Child's Games

*Ana* 

I didn't think it was possible, but after the initial days chaos of my first blood, things have, strange as it sounds, settled into a routine. It's rhythm, something I enjoy, a highlight of my quarantine.

Like clockwork, Hidi and Nicoli visit, spending time with me through games, conversation, reading (though Nicoli does not enjoy it, and Hidi only favors books on war and strategy.) Later today, I suspect I'll have my usual visit with Father.

As usual, I find myself at the window. Today is humid, the sunshine intense and radiating waves of heat. The scent of freshly cut grass mingles with damp earth and the soft sweetness of flowers. Half leaning over the sill with the cup pressed into my ear, I gaze over the white tent below. 

It's furnished like a miniature house, carpets spread over the grass, a round table, two chairs, and a trunk of games to pick from. Both chairs are occupied, a game board between them.

Hidi has foregone her hoopskirt today, opting for a mint-green empire-waist gown. Her hair is loosely braided into a fishtail, wisps of blonde curling around her peridot eyes. Nicoli, meanwhile, has already kicked off his boots, sitting cross-legged in his chair. His navy jacket lies crumbled on the ground, his cotton vest unbuttoned. The pomade in his hair has worn off, leaving wild curls bouncing with every movement. 

I watch as Nicoli moves his pieces, before I frown with a huff. He is doing it again. The chain on my shawl shakes as I reach for the cup. 

"You can't play like that, Nicoli. Those are not the rules." He can't keep cheating- it's a bad habit, and I have to keep reminding him. 

He waves a hand dismissively before speaking into the cup. "Yes, I can." 

Nicoli smiles up at me. Almost convincing, but there it is-the unmistakable smirk curving at the corner of his lips. I narrow my scarlet eyes at him. I will not fall for your tricks, brother. 

"No, Hidi said- Hidi?" I turn to the giant for confirmation. 

"Hm?" Hidi blinks as if pulled from a thought.

"You said no sevens." 

Hidi shrugs, leaning back on a pillow. "Heh, I guess I did. You can't use that card, then." 

"What do you mean? Whose side are you on?" Nicoli turns on her, miffed. 

"Yours. Mostly." Hidi smiles but then turns to wink at me. "But Ana is so cute-" 

"Don't you start-" Nicoli crosses his arms, glaring at Hidi. Hidi, however, remains entirely unbothered, fanning herself lazily.

I shake my head at their antics. She's only playing, but Nicoli falls for it every time.

"Hey! I'm talking to you!" Nicoli starts rearing up, abruptly, the French doors open, and a blond maid, Doxy, bounds up the path. Her ponytail bounces with each step, shifting her long black dress and apron. Her white cap slightly crooked.

"Lunch, your majesties-er you both." Doxy chirps, loud enough that I don't need the cup to hear. 

"Oh? Is it that time already?" I glance back at the grandfather clock. It's past noon, we've been playing since morning. Time passes so quickly. I'm impressed, but Nicoli is already pouting. 

"But I don't want to," Nicoli protests, crossing his arms and looking to Hidi for support, which I know she will. She seems to enjoy saying no to people, I've noticed. But I don't want to make Doxy's job any harder, so I cut in. 

"It's fine. You guys eat. We can continue this after." 

Nicoli gapes at me before his brows knit together. "But Ana-"

 But his voice cuts off as I latch the window closed, signaling my decision. He'll try to persuade me, but I won't be swayed this time. I watch them leave the tent after Doxy, my hand lingering on the cup.

"I'll just…" My voice trails off as I stare at the empty string. With their absence, the room suddenly feels smaller. "Be here." 

"Don't sound so depressed, cousin." 

"Mykhol?" I turn in surprise. I'd nearly forgotten about him.

He lounges on the couch, back against the cushions. His neatly combed hair is parted down the middle, emphasizing his high cheekbones and sharp jawline. Golden hoops glitter against his pointed ears. He wears another elaborate tunic, this one embroidered with silver-threaded trees on an ultramarine background—a beautiful Nochten gown, wasted when no one but Naska and I will see it.

He should leave. Spend time outside. Take a walk in the maze. I don't understand why he stays here with me day after day.

He doesn't need to. I will be fine on my own. He can leave- 

"Everyone will think you don't like being with me." Mykhol smirks, his crimson eyes twinkling.

"Why would you think that?" I start, surprised. How did he know I was thinking he should go?

"I wonder…" Mykhol flicks his gaze to Naska, who is muttering under her breath, lost in her sewing. Sweat beads on her forehead, thick hair clinging to her temples.

"Naska?" Mykhol calls, snapping her to attention.

"My lord?" Naska blinks, eyes wide, as if pulled from deep thought.

Mykhol, smirks, motioning to the empty glass on the tray. The rim was slightly brown from dried and clotted blood. 

"I think it's time for another cup, don't you?"His voice carries amusement. Naska's face falls. She stares after the glass before realizing he's right.

"I'll go get some more blood, then," she says, wiping her forehead before rising.

"Wait, no! I'm not hungry-" I wave my hands to stop her, but she's already out the door.

Behind me, Mykhol laughs. "You're a bad liar, cousin."

I sigh, frowning. "I'm not."

Mykhol pats the seat beside him. "Sit."

Reluctantly, I do.

He leans an arm across the back of the couch, shifting my shawl slightly. His gaze is steady as he speaks. "All because you don't drink doesn't make you any more human."

I sigh. "I know that." But my gut tightens at the memory of the ball—of Nicoli's stunned, frozen expression.

My stomach growls. I hadn't even noticed I was hungry.

I need to be more aware. I'm an adult now. This is my responsibility.

Mykhol watches me, mid stealing some toast from my old plate. "I wrote to my parents."

"You did?"

"They should start preparing things for us." He pauses mid-bite, eyes pointedly on me.

"For my coronation?"

"Yes…there's that." He finishes the toast, his gaze unwavering.

Something about his stare unsettles me. Am I forgetting something?

"What?" I prompt at last.

"It's nothing…" Mykhol says, but his tone betrays him—I can tell he's holding something back. He rubs his eyes, then scratches the back of his neck with a low exhale. His gaze flickers to me, then away, then back again.

"Mykhol?" I move closer. "You look bothered." 

"I'm just-" He exhales sharply. "All because you get to play with your little tele-what, I'm suddenly the third wheel."

Third wheel? I can't imagine Mykhol ever feeling that way.

"Mykhol, it's not like that at all. You know that—" I start, but before I can finish, his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his side. His scent—tobacco and pepper—fills my lungs, overwhelming my senses. I can hear the rush of blood in his veins, his heartbeat just a fraction quicker than before, as if excited to be this close.

"Then spend time with me," Mykhol demands softly, tilting his head to look at me. His crimson eyes lock onto mine, and then, just like that, he pouts—his lower lip plumping out in a way that makes him look almost childish.

"Spend time?" I echo, watching as he nods, the gold hoops in his ears clinking with each bob of his head.

"Yes. I want the rest of the afternoon."

"But I just told them-" I point up to the window but he cups my hand over with his, pushing it back down gently to my lap. 

"You can do that much, can't you? Unless your precious Nicoli is too important." Mykhol tightens his hold around me, pulling me even closer.

"That's-" My voice falters. I don't know what to do when he gets like this.

If he's this adamant about attention, I suddenly feel exhausted. I don't want to fight him-it's not a huge demand, not unreasonable. And yet… I had planned to spend time with them.

I sigh, already feeling it's easier to give in now than deal with a tantrum later.

"I…I'll tell them I want to be alone for the rest of the day."

"Good." Mykhol pulls me closer, then does something unexpected- he buries his head against my chest.

"Mykhol!?" I start, but he's already tugging me back down.

"You can always play cards with me," he suggests, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"I'm a good player." He beams at me.

I narrow my eyes. "No. I bet you cheat."

"I do."

"You're not even going to lie about it?" I scoff in disbelief.

"What? I'm honest." Mykhol flashes a roguish grin, his sharp canines peeking through.

"You're terrible," I mutter, shaking my head.

"Don't blame me. People just keep falling for my smile." He makes a show of pulling his signature court smile-lips curling into a sly grin, tongue wetting them before he purrs.

"They do whatever I ask."

"How sad for them," I deadpan. I can't believe anyone actually falls for this act. He looks so smug.

"Indeed." His smirk softens into something more coy, his crimson eyes studying me. "But you seem immune."

"Thank god."

Imagine if I weren't. I'd be in so much trouble. Mykhol would always get his way. He'd be absolutely unbearable.

"You dare—" Mykhol scowls playfully before launching his attack.

His hands snake down my sides, tickling mercilessly.

"Hey—stop—Mykhol!" I squirm, trying to get away, but he's fast. He pulls me into his lap, my skirt hiking up my legs as he continues.

"Mykhol—I can't breathe!" I gasp between laughter, but he doesn't let up. His fingers dig under my arms, slipping beneath the cotton sleeves to find bare skin.

"Say sorry," he demands, tickling relentlessly.

I'm crying with laughter now, trying to push him away, but he's stronger. He pulls me up until I'm straddling him.

"Mykhol—I can't," I gasp, breathless, my heart pounding in my ears. His own heartbeat is just as fast.

"Say it." Mykhol is laughing too—he's enjoying this way too much.

"Mykhol, please—I've had enough of your jokes." I try to push him away.

"But you're so soft, Anastasia," he teases, grinning.

"You're acting like a child!" I accuse, though a giggle escapes before I can stop it. He's found my weak spot again.

"Cousin, control yourself—"

Mykhol chuckles, but then his hands slow, settling across my stomach.

"Cousin," I murmur, catching my breath.

He shifts behind me, resting his head on my shoulder. The scent of burnt leaves and pepper surrounds me again. For a moment, neither of us speak. The only sound is the ticking of the clock.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Mykhol finally confesses:

"I can't stop myself when it comes to you." 

I scuff, rolling my eyes. Again with his jokes. 

"Then you should work on self-control." I retort back, expecting him to laugh. But he doesn't. 

Instead, he straightens, his crimson gaze fixed on me. He takes in my face, my hair-then his eyes drop to my lips. He licks his own, then lifts a hand, fingers threading through my messy braid.

His body shifts closer.

"Cousin, it's hot." I shift to try to make distance. Push his hand out of the poor attempt at a braid I've made. But he only grows firm, shifting closer. His hands turn into arms around me. Wrapping around my waist, before moving to rest his head in the crook of my neck. 

"Cousin," I roll my eyes but feel myself subside. I don't have the energy for him right now. 

He is worse than Nicoli. 

I glance toward the window exasperated.

*Nicoli* 

"Oh, you can't?" Nicoli didn't bother to hide his disappointment. The news hit him hard—coming back from lunch only to find that Ana wouldn't be playing with them. Instead, she'd be spending the rest of the afternoon with her cousin.

He's always around. Nicoli pouted, kicking at the ground before exaggerating his sulk with a dramatic frown. For a moment, Ana's brows pushed together like she might change her mind, but then it was gone.

"I'm sorry." Her voice was muffled against the rim of her cup, sounding genuinely regretful. Nicoli watched as she shut the window and stepped away. And just like that, she was gone.

He kicked at a dandelion, sending its white seeds floating into the air. A few of them landed on Hidi's face. She simply pursed her large lips and blew them away in good fun, unbothered as always.

"Come on, Nicoli. We can still play," she offered, flashing her wide, toothy grin. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but Nicoli shook his head, bouncing his curls.

"It's no fun with just two people."

"Then let's find someone else."

Nicoli hesitated. That… wasn't a bad idea. At least it would keep his mind off Ana.

"Sure. We could get your manservant—"

"Thomas? No, thank you." Nicoli recoiled at the thought, wrinkling his nose. Almost instinctively, his gaze flicked to the side. Sure enough, there he was—Thomas, the thin, bald servant, sitting stiffly on a bench. The moment their eyes met, Thomas forced a tight, polite smile, his expression as rigid as ever. Nicoli half-smiled back, more out of obligation than anything.

"How about your mother?" Hidi suggested. "She'd love to play."

"Oh, she'd love it," Nicoli agreed, but the idea instantly soured. He could already picture her pursing her perfectly painted lips, tapping her fan against the table as she nitpicked everything—his posture, his form, his manners. No, thank you.

"How about your father?" Hidi tapped her chin thoughtfully.

Now that wasn't a bad idea. His father enjoyed games. And unlike his mother, he wouldn't spend the entire time correcting him.

"He should be finishing his court meetings… probably in his office," Nicoli mused, glancing toward the castle. His eyes landed on one of the western rooms, right by the maze.

"Then let's go!"

Before Nicoli could react, Hidi grabbed his hand and took off across the lawn, dragging him toward the stairs. She was tall-too tall. He had to leap up two steps at a time just to keep up.

"Your legs are too long!" he huffed, breathless by the time they reached the top. A sheen of sweat glistened on his bronze forehead, but Hidi barely looked winded.

"No, you're too small," she teased, flashing another grin before hopping up two more steps with ease.

"Hey! I am not small—you're just huge!" Nicoli shot back, puffing out his chest. "I'm still growing."

"I know," Hidi said with a chuckle, waiting for him to catch up.

"Yeah! I'm gonna be as tall as my dad." Nicoli grinned with pride.

"That would be nice."

"Yeah! And when I'm big, I'm gonna-"

Nicoli stopped abruptly, his attention snagged by movement in the distance. A black horse trotted across the cobblestone, its hooves clicking sharply with every step. A flag fluttered at its side, snapping in the breeze.

A visitor?

Nicoli squinted at the unfamiliar crest—a jagged black shape set against a white background. It looked like… a bat in front of the moon?

"Nicoli?" Hidi leaned in. "What is it? What do you see?"

"Someone's coming," he said, pointing. "But I don't recognize that symbol."

"I do," Hidi murmured, standing a little taller.

"You do?" Nicoli turned to her, blinking in surprise.

"That's Nochten's crest."

Nochten? That meant—

"Ana's?" Nicoli's brows furrowed. "Why would they be here?"

Hidi didn't answer right away. Her green eyes remained fixed on the rider. He was a human—dressed in a black tunic, his dark hair cut short. A deep scar ran across one eye, giving him a hard, unreadable expression.

Nicoli felt Hidi's hand tighten around his. She swallowed. But then her usual humor returned as she let out a soft laugh.

"I guess your sister will have company soon," she mused, pulling open the French doors and stepping inside.