*Hidi*Hidi could barely hold in her jaw. It was shocking- appalling, no, the sheer lack of respect was thick enough to taste.How can any court be so unruly? Hidi looked over the group of men, no women, amongst the gathered. They weren’t even looking over at Ana but talking amongst themselves. And they were talking so loudly that Ana had to repeat herself.“I said quiet, everyone.” Ana raised her voice. Hidi watched a few throw a nasty look over at her.“Since when did she get such a nerve?” Hidi could hear someone whispering not so quietly. “My god,” Hidi scuffed under her breath. This was Ana’s court? Hidi felt even more pity for her dear friend. Ana, meanwhile, seemed to overlook the stares. “Admiral Nugen,” Ana motioned back to the scarred human standing before them. “Please, continue with your report.”“As I was saying,” Admiral Nugen remained perfectly still during the ordeal. “We need to transfer more funds to the armory-”“Not this again.” One from the council cut off with
Chapter # A Gift with Hidden Meaning*Mykhol*“It’ll do.” Mykhol purposely held back any initial praise from the royal tailor. Otherwise, it might go to her head.And she won’t ask for a tip. Mykhol smirked as he took the white scarf and left. It was time to find wherever that giant took Ana. But Mykhol wasn’t pressed on it.Ana is a creature of habit, Mykhol knew quite well. If Ana wasn’t anything, she was predictable, and that meant there were only a few places she could be.It’s too cold to be outside now. So Mykhol could assume the Rose Garden was off the list. That meant only two other places. I’ll check her room first. Mykhol felt his steps quicken with excitement. Mykhol opened the scarf to look over the hard work. The stars and moons look so delicate. Mykhol was glad that he asked for ultramarine for the thread. It paired well with the white background. And there was another reason. All the blue made one particular shape stand out all the better.“I wonder how long it will
*Naska*Naska carried the tray with ease thanks to repetitive practice over the years. It was not even a thought for her to ever worry about dropping it at this point. But Naska couldn’t help but throw a worried glance over to the little boy beside her more than once.“Careful, honey.” Naska again stopped to shift a cup from the ledge. It was a good thing she checked for the umpteenth time. Naska patted herself on the back for being so wise.“Yes, Mama.” Bruno bowed his head with a gentle voice. The boy was sweet and quiet—not that he was ever a loud boy—but still, Naska felt proud to have such a well-behaved son.“After this, we’ll go see your grandpa and grandma.” Naska went quickly, like many times before. But this time, Bruno had to stop with a pout.“Why?”Bruno clenched the tray to him as he looked down.“Why?” Naska looked back with surprise. Since when did Bruno ever question her? “So you can tell them what you heard when that big lady was with her Empress.” Obviously. Why else
*King Alexander*King Alexander took in a breath of the odd yet familiar flavor that lingered in the air. It had been so long that he had almost forgotten about the taste but quickly found it brought him back. Alexander could feel the rush of memories like a key unlocking a forgotten door. For a moment, Alexander stood silently as the phantoms played before his eyes. At once, everyone was together like they used to be. Belinda was in the middle, linked in arms with Brartha on one side and Parsul on the other. Alexander remembered the unholy trio as what they used to call themselves. Back then, they were inseparable and seemed to enjoy making him suffer for it. Alexander could remember feeling put out many times as the three would scurry off ahead of him. Each would be engrossed in conversation, breaking into a laugh at a secret joke, and then, as if teasing him, throw a look his way before breaking into laughs again.If only I could go back to that simple time. Alexander watched as
*Ana*“You must be so disappointed not to see Nicoli. ” Father squeezes my hand as we walk back inside. “I’m sorry, Ana.” “No, that’s not-” Why would he say such a thing? Could he see it on my face? I touch my cheeks and mouth quickly. No, I haven’t been frowning. So, how could he guess it?“Not at all,” I quickly excuse. “That’s not- I’m not disappointed.” But, again, Father must see something I don’t know because he shakes his head.“No, You are.” Father rubs my hands. It makes them warm up. I barely register how cold I am until he does. We weren’t outside for long, but my skin must be icy because Father moved to breathe onto my fingers. His hot breath warms my digits even faster.“Why else would you be foolish enough to run outside without a coat?” Father winks. “You were gung-ho on seeing him, weren’t you? ” Father continues to rub and breathe on my skin. “I mean, look how cold you are. You’re like ice now.”“ Did I bring back snow?” Father laughs before kissing my fingers.”My li
*King Alexander* Alexander washed his hands in the icy water before drying them. He could feel Johan waiting behind him. But Alexander needed a moment to steady himself. “Is it all true?” Alexander finally spoke, watching the water in the basin bowl settle. His face looked up at him, suddenly years older. The grays in his beard seemed to have multiples in the very day. “Johan?” Alexander looked over to see his old friend. “Tell me.” “Her Majesty Hildenberg is right.” Johan went to make Alexander wince. “God.” “It’s worse.” “What could be worse?” Alexander was already in disbelief as it was. He had already seen and heard enough to be more than troubled. “What’s possibly worse?” How has Ana been able to survive this long on her own? It made Alexander more depressed the longer he thought about it. “Those rumors are back.” Johan went. “What rumors?” Alexander turned to see Johan only looking at him ”Oh,” Alexander’s stomach turned.” You mean ‘THAT ONE’ ” “That pesky rumo
*Ana*“So, here it is?” I take in a deep breath and turn. “How do I look?” I would take a spin to show Father the entirety of the dress, but it is too difficult. All the jewels and embroidery make the dress heavy. Just extending my arms, I can feel the weight pull me down. All this work and the dress is still impractical. I can’t help but renew my distaste for the dress. Not only is it gaudy, but it’s not even functional, which I consider the worst sin. But I console myself that this will be the first and last time I must bear with it.It will be over soon. I keep repeating. It helps calm me down.“Papa?” I check on the uncharacteristically silent man. Father seems to be looking over the dress before reanimating. “Like a beacon of hope.” Father praises with a grand smile. “You are breathtaking.”“Papa,” I reached out to take his hands. He kissed mine before kissing my head. His beard moved the chains for my shawl as he pulled back to look down on me.“Your mother would be so proud.
*Ana*It’s finally here; I breathe and stiffen my back. It is the moment I have been waiting for. My heart is beating so fast. I barely feel my feet pick up as I step into the room.The head priest stands in the center. The old man is beyond years, and all the red in his hair has faded to white. But his eyes look over me with a cold sternness.I can almost hear him say, ‘Hurry up’ through his eyes. I would love to. But this dress is so heavy that I must pace myself or topple over. It would be better without heels. I already curse the damn footwear. But I couldn’t forgo them because the hem would be dragging. It is yet another addition that makes this dress somehow worse. I am starting to suspect this was done on purpose. Aunt Funda made the dress as uncomfortable and noxious as possible.But I won’t let it get to me. I stay focused. It’s finally here! I have to try hard to steady myself. But even with all my excitement, something lingers in my mind. “Why did he-” My lips still ting