*King Alexander *
Alexander's feet almost seemed to dance across the white halls, his broad shoulders straight with pride, as if he were growing as big as Hidi with each step. His voice carried, light with mirth, as he could not resist humming a jovial tune. "Oh, happy day," the joy in his voice was practically physical. His body was bursting with a need to celebrate the good news.
The only thing stopping him was the grounding presence of his old friend. Following behind, the old servant shook his head, unfazed by the king's exuberant display. He exhaled through his nose rather than correcting it, seemingly expecting it. His pale brown eyes were flat with familiar patience. He let Alexander have his moment for long enough before finally breaking his silence.
"As old as you are," he replied dryly, "You never did learn to be subtle." But just as quickly, he shook his head, a small smile pushing against his wrinkles, despite his desire to appear composed. "But I suppose your good mood is warranted."
Alexander's grin only widened at his admission, as if validating him. "Sutbtelty is for cowards and politicians," He declared, pushing open the door to one of the sitting rooms he was given. "This–" A wave of warmth met them instantly. Surprising them both as they found the very servant in the midst of adding more wood to the fire. Alexander instantly recognized the boy.
Bruno, that was his name, the one he had met the other day.
Upon seeing them, the five-year-old stood silent as his burgundy eyes watched them both, observing them as if not sure whether to mark them as friends or enemies. The hearth blazed with fresh wood behind him, making the fire crackle low against the biting autumn air that seemed to constantly chill the very palace walls. Shadows danced across the white stone, building up the scent of oak and smoke to fill the space, almost making it inviting.
Inviting, that was, as much as the empire of vampires ever could be towards any foreigner or human, hence why this little gesture was all the more significant to both of them.
Ana seemed to like this boy. He recalled her affectionate tone from before and thought he could trust it.
"Bruno, is it?" The king dared a natural smile that came quickly. He always had a tender spot for children. The question made the boy stiffen on reflex before holding his hands in front of him. He nodded curtly before meeting his eyes again with a steadfast gaze.
The silence stretching over the room before the king flinched his smile a little.
"Did someone ask you to start the fire?" Alexander gestured with his head towards the fireplace. Johan shifted at his side. His own brown eyes gazing at the boy with his own insight.
Bruno shook his head. "No, your majesty. No one did." His hands flexed in front of him. "I…wanted to."
"You wanted to?" Now both men raised a curious brow at the sight of the slight five-year-old nodding. There was a vampire, even a child, who actually wanted to assist them in the palace? That was new. His lips flexing as if unsure whether to speak or not. In the end, looking up, I decided.
"You are her Empress's father?" his voice asked timidly, as if testing each word with caution. It made Alexander flex a brow, curious to see where this was going. He nodded. The answer made the boy nod as if confirming something to himself with great care. His burgundy eyes only peering back up with more conviction at them.
"And you are here to help her, Empress? Like the knights in Ana's stories?"
"Like a knight?" Alexander pursed his lips at the strange question, exchanged a look back to Johan, but again found himself nodding after. "Yes, I suppose I would be." He admitted with some thought. "I am here to help my daughter from now on. Why?"
But the boy only smiled. His face brightened as if some question was being answered for him in that instant. And it must have been the answer he was looking for because his deep red eyes seemed to spark with life.
Alexander wasn't sure why, but that smile struck something deep in him. It wasn't just the look of a child who was happy to hear a good story—it was relief as if the boy cared about Ana. As if Alexander's presence meant something more than mere politics.
He found, unexpectedly, that he liked the boy.
Bruno stiffly bowed his head. "Your majesty, sir," before rising to leave. His step quiet as his very presence, closing the door behind them. Leaving both men to stare after him with shared confusion.
Alexander pressed his lips after him a moment in curious thought before flicking a gaze back to his old friend who seemed to share in his curiosity. The entire scenario leaving them both strained at what just happened.
He came to build the fire on his own? And he was happy to hear Alexander was here to help? The implication struck both men with a pause, with a bigger question. Why?
The only source of answers, however, was long gone from the room. Alexander exhaled softly. Confused, yes—but not uneasy. In fact, he found himself feeling just a little better now that he was indeed here. He swallowed, coming back to see Johan's steady gaze with questions.
"He's one of the servants ' sons," Alexander answered his unasked question. "I met him the other day. Ana seems fond of him."
Johan nodded with a glance back to the door. "His name was Bruno?" His brown eyes fall back to the fire now with a pause. A flicker of curiosity painted his usually calm eyes before lifting back to Alexander with a slight smirk. "Interesting."
Alexander nodded slowly, still processing. "He's young, but… did you notice how he spoke? Like he's older than he looks." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "There's something sharp behind those eyes. Clever little thing."
Johan hummed. "Too clever for a five-year-old."
"Exactly." Alexander glanced at the fire as he took a seat on the couch. "He's paying attention. More than he lets on. That wasn't just curiosity, and it was calculation. As if he were testing us."
Johan's brow lifted slightly in agreement. "Makes you wonder where he learned to be that careful."
"He asked if I was a knight?" He smirked after a moment as if amused. "I suppose I am. But then again, today seems to be more Ana's own victory than mine." Again, this reminded him of his reason for celebrating all over again.
Just thinking about it made him stand up, too full of energy to sit now. "If I could just repeat that moment, Johan– it was glorious." He wandered to the desk, taking the chair with a slight squeal as he sat, only to find it poor. He rose again, fists pumping into the air. "It felt so damn good to watch their smug little faces crack all at once. The sheer idea that they could force my daughter into agreeing to marry as if she weren't her mother's daughter. Gods, Parsul would have been proud to see her."
Johan gave a curt nod, arms loosely folded. "It was a strong move, whether her Empress knows it or not. It'll buy us time and reinforce her position. You must be relieved."
Alexander settled into the chair again, only half-listening now. "Relieved? Yes. But–" His face darkened, and the expression was quickly picked up by his old servant.
"But you're already thinking ahead," Johan finished, his eyes sharp with understanding. He glanced at Alexander with a flicker of wry amusement—he knew him too well not to anticipate the next move.
Alexander chuckled softly. Of course, Johan would catch on. If anyone could follow his game, it'd be him. "You know me too well, old friend." His lips quirked, but his eyes were distant. "I met the Celbest boy on our way out. He was with Sir Celbest Senior."
Johan raised an interested brow. "And?"
Alexander leaned back in his chair. "And I approve. How are the talks with Sir Celbest?"
"Amicable," Johan replied with a measured shrug. "He's receptive to a formal alliance now that his son-in-law has passed. Seems quite eager to make up for lost ground."
"You mean not supporting Parsul," Alexander retorted, voice low with an edge of old resentment. His hand clenched the armrest, knuckles whitening with the memory. "Yes, I imagine he would want to make up 'lost ground'."Lost ground, indeed.
Their support back then could've changed everything. He swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth. But this time—this time, they could change something.
"Good. Then have a contract drafted. We'll begin negotiating terms." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with purpose. "I want things to proceed quickly."
Johan's brow lifted at the directness. "Your Majesty…"
Alexander met his gaze, calm but unwavering. "I'm not saying anything has to be official," he said, holding up a hand. "Only that we put things in place. Ana can choose—or not. That will always be her right."
His voice softened then, heavy with something unspoken.
"I want her to find love, Johan. I truly do. I wish I could give her the time to find it properly. But we both know what court is. What it's already saying." He paused, eyes flickering to the fire. "They're circling her like they did Parsul. They'll wait until she's too isolated, too desperate, and then offer themselves as the only solution."
He inhaled tightly, pushing through the ache rising in his chest. "She's not going to be backed into that kind of corner. Not again. Not like her mother."
His gaze returned to Johan, harder now. "Even if I have to act behind her back to prevent it. I'll take the risk if it saves her from what's coming."
There was a beat of silence. Johan's expression softened—not in disapproval, but in shared understanding.
"I merely want Ana to make a new friend," Alexander added, quieter. "There's no crime in friendship, is there?" And if it became something more, all the better.
Johan didn't respond right away, but the faintest tilt of his head revealed enough.
Alexander straightened. "We need to start now before I return. Before the court finds new ways to tighten its hold."
Johan gave a crisp nod. "I'll touch base with Sir Celbest to begin the drafts."
Alexander smiled faintly—relief tugging at the corners of his mouth, but not reaching his eyes. A pressure still pressed heavily on his chest. He turned to the hearth, the fire dancing in the depths of his sapphire gaze.
He didn't want to leave. Not yet. Because who knew what he'd come back to?
He trailed his fingers along the chair's armrest, remembering how it was with Parsul. How long she resisted until there was no going back. It nearly broke her when she finally realized it did.
No. He wouldn't let history repeat.
Ana was not alone anymore. She wasn't. And he was going to make damn sure of it.
Then, the idea struck. His shoulders straightened with sudden energy.
"Let's find a way for that boy to be around her," he suggested quickly, sitting forward. "Some excuse. Something that makes it natural for them to speak and interact often. The more, the better."
"My Lord?" Johan blinked once, then caught on. His eyes lit with quick comprehension. "A personal attendant should work."
Alexander tilted his head in thought. "For me?"
Johan nodded. "A simple request. Easy to justify. Close proximity to your daughter, while still under your name."
Alexander let out a pleased breath. "Excellent thinking, Johan. I knew you'd have something."
Johan inclined his head. "I'll handle the details."
The king sat back again, the weight of planning wrapping around him like a familiar coat. If this was how he could protect Ana, then so be it. He would carry whatever guilt came with it.
Because this time, she wouldn't have to face it alone. One thing, however, still needed his attention.
Alexander tapped the desk. " As for our other issue," He murmured, tapping the desk to hear the dull sound of his fingers drill against the wood, "that pesky bastard, have you any updates?"
Johan straightened to his full height at that, swiping at his sleeves as if to smooth out invisible wrinkles with consideration. "I have spoken with the Academy,"
"That was fast," Alexander remarked, brows lifting. Not that he was surprised—Johan always delivered. "And?"
"The academy will accept him back, but he must go willingly."
Alexander frowned immediately at that fact. His face only illuminated by a flash from the fireplace, a crackle of light bursting from the timber. He shifted to make the chair groan. "Willingly, huh? Now, how do we manage that?"
He didn't have any doubts that Lord Mykhol would never leave on his own accord—not after the presence he had already built in court. Clearly, he was invested, and this was all the more concerning to him. He would never leave—certainly not willingly.
Alexander's hand curled loosely on the desk. "The rumors about marriage—they didn't even blink, Johan. No hesitation. You heard that young lord–it already sounds like they were hoping it was true."
Johan nodded solemnly. "It confirms what we've long suspected. He's not just a nuisance. He's a growing power. And as long as he stays in court, he'll keep making a case for himself—louder and louder."
Alexander's jaw clenched. "The nobles rally to him not because he's competent, but because he's convenient. A man to stand beside Ana. One of their own. Looking the part." A pure blood through and through.
"And worse," Johan added, "he's made himself visible. Too present. Too easy to imagine next to her."
Alexander exhaled through his nose, the sound short and sharp. "And the only saving grace was Ana herself. Had she not spoken against marrying so soon, they'd have already moved to make it official behind our backs. Gods, they probably still are."
"She bought us time, yes," Johan agreed again. "But it won't last. Not with how eager the court is to see her married off. Mykhol won't have to try very hard."
Alexander tapped the desk again, harder this time. Less in thought, more in frustration.
"I'm sure something will arise, your majesty." Johan toned evenly. "He is young and arrogant. He will slip up."
"So it's a matter of us waiting for him to give us a reason?" Alexander clarified, but that only made him frown further. "I'm not a fan of waiting around, Johan. Because if we wait too long… this time, we won't be able to undo it."
"I know, Your Majesty." Johan folded his hands behind his back, then tilted his head with a pointed look. "But there is something you are forgetting."
Alexander blinked, awestruck. "Am I? And what's that?"
Johan merely glanced at his wedding ring, a gesture that pierced Alexander more than any sword could, instantly making it clear that he had overlooked something essential. Something which he grimmanced, shrugging his shoulders as if to shrink into himself now.
It did not work. Johan only narrowed his eyes with expectations.
"It's time you write to Her Majesty about your decision to help on her Empress's council."
"Ah ha, yes." Alexander breathed through his nose, trying to stall." You- I do need to do that."
"Yes, "Johan drawled again, fully aware of his reluctance. "You do. It will be worse if you wait."
Alexander let out a low groan, rubbing his face before leaning back in his chair. As much as he wanted to argue with his friend, Johan was right.
Belinda would find out, like always, and it would be worse if it weren't from him. But still- Alexander couldn't help but want to put off destruction by a single letter, even for a little while.
"You agreed to accept the consequences, my lord," Johan reminded flatly. "It's time."
"I know." Alexander huffed, hating him for being right, dragging his hand over his beard to tug the edge. "I'll write to her…but later."
"Later today, or later this week?"
"Don't push it." Alexander hardened, but the look did nothing for the old man. He was too used to his stubborn ways ever to be dissuaded at this point. He only arched a brow back at him. Challenging him back.
Alexander sank a bit further in his chair as if he were suddenly a boy again and being scolded by one.
He sighed. "Alright, alright, I'll do it." "You don't need to rub it in." I know it very well. "I will write right now then-" He reached for the parchment only to stop by a soft knock on the door, making both look back.
"Papa?" The gentlest voice called forth from the other side, slightly unsure. It was enough to make Alexander completely forget himself. He didn't even think before he was on his feet and moving. Passing Johan to get to the door himself, eager to see her.
"Ah, honey!" He swung the door open with enthusiasm. "Come in!"
Ana stepped through, her silver braid shifting from underneath her red shawl as she gave a slight nod. Her eyes lowered, now with a hint of color on her cheeks from feeding. But she seemed to keep her gaze cast down on her hands, folded in front of her as if being shy. Embarrassed by her own words. "I…finished eating, " she admitted softly.
Was she ashamed of feeding? Alexander noted this with a surge of concern. Did she believe he would find it disgusting or something? He immediately felt for her.
"Honey," Alexander moved to cup her cheeks. "You don't have to be embarrassed. It's perfectly natural for a vampire. Your mother had to eat blood, too." Alexander spoke clearly, emphasizing how little he was bothered by it. "She even fed off of me a few times."
"Feed?" Ana glanced up, her eyes wide in disbelief, blinking as if she hadn't expected such a question from her dad. Her reaction only strengthened Alexander's belief that she viewed it as something unpleasant, intensifying his desire to address those thoughts immediately. He never wanted Ana to feel ashamed of who she was. She was his daughter– their daughter.
And she should never be ashamed of being both.
He only moved to stroke her cheek with his thumb. "Yes, honey. It doesn't bother me at all. So don't worry yourself. You need to eat in order to stay healthy and warm. Cold is worse on a vampire." His grin thinned a little at that last part, a memory of Parsul curling behind his eyes. But he pushed it aside, not wanting to dwell on such sad times.
Ana only nodded, taking in his words, subdued but sincere.
"I- Are you busy now?" Ana flicked her eyes up to regard Johan. Sensing the old man was on a mission. "I could come back after-"
Alexander quickly waved the thought away."No, not at all. I'm never busy for you, in fact–" Before she could even resist, he scooped her into his arms.
"Papa!" Ana gasped, laughing despite herself at the sudden action."Papa put me down. I'm too old to be held up like a child! "
"What's that?" Alexander only beamed. "My baby girl wants to be twirled around?"
"What? No-" She cried as Alexander lifted her higher. She shifted her scarf and crown to almost fall without her quickly grabbing hold of it. Her panic painted her small features in that instant whilst trying to fight back a smile. Fighting her need to be composed and just act her age. "Wait- please-"
"No matter how big you get, you are still my little girl." Alexander laughed, lowering her back down. But he kept her hands in his.
"It will be a sad day when I can no longer carry you." He murmured, squeezing her hands gently. "So give me this little indulgence, would you? My sweet baby girl? Just until I can't?" But even then, it didn't feel like it would be enough to make up for all the years he couldn't.
"Papa," Ana's voice grew quiet as Alexander squeezed her hands. Her own eyes growing soft at the meaning.
"But even then, I have all the time for you. Right, Johan?" Alexander smiled with all his teeth. "We've got all the time now."
Johan nodded, though his gaze was already drifting towards the desk, his silent message more than clear to Alexander. "Yes, Your Majesty. Though don't forget…"
Alexander groaned, again feeling the weight of the impending future a step closer. But he knew he had agreed to these terms. All for Ana's sake, Alexander would endure.
He sighed as the door clicked shut behind Johan, the cold wind outside whispering faintly against the windowpanes.
"Papa?" Ana seemed to notice his expression shift. Her own pinching up with concern as she exchanged a look from the door back to him. " Is something wrong?"
"No, honey," Alexander replied, shaking off the shadow. "Just…relieved. Your little announcement at court to hold off marriage really was unexpected." He moved to tuck her chin. "You really mean to wait, though? No dating? No eligible candidates sneaking in? Not even if someone suddenly shows up in your life and you really like them?"
Ana blinked. "Date?" She seemed more stunned by that idea than anything. "No, why would I? I thought it was logical. Was it not? Do you think I shouldn't wait? Should I establish someone first?"
"Oh, no," Alexander quickly shook his head."Wait as long as you need, honey."
"Even if it's years?" she tested, seeming to find that everyone else's problems were.
"Years or decades, I won't rush you." Alexander held her hands gently. "If you never get married- I'd be the happiest father in the world."
Alexander pulled up a new smile and planted a kiss on her cheek. Ana flushed but softened a little in his hands. Thanks to the feeding, her body felt warmer.
"Why do you say that?" Ana blinked. "I need to marry."
"And you will…eventually." And after I make damn sure they are perfect for you. "But that won't be for a very long time."
Alexander stood beside her, resting his hand lightly atop her head, gently rubbing at the red shawl draped over her. The little chains that clung to her moved faintly with the shift in weight, catching the firelight. She was still small for her age, barely thirteen, but so much older in her eyes than she should have been.
My little girl.
He closed his eyes, willing himself to hold onto the warmth of the moment—the soft rise of her breathing, the scent of sandalwood in her hair, the way she leaned into him just slightly, like a child still needing her father.
She shifted beneath his hand and tilted her head toward the nearby desk, papers untouched. "What are you working on, Papa? A letter?"
Alexander's jaw tightened. "Yes. I…was." The words nearly caught in his throat. Not that he wanted to any time soon. But he knew Johan was right. Belinda would already be waiting, and if not waiting, then suspecting. If she hadn't already heard through other channels, she would soon. And when she did… he knew what would follow.
The room was still except for the low crackle of fire behind them. Shadows stretched along the white stone like long fingers, swaying in rhythm with the flame.
Bruno's voice echoed in the back of his mind—"You're here to help her, like the knights in Ana's stories?" That strange, solemn little boy with his quiet eyes and clever mind. He remembered how his face had lit up when Alexander said yes.
Gods, how he wished it were that simple.
If only it were as easy as being her knight in shining armor. If only he could charge in, sword drawn, and cut down every threat in her path—Mykhol, the court, the damn nobles who still called her opposed her, belittling her, treating her an outsider for simply being mixed. From the cold court, from the cruelty she'd quietly endured all alone till now.
If only protecting her didn't mean tearing everything else apart.
But he knew better. This wasn't a storybook. There were no dragons to slay—only people—people with power, grudges, and leverage—people like Belinda. He wasn't a knight—not in any story that ended well.
Belinda had forgiven him once for putting Ana first. Barely.
She would not forgive him again.
He could feel it already—her fury, her heartbreak. She'd take it as betrayal, not just of her, but of their life. Of the delicate thread they'd somehow managed to keep stitched between them all these years.
He could feel it like a blade already poised. The silence that would follow. The sharp, cold weight of her eyes. This would not be an argument. It would be a fracture.
One neither of them might not come back from.
Still, he looked down at Ana—the quiet resolve in her, the way she hadn't asked him for anything, not even now. So much strength in such a small frame. So much loneliness in a girl who had no one else fighting for her in this place.
Alexander pulled her in a little closer. He had already made his choice.
"Marriage is scary, Ana," Alexander confessed after a quiet moment, patting her cheek to make her look up.
"Is it?"Ana perked up, curious about his sudden confession. "How so? Is it not two parties coming together to form a union? It's what I read in all my books."
Alexander only shook his head.
"I'm afraid it is more than just that, my sweet." Far too much. He knew only two well. With pain and words of regret that only could build over the years with each one passing. Things that would not be forgiven. Things that would never be forgotten.
He was about to make another one to stake a new stake in his own marriage by once again choosing her over Belinda.
"It just is. So you holding it off is all the better." He glanced back at her. She was watching the fire now, too, her silver hair catching the low light, making her glow like something caught between worlds—human and vampire, hope and burden.
"You've got time," he said softly. "More than you know."
And me… not as much as I thought. He looked back at the flames one last time, watching them flicker, burn low, then steady. He was no knight in shining armor. But he would fight for her anyway.
Even if it meant losing the rest of his kingdom. And even if it meant losing Belinda for good.
Alexander sighed through his nose, quiet and long, before kissing the top of Ana's head again, grounding himself in the warmth of her. The smell of her sandalwood filling his senses, easing his mind. Just a little.
"It's like they say. No marriage is perfect," he muttered under his breath, not for her, but for himself—a hollow little joke.
It didn't make him feel better. But it made him feel brave enough.