*Ana*
Once inside, I can see the grand crystal chandelier hanging over us. The light hits the crystals, splits into a thousand mini rainbows, and colors the ceiling. While I find the sight beautiful, I can't help the sensation of old dread come back. My body flinches as I'm carried directly under it.
"Still afraid of the chandelier, I see." King Alexander laughs softly with a knowing look up.
"You know I-? How did you know?"I blinked with astonishment that he knew. But Father seems unsurprised.
"Even as a baby, you never seemed to like it." King Alexander continued to watch the chandelier as we passed. His eyes softened while he went on.
"You'd cling to the walls because you didn't want to go under it. And you'd cry for me to help."
"Did I?" Ana spoke, still trying to picture it.
How old was I then? I follow his gaze.
"I don't remember that."
"I do." King Alexander nudges me a little closer.
"I remember everything."
Everything? I look back to see him give me a strange smile. But before I can find out why, Nicoli is acting out.
"Hey!" Nicoli pulls Father's arm. It's hard enough to tug me down, and we both turn with surprise. Nicoli looks impatient about something and stomps his feet.
"I want Ana to come down." Nicoli goes and points to the spot beside him.
Nicoli? I am surprised. I did not think he would be so demanding. But Father doesn't even flinch. He seems used to this behavior.
"Nicoli, can't I enjoy a moment with Ana?" Father shuffles me in his arms to make me grab his neck again. His beard tickles my cheeks.
"You can wait a little while longer." Father goes on, but immediately, Nicoli will have none of it. He stomps the ground again.
"Now." Nicoli goes on to pull on his hand to yank hard.
"Nicoli, please." I go, pulling my arms tighter around Father's neck to avoid falling.
"You shouldn't-"
"I want Ana!" Nicoli looks up at a great pout. He seems determined to get me down or pull Father's arm off. Something which King Alexander takes little concern for, but I do hear him sigh.
"Very well." King Alexander goes with a relenting look to me.
"We'll just have our time later."
"Later?" I whisper, but he winks. He gently puts me down to my feet before resting his hand on my head. It feels rough and catches the headdress to move slightly.
"This headdress, is it a new fashion trend in Nochten?" King Alexander pauses.
"This?" I motion up but then think better of it. It would be too long to explain, so I don't. I move it back into place and ensure my hair is all covered. King Alexander watches me waiting.
"You two have fun." King Alexander winks and steps away.
"Fun?" I see him turning as if to leave.
Is he not joining us? I think baffled. I expected him to stay.
Aren't you supposed to take me on tour? I think and find myself a little put off. It's a severe breach of etiquette. It would never be like this in Nochten.
It's too informal. I already know Aunt Funda would kill over if I were to do the same. It would never happen. The criticism would last for days. Yet here the very king is letting me go?
I heard Dawny is much more lax, but I had no idea. Was it this way when I was here? I don't remember. But I quickly forget myself.
What did he say? Are we having fun? What a confusing thing to say.
"What fun-"
"Let me show you everything, Ana!" Nicoli takes my hand and pulls me in. I see a giant smile showing all his baby teeth. His cheeks are rosy from the cold.
"Brother-" I open my mouth to protest, again feeling things out of sorts. Where is Father going? He is supposed to show me around. But Nicoli is already moving.
"Come on!"
"Brother Nicoli-" I'm yanked forward and must find my feet quickly. I almost trip again because he moves so fast. But it doesn't look like Nicoli has any plans to stop. He looks determined if I ever saw him. He seems to have some place in mind and wants to go.
"Where are you taking me?" I find us leaving the foyer for some hall.
"Do you like mazes?" Nicoli turns, and I suddenly grow warm. His gaze is focused solely on me, and I'm suddenly aware we are holding hands. His hand feels much more hospitable than mine. It almost burns.
"I...don't know? I have a rose garden." I stutter.
"But no mazes?" Nicli goes again with a shocked blink.
"Why? Was I- is it not normal?"
"No, I just never thought people didn't." Nicoli thinks a moment before shrugging an 'Oh, well.'
"Then, it's settled. I'll show the hedge maze first!" Nicoli particularly declares and pulls me forward with a sharper yank. We are walking faster.
"Nicoli, hold on-" I nearly stumble as he rushes through the hall.
We need to slow down. I think and feel pain run up my leg. I'm not used to running. I've never been one for physical activities.
I can't go so fast. I look up at the smiling boy.
"Brother-"
"Come on, Sister!" Nicoli looks back, and my heart jumps. The sight of him drops my jaw. His blue eyes sparkle with excitement. They are like living sapphires. It makes me stop breathing for a moment. I never thought anyone would look this happy to see me.
But just as he is happy, so am I. Because I am, this all feels unreal. It's too good to be true.
I'm finally here. I realize.
I'm finally with you.
Please don't let this be a dream. I think and tighten my hand over Nicoli's hand. I'm afraid to let go. He might disappear if I don't hold onto him.
Let this all be real. Warmth spreads from our hands. It makes me smile with all my teeth.
"Ana?"Nicoli looks back, stunned by the sight, but then laughs.
"You should always smile." Nicoli weaves his fingers between mine so we are even closer.
"Your smile is pretty."
"Huh?" I look after him in confusion. No one has ever said that about me. I almost don't believe I heard him right. But Nicoli doesn't repeat it. Instead, he yanks me closer. We are moving toward the doors. There is a terrace ahead. Nicoli lets go to open the doors.
"Ah!" A cold rush of wind runs into the hall. It's strong enough to blow back my shawl.
"Come on." Nicoli pulls me out. I am surrounded by a white land that sparkles in the sun. It hurts my eyes, and I have to look down.
"It's so bright." I half laugh as I move my hands over my eyes to block the sun. When I do, I realize my shawl is half off the chain. The wind almost blew it off.
Oh no, I immediately panic and move to readjust it. I don't want my hair to show. I don't want anyone to see it. But before I can latch the chains back on, I feel something pull my hand. It's Nicoli.
"Yes, it is." I look up to see him still looking my way.
"Very bright and pretty." Nicoli smiles before he leads us to the stairs.
What is he looking at? I look behind me and around me. I was talking about the snow. But what is he looking at?
I never get to ask.
*King Alexander*
King Alexander stood watching through his study's window. From here, he could see both children. They were busy navigating the maze.
It was not hard to spot their progress. Ana's red headdress was a dead giveaway against the white snow. King Alexander could see they had reached the center. And he likely knew why.
"Nicoli must be showing her the fountain." King Alexander mumbled to himself as he watched on. He was careful to make sure to catch Ana's expression. It was a good thing he did as it proved a good show.
Ana seemed mystified by the frozen water. She moved to touch before Nicoli broke off a piece. He handed the icicle to her before taking one for himself. They both proceed to start licking and eating them.
Don't eat those. King Alexander instantly groaned.
"He shouldn't be showing her that kind of stuff. She's only just gotten here, and already he's showing her bad habits."
"That water is dirty…."King Alexander pouted as Maddie just chuckled. It was no surprise the king doted on his children. But seeing him act like a mother hen was more fun than a king like this.
"It looks like they're getting on well, Your Majesty." Maddie pointed at the moment Nicoli moved to throw snow at Ana. Ana had to take a moment to register what he had just done before returning the gesture.
Ana moved to pick up snow and throw it back. But Nicoli was quick. He dodged and ran off into the maze. Ana quickly took off after him.
"It's about time everyone was together." King Alexander returned.
"Not a moment too soon, Your Majesty," Maddie confessed. King Alexander stiffened a little at her voice before dropping his smile.
King Alexander watched Ana run. Her red shawl flew with her silver braids bouncing. He frowned, seeing it. Maddie had informed him about many things. One was the reason why Ana never left anywhere without that shawl. All of which only angered him.
"She's just a child." King Alexander clenched his fist.
"To have gone through so much...and still." King Alexander corrected himself.
"Had I known this would happen, they would treat her like this- I'd have never sent her away." King Alexander moved to hit the chair with his fist.
"Undermining my authority. I am Anastasia's father!" King Alexander shifted his jaw.
"I am the king!"
"I know, your majesty." Maddie bowed to have King Alexander turn. He regarded her to see her change. Her skin had darkened from the desert sun. But otherwise, she was the same.
"Your work has been vital. I'll see to it your reward is handsome." King Alexander expressed.
"Without you, I would have never known."
"It is my job, your majesty." Maddie nodded, but King Alexander shook his head.
"No, you've proven yourself more than just that. I will give you a title and some land. Your family will also receive gold." King Alexander continued, but Maddie wasn't interested in that now.
"What of Princess Anastasia?" Maddie lifted her head to meet his eyes. A look of genuine concern was on her face.
"Is everything set?"
"I'll make the announcement tonight." King Alexander voiced. But Maddie furrowed her brows with suspicion.
"Does the queen know?"
"My wife?" King Alexander raised his brow at her question but didn't look offended by it. He then scuffed before a smug look crossed his face.
"My wife can adjust."
"I see." Maddie pressed her lips closed.
"Your majesty." Maddie bowed, and King Alexander dismissed her. She quickly left to return to her maid duties.
As Maddie left, King Alexander returned to the window. Despite towering over many of his nobles, at the moment, he felt himself the smallest man in the world. Even as a king, he felt powerless.
"But for now, I can do this." it was something to have his children together now. It was already enough.
Again, King Alexander watched both laughing in the snow. He smiled, but the smile was bittersweet. Their laughter was something he had longed to hear for so long.
"They should have never separated ." King Alexander spoke to himself.
"I should have followed my gut, not damn tradition." King Alexander turned from the window to look at her portrait.
Ana's mother smiled down at him but looked mischievous today. King Alexander could see how her red eyes sparked as if a mind was still behind them. It was almost like she could hear and understand everything.
If only you were here. King Alexander longed even after all these years.
"Our daughter will be here to stay soon, my love. I promise you."