon as he does, the spe
Will Bear the Moon Crybaby
*Admiral Nugen*God damn it, Alexander! Admiral Nugen clenched his hands, watching Ana leave. The girl was no doubt upset.So was he. It was almost the worst he had ever seen Court get since Parsal. And it’s going to get worse the longer you are away. Admiral Nugen went with a look over to Mykhol. At that moment, Mykhol was taking the lady's arm to leave. He had a smile on his face and looked blissfully unaware. Admiral Nugen didn’t buy it for a minute. Today, the court's preference was practically screaming about who they wanted. Without you here to support her, I don’t have enough power on my own. Admiral Nugen pressed into his scar until he felt the dull pain. What’s taking you? Admiral Nugen hissed, frustrated, before hearing Pendwick.“I didn’t mean to imply anything.” “What?” Curious, Admiral Nugen looked up to see Pendwick shifting feet and holding his hands. “Do you think I should apologize?” Pendwick looked to the door. “Maybe I should?”“About what?” What was he goin
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Will Bear the Moon Polar
*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
Will Bear the Moon Lamentations and Glee
*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
Will Bear the Moon Hold Up Your Cards
*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
Will Bear the Moon Nail in the Coffin
*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
Will Bear the Moon The Calvarey and the Canary
*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
Will Bear the Moon Is It an Act
*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
Will Bear the Moon Plead the Case
*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
Will Bear the Moon Evidence
*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
Will Bear the Moon Something on the Horizon
*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
