The Popular One

*King Alexander*

As Alexander pandered across the lawn and small white tables set up, he couldn't help the prideful smile from spreading up on his tanned cheeks. The sight of the crowd ahead was enough to swell his chest up. Both his children had stolen the spotlight of the party. And if it wasn't obvious before, seeing how the girls surrounded both of them (aside from the few who dared talk to the giant queen) was proof enough.

My children are popular. Alexander beamed. But was that a surprise to anyone? He didn't need to think long on that answer. 

Of course, they would be. He never doubted it for a second. Because one only needed to look after both of his children and be instantly charmed off their feet. 

Why Nicoli alone was already proving himself at the age of only 9, what with his quick smile and charismatic sapphire eyes, all traits from the one and only, on top of a quick wit from his mother, Nicoli was already promising to be twice the man Alexander was. And then there was his beautiful Anastasia. 

Ana was looking more and more like her mother in every way except for her glistening waves of Argentum hair. But even that held its charm as the silvery strands accentuated the intensity of her deep-set, bloodred eyes. Leaving anyone who had the blessing to meet them a lasting image that is both delicate and captivating, like a flower blooming by the light of the moon.

So, needless to say, Alexander didn't have to worry about their need for a social life. He was sure wherever they went, everyone would stop to look after them. They wouldn't have to try to get attention. Both could make friends easily.

Or suitors.

Alexander couldn't help but overhear what a gaggle of girls were gushed about as he passed. It seemed the conversation of marriage had come up. And Alexander couldn't help but give a gentle shake of his head.

So young yet already optimistic.

It was clear to him that their parents knew what this party was already for. And they made sure to capitalize on it. Any and every advantage they could, they used. Dressing the girls, not ladies, up to look like some. Everything was done on purpose. Nothing left to chance, from the top of their matching hats to their soft curls.

But despite the amount of tulle and hoop skirts, Alexander could still see what they were. Just children playing dress up. It was the parents who vied for the throne.

My poor boy. 

Alexander couldn't help but pity his son. He was such a good-looking lad. And then to be the next heir to the throne? That would only mean one thing.

Many ladies would fight over him. And such fights were vicious. Alexander could still remember his dating years. 

More like a battleground. Alexander mused. The women were at each other's throats. One, in particular, being his current wife.

Belinda was quite the formidable fighter back then. Alexander shuddered at the memory. It sometimes left his head at how vicious Belinda could be. What she was capable of if put into a corner. But that worked out in the end for her, didn't it?

Belinda got what she wanted, managing to make it on top despite the other's attempts. She had beaten back all the others. Making it to becoming his fiancee.

Until Parsul came to ask for help that day, Alexander shifted the corner of his lips down at the bittersweet memory. That simple plea for his help would forever change the course of all their lives. Its effects still ripple to this very day. 

Even now, Alexander could feel the weight of his decision. But if he had to choose again, he could choose differently. He wouldn't.

And I needn't worry about Nicoli. 

Alexander could see Nicoli was already skilled. He was able to charm the maids into doing as he wished. And he practically owned the kitchen. 

Not to mention how he can work his mother. Alexander had seen for himself how the boy could craft a smile and make her melt. And he was just 9. Imagine what kind of heartbreaker he'd be at 18.

So, yes, Nicoli could maneuver himself well enough. Alexander wasn't concerned for him. He'll do just fine. The child he needed to worry about, however, was another story.

Ana may have looked like her mother, but she did not inherit Parsul's backbone. She was not a fighter like her. Thus, Alexander knew he would need to be more hands-on. But the task did not daunt him.

Instead, he looked forward to seeing his daughter well and happy.

When Ana is ready, I'll ensure only the best candidates can be introduced.

Alexander was already planning everything out. No one would get to her without his approval. He would screen everyone and anyone who would so much as glance at her. He had to. As he was sure, things had not improved since Madeline was there. 

And that was five years ago. Alexander furrowed his brows. He could only imagine the state of things now. So it was all the more reason he needed to ensure Ana was taken care of. 

As her father, I can do no less. Alexander affirmed. And there was already a certain pest he was more than ready to get rid of. Speaking of which-

It did not take Alexander long to find the red hair. The teen was speaking with Belinda. A light sort of conversation seemed to be taking place between them, something innocent enough. Just what nobles, even vampires and humans, could do, as expected. Mykhol had even brought his maid along. 

The maid is rather unfit for her role, though. Alexander noted. She stood a step back, rocking on her feet, before picking at her nails with her teeth. A bored expression is easy to read on her face. But she seemed harmless enough, unlike her master.

Alexander paused to take in the said teen thoroughly. And it didn't take long before his gaze was noticed. Mykhol, as if knowing his stare, turned his head. His bloodred eyes, the same color as Ana's, glowed back at him as they met. But where Alexander was thrilled to meet Ana's, his only made his stomach turn. 

And then, like that, Mykhol went back to speaking to Belinda as if nothing were wrong. 

"I really don't like him." Alexander gruffed under his breath.

But he forced his head forward. Because looking after the teen would only upset him further, it was just a shame he was here, to begin with, like the one single cloud on this perfect sunny day.

How he wished he hadn't come with her. It would have been better to come alone than with him. Alexander thought, scanning the cluster of girls for the red shawl. And just in time, he caught a new pair of red eyes. Ana was looking his way.

Alexander couldn't help but warm up at the coincidence. 

My sweet little baby girl-

"Oh?" Alexander dropped his jaw a little as Ana suddenly looked down. And then she was turning away.

What's all this, then? Alexander felt the slight. What was causing this behavior?

Before, last night in the garden, he had thought something amiss. But he had explained it off as just being startled being caught outside. Then, at the table, he thought she was just overwhelmed. Alexander assumed he was overthinking things, but was he right? 

Is… Ana avoiding me? It made Alexander grow curious to find the cause. And this motivated him to pick up his boots to step a little quicker towards them.

"Your Majesty," Young girls curtsied as he passed. Alexander waved but didn't stop to talk to them. He walked up to stop just behind her. 

"Daughter," Alexander called, purposely checking to make sure his voice was warm and, most importantly, harmless. But it didn't seem to work. Because he could see Ana jump a little in response. And then, slowly, as if forcing herself, she turned her head up, face pale as she swallowed.

"King…Alexander," Ana irked out in a strained tone, and Alexander had to fight the urge to frown right there.

King? Did she call him King? Not 'papa' or 'daddy.' It just felt so cold and icy.

Since when did I become 'king' to you? Alexander felt his heart itch. Where was the formality coming from? 

"Anastasia," Alexander held out his hand. 

"Ah?" Again, Ana jumped a little. Then she blinked at his hand like some animal. Too afraid to touch it.

Oh yeah, she's avoiding me. Alexander didn't have to question it now. But this only made him more worried.

"Walk with me," Alexander then reached out. It was to the point his hand was right in front of her face. She couldn't do anything but take it. That or risk publicly snubbing him.

But Alexander didn't think she would. Not here. And sure enough, he was right, as Ana seemed to waver at last.

"Ah, yes," Ana' voice was small, but she moved. Alexander could feel her soft hand tremble as she placed it over his. And it made his heart sink again wondering what the hell had happened. 

But Alexander returned to smile at the crowd. He knew they weren't alone. It was necessary to put on a show.

"Forgive me, Ladies." Alexander turned to the gaggle of girls. Nicoli and Hidi were now with them in their stare.

"Mind if I steal my daughter a moment?"

"Dad," Nicoli pouted, but he seemed the only protester.

"I'll bring her back." Alexander toned with a wink, making the boy sigh but nod after.

"Don't take long." And Nicoli smiled at Ana. Ana returned a small smile. But as quickly as it came, it drew back as they moved.

Alexander couldn't help but note the heavy atmosphere that seemed to fall over them. Ana was growing graver as if she were walking to her own gallows. And that made his chest tighten. He didn't like this. But he couldn't show it. Not yet, at least. They were almost where he needed them to be.

Then we will speak, and I will get to the bottom of this-

"Your Majesty?" Ana's voice was so small he almost missed it. But Alexander caught it. And eagerly turned to find her waiting.

"Where… are you taking us?"

"You'll see." Alexander moved her hand to crook around his arm. But it proved to be an uncomfortable stretch due to her height, so he quickly moved to take her wrist tenderly instead.

The change seemed to immediately help, as Ana seemed to walk a bit easier like this, but she stiffened soon after. Her red eyes widened at the sight of the maze's entrance.

"Are we…going in there?" Her voice slightly shook at the end, color draining from her face as she asked. Again, Alexander felt a pang in his heart. Her behavior was clearly altered. And it was all he could do to just breathe and control the storm inside him. 

"Come." He went at last and led them through the threshold.