*Queen Belinda*
"But I am wearing-" Queen Belinda watched the girl try to refute her by lifting her skirt. But this only proved a fool's errand. Because not only did it prove Belinda right, but now everyone else at the table could see the unmistakable sight of bare feet on cold stone.
"That's-" Besides her, Alexander sat in his chair. That carefree and joyful manner was long gone as a look of concern grew on his face.
"Belinda," Alexander quietly looked at Belinda. But it was already too late. He could do nothing now. The scene was drawing attention from the rest of the room.
"What's going on?" Belinda could hear the whispers begin as more eyes turned to them.
Even the servants have stopped to watch. Belinda noted, sweeping her eyes over the room. Again, it was too late to stop it. It was taking on a life of its own.
The only thing to do was watch it unfold. And Belinda planned to as she sat back in her chair. Let them tear her apart, now. Belinda wouldn't need to lift another finger.
"Is something wrong?" A child's voice piped up loud enough, asking their mother.
"Honey, I don't-" The mother was about to answer as an older noble tsked.
"Disgraceful," An older man coughed. "She forgot her shoes."
"She forgot her shoes?" A young boy repeated to his mother. "How come?"
"What'd make her do that?" Another girl asked, looking around her parents.
"Do you think it was on purpose?" Another hissed with a sharp glare at Ana. The girl flinched as she heard it.
"I...I didn't mean to," Ana struggled to form words. "I mean-" She was losing control of her volume from panic. Her voice was carrying across the room, only making it more clear.
"No, that's-" Ana squeaked but quickly fell silent again as she squeezed her dress. The girl was growing paler as she listened to the whispering. And it hurt her. She couldn't hide the flinches and pain across her face.
She's still young. For a moment, Belinda felt a slight pull to her chest. The girl couldn't even control her face yet. The art of masking her feelings was not something she knew yet. Her face was like a children's book, easy to read.
But just as Belinda felt a sliver of pity, it died. No, regardless of her age, she should have known better. There was no excuse. It was her fault.
If only I could do more. Queen Belinda thought. She would love to scold and admonish the girl in front of everyone. How easy would it be to make her cry? The girl almost looked ready to start. But that would be too much, wouldn't it?
Yes, Queen Belinda thought. It was better than to keep pushing. She would stop her, not for Ana's, but for his sake. Belinda again felt her husband shift in his seat. She didn't need to touch Alexander to know he clenched every muscle. The veins were popping out of his clenched hands.
Alexander was fighting himself from making a scene. Whether to run to Ana's side or to attack her, Belinda wasn't about to find out. She knew her threshold.
This should be enough. Queen Belinda decided. She had made a public display of the foolish girl. She deserved it. Belinda was not going to guess herself second.
The little fool happily skipped in without shoes. What did she think would happen? Belinda knew she was in the right.
But it is quite another to upset Alexander. Belinda shifted her eyes back to the girl.
I got what I wanted. Queen Belinda lifted her eyes past her to check the room. Ahead, she could see a sea of concerned and shocked faces. It was a shocking event. No doubt, many would look at Ana differently after this.
Oh? Belinda flicked her eyes on the redhead. Mykhol looked like everyone else. But it was not a shock on his face. It was something less readable. The corner of his lips slightly turned as if-
Is he enjoying this? Belinda raised a brow. But how? Why?
What good would it do him to have her embarrassed? Belinda couldn't help but be surprised. It didn't make sense. But just as quickly, she found she didn't care.
Does it matter? Belinda quickly concluded. No, it did not. Whatever the reason, Belinda could see Mykhol was on the same page. He was enjoying the sight almost as much as she was.
How odd. Belinda couldn't help but feel satisfied she wasn't alone. But still, more's the pity. Belinda again felt disappointed.
If Mykhol had only been human- what fun it would have been to keep his company? But the thought quickly passed as Ana managed to squeak out.
"I had no intention to insult your majesties." Ana looked up from her feet to plead to both of them. "This was not intentional."
"Ana-" King Alexander stiffened his upper lip. His breathing sounded forced as he tried not to lose himself.
"Belinda," His blue eyes turned to look at Belinda. Belinda could almost hear his words in the stare. 'Please stop this. She is just a child. This is nothing.' But Belinda would not budge. It was not his to say to stop.
It is mine. Belinda knew it. So did he. Thus, Alexander crumbled in his chair.
"Haa," Alexander groaned before growing silent. He seemed to know it was no use. Nicoli, however, looked between them curiously.
"She forgot'em, so what?" Nicoli shrugged and looked between them. "I don't see the problem with it. It's just shoes."
"Nicoli, sweetie," Belinda tempered her voice. She quickly switched from a hard stare at Ana to a soft one at Nicoli. He was a sweet child who was too innocent to understand.
But she should. Belinda narrowed her eyes on Ana. It was her responsibility to know. Belinda would prove her point from one ruler to another as she continued to glare. Belinda would give her no pity. Her stare seemed to make the girl quiver.
"It is a problem. In Dawny, one must always dress for court-"
"But sister Ana's not from Dawny. She's from Nochten," Nicoli pointed out. "So, how can she be in trouble?"
"Nicoli, that'-" Queen Belinda strained her smile at the boy's surprising words. "Nicoli, that doesn't excuse-" But Belinda could hear others begin to pick up on his logic.
"He's not wrong." A teen whispered to his mother. "Her Empress knows more about Nochten traditions." As another quietly whispered in agreement.
"Shouldn't we be a little lenient?"
"No, that can't-" Queen Belinda felt her throat grow dry as she could hear the same sentiment circle the room. "We can't overlook this-"
"It is a little harsh, don't you think?" Someone popped up.
"I think so," Another agreed.
"Perhaps this is common in Nochten?"
"Nicoli, everyone, that's not the point-" Belinda tried to reel the room back. "We are in Dawny now and-"
"I agree with my son!" Alexander announced. "It was a simple mistake." Alexander gave Ana an open measuring look. He minded her dress and bare feet with an excellent, robust laugh.
"Wasn't it, daughter?" Alexander went to smile. "You didn't mean anything."
"Yes, but-" Ana opened her mouth as Maddie ran over.
"It's true, your majesties."Maddie bowed as she stopped beside Ana. "I dressed her myself."
"Are you saying it's your failure to have your mistress properly dressed, then?" Belinda couldn't hide the twitch of her eye seeing the maid come to her side.
"I am," Maddie announced, steeling her stance. "I am at fault, your majesties-"
"Then you should be."
"No, she's not. I am!" Ana stepped forward, finding her voice.
"It's my fault. I rushed this morning, and Maddie tried to stop me. I refused to listen." Ana looked directly at Belinda. "Maddie's done nothing. I am improper. No one is at fault but myself."
"Then you admit you are responsible?" Queen Belinda almost purred. She was finding things turning back to the way she wanted. Belinda smiled with her blood-thirsty eyes.
"Then, you will be -"
"Empress Anastasia was mistaken." Alexander cut over. His voice was friendly as he did not address Belinda but the entire court. Belinda could see the quiet warning flash over his eyes, though. Alexander was riled and ready to spring like a coil.
"This was not out of ill intent. Therefore, Ana shall not receive punishment." Alexander went on with another look that made Belinda feel the back of her neck hair stick up.
Perhaps I pushed too far? Belinda felt her stomach turn. Was she too harsh? If so, it was time to change tactics.
"Punished?" Belinda changed her tone seamlessly. "Did you think, I, me? My husband, you must think I am quite the severe woman." Belinda batted her eyes as if with tears.
Belinda threw a calculated look about the room. A slight pout pushed out her lips. It was fake, of course, but no one could tell, and it worked all the same. Belinda could see the room begin to relax. The tone of the room was changing yet again.
Good. Belinda smiled slightly at seeing them fall for the act quickly. They were coming back to her side of things.
"My husband, punish a child for a mere mistake?" Belinda batted her eyes, plying her act even harder." Over her shoes? My, no. That's not what I was trying to say." Belinda placed a hand on Nicoli's head as her eyes went to Ana.
"Empress Anastasia, I was only going to advise you to leave until you get your ensemble in order." Belinda strategically tilted her head in a curious and concerned way.
"I understand it is a mistake, but please. Take care of yourself. Unfortunately, misconceptions could be made by this. You unintentionally insulted our court by improper dress." Queen Belinda paused to stare after her silver hair. The ugly color left a poor taste in her mouth that needed to drown with tea.
"They might question your upbringing."Belinda gracefully took up her tea and sipped.
"Do you understand?" Belinda sipped as the girl flinched again. It seemed to have the same effect whether she understood the duel's meaning. Ana seemed to crumble a little more.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ana looked down.
"There," Belina threw up a clap. "How about we all let this be a lesson then? To all our young children." Belinda turned to address the room. Her grey eyes looked over the mothers who went for their children, primarily boys in attendance.
"The importance of appearances following decorum." Belinda finished.
"Oh yes," The mothers in the room glowed at her speech. She could feel their new admiration.
"Wonderfully said, Your Majesty," Some even clapped. "Well said, indeed."
Of course, it is. Belinda basked in their admiration. Her eyes flickered behind her to find Julia, who stood at the wall of their table, curling her lips in a smile.
"Isn't that right, my king?" Belinda made it a point to reach out to take his hand. "Lesson learned."
"Hmm," King Alexander stiffly nodded, but his hand remained limp in hers. "A lesson, yes."
*Nicoli*
Nicoli watched his parents with a keen eye. Despite smiling and looking friendly for the room, Nicoli wouldn't fall for it. It was an act. They were fighting again. But why was the question that Nicoli couldn't understand.?
It's just shoes. Nicoli thought, looking back at Ana. So what if she forgot them? It wasn't the end of the room.
Yet everyone is acting like it is? It's silly. Nicoli didn't even want to understand.
"Return after you dress." King Alexander spoke stiffly. His face looked strained, as if doing something he disliked. But why?
Was he upset, too? Nicoli watched his father silently pull his hand away. His mother cringed when he did, but her face returned just as quickly. She was all perfect and smiling.
"Until then, don't come out." Belinda kept her smile. "You understand, yes?"
"Yes, your majesties," Ana spoke quietly and lowered again to curtsey. Nicoli spied her feet. They looked so small and slightly blue. Was she cold?
"Ana-" Nicoli called as Ana stood back up. But her eyes stayed glued to the floor. She would not look at him. She didn't look at anyone. Instead, Ana silently turned to walk away.
"Ana?" Nicoli called again to have Ana flinch. But she did not turn around. She continued to walk with her back to him.
Ana? Nicoli couldn't believe his eyes. Did she not hear me?
"Ana-" Again, Nicoli could see her cringe, but she continued to walk. Ana could hear him, but she was pretending not to. She was leaving.
But why? Don't go! Nicoli sat on the edge of his chair. What just happened? Why did Ana have to leave?
"But Ana didn't do anything." Not anything that should make her leave, not to Nicoli. Ana just forgot her shoes.
This doesn't seem right. Nicoli couldn't help but feel Ana deeply wronged.
Ana, don't go. Nicoli willed, but it did nothing. Ana marched on in silence with her maid behind her. The two vanished through the doors, leaving Nicoli to sink at the sight.
It hurts. Nicoli pressed his heart. It was caving in underneath his shirt. It felt awful and hard to breathe. But why? Nicoli didn't understand, but it did.
It hurt to see Ana ignore him. It hurt to see Ana refuse to look at him. And most of all, it hurt to see her leave.