*Maddie*
You can't be serious. Maddie thought but held her breath as she held out the skirt and top combo. It was one of the last left Mykhol hadn't seen. But Maddie could feel her stomach turn as the teen seemed to take his time. He mulled his tongue over his mouth as if in thought.
By all, that is holy! It's just a dress. Maddie wanted to throw it at his face. But she knew she couldn't. She couldn't do anything save serving Ana- which meant serving Mykhol now.
And Maddie was quickly learning she did not like the teen. A fact that Mykhol didn't seem to be hurt by. As he almost looked like he enjoyed his little plays of power- just as he did now.
"No. I don't like it." Mykhol finally dismissed with a wave of his fingers. Maddie nearly dropped her mouth.
No, he says. Maddie could feel the heat in her belly rise. How nice would it be the slam a fist into the punk?
Pretty nice, Maddie could guess. But it wasn't up to her. And poor Ana- Maddie stopped to see how crumbled the girl seemed. They've been at this all morning.
"No?" Ana quietly whimpered before her little head turned to look at Maddie. Her eyes were fallen. She was exhausted. So was Maddie.
This was now the fifth dress Mykhol had an issue with. Maddie could count it out. What was left in the wooden armoire was shrinking down.
What'll happen if he says no to the rest? Maddie half wondered. Would that mean they wouldn't go?
Or would he make her show up in her underwear?
Maddie didn't put it past him to do it out of spite. The teen was rather vicious behind that smile. Maddie had the chance to learn.
For the past week, Maddie had seen how Mykhol pulled Ana around. He seemed to be taking to his new role with glee. The teen now shadowed Ana everywhere. His presence was ever persistent.
Poor Ana was not left alone but two times a day now. Maddie found. Mykhol seemed to respect those times when Ana would bathe or have time to sleep.
But in between, he was here. He was to always be with her. And the additional time he spent with her, the further Maddie could see how uncomfortable Ana sank. It was heartbreaking, but Maddie could do nothing.
But that was only the beginning of their woes, as Maddie soon found something much worse slithering. It was the comments that were running around. At first, Maddie heard it from a passing servant, but now even Ana could listen to it in court. And the comments were starting into the bizarre.
Maddie could remember the one just earlier today. She was walking through the hall with the tray of coffee and cookies when she heard two maids speaking. They didn't even bother to hide their voices. They seemed so comfortable talking in the otherwise empty wing.
"I saw them again today in the gardens."
"Do you think they share the same bed?"
"Could anyone share a bed with her?"
"I bet she bathes with him too."
"See how much she clings to him."
"She's very blatant about it."
"Just goes to show, though, I mean, she is half-human."
Those bitches. Maddie made sure to throttle them before marching back into the room. But as she may have stopped them from talking- it didn't mean the comments would.
Those comments…Maddie felt something itch in the back of her head. She thought herself apprehensive.
Is that what they think? That she's the one who- Maddie felt like screaming for Ana's sake. It wasn't true at all.
And it all made it more damn frustrating. But this was nothing to what all else was changing. There were more significant issues coming to play.
Ana might not see them because of her age- she may still be a little blinded by the idea of him being family. But Maddie was not. And Maddie didn't like where things were starting to turn.
Mykhol is growing more opinionated. Maddie noticed. All that additional time he spent with Ana made him grow indulgent. He seemed to carry himself like he was meant to be in the room.
And he's become more demanding.
Maddie shot a long look at Ana. The poor girl looked deflated, sitting on her little stool. Her face was paler because she had yet to eat- they hadn't had time. What with Mykhol starting at the break of the day to throw about the idea of dresses?
"Ah," Ana sighed quietly. A hungry sigh that wanted sleep and food. Maddie understood well.
And as if she knew, Ana looked up at her. They exchanged a quiet yet knowing look at each other before Maddie moved.
"So, no to this, then?" Maddie went, and Mykhol just waved a hand. He didn't seem to like talking to her. But Maddie didn't mind. She didn't have many nice things to say to him either.
"Piece of shit." Maddie cursed under her breath as she returned the set to the closet. Ana watched her from the vanity. It was growing closer to the afternoon, but she still had to change. Ana was in just her nightgown.
Maddie had yet even to do her hair.
Again Maddie cursed Mykhol as she moved to pick out another dress—no doubt for him to find a problem with.It seemed to be all a ruse to make Ana suffer.
Was he still that upset about what we did before? Maddie wondered. How had they hidden away? Surely, that was long enough ago to look past it.
Right? Maddie would have thought so.
*Ana*
I'm hungry. I think before I feel my stomach squeeze and grumble. It's empty, and it hurts. I move to rub it.
How long does this have to be? I rub my tummy before glancing up at my cousin.
Mykhol is already dressed and ready for the party. His robes look new. They might be. I did see some of the royal tailors moving about prior. That might have been why.
And I can see he's wearing a new set of earrings. They are gold with rubies. They look good. Mykhol seems to have put more effort into his appearance today.
I guess he must be excited about the party. I can't say I feel the same. I'm dreading it.
It wasn't my idea to go but his.
Not that he would listen to anything I say. I can already guess.
If I told him I didn't want to go- it wouldn't change anything. I understand now. Being with him so much has shown me how Mykhol was.
Suppose he insists on doing something. It's going to get done.
Like we are right now, I think and rub my stomach again. I want food right now.
Sweetbreads. Coffee with cream and sugar. Even a waffle with powdered sugar drizzled over the melty butter and drowned in syrup.
"Hn," I groan as my stomach squeezes again. I want food.
But Mykhol comes first. I've learned. And he insisted on this party—a party which he refuses to go on his own. I must join him.
"Ah," I sigh again. This time, I guess Mykhol hears me.
"Is it that terrible?" Mykhol goes with a look.
"Terrible?" I repeat. Not sure what he is talking about.
"Any other girl will be thrilled to go with me."
I think. He means That.
"Then take someone else." I can't help but let my anger out a little. I retort with a kick of my feet.
Mykhol lifts his brow at me before I hear him snicker. I guess he finds my anger funny. I don't. Maddie only shuffles for another dress behind me.
"You must work on your connections, Anastasia," Mykhol returns and steps close to me.
"As Empress, you can't lock yourself up and study all day." Mykhol moves to brush back his red hair. It falls back afterward. It is stubborn like him.
"They'll think something wrong with you. That you are neglecting your people."
Neglect? I feel the word hit me. Is that right?
No, I shake my head. Who could think that? All because I don't go to. It's silly. This whole thing is silly.
"Cousin, how is going to a party-" I begin to protest. But I am quickly cut off as he throws another look at me. Mykhol then shakes his head as if to dismiss it.
"Honestly, you think being a ruler means ruling? Ha! What a child." Mykhol leans forward to see the mirror. He is adjusting an earring.
"It's about keeping appearances. You have to maintain relations. Being in power means staying in favor with those in power." Mykhol explains.
"If you lose them, then you're doomed."
"Doomed? Just because of that?" I frown at his logic.
"Only other children will be there." This is not some big political party or meeting. This is a birthday party.
"It's just a birthday party of some girl I barely know."
"Lady Kata, my sweet cousin, is a duchess," Mykhol corrects.
"And she's the one who sent us an invitation. So it would be rude to ignore it. Don't tell me you planned on snubbing her, did you?."
"No," I answer, but it comes out slightly too short of sounding natural. Because it is, it's a lie.
Usually, I never go to any of these parties. I've never seen the point. It wastes my day.
And on another point, it would only make sense not to go as I would be a disturbance. None of these children knew me. I barely saw most of them in court, to begin with. So it makes sense for me not to attend.
At least, that was how I saw it. And still, see it.
But I see I can't argue that with Mykhol. He won't listen. He is set on going.
"Ah." I sigh again before my stomach gives a loud gurgle. It's loud enough for Mykhol to stop and look back at me.
"There will be cake and all kinds of sweets for you there," Mykhol sweetens his voice.
"Cake?" I feel my stomach rumble again at the suggestion—my mouth waters. I look down but feel my mind reel with the idea of food.
A cake would be good right now. I feel my spirits lift. I start to kick the chair. At least at the party, there will be food. That's something to look forward to.
Maddie, meanwhile, pulls out yet another top and skirt. She steps forward to show Mykhol first. He instantly shakes his head after seeing the color.
"God, no. Stop showing me that DISGUSTING color." Mykhol points at the purple set.
"My lord, this is Empress Anastasia's favorite color." Maddie defends me. I turn to chime in.
"Yes, cousin, It is my-"
"Do I look like I care what her favorite color is?" Mykhol spits back at Maddie. He lifts his head as if offended Maddie would talk back.
"Cousin, it's- " He cuts me off again.
"Bring me something decent in color befitting for Nochten."
I have to close my mouth at that.
Decent, he says. I suddenly feel like I don't want to participate in the conversation. I turn to look out the window.
It's not like I'll be heard. I think dismally. My mind still hurts that he demoted my favorite color.
It doesn't matter. I dismiss to stop the pain. I can see the sun rising in the window. It's going to be bright today. But the air is chilly.
For a moment, I wish it were spring again. I want to go down to my garden. I want to get lost in the roses.
As I dream, I feel my stomach pull me back. She's grumbling again and making my sense of peace gone. I want food.
"Purple is not disgusting," Maddie continues but moves. She returns to my closet. Most of my wardrobe consists of purple hues. A hard fit, I admit to say.
As purple is not an easy color to come by in Nochten. Since it doesn't pull off well with the national red hair, I, over years of holding onto things, Have managed my amount.
It's a feat. Maddie can appreciate that; she treats my dresses gently, just like my hair.
"What of this, lord Mykhol?" Maddie holds up the piece. It is a skirt and a top of white and gold trim. I didn't even know I had that.
I cringe at the coloring, but Maddie only gives me an apologetic look. She knows I'm not too fond of that kind of fabric. It's so stiff and hurts to move.
But I'm not the one making the choices here.
"That'll work well enough," Mykhol announces. We both sigh in relief.
"Thank god," Maddie throws the dress onto the bed. She walks to me to start. Finally, I feel like I've been waiting for ages.
I feel my body relax as I see her grab the comb. It's time to do my hair. That's something only for me and Maddie. I can't help but smile up at her when she pulls the sections. She smiles back.
"So what do you think? Three braids? Two? One?" Maddie goes, and I open my mouth.
"I think a -"
"We're already late." Mykhol pulls Maddie's hand.
"Don't bother braiding her hair."
"Cousin?" I gasp up at him.
"Why can't I-" Mykhol shakes his head before throwing a weird smile at me. His eyes fall over my loose hair.
"Your hair looks nice and shiny today. Almost like it was polished silverware." Mykhol goes and moves. He runs his fingers through some hair.
"I like it much more when she has it down." Mykhol voiced softer before looking at Maddie.
"Just do a half bun- half down style, instead,"
"But Ana loves to have her hair braided-" Maddie sucked in her lower lip. But Mykhol dismissed it with a hand.
"I'll leave you to get ready, Anastasia." Mykhol turns, not letting there be any more discussion. His hand leaves my hair to fall as he walks.
I can only watch him disappear through the mirror. As his shape leaves, I still feel his presence. It lingers in my hair.
I hate this. I feel myself grow upset. I hate this so much.
I don't like being told what to do. It makes me feel so helpless. All I can do is look at my hands.
Nicoli's letters…I remind myself. I'm doing this for a reason.
I don't want them to be read in court. I don't want people to see Nicoli the way I do. It's private. But this is terrible.
"Maddie?" I speak quietly.
"When will…"
"Ana?" Maddie knows exactly what to do. She is down on her knees, her arms around me in a big hug.
"That boy- " Maddie fumes.
"I'd love to give him a swift kick between the legs. That'd show him."
"Maddie, don't," I go with a look behind me.
"If he hears you-"
"Tough tits then." Maddie scuffs and pushes back her bangs. I see the tiny scar underneath. It looks clean. I wonder how she got it.
"Maddie…" I go again but feel my voice quiver. It's starting to catch up to me.
"The spell's going to work soon, Ana. Just hold on." Maddie hugs me tighter.
I hug her back. My silver hair drapes over to hide my face. It helps hide the pain. I am conflicted.
I know it's just a child's game, but a part of me wishes I could believe her words. That someone is coming.
Soon, you say. I think.
Can it work?