*Maddie*
"What are you two doing?" Maddie could barely breathe through all her confusion. Her mind desperately tried to decipher what she was looking at.
It was Ana and Mykhkol, but it was not like she had left them. No, she left them on the couches, separate. That's how they were, not like this- Maddie's mind struggled to take it all in in parts.
"Oh, hello, Maddie." Ana greeted, leaning away from Mykhol's hand. "You changed quickly." She smiled easily, not aware of anything.
"Not quick enough," Maddie breathed under her breath as she quickly moved to close the door behind her.
I was only gone for a moment. Maddie knew she didn't doddle. It was just a moment, ten minutes at the most. She only went to change her shirt and was right back. But in just that short time-
If anyone else had walked in to see them- Maddie reeled with a new fear. Thank god it was just her and not another maid.
The scandal alone- Maddie shuddered thinking of the aftermath. Who knows what else might have happened?
Imagine if the king were too- Maddie stiffened her back as she could imagine the worst. King Alexander rarely dropped his friendly demeanor, but it didn't mean it didn't happen. It was best not to press the man, especially regarding his children.
Only a fool would dare play with him. Maddie glanced at Mykhol, who seemed to be tapping his fingers on Ana's waist. He did not seem so pleased as Ana to see her. Not that Maddie cared about his feelings. If anything, her eyes fell on his fingers.
Why was he still holding on to her like that? It was improper.
"Ana, why don't you come here-" Maddie gestured for her to come over as Mykhol smirked.
"What was it you were trying to tell me, Anastasia?" Mykhol shifted Ana back to look at him. "You were saying something? What was it again?"
"Oh, yes," Ana suddenly remembered herself and turned back to Mykhol."I don't think we look anything alike."
"Who?" Maddie stepped forward, seeing Ana was not coming over. "Who are you like?" Maddie felt Mykhol narrow his eyes as she gained ground. His arm curled around Ana's waist a little tighter.
"Nicoli and I." Ana continued. " Though we are brother and sister, we don't look that much alike."
"What does it matter?"Mykhol suddenly huffed. "Why are we even talking about him?" Mykhol moved to take up her chin.
"Why not talk about something else? Hmm?" Mykhol turned to make Ana look back at him like before. "We should talk about me-"
"I think you both take after your parents." Maddie nearly tripped over herself to butt in. She jutted to Ana's side to pull her back by the arm.
"Maddie?" Ana looked up at her hand, and Maddie chuckled quickly, covering up her panic.
"I mean, each of you is like a miniature." Maddie reached up for Ana's shoulder. She jutted her head right in the small space between them.
"We are?" Ana blinked, slightly confused.
"Of course." Maddie smiled big as she subconsciously shifted closer to make Mykhol have to lean back. " Don't you see it? I do."
"But I don't look anything like the king." Ana frowned. "I look nothing like either of them."
"Well, that's because you don't. Prince Nicoli takes after His Majesty."
"Then who do I even look like if not them?"
"Anastasia-" Mykhol tsked before rolling his eyes again. "This is boring; let's change the subject."
"But-" Ana started to protest as Mykhol reached to take up her chin again.
"Why don't we talk about us-"
Oh no, you don't! Maddie immediately jumped up. She knocked his hand away to make Mykhol reel back.
"You foul-" Mykhol started to snarl, but Maddie stayed on it. She turned Ana by the shoulders to look solely at her.
"You take after your mother, Ana,"
"My...mother?" Ana repeated. The thought seemed to strike her severely, but Maddie nodded.
"Oh yeah," Maddie went with a dark glance to Mykhol. Her hands gripped the girl's shoulder firmly. Ana suddenly felt so small and frail in her hands. So small and soft that the wind could carry her off like a dandelion seed.
Or something much worse. Maddie was starting to realize her fears may be justified.
This boy-
"I swear it." Maddie kept her smile as her eyes never left Mykhol. She wasn't going to let her go no matter what he tried.
*Ana*
"Could that be so?" I can't help but look after Maddie in wonder. It's hard not to. Maddie is oddly close to my face for some reason. Does she think I can't hear her over the fireplace? Because there is no way I couldn't.
What she says is too striking for me to mishear anything.
Do we look alike? The statement is more startling because I have no way to verify it. I have never seen my mother. She died shortly after childbirth. And, of course, there are no portraits of her.
We don't speak of the dead. I know all too well of our superstitions. It is not the way of things in Nochten.
But yet Maddie says I do? I can't help my curiosity grow despite how I shouldn't. It's a big taboo, but the temptation compels me. I want to hear more.
"You knew my mother?" I look at Maddie with new eyes. I don't think Maddie would lie. Maddie may tell strange stories or say odd things, but I've not known her to lie.
So what she's saying must be true. Maddie must have known my mother. But how? And why didn't she mention it before?
And better, if she did know her, then there is so much I want to ask. I can feel so many questions fill my head.
"Maddie, how do you-" what was she like? Was she nice? Kind? Mean? I want to ask many things, but Mykhol beats me to it.
"Did you, Maddie?" Mykhol sits up. He is not slurring his words anymore. Is he sober now? I can see he looks more focused.
"How could you know of our dear late empress?" Mykhol asks again. His voice is a little sharper.
"Yes, how do you know my mother?" I can't help but turn to look at Maddie as well. "Tell me, Maddie."
"Oh, that-" Maddie hesitates and sucks in her lower lip. She looks to the side as if to avoid me.
"Maddie?" Why isn't she answering? "Maddie, how do you know-"
"Tis nothing much." Maddie is suddenly back to herself. A big smile is on her face again.
"I just saw her in passing once. " Maddie moves to wave a hand in the air. "But that was way long ago. When I was working for another family, you see." Maddie quickly laughed.
"Gosh, that was way back."
"Oh, I see." I slip down. She didn't know her. She saw her. And I thought I would get answers already. I feel silly for thinking I could.
Of course not. I don't get such simple breaks. But as much as I am disappointed, I try not to show it. It wouldn't help anyone if I were. It never has before. Meanwhile, Maddie seems to nod as if that's all that needs to be said. She casually looks back to the clock before frowning.
"I should get you in bed." Maddie moved to take my hand. "You've got quite the day tomorrow, so we should-"
"Where?" Mykhol's question made Maddie blink.
"Where what?" Maddie answered, only to have Mykhol sigh.
"You said you saw her. I want to know where." Mykhol taps his fingers on my hip. It is funny with the hoop skirt off. My hips still feel extra sensitive because of the weight. But it's not bad. It just tickles.
"Cousin," I push off his hand, but Mykhol only shifts it up. He's still looking at Maddie.
"Well, that, um-" Maddie flinches before biting her lip to think. "It's been a long time and, uh, well-"
"SO you don't remember." Mykhol smiles slightly before moving to tuck a hair behind my ear. His eyes seem tender one moment before turning sharp on Maddie again.
"Should I jog your memory? There are just two places you could have seen her." Mykhol lifts a hand with two fingers. "Either you saw her in Nochten or Dawny, which?"
"That-" Maddie opened her mouth and only laughed again.
"Damn, I must have a bad memory." Maddie knocks her head. "I'm forgetting things. It doesn't matter, anyway. It's so long ago."
"No, try to remember." Mykhol almost snaps with his fangs slightly peeking out. "I'd like an answer, Ms. Bustiler."
"Cousin?" Why is he getting so worked up? I don't see why it's crucial. And he's starting to upset Maddie.
"It can't be Nocheten." Mykhol goes on. "We would have heard of another human in court. So then, is it Dawny?"
"Yes, that's right." Maddie nods, still trying to be pleasant. "But it was just a glance. I didn't talk to her or anything-"
"Quick is right," Mykhol scuffs strangely. "Our Late Empress was only here for less than a year, and she didn't leave the castle because she was pregnant. How lucky you must be to catch her during her short stay? And inside the castle, no less?"
"Yes," Maddie tightens her smile, glancing at the clock. "Oh, will you look at the time, Ana?" Maddie moves to shift her hand out.
"It's late," Maddie motions to beckon me over. "Let's get you to bed now."
"Is it already time?" I don't feel tired at all. I looked up but saw Maddie was right. It is very late.
"Yes, let's-" I move my legs to slide down before Mykhol tightens his arms.
"What family?"
"What?" It is now both Maddie and me looking at him. Mykhol smiles at me before flatlining when he looks up at Maddie. "I said, what family were you working for then?"
"Or did you perhaps forget that too?" Mykhol breaks into a little laugh that does not sound warm. "Maybe it's on your Resume. My mother still has it. We could take a look?"
"How astute of you." Maddie's smile shifts down slightly. "But it's not that important."
"Yes, it is." Mykhol returns. "I like to keep my facts straight."
"Is that right?" Maddie looks at him in silence. I can't read her expression, but I don't think it's good.
"It is." Mykhol smiles before I feel his fingers pinch my gown. I can't help but find his behavior odd. Why is it that important? I don't see any reason to care.
"Cousin, she just said it was long ago." I go and pull off his arms. I move to pick up the fallen book. Poor thing, the pages are bent, just as I suspected. I'm pained that the book had to go through the whole ordeal.
"Just let it go." I hold the book to my chest as I spot Maddie. She seems to brighten when I do.
"Come," Maddie motions, and I take her hand.
"Yes, time for bed," I decided, pushing myself off. "Goodnight, cousin-" I stop as Mykhol's arms surround me again. They firmly hold my waist so I can't move.
"Cousin Mykhol?" Is he still drunk? I look back at him to see he is watching me. I assume he still must be drunk. "Cousin, it's time for bed." I gently push at his hands.
"You need to let me go-"
"Just sleep next to me." Mykhol suddenly spoke, and his arms pulled me closer. "Just like before. You don't need to leave."
"M'lord," Maddie steps up. "Ana needs her sleep." Her voice is firm as she seems to be serious now. It's rare to see her like this, but she must care enough for me to get to sleep.
"And she will." Mykhol pulls me a little closer. "But not before I get what's mine."
"Cousin-" I have no idea what he is talking about, but I have had enough of his drunken stupor.
"That's enough, let me go-" I protest before Mykhol does the most unexpected thing. I don't even realize it happens until I see his head pulling back again. The kiss leaves a sting on my lips.
"Good night, sweet Anastasia." Mykhol beams happily and drops his arms.
"Uh...good night?" I mumble, getting up. I stare at his smiling face as if I can see two heads.
My cousin must be very drunk. I can only justify his actions to the wine. Why else would he kiss me? There can be no other reason.
"Good night, then!" Maddie, meanwhile, springs to action. She scoops me into her arms before charging out of the room.
"Maddie?" I grip her shoulders at the sudden ride.
"It's so late," Maddie laughs with a glance behind her. A nervous frown crosses her face, but then she's smiling again.
"You need to get into bed pronto." Maddie goes, and I feel her pick up her step. She really must be pretty serious about getting me to bed. We are practically racing through the hall.
"Ah, right." I can only manage, but I don't think Maddie is listening. She seems to be miles away from her expression. I wonder why.
She almost looks like she's scared of something. But I quickly shake off the thought. I must just be tired.
*Mykhol*
Mykhol smiled as he heard the door close behind them. A chuckle escaped his lips despite wanting to stay quiet, but he couldn't help himself. It was just that funny. The maid was trying to get Anastasia far from him.
"Like a bat out of hell." Mykhol moved to take a sip of his cup. The taste was sweet on the tongue. Mykhol had learned to appreciate the wine Dawny had to offer now. It had its unique aftertaste that curled over the language and tucked behind the gums to come up later like a berry bursting.
But it's still nothing to what I'd instead be drinking. Mykhol scuffed and put down the wine. But his mind was already musing over something much more fun.
The maid admitted she knew Empress Parsul. Mykhol smirked at the revelation.
"Quite a slip of the tongue," Mykhol smirked. His tongue darted over his lips. He could taste wine, but there was another, fainter taste—something Mykhol was surprised to find but not unpleasantly.
It was not Mykhol's first kiss. By fourteen, he had already kissed many others, and they meant nothing to him. It was just a way to get what he wanted. Just like now, the kiss was to unsettle Maddie, and it did. The maid was instantly up on her feet and running away.
But the surprise was that the kiss, which should have been just another meaningless act, oddly left him longing. It was as if the kiss was too short. But that was silly.
"Why would I-" Mykhol paused to touch his lips. They felt smooth yet cold. It was as though they wanted something that was not there.
But what that was, Mykhol didn't know.
"Weird." Mykhol finally dismissed and moved to refill his cup. He needed another drink suddenly.
*Maddie*
"Tuckered out, kiddo?" Maddie asked as Ana yawned in the bed. The girl was barely keeping her eyes open.
"Yes, but-" Ana's eyes darted over to where a tapestry was. She seemed to be very focused on it for some reason.
Maybe she likes the picture? Maddie looked over but didn't see anything special to it.
"Go to bed, Ana." Maddie smiled, amused at her futile struggle. "You have a whole new day tomorrow." Maddie pushed back her loose hair before kissing her head.
"I know, but-" Ana broke into a yawn.
"Just sleep." Maddie laughed at Ana. She could see the girl was excited. It even warmed her heart to see the two getting on so well.
Good. It's been a long time coming. Maddie thought and left for the door. But as she moved, the scene from before came to mind.
"Ana?" Maddie lingered back. "When you and Lord Mykhol were alone just before, did he…." Maddie licked her dry lips while choosing her words carefully.
"Did Lord Mykhol...do anything to you?"
"Like what?" Ana yawned, clearly not understanding the question. "Like how drunk my cousin was?"
What am I thinking? Maddie chided herself. Ana didn't know what she was referring to.
She's just a child. She was still innocent to the world.
"It's nothing. Sleep." Maddie dismissed and stepped out, turning down the lamps on her way.
Maddie made it to the hall to find it quiet and still. But the quiet gave her no peace. Her mind only bubbled up again. Walking in on them opened her eyes to something she hadn't considered.
I've only been thinking of them both as children at this point. Maddie chastised herself. But Lord Mykhol has already had his first blood. He's an adult in Nochten.
"How could I be so blind and not consider this?" Maddie felt the urgency of the situation. The danger was closer to Ana than even Maddie had realized.
I must speak to his Majesty. Maddie immediately turned to head toward his wing.