*Ana*
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Maddie goes again. I don't know why she is so concerned.
"I'll be fine, Maddie." It's only Stepmother. "She wants it just to be us."
"I know, but-" Maddie makes a face.
"Maddie, I will be fine." I go to pull up the shawls. Even there, Maddie frowns.
"At least let me dress you in something warmer." Maddie goes back to the trunks. She pulls a heavier gown, still in the Nochten style but made in velvet.
"You've been gone so long you don't remember, but it does get very cold-."Maddie stops as she realizes what she said.
"Ana, I didn't mean-"
"you're right; it has been some time." I go with a thin smile as the sting hits my chest
But I won't think about it. It's all in the past because I'm here now.
That's all that matters.
"I shouldn't keep Mother waiting." I turn to spy on the maid. She doesn't smile, but she is patient.
"The shawls will be fine."
"But Ana-" Maddie goes again, but I pull the shawls up. I wave goodbye and set off after the maid.
-x-
I should have listened. I shiver as we step outside. Maddie was right.
It's colder than I thought.
I shiver and pull the shawls closer.
"This way, your Empress,'" The maid leads us down the patio steps toward the gardens.
"Ah, yes," I try not to shiver, obviously, but it's becoming more frequent. I pull the shawls even closer. But they really are too thin.
I should have put on the dress. I am suffering silently. But it's too late to change anything.
If I turn back, i won't be finished till it's dark. And I will miss my chance with Mother.
And Nicoli, if he is here. The string of hope helps numb the cold.
Ahead of the maid, I can make out a stoned seating area. A table has been set with china and snacks on tiers. The table has two chairs. One is empty as Stepmother sits in the other.
Upon seeing her, I dart my eyes about. I'm hoping to find another smaller figure. But, as we draw over, I see there is no one else around.
It is going to be just the two of us.
I am disappointed but I try not to show it. I don't want Stepmother to feel like I'm not happy to see her.
Because I am.
"Thank you, Julia." Queen Belinda nods to the old maid.
Julia bows and moves to step aside. It only dawns on me that with just us three, there are no other servants around.
Odd. I'd expected there to be more. But I don't dwell on it as I am excited to be with her.
"I am sorry to keep you waiting, Mother." I curtsy.
As I stand back up, I swear there is a strange smirk on her face. But it's gone in a flash. Stepmother just smiles.
"Thank you for having me," I take a seat. Sitting, I can now see her clothes.
Stepmother has always been beautiful. But she has gone the extra mile by adorning herself in jewels. She has also dressed smartly for the outside. Her dress is a light blue with sleeves lined in white rabbit fur. And a white fur shawl hangs loosely from her shoulders.
I really should have worn the dress. I look so pale in comparison.
I am still in my traveling clothes. Nothing extravagant on them save for the silver thread that embroiders the hems- which is covered up by the shawls.
Speaking of the shawls, I feel another gust of cold air climb up and have to pull them closer. But goosebumps are forming on my neck and chest.
"You've grown since I've last seen you." Queen Belinda motions for Julia. The maid comes to start serving tea.
Having the cup filled, I catch the pleasant, earthy smell.
So this is tea. I've never had any before. Dawny has a fascination with the drink. It's a fascination that seems to be spreading amongst the other kingdoms.
Except for Nochten and our coffee. We refuse to give that up. It is our number one import from the colonies, after all.
But as I am in Dawny, I wish to play by their customs. I will taste tea for the first time today.
Curious, I lift the cup to blow the steam before taking a sip. If it were coffee, I would add copious amounts of cream and sugar as a habit.
I have quite a sweet tooth.
Queen Belinda smiles watching before she adjusts hers with a sugar cube and splash of cream. She takes the cup to sip silently as her eyes stay on the me.
"Mentally, I mean." Queen Belinda smiles strangely in her cup.
"Thank you for your kind words." I swallow down. I flinch slightly.
I don't think I like tea. Its rather too bland and soft. And I doubt cream or sugar can help.
"I have been busy each day reading and studying." I put the cup down, not wanting more. But just as I do, Julia is up and refills what I just tasted.
"Oh-" I dampened at the sight but stopped myself. I don't want to appear rude.
At least it's warm. I have to relent as more goosebumps travel up my legs.
"You mean as preparations for when you ascend to Empress?" Queen Belinda offers a cookie.
I take it and bite off the bunny's head.
"Yes, but I also find it fun,"
"You do?" She seems amused. But her grey eyes seem to dull a little as if she has realized something.
"Be careful, my dear," Queen Belinda starts taking a cookie for herself.
"Men aren't too keen on a woman who reads." She dunks her cookie into the tea and gently nibbles on its ears.
"They find it threatening."
"Why would I care how they felt about me? I am Empress." I reply simply.
"My," Queen Belinda snorts while swallowing a bite. Her eyes lift to regard me. They linger on my silver hair. Her stare makes my back stiffen a little.
I've seen that stare before, but I shake it away. It couldn't be, not with Stepmother.
We are family.
"It is proper for a ruler to be well-learned, yes." Queen Belinda, meanwhile, agrees.
"But be sure that it will be seen as coming off too strong. You are direct. This does not help a woman. Women need to be more subtle to get their way."
"Subtle?" I repeat with a blink, but she doesn't delve further into her meaning.
Instead, she catches me shivering. I pull up my shawls as if to play it off, but Stepmother beams a new smile. She sits back and fluffs up her fur shawl.
"So, are you involved in court proceedings yet? Or is that still too much for one your age?" Queen Belinda sips her tea.
"How are your regents? Your- hmm, Aunt and Uncle?" Queen Belinda asks, and I move for another cookie.
"They are well, I suppose. And I am in court. I attend and listen to the issues and concerns."
"That is wonderful to hear. More experience will only help you." Queen Belinda speaks genuinely.
"The Empire is going to be quite busy with you in power."
I feel myself pink at the compliment. Outside of Maddie, I don't receive much praise. But this must be because we are family.
Speaking of which, I want to know.
"Does Brother Nicoli attend court now?"
Stepmother stiffens at the questions.
"No, he is still young."
"He is four now, right?" I ask to see her verify with a nod.
"Then, how is he doing? Has the fever subsided?"
Stepmother's smile tightens.
"Not presently."
I can't help but frown a little. But I try not to dwell.
"Perhaps tomorrow, then. He'll be feeling better."
"Perhaps," Queen Belinda repeats. It is only here that I feel some kind of hesitation. It's odd- but Stepmother isn't acting differently.
She still smiles, and her voice is pleasant.
What could that be?
Maybe I am just being silly.? I'll dismiss it. I am just imagining things.
"I hope so." I find my pocket in my skirt. My fingers feel for the box. It's still there.
Perhaps now is the time to bring it out? I start to wiggle it from my skirt.
"I have a gift for "
"Fevers can take time to heal, Empress Anastasia." Queen Belinda interrupts. "I expect it will take up to the entire duration of your stay."
The whole time? I hold the box in place.
"But, if so, how am I to meet my-" I drop my words as she smiles. It's not a warm smile-not like the one Maddie gives me.
This is cold. It feels like it has teeth that could bite. It makes me stop in place.
"I thought our talk would take longer; nay, I would have preferred it to be since the air feels so crisp." Queen Belinda moves to take up her spoon.
"But it seems you share that nasty habit as your mother's. I always hated that about her. She was also direct and blunt." The spoon goes into her cold tea. She stirs with a loud click of the china.
"It's better to handle things sooner rather than later, though; It will waste less time, don't you agree?" Queen Belinda pulls the spoon away to motion for Julia. She takes her cup without a glance at mine.
"Mother? What are you-" Saying but I don't get say it as Stepmother cuts in.
"First things first," Stepmother drops the spoon onto the plate. It makes a loud clatter that makes me almost miss the next part. But the words cut through like a knife.
"I am not your mother."