Chapter 3 Let's Get to Know Each Other

*Ana*

She talks a lot. This is the first thing I notice about my new human maid. She seems to have something to say about just everything. Like now, she finds something to talk about.

“You have quite the routine for someone so young,” Maddie braids my hair. It’s a strange feeling. I only nod to her, not sure what to add.

I’ve never had someone this talkative- not with me. Especially when they seemed to want me to talk back. I’m not used to someone being interested in me.

I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know if I like it or not.

I do find that I like to hear the woman speak. Her voice is warm- though she speaks informally with me. That’s a big change compared to everyone else.

Even my Aunt and Uncle only talk to me when necessary. 

I can’t remember when someone just came to talk to me. For fun and not as Empress.

Yet here, she does so naturally. 

I look up at the maid. 

It feels nice. 

“What are you starting on now, Maddie?” I shudder as a chill runs up my spine. It’s because of her fingers on my scalp. 

It has been a recent discovery for me to find that I have a sensitive scalp. And it is all thanks to Maddie actively working on my hair.

Maddie's the only one to actually do something with it.

None of the other servants in the past had. They hated to touch it. 

They'd avoid touching it for so long that it would get tangled. I shudder at the memories of having my hair mercilessly yanked with combs to loosen the locks.

It would be so violent with chucks ripped out. It would end with tears.

Hence, I am pleased to find Maddie treats my hair so gently. She never yanks at the knots or tries just to cut out the chunks. She is just patient with the brush.

It’s shocking that I can sit here comfortably as she works over my hair. 

"I like having routines" I go and watch the woman switch hands.

“Well, for a seven-year-old, you live like a nun." Maddie shuffles my hair. 

"You study at a set time, then walk the gardens until bed. And then you do it again the next day.” 

“You speak like there is something wrong in how I live.” I retort, but I can feel the tell-tale signs that I’m getting too relaxed. My eyelids are growing heavy. I start to rock in my chair as I start to lose my will to stay awake. 

Again, I never thought I could feel this at ease. 

Would it be alright if she were to fall asleep now? No, I shouldn't. 

I open my eyes wide to stay alert. It’s a scary risk that I’m not willing to try. Instead of sleeping, I steal a look at the vanity. In the mirror, I meet my gaze.

I have a small face that tapers to a sharp ching. My nose is small but puffs out like a button. It makes my lips look fuller. But my eyes are the most interesting feature. They are large on my face and surrounded by thick lashes the same color as my hair.

Speaking of her hair, Maddie works with my long wavy hair with a look of contemplation. Her eyebrows bunch up to make fine lines in the creases.

“Ana,” Maddie starts, and I jerk up. 

“Ana?” I stop to look over at her. 

I’ve never had anyone call me that before. No one even uses my first name. It’s always “Your Empress.” 

Is it an insult? A mistake? I am unfamiliar with it. But just as quickly as I find it foreign, I relax.

I don't dislike it, I think.

“Don’t you ever talk to anyone?” Maddie continues. She moves to pour Sandalwood oil into my hair to make it shine. She seems to like using it to the point that it permeates my clothes.

But again, I don’t dislike that.

It smells good.

“I am talking to you right now,” I shrug. 

“Are we not talking?” 

“No, Ana, I mean someone else. I only just got here.” Maddie again shortened my name.

Ana. I test the name behind my teeth. It makes me smile. But I don’t hold it for long. 

“I talk to my Aunt and Uncle. And I talk among the court when it’s in session. With the ministers and nobles.” 

It’s quite a lot of people, now that I think about it. I need to lift my hands and start counting just how many are with my fingers.

This, however, did not please Maddie. 

“You are misunderstanding me, Empress Anastasia,” Maddie calls me by title, and now I frown.

Why is it back to Empress? 

Did I upset Maddie somehow? I don’t know how, but I miss her calling me by my new name.

“Maddie, why-“Are you upset 

I stop because Maddie kneels down. She squats to stare at my eye level. Her grey hair is sticking up from her bun.

“Isn't there anyone?” Maddie asks and looks at my face as if to find something. But the search brings up nothing because I don’t know what she means. 

“Maddie, my braid-“ I pipe up and look at the braid starting to fray.

Why is she so concerned about who I talk to? I don’t see where she gets this strange urge. No one else cares who I talk to. 

“My mistake, your Empress.” Maddie returns with a polite smile. My heart sank as she still didn’t call me ‘Ana.’

No, call me ‘Ana’ again. I think, but I don’t say anything. Because I’m not sure if that’s something you can ask.

Maddie reaches to give my shoulder a squeeze before getting up to do my braid. She stays silent as she weaves the hair. I feel myself shift uncomfortably as I see her so distant. I don’t like this at all.

I don’t want her to stop talking. It feels ugly to be this quiet. I know I said she talks a lot but now I wish she’d talk more.

Please talk. Will she talk if I apologize? 

“Maddie, I’m sorry-”  

“You are so different from your brother,” Maddie chuckles. 

“Who?” I stare at her in the mirror.

“Your half-brother. Prince Nicoli.” 

“Nicoli?” I speak the name. It tastes weird on my tongue. It’s the first time I had to say it aloud.

My little brother… 

“You know him?”

“No, not personally, anyway. But I know of him. He is always surrounded by all kinds of people. Always smiling and laughing. He has your father’s blue eyes.” Maddie finishes.

My father… 

“You should see him, your Empress. I know you’d love-“ 

“I don’t think that will happen.” I snap. I want us to stop this because it makes my shoulders tighten- and my throat grows dry.

“Have you ever met the Prince?” Maddie changes to a softer tone. 

“No. I have not.” I pull away from her hands. I feel an ache running up my back from how strained I’ve become.  Whenever I think about that day or him- it happens.

I feel myself tighten up into a little ball.

"I left Dawny shortly before he was born. I've never met him."

“Would you like to?” Maddie tucks my braid to the side. Her hand rests near my cheek. It feels warm, and I lean towards it. I feel oddly starved for the feeling. 

Maddie must notice because she moves a finger to rub the skin. I feel myself lean in some more. I don’t want to leave the warmth.

“I’m sure he’d want to meet you.”

“I…” I open my eyes but then catch the mirror. 

There I am with my red eyes- I don’t have those famous blue eyes of fathers. The same eyes my little brother seems to share.

I don't even know who I look like. But the sight only makes me more aware.

We are nothing alike. 

“It’s time for study.” I stand up stiffly. 

Maddie steps aside quickly as I pass her. I head for my study without pause. 

"Of course, your Empress." Maddie curtsies behind me, and I flinch.

“I like it.” I stop to look at her. I see her only smile at me like she didn’t hear. I guess I need to be more clear.

“I like it when you call me ‘Ana’.” 

“I see.” Maddie’s eyes shine. Something seems to be turning behind them, but I feel my cheeks grow warm at the stare she gives.

“Anyway-” I turn and leave the room. My vampire’s ears perk up as Maddie follows behind me. 

“Yes, Ana.” 

I look behind me to see the biggest grin on her face. I don’t know why, but I feel like she’s just done something. It’s something important to her.

But I just shrug it off and carry on with the study.

Humans are strange creatures.