Private Peek-a-Boo

* Mykhol?*

"Where are you off to?"

Mykhol's fingers jerked, finishing the last button on his tunic, hearing her sudden voice break through the quiet room. He had thought she would sleep longer than that, but the vanities mirror betrayed Naska propping to her elbows on the chaise lounge. Her thick brick-colored hair half shielded her naked chest as she looked after him.

"Where else ?" Mykhol spoke dryly before rubbing a grey shadow under his eyes.

"No, stay with me," Naska pouted, shifting her shoulders to rock her heavy breasts to make his eye stall on the round flesh. Her smile curved provocatively in the mirror. And for a moment, the 19-year-old did embrace the idea. Letting his mind revisit their previous excursions. But the ding of the mechanical clock was enough to bring him back.

"I'll pass." Mykhol pressed on the black cavalier hat neatly over his red hair. His fingertips tilted it down. The dynamic angle gave his firm features a more enticing and arcane appeal. A quality he thought suited him quite well. 

Mykhol took one last look in the mirror, smoothing out his blue tunic in inspection, before nodding with approval. His handsome twin smirked back at him through the glass. Seeming to think the same. Yes, this would do nicely. 

Seeing his costume finished, there was no more need to linger. Mykhol turned to cross the faded rug, intending that to be it. But Naska let out a startled cry, seeing him go, and desperately shot up to reach for his hand. 

"But Mykhol-" 

"Just be quiet and tidy the room while I'm gone," 

"And never use my name again.." Mykhol stared her down, eyes burrowing deep into her wide face. " Do you understand?"

Naska flinched under his gaze, her pale eyes wide, but eventually, Mykhol got what he wanted out of her. "Yes…my lord." 

"Good girl," Mykhol had to smile a little at the victory. But another chime of the clock announced he was running late. He needed to go.

Ana's room was within yards of his own. He didn't need more than three steps out onto the thread-bare runner to find her wooden door closed. Their 'rooms' were uncommonly close for even guests. 

But it wasn't the only odd thing Mykhol noticed about their 'residence' in the great Dawny castle. 

The walls around them were sparse at best, a few paintings hung on the walls, but carelessly, as if someone just didn't want them on the floor. And that wasn't the only thing wrong with the decor. It was old. A musky smell tinged the air around them with a hint of old wine. 

This was either a very old spot of the castle or seldom used. 

More like forgotten. Mykhol thought, scanning the empty hall. Far away and out of mind, like the discarded trunks tucked in corners of the hall. The vampire had to smile at that. 

Touché, Queen Belinda. He would have to remember to thank her later for such pettiness.

 "Cousin?" Mykhol called out through the wooden door, his claws lightly grazing its cracked paint as he waited. But when no answer came, he ventured for the knob.

"Cousin, are you ready-" Mykhol's voice cut off abruptly when the door opened wide enough to reveal the occupant inside.

Ana was standing in front of her vanity. She was changing. Or struggling, too. Mykhol noted the sound of her frustrated little gasps parting those blossom pink lips. But still, the sight of the usually stoic girl was enough to stop him. Mesmerized.

Mykhol's breath caught as he pushed the door wider. Revealing more of the petite girl, seemingly unaware of her thin blue shift. She was focused on her task, body shifting carelessly to expose curves in her delicate movements. All making Mykhol's eyes widen, entranced, taking it all in, like the first time.

Since when had Ana grown so much? Mykhol felt his eyes crawl over her delicate physique. How did he miss it somehow? 

Mykhol could see how Ana's body morphed with a golden ratio, an hourglass figure starting to form under the shift. In time, it would blossom. Ana was well on her way to becoming quite the woman.

And if she is anything like her mother was...Mykhol swallowed at the memory of his late aunt. She was a beauty too. And with that moonlight hair of hers-

"Damn it." The soft, abrupt curse nearly made Mykhol fall over, reeling in shock.

What? Mykhol blinked with a start, looking back to the only source. Catching her cherub face scrunched up with frustration. 

Since when can my sweet cousin swear?

Mykhol watched that frustrated look on Ana's face pull down her silver brows again as she bit her lower lip. It seemed she was struggling now. She had managed to put on the iron hoop skirt by herself, but now she couldn't get the white dress over it. And the more she pulled and failed, the more her face flushed pink with each try.

Your arms are too short, silly. Mykhol thought with a silent chuckle. She'd never be able to get dressed by herself that way.

Perhaps I should help? Mykhol thought and then sighed, seeing his little show would have to be over. But casting one more look her way, he could see it was for the best. Ana needed help. And he was happy to give it. 

Mykhol turned to tap his knuckles against the door frame to immediately have the girl straighten up.

"Naska?" Ana whipped the braid around her neck as she turned, her mouth open as if excited and breathless. But as soon as her doe-like eyes connected with his, her smile fell. The excitement traded for a look of measured disappointment.

Mykhol couldn't help but feel a pull of dissatisfaction tug underneath his ribs, watching the quick change. But he managed to keep his expression still. Only breaking to string up his characteristic smile. 

"No, just me, I'm afraid." Mykhol vouched with his usual charm, moving to close the door behind him. He mentally had to remind himself not to look past her collarbone. Any further than that would be…a problem.

"Where's Naska?" Ana turned back to the mirror, moving to grab the white cloth again. A quick hiss of frustration pushed through her teeth as it got stuck on one of the iron ribs. 

"She went to see if you needed help, didn't she?"

"Oh, yes., that's right," Mykhol agreed, checking his face not to reveal the mischievous grin that dangerously wanted to come out just now. Yes, Naska did come to 'help.' And then some.

But that was not for Ana's ears. Mykhol knew. She was still innocent. 

He paced closer to the vanity, squeaking his leather boots against the dried wood. "I suppose she's hiding out in my room." 

"Hiding in your?" The girl blinked twice before letting out a deep sigh. "Naska." She then furrowed her brows as if vexed. Her lips pressed together in afterthought then, looking quietly over the skirt and then to the top layers that still lay on the chair next to her queen-sized bed, overstuffed in pillows that didn't quite match the color scheme. Another subtle note is that the rooms were more thrown together than properly furnished.

Mykhol took note to follow her glance and held his breath expectantly. 

Go on, ask me for help. Mykhol thought and waited. But Ana seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Her vermillion eyes clouded over with suggestions and notions. It was almost like she forgot he was standing right next to her.

And the longer he waited, the more Mykhol couldn't help but twitch at that.

Don't tell me you forgot I was here? The teen didn't know whether to be in shock or start yelling. No other person he knew could ever forget he was there. Everyone loved him, sought him out, wanted to touch him, talk to him.

So How could you- Mykhol bit down the frustrated groan before losing his temper. He moved on his own. Hands snatched the dress from the hoop to hold out. It was a thick lace of white and lined with fur. It felt heavy but pretty, just like her.

"Here, let me." Mykhol volunteered with a grin extra sweet, holding it up to slip over her head. Ana paused for only a moment but nodded, a slight smile gracing her lips before she outstretched her arms. The dress slipped over her smoothly before he moved to start pulling it down to cover all the underlayers.

"Thank you." 

"Of course." Mykhol piped up, moving back to his feet once the dress completely and appropriately covered her. The sound of her voice ringing happily in his ears.

It's a good thing I'm here. Mykhol beamed, finding pride in being useful. And he was. Ana would never have been able to dress without him. Surely, Ana would appreciate him greatly for his timely arrival. He was a hero in her time of need.

Perhaps even give me a thank you kiss? It wouldn't hurt to hope, and Mykhol leaned down, just in case she felt the urge. But Ana just blinked after him.

"What are you doing?" 

"That," Mykhol scrunched his nose a little, fighting back the urge to groan. No, of course, she wouldn't kiss him. And he sighed, thinking himself foolish for even hoping. He only pressed that smile of his back on again, stepping around to stand behind her to finish fastening the dress.

Mykhol paused as his eyes found the pleats that ran to just above her hips. He carefully shifted the rope to rest over her right shoulder, the smell of sandalwood hitting his senses, before he moved for the pearl buttons.

"You braided your hair?"The note of surprise was clear in his tone. He hadn't seen Ana in braids for years. 

Not since the death of that nasty human maid. What was her name again? He couldn't remember. Not that it mattered now. They were not supposed to speak of the dead, anyway. Mykhol thought, catching Ana shaking her head in the glass.

"Hidi- no, I mean Her Majesty Queen Hildenberg did," 

"Hildenberg?" Mykhol paused his fingertips to regard her with a curious brow. "Did she?"

"She did," Ana answered. She then seemed to bite her lower lip a beat before going on softer. "She…is not what I expected as a queen."

Mykhol only scuffed, returning to the buttons.

"Almony is not a normal country," Mykhol replied cooly."They are ruled by queens, not kings."

"I didn't know Queen Hildenberg took power." Ana turned to face Mykhol, her scarlet eyes steady as she met his gaze. 

"Why wasn't I told of the succession?"

Damn it. Mykhol muttered under his breath. But he had anticipated this, but he still feigned innocence with a shrug.

"Honestly, I didn't think you would care for such things," Mykhol remarked cooly. He leaned down to pick up the next layer of the dress to tie on, but the girl swiveled to look directly up at him.

"What do you mean 'not care'?" Ana quipped with a steely gaze. "Of course, I would. I have to. I am Empress. I need to know such things." She shook her head to make loose spirals dance over her brow as she grew more vexed.

"Especially if it's over the next ruler of Almony. Our bordering neighbor. I felt so foolish that I didn't know."

"Don't be mad, cousin. I meant no harm." Mykhol offered peacefully, holding up his palms before returning to the fallen layer to tie into a butterfly bow. 

"You know I would never do that." He continued throwing up a smile that was meant to disarm her. It did with every other girl. But once again, his cousin was immune. She only scowled back at him with her lower lip pouting out.

"From this time forward. I expect all matters to be relayed to me. All of them." Ana spoke firmly.

"Yes, yes." Mykhol nodded, half listening. He moved to touch the skirt, but Ana stopped him. Her thin fingers curled over his. Mykhol felt his heart skip at the touch before hearing her go on.

"I am Empress. I need to know everything. Even if you think I wouldn't. It's not up to you to decide. I must know."

Ana fixed her gaze on Mykhol, staring up at him intently. Again, Mykhol could feel his breath hitch before his fangs sharpened. The way the pale girl was looking up at him made his very soul quiver. How her beautiful deep caverns of red and black seemed to drag him under, pulling him down until there was no light, no day, just her. Only her.

Ana… Mykhol's fingers twitched, but he resisted at the last moment, not wanting to press his luck.

"Of course, my Empress." Mykhol went instead and made a show of devotion. He fell to one knee, hand over his heart before looking up at her fervently.

"And long may you reign." His words vibrated against his lips, a bittersweet taste on the tip of his tongue, tasting just a part truth to that.

"Enough, Cousin." Ana softened at the sight. She stepped back from him to cross her arms over her chest as if the issue was resolved. She was back to her usual pragmatic self once more. Glancing an eye over him with a tinge of curiosity.

"What brings you to my room, anyway?"

Mykhol stood to his feet to throw back his arms before taking a spin. "I wanted to show you my costume. " 

Ana blinked a moment. "A Pirate?"

"A Bulgeon." 

Ana blinked again before sighing. "I'm not surprised." But despite her disappointment, Ana motioned to the dress, and Mykhol was quick to fix it again, smoothing out the bunched-up fabric.

"Cousin must understand me well, then. ." And Mykhol couldn't help but beam. "That makes me happy." 

He stood back to take in Ana now, properly dressed. Both the dress and bottom were white. But Mykhol had to furrow a brow.

"But alas, What is your costume?"

Ana moved to pull up her gold chains. She clicked them in place while adjusting the white shawl over her head. It, too, was see-through. Mykhol could see the braid. And her hair color, dulled by the white, was still visible underneath.

"A bride." 

"A…bride?" Mykhol dropped his jaw a little.

"Yes, Hidi-Hildenberg helped pick it out."

"A bride?" Mykhol repeated. 

"Cousin?" Ana peered up at him. "Is something wrong?"

"I could have dressed as your bridegroom."

And much more. But Mykhol would not say that part. He only felt the need to look over Ana. She looked sweet and innocent in all that white.

And white stains so beautiful with blood. Mykhol smirked quietly at the moment.

"Ana-" 

The deep, hollow creak made Mykhol's gaze shoot upward. His eyes darted anxiously across the room, searching for that thin outline of a secret door. His hand instinctively clenched by his side as he strained to catch any sign of movement. 

Ana, meanwhile, followed his gaze. But soon grew confused.

"Mykhol?" She asked softly. "What is it?"

Mykhol couldn't help but keen in his sharp ears. Waiting to hear the next creak, or the next soft breath, that someone could be hiding. But as he held his breath to sift through the white noise, he could hear nothing. 

It could just be the castle shifting. Mykhol argued, giving up for the time being. 

Instead, he looked back to Ana. His arm extended to her to take and cover her hand in his.

"Nothing, I just heard a rat in the wall."

"A rat?" Ana raised her brow but left the question as the knock thumped from behind them. 

"Is it Naska?" Ana voiced, and Mykhol shrugged

"Yes, you must be right." She might be dressed by now. Mykhol assumed. 

"Let's go see, shall we?" And the two turned, Mykhol extended his hand out to turn the knob, pulling it back with a small gust of wind, only to wish he hadn't as he found a pair of sapphire eyes glaring back at him.