*Ana*
Truth be told, I do not have much to say about my cousin as I do not know him. In the score of four years, I have only met him once. And that was when I first arrived in Nocthen, and I was not in the best state of mind to remember things (as I was crying, yelling, and acting childish).
So what I do know is what I have gathered from the bits and pieces Aunt Funda and Uncle have told me.
Cousin Mykhol is fourteen years old to my seven- making an age difference of seven years between us. And he has, for the better part of the four years I've been here, been attending the famed military academy of Nochten this whole time.
That alone is a fantastic feat, as this is no ordinary academy. Established by Nochten's first emperor- it is said to make anyone who attends a great leader. And only those of nobility and wealth can attend.
Save unless you are a girl. Not even my mother, an Empress, was allowed in.
So this only makes me look forward to Mykhol's return this winter break. Aside from meeting for the first time, I am also curious. I have so many questions for him.
So many questions that I can't keep them to myself and have to bounce them off of Maddie.
"I'd like to ask him what the academy is like." I go off on my own.
"Yes, you've said that before."
"Have I?" I feel my cheeks warm with embarrassment. But Maddie nods.
"You have. I remembered." Maddie shifts my hair in her hands. She is a little less cheerful these days- more mindful. Almost as if she is preoccupied.
She does, however, seem to take extra care of my appearance as of late. She's been using more sandalwood oil to make my hair shiny. And she has been using the sweet-scented soaps to wash my skin and make me glow.
I think she is trying to ensure I look my best when Mykhol arrives, which should be very soon. That is why she seems so dedicated to braiding my hair now.
She means for me to outshine everyone in court.
"This outta keep those nasty tongues from wagging," Maddie mutters as she pulls up a strand of hair.
"What?"
"Oh, nothing." Maddie smiles at me before finishing one side. Her face switches from a strange expression back to a smile.
"What a little scholar you are," Maddie laughs warmly, putting a hand on my head. I feel her warm hands through my scalp.
"You'd have made quite the student there."
She moves to start weaving pearls into my hair. This is a first. I've never had anything outside of her putting roses in my hair. But I find I quickly like it.
The pearl's iridescent light adds a complementary highlight to my silver hair. It makes it shine with a softer pink glow. I look like a fairy from a book I've read.
"Maddie, that looks beautiful." I motion to what she's doing. Maddie smiles, but the smile wanes after a moment.
"I don't see how anyone could call your hair ugly. It's all that damn red that's ugly and vicious." Maddie tuts. She shakes her head at me.
"They don't know what they are saying."
"Maddie…" I can only drop my hand. I don't know what to say to that. I was surprised to see her get so upset.
It's not even about her.
There's no reason she needs to get upset. That is how I see it. It's my problem. I ignore it for the most part. But, it's something that happens from time to time.
The comments that people make under their breath or behind my back. It's been like that since I can remember being here. So it's almost customary to react.
My silver hair is always a problem.
On the chair, I kick my legs back and forth.
"I'm just curious. What's it like?" I return to my questions to change the topic.
"All I've had is the library and tutors." I never had to leave the palace. I've never had classmates. It's just been me.
As the room falls quiet, I can feel my eyes droop. Maddie's warm hands are starting to make me tired. Maddie must notice as she speeds up.
When she finishes, she holds the mirror for me to see the back. It's what she calls a 'French braid.' It's one solid piece of robe and pearl weaved together. I can't help but smile with pleasure at seeing how long the robe is. My hair has grown so much- it falls between my back.
"It's beautiful, Maddie. You did such a good job!"
''Of course I did. Don't I always? I'm a professional, after all." Maddie gloats. I have to roll my eyes at her.
"Maddie…"
"Baah, let me have my praises." Maddie squeezes my shoulders before moving to take up my top and skirt.
"What do you think this cousin will be like? " It's Maddie who has the questions now. I hold onto her arm as I step into the skirt.
"I'm not sure what to expect. " I answer and watch Maddie cinch up the ties.
Will he be like Aunt Funda and Uncle? I wonder. Will he be cold and formal- never smile at me? Barely talk to me?
I hope not.
It would be nice if he were different. If he were, it would be fantastic. We could get together and get along then.
Like a family.
"Perhaps he'll be like Prince Nicoli? "Maddie teases with a bop to my nose. I instantly feel my cheeks warm at the thought.
"Like Nicoli?" I feel myself need to look down. But, on the other hand, I suddenly feel hot.
Maddie chuckles as she ties my top.
"I suppose you'd like that."
"l...wouldn't be opposed to it," I mutter with another flash of heat.
If my cousin were to be anything like my brother… A hopeful smile grows on my face at the suggestion.
I can feel my heart quicken. I am even more excited to meet him.
It turns out I may not be the only one.
The anticipation of Mykhol's arrival is easy to spy from just about everyone else. Even I need to take a step back. It's not a sight I'm used to.
"I don't think I've seen everyone, so..." I drop the comment as we walk along the hall. Another servant darts past us.
"Pardon, your Empress." They only bow and keep moving. Another follows shortly after. They were almost hitting Maddie in the process.
"Move it, human!" They hiss under their breath as Maddie scuffs at him.
"Busy as a Bee?" Maddie suggests, a little stunned herself.
"Yes..." We both fall back into silence as more servants pass us. Again, the sight is striking. I listen as they pass us, all talking to each other in broken bits of excitement.
"Lord Mykhol would..."
"Lord Mykhol likes..."
Mykhol's name is constantly brought up. I'm impressed they have so much to say. It's nonstop.
Even Aunt Funda and her Uncle have their own words to say on the subject.
"It's been too long, " Aunt Funda speaks with energy to Uncle as they leave the hall. They meet us with a bow before quickly falling to walk behind me. Empress first, regents second, and Maddie dead last.
"Hmm..." Maddie quietly hummed as she noticed Aunt and Uncle busy talking to each other. They haven't even said a word to me yet.
But I don't mind it. They always do this. And I see it as a chance to listen. So maybe I can learn something else about Mykhol.
"He's been taking his studies fine, but the professors praise his swordplay." Uncle gushes as we pass on into the great dining hall.
Immediately, Maddie and I pause simultaneously to see how much effort has been put into all the decorations.
They have gathered garlands of fir from Almony to hang on the walls. It makes the room heavy with the smell of pine. They have also used embroidered tablecloths for each table. Napkins are folded in the shape of bats on each plate.
And on the serving table, food is piled up, but more is being added. I see servants steadily carrying plate after plate of food. They were busily preparing a great feast for Mykhol's return.
"They've never done all of this for you," I hear Maddie speak under her breath, thanks to my vampire hearing. I can only suck my lip.
I can feel Maddie watching me, but I don't respond. Instead, I quietly take in the ecstatic faces of the servants. It seems everyone is cheerful despite the grueling task. They must all be looking forward to his return.
More than I've ever seen for myself.
At the thought, my stomach tightens. I force down a hard swallow. It hurts and sits funny inside my empty belly, like an air pocket.
"Brother's letter will be coming soon," I whisper. A happier reminder. It helps ease the pain.
I maintain a flat expression as we continue toward the courtrooms.
-x-
At long last, my cousin has arrived. And he arrives with a great welcome. So many servants, nobles, and even plain folk of the empire have come. The courtroom is bursting with people.
I've not seen so many of my vampires in one place. But here they are. And I can feel an excited curiosity grow over them as they turn to see him. I do the same.
How has my cousin grown? I look on to quickly find I am not disappointed.
Just 14 years old, Mykhol acts quite stately. Yet, he holds his head high with confidence. And each step he takes towards the platform is firm and pronounced.
Cousin Mykhol, I see as he draws closer, has taken the height of Aunt Funda. But his eyes look intelligent like Uncles.
It's the best combination anyone can hope for from those two. So I think while I take note of his looks. Mykhol has also donned his uniform from the academy. The blue jacket is tailored to fit skin tight to his athletic form well.
"Your cousins' quite the beauty, " Maddie admits. She doesn't bother to whisper it. I can hear her even with the loud crowd and at the bottom of the platform.
"Maddie." I shoot her an unamused look back.
I don't want to start thinking like that toward my cousin. He is family. I'd hope we get along, which is what I want to think of.
But now that she mentioned it, I must confess I noticed something. The young girls, nobles and servants alike, seem to start up.
I watch in confusion as they look at each other before exchanging excited whispers. I can't reasonably make out what they are saying because of how loud the room has grown from the cheers, but I see some begin to turn red.
And all their eyes seem to be glued to the tall boy.
It's not different for Aunt Funda. She practically vibrates as she stands beside me before taking Uncle's hand.
"He's only going to grow even more handsome still. "Aunt Funda sounds proud.
"Of course he will," Uncle nods and puffs up his chest as if he had anything to do with it. I feel myself wanting to laugh a little at the strange idea.
Uncle is not a beauty. If anything, Aunt Funda is. But I don't say that aloud. Not that they would hear me.
Instead, I look back to find Mykhol taking his final steps to the platform. Here he stops to kneel before me on my throne. I sit in my chair to look down at him as I know he shows respect.
"Long reign, Empress Anastasia. Mykhol announces with a hand over his heart—the standard procedure.
I hope we will get along. I quickly wish as I stand up. I feel everyone's eyes fall on us, making my heart beat faster.
"Cousin, "I extended my hand. Mykhol moves to take it. He places a kiss on my skin. His lips feel slightly rough.
"Welcome back."
"It's good to be home, cousin," Mykhol speaks softly, surprised as he was just loud before. He looks up at me with a broad smile. It shows his fangs but not to threaten me- it is friendly.
I feel myself curl my own into a smile.
He seems nice. I take in. This might be a good sign. I go on.
"How was your-" It's a simple gesture. I want to pull my hand back but am surprised to find it stuck. Mykhol hasn't let go yet.
"Um…" I lift my brows slightly at him. Is he nervous? Is that why?
I again try to pull back, only to feel his fingers tighten over mine.
What? I look back at him while trying not to express my slight frustration.
You can let go- Mykhol kisses my hand again before grinning.
"What are you-" I whisper under my breath, trying not to look uncomfortable as I pull away for the third time. But again, I feel Mykhol stubbornly refuse.
Why won't he let go? I am confused. He can let go now. I want him to. This is more than enough-
I test his hand again to find he won't budge. He feels much stronger than me. And I don't want to fight him outright.
Please let go of me…I look at him with quietly pleading eyes. But Mykhol grins at me as if this were a game. I don't understand- but by the looks of it, I don't think anyone has noticed this to be strange.
But I can feel a sickly feeling rolling up my throat. I want him to let go- why won't he let go?!
Don't overreact. I feel myself talking back. I must stay calm. I must do- many are in the room. So many eyes are on us at the moment.
The last thing I want to do is make a scene.
With my best efforts, I manage to collect myself. I take a breath. My hand grows limp in his.
"Cousin Mykhol, " I motion with my free hand for him to rise. He flinches slightly with a quick look of confusion. But he doesn't linger long. He is up on his feet- but without dropping my hand.
"It's been a long time since we last met. " I go.
"Too long, I see. " Mykhol returns, looking me up and down. His eyes stick a moment too long over my hair. A transient expression of disgust graces his lips. I feel my stomach sink but pretend I don't notice.
"I have a gift for you, cousin." Mykhol breaks his glance to turn a hand out to a maid.
"Oh?" A gift? I am surprised and forget his hand momentarily as I see the maid step forward with a box. A massive red ribbon is tied over the parcel in a big bow.
"Please,"
Mykhol motions to the maid to pull the ribbon apart. I watch it drop to the floor into a pile. She moves to lift the lid.
"Oh my!" An audible gasp comes from the room as everyone leans closer to see.
What is it? I, too, am curious. I want to see it. What did cousin get me?
I lean forward with bright eyes, only to quickly feel them darken. Finally, I can see what is in the box- it's a China doll. And it looks like me.
It has large eyes and pouty lips painted a soft pink. Her cheeks are plump, and her chin points down to shape the same heart. The doll looks like a perfect replica of me. Save for one thing.
The doll's hair is red.