*Mykhol*
Poor thing. Mykhol couldn't help but find the sight pitiful. But that only fueled his spite.
You spent all that time remembering names. Mykhol shook his head with a slight laugh. But for what? It made it all the more grander to see Ana fall.
You, too, can make such childish mistakes. Mykhol couldn't help but gloat. Ana would undoubtedly be wary the next time.
Mykhol sat straighter as he felt the room tone soften again. It was tense momentarily, but everyone was coming around, thanks to the King cracking jokes and the Prince's comments. Mykhol didn't bother to pay attention to all as it didn't matter.
What did matter was how quickly Ana's public display dropped from their attention. They only regarded it as a minor incident now. People returned to their food and conversations once more.
"She's just a child, after all." Mykhol could hear Nobles go on. "It happens."
"Poor Queen Belinda," A woman went to another. "But she had to do it."
"Yes, you must be stern with children at times like this."Another agreed
"Stern?" Mykhol's lips curled at the world.
So that's how they will spin it? Her majesty was just a dutiful mother? Mykhol couldn't help but be impressed. Belinda, indeed, was a maestro at her craft. But now, Belinda did not seem to enjoy herself as much as he was.
Mykhol noted the unease between the married couple as the prince shifted in his seat. Belinda seemed to be in the middle of damage control. But he quickly overlooked it.
That is her problem. Mykhol decided. He had his own to worry about now. Ana was making her way back. Mykhol tried his best to hide his smile as he watched Ana enter the aisle.
Ana kept her head down as she walked. Her bare feet slapped the stone as she moved. Maddie walked pointedly behind her. The maid looked strained, but it was nothing compared to Ana.
Ana tried to conceal her feelings, but her eyes betrayed her. Mykhol could see tears glistening. The sight made his good humor fall.
I didn't think it was that bad. It was not enough to warrant crying. It was just an accident.
Besides, no one else was taking it seriously anymore. Mykhol looked around the room. No one cared anymore. So Ana didn't need to be upset.
She doesn't have to act like it's the world's end. Mykhol thought as an unfamiliar feeling curled over his chest.
"Anastasia," Mykhol leaned forward as Ana approached the table. Ana paused in place. Her eyes lifted to meet him.
"Ah," Mykhol had to swallow at the sight. Thanks to the tears, Ana's eyes were big and round, and her cheeks were pink from shame. She looked like she could crumble at any moment.
Anastasia. Mykhol found himself compelled. Even if it was to take her hand, Mykhol could not stop. It was dire that he reached out to her.
"It's alright," Come, let me hold you. You can cry into my shoulder- Mykhol reached for her hand. "Come here, let me- Ah," as he did, it suddenly occurred to him his hands were still full.
The shoes! Mykhol felt his heart skip with joy. He still had them. It's my chance. Mykhol lifted at the thought.
I can be a shining Knight during Anas's darkest moment. Mykhol smiled, already thinking of her soon-to-be praises. She would hug and hold him. She would curl up into his arms like a kitten.
She will do everything she did for those humans tenfold for me because Ana will love me more for saving her. His heart quickened at the mere suggestion.
Ana will be so happy- "Look, cousin, I have your shoes right-"
"Your feet will freeze if you just stand there, Empress." Maddie softly remarked. "We should keep moving." Maddie put both hands on her shoulders.
"Ah?" Ana stirred at the touch. "Maddie-"
"Let's keep moving," Maddie softly urged, "Come on,"
"I- yes." Ana swallowed to hide her shaky voice and began to move on.
"What-" Mykhol's gut fell with stunned dismay. "Wait, Ana-" Mykhol's breath caught in his throat.
What was happening? Where is Ana going? "Hold on, I have these-" But as Mykhol was going to show his hand, it was too late. Ana was too far gone.
"Come back-" Mykhol's words drifted over the air as he saw the trace of Ana's shawl disappear into the hall. His chance to be the shining hero was over before it even began.
Why did you just- Mykhol's shock quickly switched over to frustration.
"Ahh!" She was right there! He could have-
"This isn't my fault," Mykhol grumbled. It wasn't. Ana should have looked back- no, she should have stayed to listen.
If you did, you would know I- Don't just leave!? Mykhol clenched his teeth.
Look at me! I'm here! Mykhol felt his hands twitch around the shoes. How could Ana walk past him? How could she not go to him? Anyone else would.
How could you forget- But Mykhol couldn't bear the thought. It was unthinkable. No one would ever dare.
No, it must be because Ana is too distraught. It was the only reason Mykhol could believe. Ana wasn't thinking clearly.
Otherwise, she would never ignore me. Mykhol squeezed the shoes tightly till they squeaked. Yes, she was just upset. Ana wasn't thinking.
Which is all the more reason she needs me. Mykhol reaffirmed his convictions. If Ana was walking out, Mykhol had no reason to stay another moment. He would go as well.
I'll go directly to her room and comfort her. Mykhol decided right there and went to stand.
"Anastasia, I'm coming-" But as Mykhol turned to chase after her, the footsteps running past him made him pause.
"What the?" Mykhol watched the Prince running past the table. Where is he going in such a hurry? Mykhol blinked with slight surprise. Curious, he turned to check back on Belinda. But quickly, someone blocked his view.
"Who the?" Mykhol was shocked to see the ever-silent older man. He hadn't even noticed him come up, let alone stop.
"Lord Mykhol," But regardless of how he did it, the older man only thinned his lips to smile.
"Yes?" Mykhol regarded the man with a raised eyebrow. What did this human want? Mykhol could feel his attention start to pull as he eyed the hall.
I want to go to Ana-
"His Majesty wants a word with you in private."
"Private?" Mykhol twitched slightly at the suggestion.
"Now?" Mykhol asked in disbelief. The older man bowed.
"He is adamant."
"Is he?" Mykhol instantly felt himself grow on edge. At no point till now had the King even tried to contact him. They had not even spoken one on one before.
So why now? What could he want?
Suspicious, Mykhol looked up to see the table emptying. Prince Nicoli was gone and out the hall. But King Alexander was standing. He kissed Queen Belinda's hand farewell before turning.
Is he leaving as well? Mykhol watched King Alexander turn at that moment. His blue eyes met Mykhol's red. They regarded him quietly before turning.
"Lord Mykhol, if you please," Johan interjected again. "I will guide you to his study." And he turned as if waiting to start walking. "Follow me."
"That," Mykhol frowned. He could feel his feet not wanting to move. Mykhol turned to look back in Ana's direction. The girl was long gone now, but he couldn't help but try to see a trace of her lingering.
I've barely got to see her all day. Mykhol grew heavier. He missed her this morning. And now, he was being pulled away yet again.
Ana was spending time with everyone else but him. The King, Maddie, even that damn boy had a turn. Shouldn't it be his time to spend with Ana?
When is it my turn? Mykhol suddenly felt mistreated. It should be, but it seemed like this morning would prove more disappointing.
"Ugh, my head," Mykhol hissed, touching his temple. The headache was back and with a vengeance. How could Mykhol forget? He could feel a foul taste fill his mouth.
Why is nothing going my way today? Mykhol thought and felt angry at the situation. He didn't want to go, but it seemed he would not have an option otherwise.
I don't want Ana to be crying. The thought fluttered past him. He didn't like the idea of it. It made something shift under his ribs. But Mykhol had no time to dwell on it.
"Lord Mykhol?" Johan started up again. "If you'll just follow me."
"I heard you the first time," Mykhol huffed, pushing a hand through his red hair out of habit. Doing so had a few nearby noble ladies blush. No doubt because they could see his handsome face better.
Usually, Mykhol enjoyed such reactions. But not today, and not now. It did nothing to improve his mood. They didn't matter to him. No one did right now.
Because the one I want isn't even here, Mykhol thought with a strange pain in his chest. But he ignored it as there were other issues at hand.
Issues that had to do with people who had blue eyes, Mykhol tightened his back as he remembered the King's stare down. What did he want with him? What could it be?
I'll find out soon enough. Mykhol resigned. Ana would have to wait. Mykhol could only hope this wouldn't take long.
I'm sure it's nothing. Mykhol dismissed—probably some delayed greeting or whatnot. Mykhol would have to tolerate him.
"Very well," Mykhol sighed and turned to follow the old man. He would humor the human.
But as soon as I finish, I'm heading straight to Ana. It was something he could look forward to.
Ana will no doubt be waiting for me. The thought made Mykhol ease up as he followed the servant to the halls.