*Nicoli*
"This should be it." Nicoli stopped at the door. He put down the lamp with more care this time, mindful of Ana.
She's so funny about these things, Nicoli mused. It was just a lantern, but it upset Ana, so he would be careful.
"There's no knob?" Ana spoke out to see Nicoli nod.
"It's over there." Nicoli pointed nonchalantly to where he left it.
Nicoli didn't know how old the hallways were, but it was old. It was older than him. And knobs falling off doors happened. So he wasn't too surprised when the knob broke. He just pushed it to the side like the others.
"Is it broken?" Ana started again before furrowing her brows. "Then, how will we get in?"
"Like this." Nicoli didn't miss a beat as he went for the door. He pushed to give a low creak. As it opened, both could feel a heat wave flood in. It felt delicious in the cold hall. But there was something even better.
What luck! Nicoli could recognize the smell. Something was baking in the oven. And it was heavy and sweet.
Is it cake or sweet bread? Nicoli could already feel his mouth-watering. Either way, they were in for a treat, and Nicoli couldn't have picked a better time.
Oh, Ana will love it! Nicoli wanted to clap, but that would reveal their spot, so Nicoli had to make do with just looking over his shoulder. Ana gave a mixed smile at that, likely unsure what would come.
All the better! Nicoli couldn't wait to show Ana everything, starting here.
"Are you ready?" Nicoli asked, seeing Ana pause as if unsure. She nodded, still doubtful, but her little hand squeezed his tighter.
"Yes," Ana muttered with a bit of hesitance. It made Nicoli almost laugh.
She's much timider than I would have guessed. Nicoli expected that Ana would be just as daring as he, if not more daring.
Was this the girl who dared the dark halls in the middle of the night to sneak into his bedroom? This girl, who now kept looking back as if she still might want to go back? She was the one?
If I hadn't woken up when I did that night, I would never have guessed it was the same girl. Because Ana, right now, was so vastly different.
But I would still like her all the same. Nicoli was sure. Even if Ana were a scaredy cat, Nicoli would still find her endearing.
Ana is my sister, after all.
"Let's go," Nicoli said, widening his smile. He pressed on the door again. More heat hit their cheeks as the door widened.
It's busy. Nicoli noted, looking about. The kitchen, they could see, was fully staffed. People were everywhere. And everyone was moving about with trays and sauces.
Though crowded, no one seemed to notice them sneak in, thankfully. But that usually was the way of the kitchen. The place was naturally in some states of chaos. It made it easier to be overlooked.
As I expected. Nicoli had planned it to be. The kitchen, again, was an excellent place to start.
Nicoli pulled Ana in to follow behind him. The door closed without any attention, and the two moved. Ana stepped a little closer to Nicoli.
"Hmm?" Nicoli looked over to see how uncomfortable she looked. "Ana?"
"There are too many people," Ana whispered in case she'd be heard. It was something silly compared to how loud everyone else was. But Nicoli nodded understandably. It may have been a bit overwhelming, but he only softened his smile.
"Just follow my lead," Nicoli turned to find the one man he was looking for.
The head chef wasn't hard to find. He was the fattest in the room and wore the tallest hat. Nicoli immediately took off toward him.
"Nicoli?" Ana held on for dear life as Nicoli weaved in and around the traffic of people. Nicoli could feel the tiny pinch of her nails as she clasped to him.
"Prince Nicoli?" The portly chef blinked with surprise. His little brown eyes trailed up to spy on Ana. Seeing her, he immediately removed his hat to bow.
"Empress Anastasia."
"Can we get some food, Mr. Brown?" Nicoli prompted. Mr. Brown returned his hat to nod amicably.
"Of course, your majesty. You want the usual, I take it?" Mr. Brown asked, and Nicoli turned to Ana.
"I don't know. But, Ana, do you want anything?"
"Sweets, please." Ana returned with a rumble to her stomach.
"Just sweets?"Mr. Brown laughed when he heard it.
"Yes?"Ana frowned, not sure why he was laughing. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, no. Not all your Empress." Mr. Brown snuffed a giggle as Anas's stomach took another gargle.
"Then why are you laughing?" Ana again frowned as Mr. Brown, still chuckling, left.
"What's so funny?" While Ana frowned, confused, Nicoli stole a look over the kitchen. It seemed busier than usual. How much food were they supposed to be eating tonight, anyway?
While looking, Nicoli caught sight of a blue cake. His eyes immediately sparkled. He knew what that was.
My birthday cake! Nicoli beamed and pointed a finger, but Ana wasn't looking.
"Ana, look there-" Nicoli called out, but Mr. Brown laughed. He seemed to guess already why Nicoli was so excited.
"Shall I have one of the maids set up a room for you two?"
"No, thanks. We'll eat here." That way, Thomas won't catch us. Nicoli already planned it. For some reason, the manservant never checked the kitchens.
And no one here will tell Mom where we are. Another fact Nicoli came across while visiting the kitchen was that, most of all, the cooks and servants seemed to prefer the king for some reason. Thus, Nicoli could walk around freely here without worry.
Plus, I'll get to spend more time with Ana. So Nicoli thought and squeezed Ana's hand.
"We'll stay right here."
"Alright, go over there and take a seat." Mr. Brown pointed to a stand-alone bench with stools. "I'll get some tea brewing."
"Tea?" Ana seemed to sink at the word.
"Come, Ana." Nicoli moved, pulling them up to climb the stools.
Nicoli turned around to watch the kitchen, and Ana followed. And she was quickly amazed by what she saw.
"Everything is so busy here," Ana spoke out. "Are kitchens always like this?"
"Nah, it's just a little busier today because of the party," Nicoli answered before remembering. "But, oh! You should see the knight's yard. Now, that's where the fun is."
"Do you do this often?" Ana looked around. "Go to the kitchen and..the yard?"
"Yeah, I go everywhere. There's not a place in this castle I haven't seen. " Nicoli leaned back to kick his feet. "Why? Don't you?"
"No, I… I never thought to venture around much."
"Then what do you do all day, then?"
" I mostly stay in and study."
"Bleck!" Nicoli instantly reeled at the mere thought," You study too much!"
"No, a monarch should be well-learned. It's normal." Ana went to give Nicoli a firmer look. " you are the one who needs to study-"
"Yeah, yeah-" Nicoli rolled his eyes. Ana was about to go into another one of her lectures, but Nicoli wouldn't have it. Nicoli didn't bring them there just to be talking about school.
"How come you study so much, anyway? Do you want to be super smart or something?"
"That and well," Ana softened, looking at her hands. " I want to be a good Empress."
"But that's years away, right?" Nicoli still couldn't fathom it. "You have plenty of time until then." So why bother wasting time on it now? Ana should use as much time as she can. That's what Nicoli would do. Otherwise, it sounded too silly.
"I'd rather be exploring and climbing ." Nicoli went on. "I'd do everything I can until time runs out. I'll have to be bored after that."
"I don't think it's boring," Ana smiled. I am looking forward to the day."
"You are?" Nicoli was surprised to hear this, and he was further shocked when Ana nodded with a warm smile.
"There's much I'd like to change when I'm Empress. I think about it every day."
"You do?"Nicoli raised a brow at her. His face was in disbelief. Ana nodded and looked down.
"I do."
"Well, I think it's weird." Nicoli went shrugging. "I'd rather go play."
"It's not weird- it's good for you." Ana frowned in the offense. She then pointed to him.
"Anyway, You're not one to say anything. It would help if you focused on your studies. Not go around-"
"Lalala. I'm not listening." Nicoli plugged his ears.
"But it is-" Ana frowned."Nicoli, listen when I-"
"Say 'study' again, and I'll push you out of your chair." Nicoli winked.
"You-" Ana scuffed at the threat.
"No, you won't." Ana leaned back in her chair."You wouldn't dare."But just in case, Ana already grabbed the seat of her chair.
"Yes, I will." Nicoli crossed his arms and threw up his chin.
"No, you won't." Ana refuted. Then, a mischievous smile crossed her face.
"You won't because I'll push you off first!" Ana declared with a playful kick to his chair. Nicoli yelped at first, but it didn't take him a second to think again.
"Avant-garde!" Nicoli cried, ready for war. But, instead, he kicked Ana's stool. She stumbled with a gasp but kept herself from falling. A startled laugh came out right after that, surprised even her.
"Nicoli!" Ana was breathless, but Nicoli kept on.
"Oh no, you don't. You started this!" Nicoli again kicked. "I'm gonna win."
"Wait!" Ana cried and laughed as she felt the chair tip. She reached to grab Nicoli by the sleeve.
"Hey!" Nicoli cried, finding himself pulled. But Ana only laughed again. Tears were coming up as she laughed so hard.
"No fair!" Nicoli cried and stopped. He could feel himself start to fall. He quickly grabbed for the ledge and pulled them both back.
"Hey, you! Don't pull me down either!" Nicoli pouted, but Ana laughed. Her lashes were wet with happy tears. Nicoli could only listen to her laughter before he felt himself catch on.
The two fell into giggles that became louder than the room. Their laughter made everyone stop what they were doing to look over. The two children looked lost in their merry world.
Cooks and servants smiled at each other after the two. A few laughed gently at the sight—all happy to see the spectacle.
"I'm glad they're getting on." An apprentice spoke to the baker."
"Would you look at those two? They look like they've always been together," a maid chuckled to her friend.
"They should have been."
"Hush, do you want one of the queen's spies to hear you?"
"Spies or flies, they can eat my shit- I'm just saying, don't think it was right back then to"
"But the queen was pregnant then. And she was insistent the princess needed to."
"Hey, stop horsing around there." Mr. Brown's voice boomed over everyone, stopping the gossipers and causing them to return to work.
"Bunch of busy buddies."Mr. Brown felt their stares and clenched his hands. But he could address it after the children were gone.
For now, he paused to enjoy the sight. It was a warming sight indeed to see the two laughing. And in his kitchen, of all places. Mr. Brown was certainly blessed for it.
"It's overdue." Mr. Brown remarked under his breath as he set a tray before them.