Chapter # The Departure *Ana*The heat wave breaks at last. And though it does feel good to stand outside, I can’t help but think it’s a cruel joke. Because the day I can finally stand outside to enjoy it is also the day we must leave.And leave we must. I have to tell myself again. I have to. There is much to do once I return. I do not need a reminder. The news has plagued my thoughts since Admiral Nugen came.I know I must go. I can not stall any longer. But still, my chest aches. And I feel the familiar sting of tears want to come up. At last, I am free, but I must go. And I will push through for the sake of my people. I tell myself. For them, I will bear the separation once more.It won’t be long. That is something I look forward to. I will be back.The faster I go and settle things, the faster I can return. Yes, once things settle, I will be back. I have a promise to keep. At that, I peek at Nicoli. He perks up when he notices. A smile is back on his face, but I know it's onl
*Aunt Funda*It was a testament of sheer will that Aunt Funda could withstand herself until they were out of the carriage, but that was as much as she could do. Aunt Funda could no longer bear the wait and took off first. The crowd and her husband be damned. “My son!” Aunt Funda wrapped her arms around the teen and buried her face into his shoulder to cry joyfully. “Finally, you are home!” Aunt Funda couldn't help herself. She rubbed her face into his shoulder to take in his scent. It was too long since she had last smelt him. But at last, her son was home. And all felt right again. He should have never gone at all. Aunt Funda squeezed him tighter as she felt a sting of anger. It wasn’t his fault.It was hers. Aunt Funda pulled up a little to glance at the girl standing alone. There was no expression on her face until she met eyes with someone in the crowd. Admiral Nugen moved to one knee to place a hand over his heart. A few others followed suit to show respect shortly after, but
*Ana*“The next order of business will be supplies.” I am going through the list I’ve written to prevent forgetting anything.As this is my first time speaking officially to the court, I want to instill the impression that I will be a clear and organized leader. At the same time, I do not wish to make any mistakes. Which, I believe, is going well so far. You got this. I tell myself with a breath and go to read the following line.“We will need to send boats over with supplies. Food, bandages, weapons restock-”“I wonder what his lordship will wear?” The whisper is loud enough to stop me. It’s coming from below. I look at them for a moment before taking a breath.It’s okay. People get distracted. I tell myself. But don’t let them distract you. Stay focused. I go back to read my list.“Like I said, we need to send restocks. They mustn't run out.”“I heard he plans to match her Empress’s gown.” Another voice doesn’t even bother to whisper this time. I have to look up yet again to see t
*Mykhol* Mykhol barely hid the smile growing out of sheer enjoyment. If only he could save the moment, he would replay it later because it was too good to forget. I didn’t even know she could make such a face. Mykhol thought and covered his mouth to rub off yet another smile. A slight laugh escaped his lips before he pulled himself back together. Ana did not notice any of this. She was too busy pouting, huffing, and doing everything she could to express her growing frustration without speaking it as if that would make things any better. Everyone could see Ana was upset. But did anyone do anything about it? No, of course not. Mykhol could swear that his mother was purposely taking her time. She seemed to relish the fact she could annoy her. Or she might have been that invested in the selection. Mykhol would ask her about it later. As for Naska, Mykhol looked to see her. She seemed rather more interested in their son. She was fussing and fidgeting with his clothes as he had yet ag
Chapter # Mykhol Continues to Find Suitors Everywhere*Ana*“So, I was thinking about Pave-” I begin but find Mykhol staring at something. I hear him growl.“Don’t tell me they dared to,” Mykhol whispers to himself again. He is staring hard. “What are you-” But as I turn my head to see more men inside have followed us out, Mykhol yanks me forward.“Come, Anastasia, let’s go over here. The Roses look nice and full over here. ” Mykhol doesn’t even wait for me to answer. I am pulled along sharply to another aisle.“Cousin, as I was saying.” I try to get back to the topic.“The situation in Pave with the Bulgeons is-” I stop again. Mykhol is looking over his shoulder.“Cousin? What are you doing?” I can’t stop myself from turning. But just as I do, Mykhol seems to sigh. He looks relieved about something.“Finally.” I can feel Mykhol soften his arm enough to let me slip away. But he doesn’t let go. His hand snakes to take mine in a spare second.“You look nice today.” Mykhol weaves his f
*Ana*“They are doing it again.” Naska’s voice makes me break my concentration. “Doing what?” I look up from my book to find her at the window. She’s looking down with a growing sneer. “Pesky bastards.” She curses and closes the blinds as if to cut out whatever it is. It won’t work because the window blows them aside again. Today is windy with the change from summer to autumn. Time is moving on. And my coronation looms ever closer.I wish it to be over with already. I think sourly. This whole business is frustrating, and I hope I never go through something like it again.Especially if it is to do another gown fitting, I think, and eye the mannequins. I have new gowns that will replace my old ones, particularly my collection of purple dresses. As much as I hate to lose them, it's happening anyway. I’m the only one upset about it, though. I think while looking over the replacements. They are pretty, but none of them are purple, of course. I doubt they will be any time soon. Not if
*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