*Mykhol*
Mykhol didn't return until late the following day. And as if it came naturally to him, he went directly to see Ana. Naska blushed as she let him in.
"L-Lord Mykhol." Naska curtsied low to show off her cleavage. Mykhol noted her speak quietly. It didn't take him long to see why.
Ana was still asleep. Her hair was unbraided and spilled over the pillows. It looked like cobwebs. And her cherry lips puffed as she gently snored.
"She's going to be quite a beauty when she's older," Mykhol spoke.
"Just like her mother."
"Lord Mykhol?" Naska blinked up, confused, but Mykhol didn't explain. Instead, he left to come to her bedside.
No, she'll be better. Mykhol smiled with his fangs.
Mykhol pulled open the covers and crawled in. He was careful not to disturb Ana. He did not want her to awaken just yet.
Mykhol ventured further and scooped her into his arms. He pulled her close to his chest. Closer, he was able to smell her. Her sandalwood filled his nose with intoxication.
I missed this. Mykhol lowered his face into her hair and took a deeper whiff.
She's so small for her age. She was tiny enough to fit entirely into his arms. Like a porcelain doll.
Mykhol checked again to see Ana still asleep. But instead of relief, he found it annoying.
"Wakey wakey, sweet cousin. Aren't you going to wish me good morning?" Mykhol blew into her ear.
"Mhn?" Ana flinched in discomfort. Her eyes rolled before they slowly opened.
"Cousin?" Ana mumbled, half asleep.
"What? Why are you-" Ana sat up a bit more alert. "How did you get in?"
"I…there was no announcement of you coming." Ana stopped to draw her eyes on Naska.
"I didn't hear-" Ana furrowed her brows suspiciously.
"Naska, I should have been awakened before you let Lord Mykhol in. That's proper procedure."
"Sorry, Your Empress." Naska returned, but it didn't sound apologetic.
"I'm still learning."
"Don't let this happen again." Ana couldn't help but feel the slight but chose to overlook it.
Again, Ana watched Naska nod, but it didn't seem genuine. Mykhol, meanwhile, shifted deeper into her pillows. Content now that Ana was awake.
"Don't be so harsh, cousin." Mykhol went. "You know no girl can resist me when I smile."
Mykhol glanced at Naska. Naska blushed at him and looked at her hands. But her eyes flickered up to check if he was still watching.
That made Mykhol smile. "It's not her fault."
Ana watched Naska. She was now acting bashful and sneaking glances at Mykhol. Ana's anger subsided into haggardness.
"I think she fancies you."
"Does she, cousin?" Mykhol choked with laughter at her bluntness.
"Most do." Ana was again matter-of-fact.
"So, even you noticed."
"Does it make you jealous?" Mykhol teased and bopped her nose.
Ana leaned away, but Mykhol held her closer. He tightened his hold possessively. It was clear that he was not going to let her be.
"Not at all."
"No?"
"It's nothing to me who likes you or not."
"Oh," Mykhol grew quieter. "Might I ask why?"
"Because you are my cousin." Ana didn't even pause. "You'll always be my cousin. And you'll always be here. Not like…"
Ana looked down at her knees.
"I've almost stopped counting how long it's been since the last letter."
"The last-oh."Mykhol stiffened at that. Ana sank into the bed with a hopeless look on her face. She had that look more often now since Maddie was gone. She would fall into these little quiet spells.
"Do you think…I should write another?"But as soon as Ana said, she flinched with a pain. Mykhol couldn't help but feel for her.
He knew it was necessary. Maddie had to go. The plan could get back on track now, with her interfering but to a stop. But even as Mykhol still relished having done away with that meddlesome maid and her ties to Dawny, something about seeing Ana cling to that day seemed to burrow into his chest.
"Hey," Mykhol touched her cheek tenderly. His eyes grew soft and warm as he took in the sight of tears in her eyes.
Does she still cry about this? The thought only made Mykhol feel that same hollow stab again. He didn't like the thought of her crying. Not over the likes of some humans. She should never cry over them.
Cry over me. Mykhol brushed her hair back gently. I'm so much better than they both could ever be. I'm so much more worthy then they could ever be.
"Don't be bothered by any of them. They don't mean anything to me." Mykhol played off, still talking about earlier.
"I was joking." Mykhol cracked a small smile. "Those girls mean nothing. My heart is already yours."
At this, Ana laughed. She looked at him incredulously.
"Then you're a fool." Ana dried her eyes and pushed away his hand. Mykhol had to smirk seeing her mood lift.
"A fool? Why's that?"
Ana sat up to give him a flat look.
"Because I'll break it."
"Ha!" Mykhol now laughed. "You're so stubborn! It's like winning over a cat. But that's what I like about you."
Mykhol moved to take something from his pocket.
"Speaking of which, I got you something."
Mykhol proudly held it out to Ana.
"I saw it on my way back."
"A tiger?" Ana took the miniature plush.
"I thought you'd like a new friend."
At the mention of the word, though, Ana's face fell a little.
"A friend, huh?" Ana lowered the tiger to her lap.
"I think I've had enough of friends."
"Oh?" Did I do something wrong? Mykhol couldn't understand. He thought she would love the toy. That she would be happy and kiss his cheek in thank you.
Anything but this. Mykhol took the tiger from Ana's hands. He placed it standing on a pillow.
"Well," Mykhol began after a moment. "You'll always have me."
Mykhol brushed more hair behind Ana's ear. It felt silky smooth to the touch. And Mykhol secretly liked to touch it now. He looked for any excuse to get his hands on it.
But Ana never seemed comfortable about it. She twitched and stiffened at the sensation but said nothing.
"Stop. I'm trying to sleep." Ana shifted. Mykhol just picked up another curl. It twirled between his fingers.
"Go on ahead. Don't mind me." Mykhol flicked the hair. He could see Ana suck in her lips with annoyance.
It wasn't until he picked up another curl that she huffed.
"Fine. I'm up." Ana threw open the covers.
"It's too early to deal with your shenanigans, cousin."
"Excellent!" Mykhol didn't miss a beat. "Then, what's today's schedule."
Mykhol was up. He didn't even think before pulling Ana into his arms to carry her like a bride. Ana immediately frowned at that with a kick.
"I have legs, cousin." Ana rolled her eyes. "I can walk."
"Nope. Not on today's agenda." Mykhol laughed and shifted Ana into his chest.
"Cousin," Ana slumped in his arms. But he could see he was going to win this one. It was too early to start up a tantrum of hers anyway. And he was too needy. She could only submit.
"How about breakfast?" Mykhol quipped.
Ana sighed.
"If that's what you want."
"It is." Mykhol chirped with a short pinch to Ana's leg. Ana hissed and smacked his shoulder.
"Ouch!" Mykhol yowled and carried her to the door.
"Wait!" Naska jumped in their way. She threw on a nervous smile.
"You-you can't just leave yet. You just got here and- and, I still need to bathe and dress her Empress."
But as Naska planned, Mykhol walked past her.
"I don't think that's necessary. It's just going to be us."
"Not..?" Naska's face fell. Her scheme already shattering. But she wasn't about to give up yet.
"Your Empress, what about you?" Naska turned with new hope. "You want to dress before you go, right?"
"Perhaps I should?" Ana couldn't help but notice Naska so invested in her as if she were caring about her now. Ana considered her anew.
"Naska-"
"I'll bring her back after." Mykhol cut in. He then winked to Naska. "I promise."
"Lord Mykhol." Naska's face brightened with hope. Her change was so quick that Ana was left speechless.
Mykhol, meanwhile, boasted as he carried Ana out.
I like this new maid. Mykhol thought. She'll be easy to use.
They couldn't have picked a better one. He would need to congratulate his mother. The maid was going to be such a nice and stupid spy for them.
As Mykhol began to carry Ana down the hall. He could quickly see the shocked looks of the maids and servants. They looked aghast to see the severely undressed Empress being held. But their shocked faces soon became knowing smirks.
"There they go again." Mykhol heard a maid whisper as they walked through the hall.
Mykhol smiled at them, and they blushed.
"Look at that. Poor Lord Mykhol must have to put up with her." Another came.
"I daresay she's clinging to him even more, don't you think?"
"She's not even dressed."
"What a spoilt child."
"She must be that enraptured with him, is all."
Mykhol had to swallow his laughter. He felt giddy. It wouldn't be long before today's event spread through the palace. Everyone would be gossiping about them together.
Mykhol was again making it look like Ana depended on him. No, even better than that.
She needs me. Mykhol smiled wickedly.
Mykhol gripped Ana's legs a little tighter. Closer, Ana could feel his heartbeat quicken. She looked over at him quizzically.
Behind him, she could see two maids pointing at them. As soon as she made eye contact, they dispersed. But Ana only caught more doing the same.
Ana rolled her eyes but did nothing more. She could hear their whispers—all ridiculous. But at the moment, she couldn't muster the energy to care.
"It's too early for all this. "Ana lowered her head to Mykhol's shoulder. She listened to Mykhol breathe in step. The sound was rhythmic, like a lullaby.
Unconsciously, she clung a little tighter to Mykhol, making him gloat even more.
Things are only going to get better from here on. Mykhol couldn't be happier. He was finally getting the one thing he wanted most.
My Ana.