*Ana*
"But Maddie," I start again, returning to the door. "I'm not that sleepy. I can still stay up, and," I yawn. When I yawn, I find the taste of the blue frosting on my tongue.
How do I still have cake in my mouth? The party is over now, and we are back in my room, but I still taste it somehow.
It's sweet but doesn't taste as good now. The sugar tastes more salty, as if it's off. But I still swallow it down.
"What's that now?" Maddie, meanwhile, smirks after me. "You say you're not sleepy? Are you sure about that?"She then shakes her head and looks at the clock.
"Even if you say so, it is late to everyone else. Everyone is going to be in bed." Maddie rolls her eyes. "What do you think you'll be doing so late?"
"It's not that late." I try again. "And I'm not that tired. And I'm sure Nicoli is too-"
"The Prince should be asleep even more than you are now." Maddie goes, cutting me down with a look. "Ana, you can't win this over on me. Plead and beg all you want, but it is time for bed, young lady."
"Vampires are nocturnal creatures." I go, but Maddie huffs.
"Nocturnal creatures," Maddie repeats with a 'uh-huh' look. "I could argue that. You even slept in this morning.""
"Well, that's because-" Nicoli and I were up all night, but I don't say that out loud. Instead, I try to think of something else when Mykhol comes to mind.
"I'm sure my cousin is still awake." I try to argue, "He's a vampire- He won't be asleep till much later. Then I should also-" but Maddie shudders.
"I don't want to ever think about what Lord Mykhol does at night." Maddie makes a disgusted face. For some reason, I don't understand.
"What would cousin be doing at night that could warrant such a reaction, Maddie?" I ask, curious, but Maddie makes another face.
"That…just don't think too hard about it, sweetie." Maddie excuses herself and moves to start unbuttoning my dress. "Besides, you sound sleepy."
"No, I—it's just been a long day." I give excuses, but even then, I yawn afterward.
"Long day, indeed," Maddie laughs and shakes her head. "What with all your running? Maybe that's why you are tired."
"Maddie," I sigh. "I'm not THAT tired, "
"Oh the hell you are," Maddie pulls the dress over my head to toss onto the vanity. "Look at you; you're slouching as you stand." Maddie gives a 'you aren't fooling me look.' But I still shake my head.
"No- it's the cake." I partially lie. "I am just digesting-" I stop yawning and straighten up."See, I'm perfectly fine. I'm not sleepy-"
"Right, you are swaying now. Any longer, and you'll faceplant into the floor." Maddie goes knowingly.
"No, I'm not. " I refute, but Maddie just throws a hand on her hip.
"And you are barely keeping your eyes open as we speak."
"No, I'm awake—" I go, but Maddie points to the mirror to show me precisely that. I close my eyes.
"Alright, fine." I find I have to close my mouth or eat my words. "Maybe I am a little tired."
"A little?" Maddie scuffs but moves to undo my hoop skirt.
"Don't tell me this is because of the circus?" Maddie chuckles to herself at the idea. "You won't last another hour as is. But then again, you get all forgetful and excited regarding your brother, don't you?"
"That-" I start but close my mouth as my chest tightens. I move to rub the tiny spot. "I…Nicoli wanted to stay up to see the circus, and so did I. I had never seen one before."
"And you will," Maddie unclicks the last hook of the skirt to open the cage. "You'll have all of tomorrow to see the circus," Maddie lifts the hoop skirt off, and I feel my hips cry for the sudden freedom.
"But tonight, you'll get sleep." Maddie taps my nose before shifting the nightgown over my head. "You are done for today."
"But Maddie-" I groan and glance at the tapestry. Nicoli might be waiting outside right now. And if he's not, I can go to him- "Ah!" I cry as Maddie gives a quick spank to my thigh.
"Don't fight me on this," Maddie says, looking stern at first, but the smile finds her shortly after.
"You should sleep. You have a big day tomorrow- maybe even bigger than today. Don't you want to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the circus tomorrow?"
"Bright-eyed and Bushy-tailed? Maddie, I'm not some squirrel." I retort before yawning once more. I slump a little when Maddie moves her arms around my waist.
"Easy there," Maddie softens her smile as I slump more into her. Her arms feel soft and warm, and I snuggle into them.
"Thank you, Maddie." I coo as Maddie helps me to bed. She pulls up the covers to distract Nicoli II from his nap.
"Mew!" Nicoli II sits up with a slap on his tail. He looks peeved to wake up, but Maddie makes kissy sounds at him as she spreads my hair out.
"Cute little boy-oh!?" Maddie gasps as Nicoli II pouches on her hand with the acuteness of a predator in training.
"Ah, I'm being attacked." Maddie giggles at the kitten. She moves to scratch him under the chin before bopping his nose.
"Mew," Nicoli II cries, bouncing off to the bed's other side and crouching.
"What a sweet boy," Maddie calls softly. "He must love you."
"And I love brother," I mumble as I shift into the pillow. My eyes are dangerously heavier. "I love him very much."
"No," Maddie looks up confusedly. I was talking about your cat—" But I can't lift my head anymore. I am drifting off. I barely register that Maddie moves to kiss my forehead.
"Night," I remember mumbling.
*Maddie*
"Good night, honey." Maddie moved to tap the kitten before leaving to take care of the gas lamps. She turned them down one by one before the room was almost dark.
She wore herself out. Maddie lingered to watch Ana softly snore. The girl was utterly out, just as Maddie predicted. Even after trying to convince her, she could still stay up; Ana was out as soon as she hit the pillow.
Typical, Maddie shook her head. But then again, the girl had a long day.
I can't believe you tried to run away from me. It was still a surprise to Maddie. She didn't think she would ever have to chase Ana. Or that Ana would be so defiant. But it didn't make Maddie mad at all. On the contrary, she was happy for her. Seeing Ana let go and be a child for once was good.
"Tomorrow is going to be just as fun as today." Maddie watched Nicoli II move to nuzzle into her chest like a white cotton ball. It was a sight to behold, and Maddie felt herself glow.
"I'll make sure to pick comfortable shoes tomorrow." Maddie was already planning. No doubt, Ana would be running all over with Nicoli in excitement. The children would be glued to each other and get lost in their fun. Maddie would need the right shoes to keep up, or she would be left behind.
But that's not so terrible if I do. Maddie wouldn't mind that either. She would instead like to see Ana get carried away again.
"Until tomorrow," Maddie whispered and stepped out with a click of the door. "And many days after that."
Maybe it can be the rest of your life. If Maddie could have it anyway, that was all she'd wish for as she walked down the hall.
*Nicoli*
Nicoli shot up from his spot on the dusty floor as the door clicked.
Good, she's gone! Nicoli was elated. He didn't have to wait as long this time. But even though the maid left, Nicoli thought it better to be careful.
Nicoli liked Ana's maid. He certainly liked her more than Thomas. But just like Thomas, Nicoli aired on caution.
And that lady sure is fast. Nicoli was surprised when the maid chased them. She didn't give up until she caught them. It was a little scary how determined she was.
I'd instead not test that again. Nicoli decided it was better to wait.
So Nicoli gave it a moment longer before he was sure Maddie was good and gone before taking his chance. But when he thought it was time, Nicoli sprang to action. He dropped his lantern down in the hall and pushed up the tapestry.
"Ana, are you ready?" Nicoli charged in, complete and eager for their night recoup. But the room was surprisingly dark. He could barely see from the low gas lamps.
"Ana? Are you here?" Nicoli called out to the barely lit room. "Ana?" Nicoli came closer as the sound woke Nicoli II.
"Mew!" The kitten sat up with a blink of his eyes. He seemed to want to be scratched.
"Not you, silly." Nicoli frowned but moved to give him a scratch as he looked over to see Ana under the covers. "Ana, did you hear me? Let's go- the circus, remember?" But despite his call, Ana didn't budge.
"Ana?" Maybe she can't hear me under the blankets? Nicoli climbed into the bed. He could barely make Ana out in the dimmed light.
"Ana, wake up." Nicoli went again. "The circus just got here." Nicoli gently pushed on her arms to make Ana groan.
"Ana, let's go down and see it." Nicoli leaned closer. He shook her again to make Ana sniff and lazily open her eyes, but they didn't seem to focus.
"Nicoli?" Ana spoke dreamily.
"Hey, sleepyhead." Nicoli started and moved to brush back the hair from her face.
"Hmm." Ana smiled and closed her eyes again. She turned into his hand."Why…here?" Ana mumbled as she slipped back asleep.
"Did you hear me? I said the circus is here." Nicoli went again. "They're set up outside. Big caravans. I heard lions-"
"Mhm." Ana hummed asleep.
"Let's go see'em." Nicoli shook her arms. "Come on!"
But Ana did not stir. Instead, her breath became heavy again. She was fast asleep.
"No, don't sleep, Ana! Come on," I wanted us to see them together. Nicoli thought with a deep pout. He looked longingly to the window.
Just outside, there was a place full of excitement and people. It was the kind of place that Nicoli longed for. There was a whole world just outside, waiting for him to make new friends and see new things.
But I don't want to go without you. Nicoli looked back to the sleeping girl.
You'll love it, Nicoli knew. She'd need to see it all, and there was so much Nicoli wanted to show her.
"I guess it can wait, though," Nicoli whispered, lifting Ana's arms. She didn't even flinch as he moved to snuggle into them.
"Scoot over." Nicoli voiced to have Ana nod unconsciously. She rolled over, but not before burying her face into his chest.
"Nicoli," Ana moaned softly.
"Hey! I said scoot, not get closer-" Nicoli protested, then shook his head. Ana wasn't listening. She only wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer.
"Silly butt." Nicoli giggled as Ana's hair tickled his nose. But he only moved to hug her back. He heard her breath low and heavy. It was rhythmic, and Nicoli found it to tire him out.
This is nice. Nicoli snuggled onto the pillow beside Ana. It felt nice and warm in her arms, and he could feel her soft breath hit his face. It smelt like his birthday cake.
I can take a quick nap. Nicoli planned. Just a little nap, he would return to his room with no one the wiser than he left.
Then we can both see the circus. Nicoli thought and hurried up to almost touch their noses with Ana.
"Night, Ana," Nicoli cooed and closed his eyes to match Ana's breathing quickly.
-x-
"What's this now?" The figure stepped around the forgotten lantern with mild interest as he lifted the tapestry to step in. "Where is this here?"
Amused, the person scanned the room while he wiped the blood from his mouth. Little pieces of fur still stuck to his lip. He bulked at the discovery.
"Ah, this is why I don't eat straight from the animals." But that wasn't the reason he frowned suddenly.
"You little-" He hissed as he discovered the lumps in the bed. Two figures lay asleep inside. One was, of course, none other than Ana.
The second one, however, made the person narrow his eyes. A quick flash of anger drew up, and he immediately wanted to go over to pull them apart. But he had the presence of mind to stop.
It was all going to be over anyway. Why do anything more? It was all good and guaranteed. He just needed to wait till someone found it.
"Pleasant dreams," he smirked and stepped back to disappear into the hall again. The creak of wood echoed in his step.
"Hmm?" Nicoli shot up at the sound. He blinked as he looked about the room. He then noticed the time.
Ah, I slept too long. Nicoli saw it almost dawn. He needed to return; otherwise, Thomas would notice he was gone.
And then Mom would know. And that was the last thing Nicoli wanted right now, so he knew he couldn't stay. Without waking Ana, Nicoli slid out of her arms and into her bed. Ana gave a soft moan, and Nicoli froze. But it was a false alarm. Ana was still asleep.
"Whew," Nicoli sighed and carried on.
"See you later, Ana," Nicoli whispered before returning to the hall. He quickly picked up his lantern and charged back, excited for the day to start. He began to imagine how tomorrow would go.
"First, we will see the lions- no! We'll see the bears!" Nicoli smiled as he turned a corner to stop at his door.
Yes, of course, we will see the bears first. Nicoli would start at the Bears. And then the lions and then the tigers, and then we can-
"What?" The smell of iron hit his nose when he pushed the door open. "Why does it smell like metal in here?" Nicoli was confused as he shifted the door closed behind him and hid the lantern inside. Nicoli took a step in before hearing something wet slop in a step.
"Why is it wet here?" Nicoli looked down. The light in the room was enough for him to see the color was not clear. It couldn't be water.
"Did something spill?" Nicoli leaned down to touch it. It didn't feel like water or wine. It was thicker,
"What is—" But then Nicoli saw it. It was on the floor, a red and white mass of fur curled up by the foot of his bed. It seemed to be the source of the strange liquid.
"Ana-" Nicoli covered his mouth, but it was too late. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as it came to him. Suddenly, he knew why it smelled like iron.
And then Nicoli was screaming,