*Ana* This shawl is magic! It’s the only way I can describe it. Otherwise, I don’t know. Could I say it’s witchcraft? That Maddie is a powerful witch in disguise this entire time? No, that would be too silly. I could never entertain such a childish notion. But I will say this. That there is something special about it. Behind the obvious flash of red and gold, there is something I can not see but can feel. Maddie's new shawl seems to harbor some power within it. Since putting it on, I have not had a single incident. I still get the customary stare, but it’s more to do with me suddenly wearing it. Otherwise, I’ve had no issues. No one has brought it up. Both the whispers and nasty looks have stopped. Dare I even say, when I catch them in a stare, it’s different. Almost as if they are disappointed. That or they have nothing to talk about anymore. Even Mykhol keeps quiet. It seems to have also created some effect on him. I pause from my reading to look up. It is now past

*Ana* I don’t think we’ve had such a cold day like this before. If we did, I don’t remember. But it is. It’s cold, dark, and windy outside. It’s so windy that I can hear it howl against the window. It sounds angry and upset that we dare keep it outside. But of course we do. And Maddie is doing her best to keep it that way. Thanks to her, the room is toasty. She has made a good fire and has been diligently keeping it stocked. I do not have to fear the cold today since she works so hard. “Ah?” I look up from my book at the sudden sound. I see the fire has swallowed up another log. It cracks and snaps as the flames run through it, and I watch it momentarily. But soon enough, my eyes wander again. I found myself turning to find Mykhol. Mykhol is on his couch. He has another book in his hand, but he seems to be reading it this time. I look at the title. It’s a military book. I have to cringe a little at that. It’s one of the few subjects I am not so fond of reading. But outside of

*Ana* I have to remember to breathe. I need to calm myself otherwise, I won't make the trip. It’s a week’s ride until we get to Dawny. I should conserve myself. I know better. But I can’t seem to manage it. I am too emotional: nervous yet excited. Even now, I am having trouble sitting still. But I will try. If not for my sake, for everyone else. I can’t believe this is happening! I only manage a moment before I find myself moving again. I kicked up my legs with a burst of energy. They flop back on the bench with a loud slap before I do it again. So much for sitting still. I can’t help but feel a little foolish. I know I should be behaving better. But it’s so damn challenging. I feel so happy. I could dance right now, even with everyone here. I give another kick to hear them slap the bench. But without the slap, no one would know I was kicking. My legs disappear underneath the many layers of my new dress. I’ve never worn something so thick and heavy before. It’s made of w

*Nicoli* “Oh, my?” Nicoli could hear his mother whisper. “That’s not good.” “No, it's not.” Nicoli could feel his Father stiffening. The man seemed stunned as the crowd began to start up again. Nicoli could see them shift with worry. But no one was doing anything save to stare or whisper. What are they doing!? Nicoli shot a look up to his Father. “Ana is hurt.” “Nicoli, I-” But Nicoli didn't hear him as he was already moving. “She needs help.” Nicoli could see Ana sit up and hold her hands. She was looking at the crowd. Why wasn’t anyone helping her? Nicoli was shocked. Why was everyone standing by? He couldn't understand. It frustrated him, and he couldn't stay a moment longer. “Ana!” Nicoli cried and forgot everything around him. No crowd was around them, his parents or even the guards. The only thing that existed was Ana. She’s hurt! Nicoli thought again with a rush of blood to his ears. Without considering himself, Nicoli let go of his Father’s hand and was awa

*Queen Belinda* Queen Belinda stared into the pair of red eyes. Even though Mykhol was exceptionally handsome, the hue of red warned Belinda to be wary. Even Lucifer was said to be beautiful. Thus, Queen Belinda was simultaneously intrigued and sickened by him. It could be worse. Queen Belinda relented with a sip of tea. She could withstand a thousand of these blood-red eyes if it meant a minute less of staring into her eyes. Half-blooded bastard of a child. Queen Belinda hid a sneer as she drank. Why must I endure this all over again? It was a shame and a waste in her eyes. Belinda had thought she had gotten the point across last time. But apparently, she didn’t account for Anastasia’s optimism. Again, Belinda made a face as she drank. It would have been God's mercy if she’d just died alongside her mother. How sweet would life be? Belinda mused. But alas, he must not have been listening that day. What a pity. Speaking of pity, Queen Belinda finally acknowledged the teen with a