Lahat ng Kabanata ng Will Bear the Moon: Kabanata 111 - Kabanata 120

*Queen Belinda*Queen Belinda looked off after her cup while musing on the peaceful day. And it was such a lovely day. The sun was shining in the summer sky. The birds were singing. And best of all, the garden was blooming.Perhaps I’ll walk the maze later? Queen Belinda stirred her tea in thought. It made her think of her son then. Yes, Nicoli would most certainly want to take a walk with her. Especially after having to sit in one of those boring meetings. Belinda knew how much even Alexander hated them.But it is about time Nicoli started being more involved in such matters. Belinda sighed. Nicoli was growing up, much to her secret dismay. It would be a lie to say Belinda didn’t wish to keep her son a child forever. She could keep him close as any mother would. But, alas, he was growing, and it was better to prepare him for his future as King. That, however, would be for many years later. Belinda could take some comfort. She still had time. So until then, Belinda planned to take u

*Ana*What is he doing out here? I find myself turning to spy on someone I least expected. He has no reason to be out here, I know. He should be inside the palace, but there he is standing by the stables. And what’s more, he’s looking directly at me as if waiting to get my attention.I can’t help but be compelled. I turn the horse back over to find him immediately step up as soon as I’m close enough.“Your Empress,” Admiral Nugen bows. As he stands, his eyes dart over my bare thighs. But whatever judgment he has, he mentions nothing. Instead, he cast his gaze back up to me. “I was hoping to have a moment of your time.”“Admiral Nugen.” I greet, eyeing the stoic man’s face. He does not rain compliments down on me, nor does he start with small talk. Quite different compared to the others in court.Admiral Nugen seems the straightforward type. I am learning, but it makes me grow a little fonder for him. But still, why is he standing out in the growing heat?“What brings you to my stables

*Nicoli*It wasn’t long before Nicoli regretted his choice. The maze was hot thanks to the direct sunlight. And the sun seemed hell-bent on attacking the back of his head. It felt like a magnifying glass burning into his skull.And that’s not to mention the bugs. Oh, the bugs.I hate bees. Nicoli flinched as another flew by. Was it him, or were they venturing too close to his face? Either way, it made him nervous. Bees being his least favorite bug.Last year, Nicoli had been stung by one and the pain was horrible. He swelled up like a balloon. It was a whole ordeal, and Nicoli wasn’t about to forget it. But I have to. Nicoli thought to persevere. Because this is for Ana. That was reason enough to put up with it. But, despite the resolve, the threat of another sting was fresh in his mind. And when one flew too close to his nose, Nicoli couldn’t help but jump.“No!” Nicoli yelped, quickly moving to duck down. “Get away,” And he stayed hunched over.“Your Highness?” Philpé, meanwhile, w

*Naska*Naska pulled up her thin skirt to better quicken her step, doing her best to avoid the eyes of the other servants as she moved. Not that they had any room to judge her. It wasn’t like they were dressed better. Everyone was dressed down because of the heat.But still, Naska felt the stares, the judging eyes that watched her go. Likely going to start up a new rush of rumors and gossip about her. Never seem to have enough to say against her, despite the years, of coming up with another scandal. But Naska wasn’t afraid, rather, it made her all the more want to shove it back in their faces.Let them think what they want. Naska lifted her head higher. They know nothing about us. Despite being a fallen woman, Naska refused to find shame for her actions. She didn’t care they thought lowly of her and her bastard son. They were nothing to her anyway. And she didn't care about them.There is only one person who does. And she made to go him even faster.Naska picked up her pace. The doorm

*Nicoli*“Your Royal Highness?” Philpé stood up with surprise, not hearing the boy draw so close. Usually, both men could tell when Nicoli was bounding over, hearing his chatter of energy. But for whatever reason, that energy was not there, instead, today, Nicoli was quiet. His silent posture alarming enough on its own.“Are you… alright?” Philpé asked, watching the boy. “You look,” He stopped, daring not say what both men were thinking because both could see it. Nicoli’s eyes were pink and puffy, almost as if he had been crying off somewhere, out of sight, just before joining them. “Can you paint today?” Nicoli, cut him off, moving to sit on the bench, lifting his head up as if nothing the matter. Or, at least, he wanted to be, despite how he felt. But, in reality, it felt like everything was out of sorts.But the painting should take my mind off things. Nicoli straightened up, hoping that would help, and waited on Philpé. But here, sadly, Nicoli found Philpé only frowning.“I’m af