*Maddie* “What are you two doing?” Maddie could barely breathe through all her confusion. Her mind desperately tried to decipher what she was looking at. It was Ana and Mykhkol, but it was not like she had left them. No, she left them on the couches, separate. That’s how they were, not like this- Maddie’s mind struggled to take it all in in parts. “Oh, hello, Maddie.” Ana greeted, leaning away from Mykhol’s hand. “You changed quickly.” She smiled easily, not aware of anything. “Not quick enough,” Maddie breathed under her breath as she quickly moved to close the door behind her. I was only gone for a moment. Maddie knew she didn’t doddle. It was just a moment, ten minutes at the most. She only went to change her shirt and was right back. But in just that short time- If anyone else had walked in to see them- Maddie reeled with a new fear. Thank god it was just her and not another maid. The scandal alone- Maddie shuddered thinking of the aftermath. Who knows what else might ha
*Ana* “Finally,” I snap my eyes and sit as Maddie closes the door. It felt like she would never go. Not that I would ever wish her to leave; usually, I love Maddie's company. But tonight, things are different. Tonight, I have plans. I look up in time to catch a line of light under the tapestry. That must be Nicoli. He is quick. I think and push off the covers. What good timing. Or was he already waiting? I wonder as I hear a faint click of the hidden door open. The light of a lantern soon spills over the room. I squint my eyes before I can see the holder. “Brother Nicoli,” I greet with a skip in my heart. It is him, after all. “Is it safe?” Nicoli looks around. He pushes the tapestry higher to reveal the dark and deep hallway behind him. “Yes, I think so,” I whisper, and to make sure, cock an ear up to listen. Yes, Maddie is gone, but I find it odd. Her footsteps are quicker than usual. Wherever she is going, she must be in a hurry. Maybe she wants to get to bed? It
*Maddie* “Still out like a rock, huh?” Maddie joked as she came back into the room. It was now the third time since she first came to check on Ana. She sure must be exhausted. Maddie thought as she stole a glance from the clock back to Ana. The girl was still in bed and fast asleep, though it was already growing late into the morning. Well, thanks to someone, she went to bed late last night. Maddie frowned, remembering. “That little punk,” Maddie tsked with a roll of her eyes but let it go. None of it mattered right now. The morning was growing late, and Maddie had to decide enough was enough. “You’re gonna miss everything if you keep sleeping, hun.” Maddie went at last. It was time to wake the sleeping beauty. “Atti-up, kiddo!” Maddie pulled the covers from the bed. “Hmph!” Ana immediately groaned as the icy air stabbed through her nightgown. Her body curled up to conserve the heat as Maddie went to open the curtains. Ana immediately turned to bury her face into the pillow
*Mykhol* “Ah,” Mykhol hissed bitterly as the sunlight peeked through the curtain to find his face. Mykhol immediately turned to hide, but it was already too late. The motion only made him aware of the pounding in his head. It feels like someone is smacking both sides. Mykhol groaned again before swallowing bitterly. He didn’t want to wake up now; it was still so early. But the pain was unbearable. He could not sleep even if he tried. “Goddamn it.” Mykhol gave in and sat up to feel another stab in his head. “Fuck,”. It was already a bad start to his day. I shouldn’t have drunk so much. Mykhol rubbed his eyes as if that could help. It didn’t. It only added to his frustrations. Mykhol was never a morning person, to begin with. Not that it was any surprise. Most vampires preferred late afternoon or night. Mykhol was undoubtedly one of them. But not today. Mykhol hissed again with a new pulse to his temples. Today would be an abnormally early day. How delightful. Mykhol had to sneer.
*Ana* It doesn’t take long for a maid to usher me to the correct table in the banquet hall. I watch the blond maid smile as she sets out my table. I can’t tell if it’s an act or she generally cares about her job, but I find myself unable to look away. Our servants are never so cheery in Nochten. I find myself having to compare. Is this just how Dawny is? I can’t help but wonder. She reminds me of Maddie. I think as the maid finishes laying out my napkin. “There you are, your majesty,” Doxy speaks affectionately. “It’s so good to have you back with us.” “Oh, ah, yes,” I mutter, surprised. I have a vague feeling I have met this maid prior. Was it the last time I was here? I can’t be sure. It wasn’t like I had that long to get familiar with anyone. I remember I only spent one day. But perhaps we did meet? I wonder if Maddie could remember if I asked. I partially wonder if this is worth bothering her. Or if Maddie might even remember? “Tea, your majesty?” Doxy, meanwhile, grabs m
*Ana* What did he mean he needed many things? I blink after Mykhol’s strange comment. Was Mykhol lacking in something? I think as I look over. Mykhol is dressed as nicely as ever today in his Nocthen gown. Maybe it’s something I can’t see? I ponder. Or perhaps it is just him repeating strange things? But even as I considered it, I felt my lips pull up to a grin. “Cousin,” I laugh softly and shake my head. “I think you are still drunk.” “If only I were,” Mykhol sighs with a touch of his head. “My head is killing me right now.” “Oh no,” I can’t help but grow concerned. “I’m sorry, where does it hurt?” I lean over to touch his head. “Is it here? Or the other side?” I look up to see his answer. “I- both,” Mykhol says with a surprised look. “Both sides hurt.” “Perhaps you should go back and sleep it off?” I lower my hands, but Mykhol gathers them back up. “No, keep them there.” Mykhol goes and holds my hands to his head. “It feels better.” Mykhol makes a small smile. “You must h
Chapter 62 I Spy With My Little Eye (Edited & reviewed 12.25.23) *Ana* “Your Majesties,” I speak clearly, giving a respectful curtsy to the table. Midbow, I twirl my toes to find something peculiar. My feet were cold before, but now they are freezing. Odd? I can’t help but think maybe something is wrong with the shoes. Is there a hole? There shouldn’t be. The shoes should be new. Perhaps the socks are too thin? But I quickly dismiss it as nothing serious. It will be something for Maddie to handle. Right now, I have more important things to worry about. I stand up and find Father is the first to catch my eye. “Empress Anastasia,” Father greets with the warmest tone. It instantly makes me want to relax, but I won’t. I can’t. Not when Stepmother is sitting but a few feet from me. "Empress." Queen Belinda lifts her eyes over me to investigate my dress. She presses her lips slightly as if looking for something. She resorts to smiling lightly before turning her head. “Anyway, as I
*Queen Belinda* “But I am wearing-” Queen Belinda watched the girl try to refute her by lifting her skirt. But this only proved a fool’s errand. Because not only did it prove Belinda right, but now everyone else at the table could see the unmistakable sight of bare feet on cold stone. “That’s-” Besides her, Alexander sat in his chair. That carefree and joyful manner was long gone as a look of concern grew on his face. “Belinda,” Alexander quietly looked at Belinda. But it was already too late. He could do nothing now. The scene was drawing attention from the rest of the room. “What’s going on?” Belinda could hear the whispers begin as more eyes turned to them. Even the servants have stopped to watch. Belinda noted, sweeping her eyes over the room. Again, it was too late to stop it. It was taking on a life of its own. The only thing to do was watch it unfold. And Belinda planned to as she sat back in her chair. Let them tear her apart, now. Belinda wouldn’t need to lift another