*Ana*
"Oh…" I barely manage to utter as I feel myself freeze on the spot. I only watch the maid continue to pull the doll out. Mykhol takes it from her to push into my free arm. I numbly feel the doll's long red wavy hair cascading over my arm.
What is this?
Unable to speak, I can only look back at the teen. My eyes dart around him as if to see some answer. But he doesn't help at all.
He's just standing there grinning at me.
What...this… My mind is trying to process the next word and failing. Finally, though, the teen doesn't seem bothered by my silence. Instead, he seems to take the opportunity to speak.
I feel a rush of relief as he lets go of my hand- which I instantly pull back toward me. Mykhol turns to face the court.
"This is a doll that our finest crafter has created. He specializes in creating replicas. He is detailed down to the mere centimeters. Each is a perfect copy-" Mykhol explains in a prominent voice that carries through the room.
But here he stops to look over his shoulder at the doll. And as if on cue, his smile drops. A furrow bends his brow as if he only noticed the problem.
"But I see the maker has made a grievous error. " Mykhol carries on as if it was also a shock to him. He moves to take my bread into his hand.
"Such an error." Mykhol goes again. Behind him, I hear a snicker.
"What a shame, " Someon eles follows before they stifle a laugh.
"Almost perfect. "Mykhol looks at my braid for a long moment. Finally, he shakes his head and sighs heavily. Another chuckle follows behind him.
I stiffen my back as another follows the laughter.
"Ah," I feel my breath stop as I suddenly find my eyes lock onto Mykhol's. He is staring up at me with so intensely. I've never felt someone look at me so focused-it's almost frightening.
"Such a mistake. I'm ashamed of my oversight. I did not check the goods before coming. I was just so eager to meet you." Mykhol pouts as he seems to stare further down at me.
"Can you ever forgive me, cousin? "
Mykhol's eyes are relentless. I feel myself grow smaller as he stares at me. They seem to challenge me to act- like they are trying to provoke me.
But why? What does he want me to do?
Suddenly, I find myself very conscious of my surroundings. Everyone is watching us again. As if waiting for me to react. But I don't have any reaction. Or, I'm not sure how to.
It feels like there are suddenly a thousand ways to answer incorrectly. And I need to be careful. I need to choose the right one.
Which is what, exactly? I don't know. But I swallow to help steady my nerves.
"Forgiven, Cousin Mykhol. " I manage to hide my unease. You can't even hear it in my voice. No one could ever tell how disturbed this has made me.
This doll has ruffled me in a way I can't describe. But I feel it best not to show it. Not now, at least. Right now, I must stay calm.
As I feel everyone is watching us.
I moved back to the maid to take the doll from me. She seems confused with a slight look at my cousin but does not argue. Instead, she moves it back and closes the box. I motion again for her to leave with it.
May that be the last time I need to see it? So I think as I hear another snicker in the background. The sound brings a sharp pain to my chest. But I do nothing about it.
I can't let them know how upset this has made me.
Stay composed.
I know it will only emit more ridicule if I do anything else. They always seem to be waiting for a chance to laugh.
I feel I control myself quite well enough for my age to put on a smile again as if all were normal.
"Tis the thought in the gift. Not itself that counts. "I voice evenly. Again, you can't tell what I'm feeling.
I make sure my voice is loud enough to carry across the room. It must sound confident and strong. Strong enough that it makes the snicker die down.
They won't get a show out of me this time. I have to smile inwardly at having such a small victory.
"You thought for me well, cousin. That's all that matters. "
With my words, I hear the audible agreement come over the court. They, too, seem to find my answer reasonable. I must have chosen correctly.
And no one wanted to be mad at Mykhol, it seems.
"Oh, she's acting quite mature for her age. " Someone whispers from below. It is a servant around Maddie. Maddie smiles proudly at the compliment.
"You don't even know the half of it." Maddie returns, and I feel my heart lift a little. At least Maddie is helpful. And to help me further. I see her look up at me with a smile.
It helps a lot.
Thank you, Maddie. I blink back, but I could not stay on her. A slight tug of my braid has me back to my cousin. Mykhol still held it in his hand.
Something within him must have changed. He looks altered in some way. His eyes are looking at me with emptiness. And his smile is not something I understand.
"Did I? " Mykhol speaks low just for me to hear.
What?
I blink after him, not sure what he means.
Did he what?
"I…yes?" I speak a little less confidently. I only watch his expression suddenly change back to before. He is all smiles again.
Mykhol now releases my hair to stand up straight. He is taller than me- almost everyone is. But his height feels like a tower looming above me. I must stretch my neck a little to help see his expression change again.
"If you can also indulge me, "
"Indulge?" I repeat to find him extending his hand. I feel myself sicken at the sight.
Don't tell me he wants to hold my hand again. I internally lament. But I take it out of principle. Otherwise, everyone will see me snuff him.
But I feel myself almost whimper as I feel his fingers curl over mine.
Does he have a thing for holding hands or something? I know Maddie does for hugs- but her hugs are friendly.
Whereas with cousin, it's'...
I'll need to tolerate it. I try to accept it. Because I don't have an alternative, I know if I refuse, it will cause a scene.
That would make the snickering start again.
Mykhol looks over to nod and smile at Aunt Funda and Uncle before returning to me. His fingers lightly squeeze my hand. I grimace but quickly drop it. I don't know if he saw it because he looks back to the court.
"I would like to have my dear cousin show me the palace. " Mykhol looks to them to get a loud agreement.
"How kind of him." They go.
"How thoughtful."
They seem to see only the good side as I inwardly frown.
Mykhol turns back to look down at me again.
"It's been too long since I've last walked these halls. Much must have changed. "
"I…yes." I can only answer.
I feel I don't have a choice in the matter. He's not so much asking but declaring it to the court. I can't say no to him.
That's rather pushy.
I can't help but start to get the impression of him. My cousin may be more demanding than I would have first expected. What with him telling me what to do and taking my hand?
Maddie will later label him as a 'Prima donna.' He will be the type that must get his way- or less, he acts up and throws a fit.
But for now, I only concede to his demands. It is a good thing I finished my studies earlier today. So I don't have other obligations.
OH, that's right! I now remember.
My questions- I could ask him. This could be the perfect opportunity.
I'll ask about the academy- or the library- or-
I smile as I feel the questions pop up. I have so many to ask. It's hard to know where to start.
But this will be the perfect time for us to grow closer.
Like a real family.
*Mykhol*
Mykhol couldn't help but notice the quick smile running across the little girl's lips. It was fast- and easy to miss. But he did manage to catch it.
He took it to mean he was doing a good job.
She must be excited to walk with me. Mykhol assumed. But, of course, she would be.
What girl wouldn't be?
It's me, after all. Mykhol gloated, and as if to get proof, he looked over his shoulder to see how all the girls and women watched him.
They were all obsessed with him. But this was nothing new. Mykhol had experienced this wherever he was.
Even at fourteen, Mykhol was aware of the power of his looks. Even at the academy, he could make any maid and female teacher blush. They seemed to trip over their own feet after him.
And seeing how his little cousin also smiled only made Mykhol more confident. She was the one he needed to impress the most. And it looked like it was working faster than he expected.
Good. Mykhol thought before sharpening his smile.
The sooner, the better for him.
"Of course, cousin, I shall guide you. "Ana replied with a thoughtful nod.
"I'll show you the Libary."
"The…library?" Mykhol felt his mouth twist with confusion.
She…wants to take me there? Not her room or some secret place- Mykhol had to roll his eyes a little. Maybe he had expected too much.
Ana was still just a child, after all.
This will be like pulling teeth. Mykhol thought, looking less forward to it. But he pulled up another smile that made the girls behind them blush.
"Of course. The library. What a good idea." Mykhol turned to catch a quick smile between his parents. They nodded with approval. Their thoughts were easy to read on their faces.
Mykhol didn't even need to ask, as his mind was on the same channel.
Their plan had begun.