*Ana*
"Can you touch it?" I look behind me but see nothing. I look beside me and see nothing. Touch what? There's nothing around me. And why is he looking at my hair?
No. It couldn't be. I look behind me again. Of course, there is nothing. That leaves me. But that sounds absurd.
He doesn't want to touch that, does he? I look back at him to see if he is kidding. But he is just waiting for an answer.
Does he want to touch my hair?
I am struck dumb and mute in an instant. I almost feel myself falling in my chair. It's that hard to believe.
Aside from Maddie, there is someone willing- no, they WANT to touch my hair?
"Are you sure?" The concept seems just so unworldly.
"Yes, please. If I may?" Pendrick looks pink in the face now. I thought he would cool down by now. Perhaps he has already had too much sun?
Maybe it's gotten to his head? I think with a touch of my hair. Is that why he is saying such strange things?
I must assume so, but I don't find the idea appalling. If he only wants to touch, that shouldn't be bad. But this is a first for me.
"If you like?"
"Thank you!" Pendrick wastes no time and weaves his fingers into my hair. They instantly make me shiver at the sensation. My scalp is still sensitive.
"It's so soft!" Pendrick gasps with wide eyes. He looks back at me with an even wider smile to show the gap where his missing fang should be.
"Is it?" I never thought of it like that. Is it soft? I don't know. It's my hair. I'm used to it.
"Yeah, It's like bunny fur." Pendrick strokes it. He pulls up a strand to hold. I feel my scalp tingle when he does.
"Ah, that tickles." I giggle.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Pendrick utters and moves more gently.
"Is it that nice?" I am curious. I don't think anyone has looked so happy about my hair before.
"It is. Like I have a rabbit in my hands." Pendrick lifts his hand to rub the hair against his cheek.
"Don't do that." I quickly feel my cheeks warm up at the sight. It looks so silly. How can anyone act so affectionately toward hair?
"I'm not a rabbit." I try to reprime but end up laughing. I find myself suddenly lighter and want to play along.
"Well, have some more then. I have plenty." I push more hair into his hands.
"Oh?!" Pendrick looks up unsure but quickly catches my joke.
"For me?"
"Why, thank you, your Empress." Pendrick rubs his cheek again with more hair. I can't help but laugh.
I push more hair into his hands. Big clumps of hair pile up till I can't fit more. But that doesn't stop me. I start to throw it over his head. The silver covers his dull red hair quickly.
"Oh, how did it get so dark?" Pendrick laughs, and I find myself following. I laugh so much it starts to hurt my sides, but I can't stop myself.
"Wait!" I move a stray hair right under his nose before throwing up another giggle.
"My, Sir Pendrick, you've grown a fine mustache." I laugh.
"And I like your beard, Empress Anastasia." Pendrick doesn't hesitate to grab hair to press it under my chin. We both break into a new wave of laughter. It's so loud now that my ears are starting to sting, but I can't stop.
I never thought I could have this much fun. And with my hair? Who knew?
Perhaps parties aren't so bad after all. I guess between another wheeze as I throw my hair over his head.
*Mykhol*
Mykhol didn't have to look to hear the laughter. The two were loud enough that you couldn't miss it. And because they were loud, it drew attention. The other children looked back at them in mixed surprise.
"She can laugh?" A young girl peeped up. Another boy nodded.
"I guess she can."
"Of course, she can," An older teen beside Mykhol said. And to further his claim, he turned to Mykhol.
"Right, Lord Mykhol? I'm sure she laughs all the time around you."
"Hmm," Mykhol smiled, but he said nothing. His attention was already divided elsewhere.
Who is that boy? Mykhol narrowed his eyes at the one beside Ana.
He looks like a wimp. Mykhol noted his arms and legs were scrawny. Worst of all, he was certainly not handsome at Mykhol's level. Mykhol was undoubtedly the better choice in his mind.
But then, how was he the one making Ana do that? Mykhol clenched his hand underneath the table.
How could some no-name get her to laugh like that?
She never laughed like that for me. Mykhol sneered. The sight of them laughing and playing made his stomach turn.
And Mykhol nearly felt himself get up as he saw the boy touch her chin. Was he carelessly touching her now? How could he do that?
"This rat…" Mykhol growled.
"Lord Mykhol?" The teen asked, but Mykhol quickly hid his feelings. Instead, his eyes turned to narrow on Ana. She seemed so happy and carefree.
But not for long. Mykhol decided.
"Well, don't they look like they're having fun?" Mykhol began with a look around.
Mykhol could see the anxious eagerness amongst the children. They seemed heightened by her laughter. Their curiosity was ripe for the picking.
It's just all too easy. It almost pulled on Mykhol's conscience to see they barely needed a push. But he had a job to do. It was time Ana understood how things were.
All that was needed was a spark to start it.
"But isn't it sad?" Mykhol continued as he scanned the crowds. They fell on one in particular.
It was a small girl who was already barely sitting still. Her little head kept turning back to look at them. The curiosity and excitement were evident on her little face.
She'd do. Mykhol made direct contact with her.
"Shouldn't we get to touch it too?" He smiled at her, and she gasped.
"Touch it?" She repeated, to which Mykhol widened his smile. And that was all it took for the girl to break. Suddenly, she was up from her chair.
"Hey! No fair!"
"I wanna touch your hair too!" The young girl cried and turned to run. Her hands stretched out as she beelined for them.
"Let me touch it too!"
*Ana*
"Oh!?" I barely have time to react as I see the tiny girl run up. Her cranberry pigtails bounce as she shifts on her feet.
"Can I miss Empress?" The girl's eyes dart back to my hair.
"What?" I barely answer before I look behind her. More children are coming up.
"Can we touch it too?" An older boy around my age comes. Behind him, three girls follow. And more are coming.
Is this for real? I find myself freezing up at the sight. It's like the whole party is coming to my table.
Why? I am confused, but they seem determined. Their eyes linger on my hair.
Do they want to touch my hair as well? I'm mixed between surprise and disbelief. I never thought I would see the day.
"If anyone else does, then…." I take a look at Pendrick. I allowed him to touch my hair. So wouldn't it be fair if I did the same for them?
As it would only be fair. I think with a nervous glance at the crowd. It's so many people in one spot.
"You may?"
In a flash of a moment, I'm surrounded. Hands are everywhere. Fingers are digging into my hair, touching and taking up strands.
"It's so soft!"The pigtailed girl squeals.
"It's like silk," an older girl comments.
"You're right!" Another girl gasps.
"How can it be this nice?"
"I think that's enough." I'm starting to feel dizzy. There are so many different people all speaking at once. I'd like them to stop so I can catch my breath.
But they don't. Or no one hears me. New hands start digging into my hair.
"Everyone. Stop, please-" I go a little louder. But again, more hands dive into my hair.
"I said - Ah!" A sharp pull from the back of my head has me turn to the assailant.
"I- I didn't mean to." The skinny boy looks sorry, but another beside him laughs.
"Hey, let me try!"
"Ah!" I cry as he yanks me harder.
"You- Ah!" I turn to see him but feel someone else pull—this time at my side.
"How dare you- Ah!" I cry again as a new hand pulls down. This time, even rougher, it hurts. But now more hands are coming to twist and pull wherever.
"They said it'd be different, but-" I hear someone say.
"Just look at this color!" another girl laughs. I yelp as another one yanks me. But no one is heeding me, as they keep talking to each other.
"How can this even be real?"
"It's just so gross looking." A boy speaks loud enough for all to hear. Some chuckle at it.
"It looks so off-putting," Another said.
"Yuck!"
"Stop!" I cry at yet another pull. But that brings a new roar of laughter.
"That's why Mama says we should never mix." Lady Kata herself speaks. I can see her smile at me.
"Lady Kata?"
Are they enjoying this? The thought horrifies me. No, that can't be.
This is a misunderstanding. I think. They don't hear me because they are getting carried away.
That has to be it.
How could anyone- I don't think any further? I want out and try to get up. But someone yanks right back.
"Ah! Stop-"
"Half-vampire!" Some mocks.
"Mutt!"
I can't even discern faces or voices anymore. I can only feel more hands reach out for me. More hands are sneaking into my hair. I'm suddenly finding it hard to breathe. My heart is beating so fast I want out.
"Stop, please!" I'm trying to gain control, but it's useless. Handfuls of hair are pulled every which way.
"Let's pull it all out!" Someone shouts to erupt the crowd into laughter.
"Yeah, let's keep going till she's bald!"
"No!" I'm crying with panic. I need to get away.
In desperation, I search for a break in the endless faces. I'm looking for a window space that I may jump out of. But I don't see anything. It's all becoming one giant mass.
"Stop it!" I try to cover my hair with both arms. But they pull on them to break through. I can barely fight back as tears streak my face.
Please stop! I'm shaking and close my eyes as they laugh. The sound swallows me up, and I sink through my chair. But even then, they won't stop.
More hands and more keep grabbing and pulling at me. I want to run, but I can't anymore. It's so loud, and I'm shaking so badly. I can't even stand it.
Please, someone, anyone. Make them stop. Make it all stop.
*Mykhol*
This should do it. Mykhol had seen enough and finally stirred.
Mykhol took his time to stroll over. He wanted to appear calm and collected. Since it wasn't only Ana, he had to worry about it. He needed to maintain his image to the others.
As he approached, the crowd took notice.
"Lord Mykhol." The girls became more bashful and stepped back out of the way.
"Lord Mykhol." The boys moved their hands to their sides and pockets. Only a few were looking down with guilt. Mykhol passed each to stop just before Ana.
"Cousin?" Mykhol reached for her.
"Don't touch me!" Ana spat and curled up. She pulled up her legs and held them tightly. Her head pressed deep into her knees.
Uh oh. Was it too much? Mykhol thought with a twist in his stomach.
No, this has to happen. Ana needed to break. Otherwise, how else could he get in? How could he get closer?
It is cruel but effective.
Mykhol controlled his eagerness under a concerned expression. It was essential to stay in character because he was still being watched. Everything he did would no doubt be retold later.
But even in the act, Mykhol could feel his fingers itch as he reached out to the trembling girl.
Come on. Mykhol inched closer—just a little more.
"Anastasia," Mykhol was purposely softer.
"Come, cousin."
"Mykhol?" Ana carefully looked up. Her eyes were full and wet from tears.
"Ah," Mykhol softened at the sound. He didn't think it would affect him, but he was wrong. All Ana needed to do was say his name, and Mykhol felt any anger before melting away.
Sweet girl. Mykhol was no longer satisfied. He didn't just want to take her hand. He wanted more.
I want to hold her.
"Come." Mykhol moved his arms out wide and waited. Ana looked up to him with a long stare.
Come on. Mykhol felt his arms start to shake. Behind him, he could feel the attendants stir. And for the briefest of seconds, he felt foolish just holding out his arms.
Don't just stare. Mykhol felt the sides of his lips twitch.
Get in here before-
"Okay."Ana's gentle voice came before she gingerly moved to climb up. Her little arms encircled his neck.
Mykhol could feel Ana tremble in his arms. She was so small and fit inside neatly. But that only made him smile wider. It was nice to feel needed, especially by her.
"Good girl, "Mykhol whispered and turned to carry her away.
This could be addictive. Mykhol thought. Already, he could feel a desire not to let go. He wanted to keep holding her for as long as he could.
"I got you. I'm right here." Mykhol tightened his hold as he carried Ana past everyone. Mykhol could see them watching. No one spoke as Mykhol made his way with Ana out.
But their silence would not last long. As soon as Mykhol was out of the greenhouse, the chatter of voices erupted. They were in a buzz of excitement over what they just saw.
"Did you see that?" Someone whispered.
"She can't even walk on her own?"
"What a baby." Lady Kata scuffed.
"How disgraceful."
"But poor Lord Mykhol, he can't say no to her."
"Yes, poor Lord Mykhol."
"He has to put up with so much from her Empress."
"He dotes on her too much."
"No, she is too demanding of him."
"What a shame." Lady Kata tsked. It seemed everyone agreed save for one lone person.
"But that's not what happened…" Pendrick's voice was so small that no one heard him. But even if they did, it would change no one's mind. In their eyes, they seemed to decide that Ana was unreasonable and reliant on Mykhol.
And it would only take hours before the new gossip spread over the kingdom.