*Mykhol*
Though Nochten was a prosperous empire, Mykhol could see Dawny was doing well. Mykhol could find the shadow of wealth amongst the King's study: silk curtains, fur rugs, gold trim. The human kingdom was starting to lean into its new wealth.
But it's a far cry from Nochten's level. Mykhol scuffed with reassurance. Even with their finery, Dawny was steps behind Nochten. Dawny would never be comparable.
Our very traditions and tastes are just too refined. Mykhol looked over the room with a critical eye. From our dress to the way we run things. Mykhol would always see Nochten as superior.
Thus, Mykhol was not intimidated by his study if that was on purpose. Nor was he uncomfortable with the bald servant who brought him here to wait. Mykhol only minded his time. But eventually, Mykhol grew annoyed the longer he waited.
"Had I known it would take so long, I'd have just declined." Mykhol tsked. He could already think of a million other things to do right now. Or better, other places to be.
I wonder if Anastasia has changed into her evening dress already? Mykhol couldn't help but look at the clock. Time was moving on. And Ana was moving with it.
But I am stuck waiting for a human. Mykhol cracked his fingers to distract himself. But it wasn't proving much help.
The temptation to leave was a hard one to ignore. Who would stop me? This servant? Mykhol looked over at the older man. It would be nothing to push him aside and walk out.
But Mykhol stopped as the thought of repercussions took hold. Mykhol was almost ready to walk out. He'd altogether avoid this meeting entirely. But what would happen next?
How much trouble could it cause? Mykhol wasn't so keen on thinking of the results. It was enough to keep him where he was. But still, his mind wandered to better things.
I want to see her. Mykhol sighed and checked the time. The clock was either broken or the time was running slow today. Either way, Mykhol felt hours pass.
When is this damn man going to "Oh?" Mykhol's voice caught in his throat as he noticed something else on the wall. "When did they-"
I never thought I would see you again. Mykhol looked on, coming out of shock to surprise. Of all the places and out of all the people, here she was. It was like seeing her ghost.
Worse. Mykhol thought and turned away. But he was compelled to look back again. Even after death, the vampiress still held her magnetism. She could steal anyone's breath away with just a glance.
It's just a portrait, yet I'm mesmerized as if she were standing before me. Mykhol thought and had to yield a bow of respect.
"Empress Parsul." Mykhol greeted. When Mykhol lifted his head to meet her, he felt she would speak right then. It looked like her mouth would open to spill out a word. A word that both frightened and thrilled him.
"What would Ana do if she were to see this?" Mykhol spoke with wonder. Would she be excited? Maybe she would be disappointed.
If only she were here. Mykhol longed for her company. But he quickly frowned at the thought.
I've been thinking much of her lately. Mykhol realized darkly. Why for?
"She doesn't matter," Mykhol spoke at the painting. "She's only a tool." Mykhol could almost swear the woman's smile faded at his words as if she heard him. Perhaps she did?
But Mykhol could not linger on her visage as he heard the long-awaited footsteps. At last, someone was coming. Mykhol took to bow as the door opened.
"Your majesty." Mykkhol greeted King Alexander as he moved to sit at his desk. Mykhol stood, expecting a seat likewise. But King Alexander only looked at him silently.
Mykhol tensed his back as the man had no intention of giving him the expected gesture. Instead, King Alexander did not regard him before looking past. His sight lifted to the portrait, and smiled at his late wife.
"She looks just like her mother, doesn't she?" King Alexander reached out to the portrait as if to touch her cheek. "My daughter takes after her more than me."
"Yes. Almost the same." Mykhol returned."Except the hair, of course." King Alexander stiffened his smile at the comment.
"Does my portrait do her justice, Lord Mykhol?" King Alexander turned back.
"I was so young when I saw her last. But yes. I'd say so." Mykhol's side glanced at him. His headache was slightly hazy for the moment but still active. Mykhol could feel the threat of pain loom.
"In Nochten, we don't make images of the dead. they will haunt you." Mykhol spoke a little sharply. His patience was already thin.
Let's get to the point. I don't have time for this. Mykhol didn't want to waste any more of the day. I need to get back to Ana before-
"Ha!" King Alexander laughed loudly and leaned back in his chair. He moved to take up a cigar and light it. Again, he made no motion to offer one to Mykhol. Mykhol narrowed his eyes at the slight. The man was being rude with purpose.
"Funny, she said the same thing." King Alexander, meanwhile, took a drag and looked back to the portrait. "She believed in all that."
"I always thought Nochten traditions outlandish."King Alexander then laughed again with another puff.
"Either way, I'm glad I have it. I get to see her every day." King Alexander rolled the cigar between his fingers. "I don't have much else of hers, you see. Just this painting. And my daughter."
King Alexander puffed out another cloud without care. Mykhol could feel his eyes sting from the odor. He scrunched his nose, feeling a burning sensation. The smell did not help his headache.
"Your Majesty," Mykhol prompted as he struggled. His head felt like it was trying to split in two."What do you want to discuss-"
"Do you understand what it means to treasure something, Lord Mykhol?" King Alexander lowered his cigar.
"Treasure?" Mykhol held his face but looked carefully at him. He could not read his expression. The man was being uncharacteristically colder now.
What brought this on? Mykhol watched him closely. He did not understand what could warrant this rudeness. Mykhol had done nothing. However, it would be good to be cautious.
"I understand value, your majesty." Mykhol returned. But this seemed to be the wrong answer as Alexander shook his head.
"No, not value. Value and treasure aren't exclusive. I mean, do you understand what it means to treasure something? You protect it."
"Of course, your majesty."
"And what do you treasure, Lord Mykhol?" King Alexander looked at him mindfully. Not out of interest but rather to answer something. "Your parents? Your health?"
"I treasure many things, your Majesty," Mykhol answered, but King Alexander only hardened his eyes.
"You're quite fond of my daughter." King Alexander stated more than he asked. Mykhol flinched but covered it with a bow.
"I am Your Majesty. She means much to me." Mykhol returned. "As with all of Nochten. She is a beloved Empress."
"Do you?"King Alexander only smirked. "Funny, I, too, treasure my daughter. Very much." King Alexander took up his cigar again.
"And I want what's best for her. To protect her."
"Of course, your majesty. I, too-" Mykhol nodded.
"There seem to be quite a few parasites who have forgotten their place around my daughter." King Alexander bit into the tip of his cigar.
"Parasites who are eyeing what isn't their's." King Alexander exhaled a puff that left Mykhol coughing. The smoke made his eyes burn.
"Your Majesty?" Mykhol struggled not to lose his temper. But King Alexander only grew unreadable with a cold expression.
"Your Majesty? Parasites? What do you-" Mykhol stopped to cough and suck in clean air. He was having a hard time seeing the man with his eyes teary. King Alexander stood up from his desk to stand at the window.
"Leaches seem to have latched themselves to her. In the guise of family, no less. Trying to weasel in and steal what is dutifully hers." King Alexander dropped his cigar to the ashtray.
"Let this be my only warning." Here, he turned to stare directly at Mykhol with apparent disdain.
WHAM! King Alexander punched the glass with a great crack before pulling back. Mykhol stepped back from the shock. Looking at the man as if he were crazed.
"If I ever find anyone trying to force my daughter's hand. They'll force mine." King Alexander lowered his voice to a freezing octave.
"Your majesty?" Mykhol felt his legs stiffen out of shock and fear. Confusion ran through him. What is this? You act as if you already know I-
No, he couldn't. Mykhol quickly composed himself. I've done nothing. Mykhol was sure but felt it best to leave.
The man was angry to the point of punching things. And Mykhol didn't want the next thing to be his face. Mykhol forced a light smile to offset the mood.
"Forgive me, Your Highness." Mykhol pressed a hand to his head.
"I can't seem to follow. I'm still under the weather from last night's wine." Mykhol played off with a light laugh. He then gave a respectful bow.
"Please, let us speak some later time. Where I can better understand your thoughts." Mykhol stood up. King Alexander regarded him before motioning for Johan.
"It does prove frustrating if you can't follow." King Alexander finally smiled. A warmer smile that seemed to lose all his anger."Rest well, Lord Mykhol."
"Your Majesty." Mykhol turned, more than ready to leave this room and this conversation.
And never to have another. But before Mykhol could get away, King Alexander spoke up.
"Lord Mykhol, just one more thing."
What now!? Inwardly, the teen screamed as he turned to look back at him.
"Your Majesty?"
"This should be clear enough for you to understand." King Alexander took up another cigar to light. He sucked on it before getting closer. King Alexander blew a cloud of smoke directly into the teen's face.
Mykhol choked and coughed instantly and had to lean over. Struggling to catch his breath, Mykhol was infuriated. He flashed his fangs at the man.
"You- Your majesty," Mykhol was about to growl, but he stopped at the sight of steel. King Alexander was pointing his sword right at his throat.
"Your-" Mykhol froze at the sight. The tip of the blade scrapped lightly on his skin.
"Until I die, Anastasia will have my support. And I will wage war over even the most foolish of ambitious boys. You have my word."
King Alexander pressed the sword to dig the very tip into his throat. Mykhol flinched at the sting. A trickle of blood fell from the thin cut on his neck.
"I'll be watching closely, understand?"
"Y-your majesty, I- yes. I understand." Mykhol managed before King Alexander smiled again. In a flash, King Alexander's aura completely changed back to before, as if nothing had happened. He was back to being cheerful.
"Then go. And enjoy your rest." King Alexander spoke casually. His hand motioned for Johan again. The butler moved to help Mykhol up.
"Lord Mykhol-
"Don't." Mykhol snapped and pushed him off. He straightened up and bowed. His face was barely able to hide his bitterness.
"Good morning, then." Mykhol threw a weak pleasantry before rushing out.
How dare you! Mykhol reeled as he tried his hardest to control himself. He stormed through the hall as his blood boiled. Mykhol moved to touch his neck. The cut healed, but the resentment was still there.
"Oh?" Mykhol gaped as he found his hand still holding something. It was Ana's shoes. He'd been holding them this entire time.
Like some damned idiot, Mykhol growled at himself, feeling humiliated.
"Ah!" Mykhol screamed and threw the shoes at a mirror. The shoes cracked the glass into a spiderweb of shards. Mykhol glared down at them.
Everything is trying out completely wrong. Mykhol was furious, but there was nothing for him to do. There was nothing save one simple thing.
"Anastasia." Mykhol breathed out, seeing her face before his eyes. The sweet and timid girl was still in her room.
Yes, Ana is waiting for me. She needs me. Mykhol felt himself slightly calm down at the idea.
"Poor girl," Mykhol turned to imagine the scene. Ana must be crying in her room. She needed him. Again, Mykhol could feel the anger slipping away for something new. It made his heart hit his ribs hard and his breath short.
"I'll be right there," Mykhol whispered breathily as the distance from the King's study grew with each step closer to her. "I'm coming."
"My sweet Ana," Don't worry, I'll be with you soon.