*Mykhol*
The king's wing was rather far, on the castle's other side. It would be quite the walk to get back to their rooms. But that might have been a good thing.
Mykhol found the long walk to give him a chance to uncoil. And by the time he passed the main stairs, his mind was clear. He could think of things in a less passionate tone. And he needed it because what just happened shouldn't have.
"King Alexander," Mykhol thought, recalling the sting of the sword on his throat.
The cut was long gone and healed. But Mykhol would not forget it. It awakened a deep anger that Mykhol would not forget. And he never would for as long as he lived.
Or as long as King Alexander does. Mykhol mused as he heard the voices ahead. Quickly, Mykhol hid the dark thought beneath a smile.
"Hello, Ladies," Mykhol smiled as easy as the day to the maids. "Working hard, I see."
"L-lord Mykhol," They bowed in return. The blushes on their faces were evident. Mykhol could feel them dart their eyes to their feet and up to him, then down again. They were trying desperately not to show what Mykhol didn't need to guess. They were attracted to him.
Like every other female, it was such a typical response at this point that it was boring. And it suddenly felt grating now. He was tired of the eyes and stares. He wanted none of it.
"I wish we would be done with this place."Mykhol managed his smile long enough to pass it along behind before dropping it altogether. His mouth now hurt from faking it so much. And he was tired.
It was only a full day, and Mykhol wanted to return. Dawny and all its humans were too foreign for him. There was no one he knew. The maids smiled too quickly, and there was no coffee. Not to mention Ana was-
Ana would look so much better in pink. Mykhol thought. Perhaps she would even giggle? Could she giggle? Mykhol felt the idea pull something in his chest. What would it sound like?
What would it be like to have Ana blush at him? If only he could see it. I could know-
Not that that will happen right now. Mykhol knew. Far from it, right now, Ana would be too upset. She was likely crying in big, fat tears. Poor girl, Mykhol's chest pulled again as his hands clenched to grab something not there yet.
I should hurry up, Mykhol sped up with urgency. He wanted to come and comfort her. That way, Ana would be-
"Ah!" Mykhol winced and moved to touch his head. "My head," His headache was flaring up again.
After seeing Ana, I'll have to lie down. Mykhol understood his body best. And that would be the only way to heal.
Or I could sleep there. The thought made Mykhol smile. It wouldn't be the first time we slept together. And Mykhol felt himself grow warm remembering.
For a half-breed, she is rather beautiful when she sleeps. Mykhol recalled. And she fits neatly in my arms. Mykhol could almost feel her little body fit snugly against him as if she meant to be in his arms.
"Meant to be?" Mykhol bulked on the statement. Where did that idea come from?
Ana wasn't going to be anything except a stepping stone to get the "Ah," Mykhol rubbed his head again as another pain shot up the back of his skull.
"Fuck," Mykhol winced and swallowed. It hurt to think.
Forget it. Mykhol brushed off the thought. What did it matter, anyway? It didn't. Right now, he just wanted a nap. Today was turning out to be a flop all around.
All I want to do is see Ana. The girl had an oddly calming effect, and Mykhol couldn't help but draw to her. Her presence was the only thing he needed right now.
If only I could stay by her side the rest of our time here. Mykhol thought, but just as quickly, he frowned. It was that very presence he sought that seemed to elude him today. Again, Mykhol felt himself getting put out.
I know she is fascinated with her 'family,' but that shouldn't mean she can forget me. I'm family, too. Mykhol clenched his hands. And I've been here much more than they have. Or will ever.
"I see you every day and spend my time with you. Don't you realize how much I've given up for you? Yet you still-" Mykhol stopped grumbling as he could feel upset. No, he needed to calm down.
It's just this whole day is rotten. Mykhol clenched his teeth. The phantom sting of his neck was back, and he rubbed it.
King Alexander. Mykhol felt a ghost urge to break something again.
"But I haven't done anything." not yet, at least. Mykhol groveled under his breath. His behavior was perfect. To anyone else, it wouldn't look like anything other than him getting closer to Ana.
So, where did he ever get that idea? That's what Mykhol wanted to know. How could he conclude if there was no-
"I know what you're doing." Mykhol heard Maddie's words come to mind from the morning.
"Maddie." Mykhol narrowed his eyes. How very coincidental. Or should I say, convenient?
"That's two strikes, now."Mykhol slowly smiled with his fangs as he drew near. Ana's door was just before him.
Seeing it made Mykhol's mood simmered. Ana would be just on the other side of the door. They would finally be together again.
And if Maddie is one, well- "Ha," Mykhol laughed. It was too good to be true, like killing two birds with one stone.
Without Maddie, Ana would have no one. Mykhol could already see ahead. There would be no one to stop him.
Mykhol felt his heart flutter. The idea was delicious. He couldn't wait.
"At last," Mykhol chuckled. Within that moment, Mykhol's headache suddenly cleared as if by miracle when he touched the doorknob. Ana's healing force was already working. Mykhol pulled open Ana's door.
Upon entering, Mykhol could smell the scent permeating the air. It was the heavy smell of sandalwood.
Ana's scent. Mykhol recognized it and paused in the doorway to breathe it in.
My sweet Anastasia. Mykhol thought, closing his eyes. I'm here. Now, it can just be us again-
"What?" Mykhol gapped as he opened his eyes to find something immediately wrong.
Where is everyone? Mykhol looked about. He checked the vanity, the couches, the bed, but there was nothing. He could see no one. Where is Ana?
"Anastasia?" Mykhol called, venturing in. "Ana, where are you?"
Mykhol stepped further in to scan the room better. He could see signs that someone was there. Bottles had been disturbed on the vanity, and trunks were open.
But there was no sign of anyone now. Not Ana or even Maddie was here. The room was bare.
Did they already return to the hall? Mykhol guessed. How long was he with the king?
I wasn't gone that long. And even with the walk- no, changing would have taken more time than that. Dawny fashion was fussy with many layers—another reason Mykhol didn't dress in it. It took forever to get appropriately dressed.
But maybe, somehow, they were quicker? Mykhol quickly grew annoyed.
"I haven't had an honest moment with Ana at all. Not since coming to this damned country. I'm starting to get pissed off-"
"Ah!" Mykhol cried at another sharp pang to his temple. His headache was back and worse than ever.
Mykhol had to throw a hand over it before hissing out.
"Of all the FUCK!" Mykhol burst out and moved to kick the chair. It slammed down with a loud crack. But it did nothing to help his mood.
"To hell with Dawny! And that King! Fuck!" Mykhol cursed. He kicked the chair across the room. He then turned to the vanity to eye the glass jars. Mykhol grabbed the nearest one and held it above him.
"And TO HELL WITH THAT PRINCE NICOLI!" Mykhol was about to chuck the bottle when something stopped him.
"Anastasia?" Mykhol paused. He turned to look behind him. There was a laugh. Someone, though quietly, had laughed.
Is she coming back? Mykhol turned to look after the door. But it only grew silent. There were no footsteps.
But I heard her laugh. Mykhol lowered the jar.
"Hello?" Mykhol called with another turnaround. "Is someone here?" Mykhol held his breath to listen. But all was quiet. Save for him.
Did I imagine it? Mykhol considered. Mykhol returned the bottle to the vanity with disinterest. He again paused to listen.
"Ah," Mykhol breathed, pushing his hair back after a moment. It was frustrating. He could feel his head throb again.
"Fuck this." Mykhol exhaled and turned. He was wasting time.
I'll go back to the hall to find her. Mykhol consoled. There was no point in getting this worked up. It would be better to return.
Just find Ana and- Mykhol thought, walking back. But before reaching it, something else caught his ear.
"What?" Mykhol muttered. Only now did he notice the tapestry. Something was wrong with it. It was hanging funny. A corner budged up over a trunk. But more behind it was a cold blow of wind that came through the small gap.
"What's this?" Mykhol blinked and stepped closer to find a long, dark space. It looked to be some hallway of sorts.
"Haha," A faint laugh echoed from within. The sound raised Mykhol's brows. He knew the voice.
"Ana-" Mykhol stopped short of calling out as he looked down. In the thick layer of dust, Mykhol could see footprints. There were two. Each was small, like a child's.
"My dear cousin," Mykhol narrowed his eyes before a smile came. "Where do you think you're off to?"
Without pause, Mykhol pulled the curtain higher to step in. On the side, he spotted the gold key sticking from the door.
"This-" Mykhol paused before reaching to take the key. He shoved it into his pocket before stepping in. The tapestry dropped closed behind him.
*Maddie*
A short while later, Maddie entered with a tray of coffee and sweets. She carried the tray with a victorious smile. It was quite the mission to raid the best the kitchen offered.
Ana's going to love all this. Maddie beamed with pride. Indeed, it would improve her mood. Just smelling the coffee was enough to lift even Maddie's mood. It oddly had such an effect on her.
But imagine how it would be for a vampire. Maddie was sure Ana would be over the moon for it again. Vampires loved their coffee.
"Ana, I'm back-" Maddie lifted her head. But her face fell just as quickly.
"Ana?" Maddie stepped in. She looked over the room.
"Where are you?" Maddie called, confused as she set down the tray. She noticed the chair kicked away from the vanity. It looked broken.
"Ana?" Maddie called again with a strange feeling of foreboding. It wasn't like her.
"Ana? Where did you go?" Maddie left the food to walk back out. She passed the tapestry without a second thought and headed to the hall.