*Belinda*
"Wife?" Belinda could feel Alexander looking at her without turning. And no doubt he was making a face that matched his sweet but measured tone. "What did you do?"
Belinda only smiled at him. She wasn't about to reveal anything and wanted to enjoy the moment. Her heart bounced in excitement as Belinda looked around the room at all watching. No one had any idea what she was about to do.
Well, almost no one, Belinda noted, spying on the teen. Aside from Julia, Mykhol was the only one to watch on as if waiting. His eyes seemed to shine just as brightly as hers.
"To honor our King's wish for Dawny and Nochten to coincide in peace," Queen Belinda paused to make a bashful laugh on cue. Immediately, the room gave an equal reaction. They were pulled into her act like always. They were eating in the palm of her hand.
Belinda moistened her lips before continuing. "I want to present a token of goodwill." And with that, she motioned to Julia.
Julia stepped forward and wordlessly pulled out the baskets—the kittens mewed in response to the sudden change. But Julia didn't pause. She began her march to Nicoli first. Nicoli's kitten bore a pink bow.
"Oh, wow," Nicoli cooed with immediate affection before holding the kitten close to him. "Mama, thank you!"
Belinda smiled but said nothing as she motioned for Julia to continue. It wasn't over yet; Ana was next.
"Your Empress," Julia bowed before handing over the basket.
"Oh-" Ana moved to take it, but Mykhol was all over her.
"It looks heavy," Mykhol excused with a smile before opening it. "Let's see now what she- Eh?!"
"Hisss!" The kitten hissed before leaping out of the basket. He jumped onto the table with a quick look to run away.
"Oh no, you don't," Maddie quickly snatches the kitten up by the back of the neck. You aren't going anywhere." Maddie shakes her finger before lowering him into Ana's hands.
"Oh!?"Ana fumbled as if almost losing hold. The kitten yowled before huffing loudly. Ana looked at the cat; it was another white kitten like Nicoli's, but he had a blue bow, not a pink one, to those around before looking up at Belinda herself. She was shocked by the sudden pet.
Belinda managed to keep her smile as she felt the stare sicken her. But it was almost over. Setting the stage, She only had to wrap up the rest.
"Our Dear Lady Colten was gracious enough to supply these sweet kittens." Belinda turned with a hand to point out the lady. "I have her to thank."
"Your Majesty, I, I-" Lady Colten blushed and opened her mouth to say more. But Queen Belinda wasn't about to let that happen. The woman spoke far too much usually, and now she had an audience. If she started talking, it would be the next day when she'd stop. No, Belinda wouldn't share the spotlight, even for a second.
"Their brother and sister. Just like you." Belinda's voice boomed to shut Lady Colten up. The woman immediately shrank back in her chair, getting the hint. Her time was over.
"So take care of them as if they were your real ones." Queen Belinda paused to soften her smile. She turned to walk back over to her husband's side, her lashes batting sweetly at him as she did. "I hope this will suffice, dear husband, though it will never compare to your gifts."
"How generous my wife is." King Alexander spoke to the room, which let out an audible agreement.
"How kind Queen Belinda is,"
"It was so sweet to remember both of them."
Belinda beamed at the praise. Yes, that's how they should see her: kind and tender. It made it all the more perfect for later. Something Belinda was eager to see come to fruition as she made to sit.
"What brought this on, I wonder?" Alexander moved to take her hand and kiss it tenderly. He pulled out the chair for her to sit in. "This is rather unexpected of you," Alexander went on. You acknowledged your daughter."
"Daughter," Belinda flinched ever slightly but didn't falter. "Yes, our Daughter."The word stung on her tongue, but she swallowed it down.
"Oh, I wanted to make up for what happened this morning. And there was an opportunity to do so. It's about time I do, don't you think?"
"Indeed," Alexander beamed, "truly happy. His blue eyes sparkled as he regarded her with love. Belinda embraced the affection for the moment. It was good to feel such a measure of love from the one she loved the most.
If only it weren't solely because of that bastard, Queen Belinda couldn't help but find it bittersweet. Why couldn't Alexander look at her this way without having to do something for that child? Belinda swallowed down the feeling of moving for the cake.
Hopefully, a nice piece of cake would take her mind off things—"Oh!" Belinda answered. After the first bite, she grew white. The taste was much too sweet.
"This cake is-" She had to flush it down with a good gulp of tea. Queen Belinda gently pushed her plate to the side with disappointment. She had looked forward to eating it all day.
I made sure not to eat so I could savor it. Belinda was dismayed as it looked like she had wasted her energy. The cake was inedible.
The cake was supposed to be the last piece to mark it as memorable. Queen Belinda twitched her brow with annoyance. The cake was supposed to be her little treat. But Belidna could still taste the gritty sugar on her tongue.
I should find that chef and fire him, Belinda thought taking another sip. She frowned into her cup. Yes, she would fire him and give him no references.
But for now, she wouldn't spoil the moment. Destroying the man's career could wait for later. Instead, she went to watch Nicoli.
"Darling, come sit and have your cake." Queen Belinda called. Nicoli, still holding his kitten, gave her an overwhelmed look. He did not want to let go of his new friend.
"But mommy-"
"Take it away, Julia." Queen Belinda motioned for her maid. Julia moved without a word to do so. Nicoli immediately dampened as Julia took the cat from his arms.
"Mommy…"
"She'll be in your room, don't you worry." Queen Belinda returned. But Nicoli sighed with disappointment. He sat down with a groan.
"I could have held her while I ate." Nicoli pouted into his hands. He looked so sad that her heart pulled.
My poor, sweet child. Queen Belinda couldn't help but feel a burst of love for him. It was such a shame he had to make that face. She'd love to give him what he wants.
But it will be better if he doesn't grow attached. Queen Belinda reconciled.
"Have you thought of a name?" King Alexander asked, trying to cheer him up. Nicoli perked up at the question. He paused and furrowed his brows a moment to think. He then smiled at an idea.
"I'll call her Anastasia." Nicoli beamed. "Since she's also a sister, she should have the same name."
"How fitting." King Alexander beamed at his clever son.
"I couldn't think of anything more suited."Queen Belinda only smiled. She couldn't help but see the coincidence poetic.
"I'm glad you feel that way." King Alexander chirped and nudged her arm. Then, he happily looked back to Nicoli to tease him with some frosting on his nose.
Queen Belinda watched them softly as she sipped her tea. She wanted to savor the happy moment with them because she could not say the same for what would come tomorrow.
*Mykhol*
Mykhol glanced up to see the queen staring off at her husband and son. They looked to be in some food fight—each rubbing blue frosting on the other. It looked disgusting to him.
I really can't understand humans sometimes. Finally, Mykhol confessed quietly and broke away. He no longer had any interest in them. There was someone much more entertaining right here.
"He's cute—Ah!" Mykhol was about to reach and pet the cat before it swiped at him again, scratching a thin red line of blood with its claws.
"You little-!" Mykhol broe his fangs, "Nasty little thing." Maddie giggled at him.
"Oh, the big boy scared of a pussy?" Maddie winked at Ana. Mykhol's face pinked at the word. But Ana didn't seem to hear it. She was too absorbed in the cat, shifting her arms to hurry into the small space between her chest and hoop skirt.
The kitten laid its head down and closed his eyes as if to sleep. Ana immediately looked up to both of them. Her eyes were wide with excitement, but she was trying to hold back.
"I think he's sleeping," Ana whispered before gently moving her hand over the kitten's tummy. It opened its eyes to only close them again. It rolled on its back to sleep more.
"My, you're a natural, Ana." Maddie moved in, also in a whisper. "It's hard to get a cat to like you. Right, my lord?"
"Isn't the Queen nice?" Mykhol ignored Maddie's comment and looked at the cat.
Damn thing, Mykhol could see the scratch gone but licked the blood. His lips slightly curled with disgust, but he didn't express it in his tone. "Do you like your present?"
"I…yes." Ana moved to touch the kitten's fur gingerly.
"He likes you, your Empress." Maddie came closer to pick up the kitten. The kitten protested at the disturbance, but Maddie only clicked her tongue. It oddly calmed the cat back down.
"Does he?" Ana spoke curiously. "I've not had a cat before."
"Sure he does. I can tell." Maddie smiled and kissed the kitten's cheek. Then, she returned it to Ana's arms. Again, the kitten yowled and snuggled into her. Ana gasped when she felt the kitten purr.
"He just doesn't like Lord Mykhol." So Maddie went to have Ana giggle.
"The feeling is mutual," Mykhol smirked at the maid before going for his wine.
"Cousin, be careful with the wine." Ana perked. Mykhol paused with the glass at his lips. Mykhol could see the concern on her face. "You drank so much last night."
"Ah, you're right." Mykhol smiled, seeing the expression. It somehow warmed him to know she cared. He felt himself grow weak by it.
"I'll pace myself." Mykhol lowered his glass. Ana nodded and went back for her kitten. She stroked his head gently with a finger.
Mykhol looked from her to the kitten. He wished it wasn't the cat but him she was touching so gently then.
Lucky devil. Mykhol thought and sharpened his fangs. But his jealousy faded into a smile.
"I'll have plenty to drink tonight."
"Hm?" Ana blinked up at his curious words. But the kitten distracted her as it kneaded her arm with its' claws. There was a slight pinch, but Ana found the motion sweet. It made her smile.
"We should name him Your Empress." Maddie started.
"How about 'Mykhol'? Since they get on so nicely." Maddie couldn't help but tease.
"No." Mykhol retorted immediately and frowned at her. Maddie just seemed to be enjoying her little chance of torment.
Insect. Mykhol called silently. Maddie only smiled with all her teeth.
Do something. I dare you. Maddie flashed her eyes. Mykhol growled but knew he couldn't. Not now, at least.
"Nicoli," Ana spoke to the kitten. The kitten moaned lightly and continued to sleep in her arms.
"Nicoli will be your name," Ana called with a soft blush.
"Ah," Maddie lifted her head, hearing Ana's voice."That's a good name, your Empress."
"Nicoli, huh?" Mykhol scuffed. Mykhol then chuckled. He looked back at the cat. His fangs sharpened as he looked down at the blue ribbon around his neck.
"Yes, sweet cousin." Mykhol leaned back to move one of his hands to the edge of her shawl. His fingers traced the stitching thoughtfully.
"You made a good choice indeed."