All Chapters of Will Bear the Moon: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

*Ana*“Ah,” I wince slightly as she goes again, rough with the sponge. Red streaks run down my skin with every scrub, rendering me sore after. It’s almost enough to make me want to call to stop, but keeping my peace, if not for the fact, that I know she’s just being thorough.Thorough, yes, but she’s not like Maddie. I can’t help but compare. But Naska is not Maddie, and it doesn’t help to dwell. Naska is doing her job. Who was I to expect more?No, it’s easier just to let it be. I can put up with this much.“You're quiet today, Your Empress” Naska speaks, quite a surprise, considering she rarely ever starts. “Penny for your thoughts?”“I was just,” but I cut off with a sharp cry, “Ow,” I look down, seeing Naska miss the sponge and accidentally rake her nails over my arm. “Apologies, your Empress.” Naska quickly excuses, but by now, it is already over. The scrubbing was done, and she was up and moving for a clean wrap. I, in the meantime, look over at the red marks, before sighing. Bu

"What is this?" Ana was stunned. She thought she'd be prepared for whatever could be inside. Whatever Nicoli wrote, Ana would stay calm and accept it. But this was nothing like she expected.Nicoli wrote this? Ana thought so, confused. He did this? The same boy who ran away from me?The same boy who father told me I had traumatized? This was the same Nicoli who wrote this?"I don't believe this."This is- what is wrong with me? Ana thought. It was hard to trust her eyes. Something had to be wrong. Maybe she needed glasses? Or did she misread it all? Because there was simply no way.This can't be true. Ana thought, shaking her head. What on earth was this? Some joke? Was this a temporary bout of hysteria? Ana couldn't trust her eyes and went to read it aloud.Perhaps hearing it will show me I'm wrong. So Ana thought and went to read aloud."Dear Ana, I know I'm late sending this. So please don't be mad because it was for a very good reason. I wanted to make it a surprise. Are you s

“Ah,” Nicoli sighed. It must have been for the umpteenth time. But Nicoli instantly felt the penalty for it by a sharp squeeze to his shoulder.“Straighten up, my darling,” Belinda spoke. She managed to keep a smile, but Nicoli wasn’t fooled. She was growing irritated.Better not push it. Nicoli thought, but it didn’t make him feel better. He obeyed with some effort and straightened his back. But he couldn’t hide his misery that well.“My suit's too tight,” Nicoli grumbled and moved his arms to feel them pinched. It seemed he had had another growth spurt since the last measure. But the suit wasn’t the real problem. Instead, Nicoli was miserable over something much more important.Still nothing. Nicoli thought. Even though he sent the miniature with the letter, nothing was returned.I was sure this would work. Nicoli thought. But again, it looked like he seemed to miss the mark. Ana was still silent as a dead doornail.Perhaps I was a little hasty sending it? Nicoli tried to consider.

"Hello, Hidi," Nicoli went but quickly leaned over to look at the new carriage."Nicoli," Queen Belinda gently nudged to get his attention. But Nicoli only leaned away. "Nicoli!" Queen Belinda hissed through her teeth, but it was no use.Nicoli, it looked like he was going to do nothing more. Much to Belinda's grievances. But she wasn't about to give up. She threw on her strongest smile to Hidi."Your Majesty-""Hidi is fine.""Hidi, how is it you came? I had not thought to send an invitation. I assumed you'd be too busy with your duties. But, since your dear mother declared retirement, I thought you might have your hands full as queen." Belinda excused. A logical response, if any.But I can not waste such an opportunity as this. Queen Belinda thought with another smile."You're arrival is completely unexpected.""I'm sure father has piles of papers waiting as soon as I get home." Hidi stole a glance to Nicoli. He was still staring after the carriages."But lest not worry about that

By the time the carriage reached the castle, it was already late and dark. Ana could see out the window a small handful of servants who stood waiting. They looked tired and yawned as they held their lanterns for the late arrivals.Just seeing their tired faces made Ana feel guilty. She would be one of those they had to stay up for. If only she had read the invite sooner, she could have spared them. But she tried not to beat herself up too much for it.At least we made it. Ana thought. That was the best she could ask for. From outside, Ana felt the carriage shake. The coachman was down from his seat and to their door.“Your Empress,” The coachman nodded gruffly. He seemed to look neither warm nor cold as he lifted his head. He was one of the few servants who stayed neutral toward Ana. “About time,” Mykhol went behind her. He seemed anxious to get out of the carriage. Naska nodded alongside.“I thought we’d never get here,” Naska added and hovered closer to Mykhol. Ana left first down