*Maddie*
"Don't you think you should ease up on the wine, m'lord?" Maddie couldn't hold back this time as she repoured what must have been; honestly, she had stopped counting by now. The teen didn't seem bothered enough to keep track, either. Mykhol had been drinking non-stop since they returned—cup after cup emptied in minutes.
If he gets sick and vomits, I swear to god- Maddie clenched her teeth. Even if this was part of the job, Maddie was not keen on mopping up human slop. Especially from the likes of him. Not that Mykhol cared at all.
Mykhol was fully drunk now. His cheeks were flushed as his clothes became sloppy. In this state, Mykhol alluded to a casual aura that could come across as sex appeal. Any girl would swoon if they saw him right now, with his hair disheveled and his chest bare.
Except for one, thank heaven. Ana's oblivious nature relieved Maddie to no end. It was a godsend that the girl didn't notice. His charms would get him nowhere.
"I bet I could trip him down some stairs right now," Maddie whispered under her breath. She could make it look like an accident, and the murderous plot made her grin.
"How imprudent of a maid to tell me what to do." Mykhol slightly slurred. He was again lifting his empty cup at her. "Just keep filling until I say enough, maid."
"Yes, m'lord." Maddie swallowed her smile and moved to pour again. Mykhol smirked at her submission. But not before a mischievous spark ran across his face. His smirk turned into an outright grin.
"Oops," Mykhol gasped as he twitched to hit her elbow. Maddie lost hold of the glass, and the wine spilled over. Marron droplets splashed onto Maddie's white shirt.
"Why did you-" Maddie was stunned before turning her eyes back to Mykhol. "You, that was on purpose-"
"Hurry now, or else the stain will set."Mykhol cut her off with a sweet smile.
"You little…" Maddie took a sharp breath through her nose. A flash of anger crossed her face, but she did nothing more. Maddie couldn't. She needed to take care of her shirt first.
"Your Empress, I'll be right back after I change." Maddie looked up to see Ana on her couch. She was in the middle of reading a thick book.
"Oh, alright." Ana smiled and returned to her book. Maddie could see the title. It was another book about history.
"Such a little reader," Maddie remarked and turned to leave. She didn't expect to take long to change and put the shirt in some water.
That should help stop the stain. Maddie nodded as she turned to catch one last glimpse of the two. Ana seemed absorbed in her book as Mykhol laid out a complete mess.
They should be fine. Maddie assumed so. She would be quick, anyway. And with that, Maddie closed the door and set out.
*Mykhol*
Finally, Mykhol thought as soon as the door closed. I thought she'd never leave. At last, the two of them were alone.
Mykhol chugged the rest of his cup and set it on the table. Immediately, his eyes set out for Ana. She was sitting on the opposite couch.
Mykhol could see Ana was silently reading. It was another new book. How many books did she bring? Mykhol didn't even want to fathom. But he could see how Ana looked deeply immersed in whatever it was about. She seemed to be enjoying it.
Does she enjoy reading? It was something Mykhol could not comprehend. He did not like reading. It wasn't exciting. But he liked it even less now.
You're just going to keep reading when I'm right here? Mykhol frowned. His pride couldn't help but be offended at the sight.
Anyone else would be all over me, especially as I'm this drunk. Mykhol was in disbelief. Anyone else would try and take advantage. But Ana was happily reading what looked like some boring old book that probably didn't have pictures.
"Unbelievable." Mykhol scuffed under his breath. Again, his pride slighted. But he wasn't just going to sit there and take it. Oh no, Mykhol was drunk now. And like all drunks, he was set to have his way.
"Scoot over," Mykhol stood to cross over to her side. Ana quickly scrambled out of the way before having him crash down.
"Cousin!" Ana cried at almost being squashed. But Mykhol didn't care. He wanted to be near her and would have it his way. Before moving for her, he stretched out to take up more of the couch.
"Come here." Mykhol pulled Ana to him roughly and made her drop her book.
"Cousin Mykhol!" Ana huffed, obviously annoyed at the disturbance. But she seemed determined to go back to what she was doing. Ana leaned over to reach back to pick it up.
"Don't go." Mykhol pulled her back to wrap his arms around her waist.
"Cousin, I can't read like this!" Ana protested, but Mykhol buried his face into her shoulder.
"Why are you reading when I'm right here? Talk to me." Mykhol grumbled and took in a whiff of Ana's scent. The smell of sandalwood filled his nose pleasantly.
"You're being mean." Mykhol snuggled into her.
"Cousin," Ana frowned and then sighed. Her body relaxed into his arms, which immediately made Mykhol smile. It looked like he was going to get his way.
Yay! Mykhol kicked his feet a little, celebrating his victory. Now, Ana would pay attention to him.
*Ana*
It seems like I won't be reading anymore tonight. Mykhol's arms are firmly around me, and I can't budge. I will have to wait until he lets go or falls asleep. I hope that will be soon.
It's going to be quite dull till then. I turn back to my fallen book. It's too far out of my reach to even attempt another try.
"Ah," I slump more in his arms but try not to turn sour. Mykhol has had one too many glasses, that is all. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this bad. So, I won't hold it against him.
I'll think of more pleasant things to burn the time. I decided and quickly found something to come up with. I think of Nicoli's gift again.
I can't believe I was worried. I think back to earlier. I was intimidated by everyone else's gift because I only brought one that wasn't big like the others. But I was wrong.
Nicoli couldn't be any happier. I remember his face lit up like a candle when he saw the golden broach shaped like a bear. He immediately put it on before turning to kiss me on both cheeks.
A kiss? I think and grow warm.
Nicoli is a very affectionate boy, isn't he? Or maybe that's something Dawny does-kiss like it's nothing. Maddie kisses me often, too.
Yes, it must be a Dawny thing. I conclude and let the warmth in my cheeks settle. A kiss is just standard practice in Dawny. But how odd, I feel myself sink a little at the realization.
Well, I'm just glad he likes it. I quickly rallied back to lift myself again.
Brother does love his bears. I am grateful I went with my idea. A custom-made Bear broach was just the thing to give Nicoli. I don't recall him having the same reaction to any other gift, no matter the size or amount.
My present was the best. I think and beam a smile with pride. I should never have doubted myself. I have a good sense of-
"Why are you smiling?"
"Oh?" I only now notice Mykhol. He's watching me. Since when? I don't know, but a quick sliver of hope springs up.
"Cousin, can you-" My hopes quickly die as Mykhol moves to pull me closer. He's not letting go anytime soon, is he?
I test Mykhol's arm to feel it firmly in place. It won't budge. But now I am facing a new problem. It's starting to grow uncomfortable in Mykhol's arms. Whenever I try to shift and make space, he squeezes me tighter. I am practically getting squashed, but Mykhol must not notice.
"Anastasia, I didn't get to ask," Mykhol continues, watching me, "how was your time with Prince Nicoli?"
"Oh, good." I try to shift so I'm not sitting half off the cushion. I guess my answer is too short because Mykhol frowns.
"Just good? What did you two do together?" Mykhol shifts his head to rest close to mine. His cheek rubs on mine, and I can feel him uncharacteristically warm.
Is it because of the wine? I wonder. Either way, I try to shift away. Instead of liking it, as with Nicoli, I find this too different. It's rather stuffy.
Mykhol is being exceptionally touchy tonight. I pout but already feel myself not having any other options.
Just bear with it. I relent. Mykhol will grow bored at some point. I will wait until then. It's the least problematic solution.
"Hey, answer me!" Mykhol pokes my cheek with a whine. I can see his lower lip as if he's hurt because I don't answer.
He is such a child.
"We went outside mostly." I summarize before I jump a little at the sudden touch. Mykhol is rubbing a finger on my arm. He seems mesmerized by the velvet.
"Outside? Did he show you around?"
"Yes, he showed me the hedge maze and fountain." I then frown as I remember what Nicoli did next."He threw snowballs at me, though."
"Snow, what?" Mykhol lifts his head, confused.
"Do you not know?" I am surprised to see Mykhol shake his head.
"Do you think I would? I don't go to places with snow."
"Ah," Of course not. Why would Mykhol go to any place like that? Vampires never do well in the snow.
What a silly idea. I quickly realized. But as I find myself foolish, I can't help but spring up again at the opportunity.
"It's a ball of snow, like this-" I manage to free both hands to mimic how to pack snow into a ball.
"And then you pat it in till it's nice and tight," I stop to check.
"Uh-huh," Mykhol nods, but he doesn't look away from my face. He seems to be more focused on me than my hands.
"Cousin, watch how I do it," I gently nudged him to look down. How else will he learn to make a snowball if he doesn't watch?
"And then you do this-" I move to breathe in my hands. "The breath helps melt the snow a little so it stays compact." I go on fully immersed in my reenactment.
*Mykhol*
Was she always like this? Mykhol felt his cheeks grow warm. He couldn't say whether it was by the wine or something else. But for some reason, right now, Ana looked enchanting.
Ana was so focused on remaking the snowball that she overlooked Mykhol. But Mykhol was glad because it gave him a better chance to watch her. And he noticed things he hadn't before.
She has beautiful eyes. Mykhol noted. He observed how long and thick her silver lashes were. It made her eyes stand out even more.
Like a doll, Mykhol had the thought before, but it was true.
"I know. How about we make some later?" Ana offered to finish her demonstration. She looked up to meet Mykhol. Her smile was just as bright as her eyes. "We can do it tomorrow, sometime."
"Oh," Mykhol couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath at her sudden stare. His heart skipped a beat as he suddenly flushed.
Tomorrow? Something shifted inside his chest. Tomorrow, could they- Mykhol's heart went a step faster at the promise.
Tomorrow, like a date?
"Will you, sweet cousin?" Mykhol cooed and couldn't help himself. He needs to pull her closer. She seemed suddenly too far.
Mykhol moved to take her chin. It was still small compared to his hands. Everything about her was petite.
She could fit right in my hand. Mykhol noted that it suddenly grew more tender.
"I might take you up on that," Mykhol tilted Ana's chin. Her face was only inches from his. Again, she looked so much smaller, but it was a sight he liked.
If she's small enough, he could just fit her in his pocket, right? Mykhol smiled at the silly idea. He half-wished it was true. That way, Mykhol could have Ana all to himself.
Just for me. Mykhol thought and gently grazed her jawline with his finger. Ana giggled at the sudden touch.
"Cousin, stop," Ana gently pushed his finger, but Mykhol didn't budge. He couldn't.
"Ana, you…" Mykhol opened his mouth as he was about to speak before something caught his ear. In the distance, Mykhol could hear the faint sound of footsteps in the hall. Someone was approaching.
What the fuck!? Mykhol clenched his jaw.
I only just got to be alone with her. The idea of being interrupted bothered Mykhol. He wanted to remain alone with Ana a bit longer.
It's not fair. Mykhol reeled. Here was his chance to be with her, and someone was butting in. Since coming here, it was like everyone was cutting into what should be the two of them.
Damn it. Mykhol growled, but if that was going to be the case, so be it. Ana was still with him, and Mykhol would take advantage of it.
It's my time. Mykhol slid his hand from Ana's chin to cup her cheek.
"You're lovely, Anastasia," Mykhol whispered and surprised himself. He hadn't meant to say that. But as soon as it left his lips, Mykhol didn't want to take it back.
"Lovely?" Ana blinked at him before looking behind her and then back at him. "Me?" Ana pointed to herself, still unsure.
"Who else-" Mykhol started. Her reaction was so funny. Who else did she think he was talking to?
No one else is here? Mykhol was about to smirk.
"Of course it's you-"
"Then, who do I take after?"
"What?" Mykhol bulked. The question was so out of the blue that it broke whatever feeling he just had.
"Did you not hear me-" Mykhol was utterly stunned. Ana was now just looking at him calmly. She was seemingly unaffected by whatever had just happened. It was like it flew over her head completely.
"I said, who do I-" Ana continued as the door opened without a knock. It was Maddie. She was already back with a new shirt and a great smile.
"I told you I'd be right back, Ana-" Maddie said as she suddenly widened her eyes at the sight.
"Wha..what are you two doing?"