*Nicoli*
"Hello everyone!" Nicoli waved and greeted the servants as he passed. They met his smile and stopped with the expectation that he would come to chat. Many looked forward to the boy's conversations.
"No, sorry, I'm busy." Nicoli only shook his head after them and kept moving. There was no stopping for him today.
Talking to them, though delightful, would just slow him down. And he wasn't interested in talking to anyone but Ana.
For someone so young, Nicoli was quite sure of himself in that regard. Ana was the best. And he wanted to use his energy towards her first.
"My lord," Thomas stood up from his resting spot to open the bedroom door. He feigned like he was awake all the while waiting. But Nicoli wasn't fooled because he could see the droll dried on the side of his face.
Mother would be livid if she knew he was sleeping on the job. But Nicoli didn't mind. He wished Thomas would keep sleeping. It made everything easier.
"Thomas," Nicoli greeted, watching the door open.
Inside, Nicoli was met with a bare room save for furniture. All the toys Nicoli had when he was younger were long gone now. They were taken away one day when Nicoli was out playing.
It made for quite a terrible surprise. But Nicoli was told to quell his tears. His mother had ordered them all thrown out.
"Nine-year-olds need proper rooms." That is what she had said. So Nicoli's toys were taken and replaced with books and instruments. All without Nicoli's say. Poor Nicoli had quite the shock that day.
But now, Nicoli's shock was a distant expectation. His room was more of a library than comfortable. And he had had no appetite for music.
Overall, it was a waste, save for one thing. The new writing desk provided had proven itself the best contribution.
"My lord," Thomas went to sound important and busy, "Shall I bring tea?"
"No. I want to be alone." Nicoli walked past.
"Alone? Again?" The older man frowned at that. He seemed to not like being left outside for whatever reason. But Nicoli didn't care to ask.
"Very well. Then, I will be on call." Thomas, instead, bowed, hiding the annoyance on his face.
Nicoli waited until Thomas closed the door before he started. With the door closed, Nicoli sprang to his bed to find the one loose bedpost. It twisted off to reveal the empty tube. Nicoli reached in to pull out the small bear.
It's still safe. Nicoli thought with relief. No one had found it yet again. Hopefully, no one will. The bear was the only thing Nicoli still had.
The broach Ana had given him on his birthday was 'misplaced' shortly after. And the letters Nicoli had from her were ruined by water somehow.
It was like something was intentionally destroying everything of hers. But fortunately, the bear was the only thing still intact. And Nicoli worked hard to keep it out of harm's way.
I can't afford to have something happen to you, too. So Nicoli thought, looking at the bear with warmth.
"Good Afternoon, friend." Nicoli greeted, noting the little blue bow. It was untied again. The silk ribbon refused to stay neat.
"Get yourself together, man." Nicoli fussed. "Honestly, what am I to do with you."
Nicoli carried the bear over to the desk. He attempted to work the ribbon but it was always so slippery and difficult to listen. The color was right but the fabric was awful. But at last, he knotted the bow to his satisfaction before sitting the bear in front of him.
"So," Nicoli started with consideration."What should we write about this time?" Nicoli waited before nodding. "You're right. We've already talked about how lessons have been going. And I drew up all those bears to show her how better I've gotten."
Nicoli then paused to recall how long it took to draw all of them. It wasn't easy, but Nicoli was happy with the results. His bears were almost perfect now.
"She'll have to notice that."And not say their dogs like last time. Nicoli thought. I wish I could ask her what she thinks.
It felt like so long since they last spoke. Nicoli longed to hear her or even see her. Yet, it seemed like it seldom happened. That they never really met.
But that can't be. Nicoli knew. He moved to touch his lips. They tingled as he remembered his birthday. Back then, he kissed Ana to thank her for the bear. But that wasn't their first kiss.
Ana kissed me that night. Nicoli remembered. But again, did it happen? It felt so long ago.
Could it all have been a dream? Nicoli's thoughts lingered. What a weird dream to have.
Nicoli looked to the window to see himself in the glass. He was a different person from that night. Nicoli had thinned down what his father called 'baby fat in the face.
His mother now called him 'handsome.' And servants seemed to whisper the same. But Nicoli didn't notice a significant change. And it wasn't their opinion that mattered.
"What do you look like now?" Nicoli asked the bear. That's what he wanted to know. But there was a problem. He couldn't find out.
It's not like I can look at a portrait. Nicoli thought. Vampires are weird about that.
"They believe dead people can still see through paintings of themselves," Nicoli told the bear. He then sighed.
So I can only find out if I see her in person. Nicoli thought heavily.
"Unless she comes to Dawny-" Nicoli prodded the bear's chubby belly. "I don't know what she'll even look like."
This sucks. Nicoli sighed and lowered his head to his hands. He looked at the bear, disenchanted. "But I want to know."
I want to see you. Nicoli thought. He wanted to know what she would think of him. Would she call me handsome? Like the others do?
"Or-" Nicoli stopped as something clicked. "I know. I'll ask her what she looks like." Nicoli grabbed his quill and began to write. Writing question after question furiously.
Midway, he stopped as a new idea came to him.
"All because she can't doesn't mean I can't." Nicoli looked at the bear and grew a smile. It was brilliant.
Why didn't I think of this before?
"I need to find Papa." Nicoli hopped down, forgetting the letter. He quickly shoved the bear into his coat pocket. And then he was off rushing to the door.
"My lord?" Thomas, startled, jolted up from his spot. His droll slightly out again. "Are you- where are you off to?"
"Can't talk. Need to find papa." Nicoli rushed past. He ran down and out of sight. Nicoli didn't bother with the door, expecting Thomas to close it for him.
"Ah," Thomas sighed and shook his head. He watched Nicoli turn the corner. The boy was too innocent sometimes for his own good.
"Better get to it, then." Thomas begrudgingly turned. He walked into the room and quietly closed the door behind him.
-x-
"Papa!" Nicoli shouted, coming closer. The strategy room was ahead but the door was still closed. The meeting was still in session. But Nicoli paid no heed and threw open the doors.
"Papa!" The council turned at the sudden intrusion. They gawked at the outlandish behavior. But Nicoli didn't notice. He rushed forward.
"Nicoli?" His Father lifted a brow. "What is this now? Why are you yelling?"
"Papa! Can I have my miniature done? And do it now?"
"I…You can. I don't see why not. But what for?" His Father furrowed his brows but shrugged. Nicoli grew a proud, toothy smile.
"I'm gonna send it to Ana." Nicoli voiced with a swell in his chest."So she'll know what I look like."
"You-?" His father opened his mouth in surprise. But then turned to smile down at him. He moved to rustle Nicoli's brown curls.
"I'll send for an artist today." His father replied with almost as much energy. "Indeed, Philpé should be free to start quite soon."
"Yes!" Nicoli squealed with a jump. But just as he celebrated, he then was off again. His father raised a brow.
"Where are you off to now?"
"I have to finish my letter," Nicoli called over his shoulder, running back. He could feel his heart race as he ran down the hall. He was excited and couldn't wait to start.
Ana will love it! Nicoli thought. Maybe she'll even send one back? Nicoli dared to hope.
Either way, Nicoli felt like he was a step closer. Finally, he had found a way to reach her. Ana was just a little closer to him.
Upon coming back to the room, Nicoli noticed a maid. It was the blond.
"My lord," Doxy smiled and turned pink. "You look handsome today."
"Thank you, Doxy," Nicoli spoke but looked around. He didn't see Thomas anywhere.
"Did Thomas go?"
"He left to see the queen for something," Doxy replied. "I was asked to switch."
"Ah, okay." Nicoli nodded, not caring. It was better for him if Thomas wasn't around. Nicoli had never outgrown his weariness for the man.
But Doxy is fine. Nicoli thought easily. The blond was simple enough to distract with a smile. And she wouldn't ask questions. So Nicoli could write his letter in peace.
Peace and hopefully more to come. Nicoli felt his chest swell at the idea. Things were finally going to happen.