All Chapters of Will Bear the Moon: Chapter 201 - Chapter 210

*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

*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

*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

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*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