*Ana* The cup of cocoa is still hot in my hands, but I have yet to taste it. My mind can’t seem to focus, and Maddie quickly diverts me. I can’t help but get lost in her hands. It is mesmerizing to watch her at work. She makes it look so effortless. I halfway realize It’s comforting to watch her. Something so mundane can help me forget my thoughts. Thoughts that I would gladly forget because I don’t understand, and it scares me. “You’re rather quiet, Ana.” Maddie goes suddenly. She is still working on my hair, but I can see her brown eyes shift on me. “Penny for your thoughts?” “I-Where did you learn all this?” I can’t help but marvel after her. Maddie can even braid my hair without looking down. “How did you get so good?” “My mother taught me,” Maddie chuckles and finishes the knot. She steps back to check over the braid. “Your mother?” I repeat, and Maddie nods before smiling as if she approves her work. She moves for my headdress. “Uh-huh. Mama taught me and my sisters

*Ana* “My good people,” Father’s voice booms to quiet the room. Immediately, people turn in their seats to look his way as Father lifts his glass. On cue, everyone moves to raise theirs. I lift mine as Mykhol refills his before doing the same. It must be pretty good for him to drink so much so quickly. I note that this must be Mykhol’s third glass. I wonder what it tastes like. Is it sweet? I hope so. I move to try a sip before I stop myself at the sensation. Someone is watching. I look up in time to see Stepmother wrap her arm around father. Queen Belinda looks utterly content just being at his side. While poor Nicoli, though, seems to grow impatient. He jitters a little in his seat, looking up at Father. “We are gathering here to celebrate my son and future heir to Dawny, Prince Nicoli.” King Alexander takes the chance to look over the room. “Though it seems just yesterday I was chasing this scamp about the palace with him butt naked-” “Hey!” Nicoli snaps in offense. His chee

*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

*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

*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