The Revolution (WMMAP reader insert/OC)

Part 23

"Oh em gee, he's sulking!" Ana cackled inwardly as she sat beside her sister across Claude. She found it amusing that Athy is still overthinking things when she and Lucas already pointed out what Claude is thinking or feeling. 

Athy started taking it more seriously as she looked at their father's face with further observations. He had just almost unintentionally cooked Felix when Athy spoke for them both that they'd take Felix as their dance partner. "Is that why I'm hearing bells as if we won a pot of gems and golds?!" Athy gaped as she turned her head to Ana, then repeatedly turned her head to their Dad, then back at her.

The other sister could only chuckle in quiet amusement, the sound as soft as the breeze rustling through the garden. There was no need to rush the moment. Let the day linger, let it stretch lazily beneath the golden sun.

With a serene sigh, Anastasia tilted her head back to gaze at the sky above. It was a flawless shade of blue, unmarred by clouds, vast and calming. Her eyes softened, the light reflecting in her irises like morning dew on glass. For a few heartbeats, she let herself get lost in its stillness.

Above, a familiar silhouette cut through the air—Aoki, her magical avian companion, gliding gracefully just beyond the canopy. His wings shimmered faintly, catching the sunlight in bursts of soft glow. Ana followed his flight with her gaze, a small smile tugging at her lips.

She turned back to the table, lifting her teacup with graceful fingers. The porcelain was still warm against her skin as she brought it to her lips, savoring the soft floral blend that calmed her heart.

Moments like this—simple, quiet, undisturbed—were the ones she treasured most. Surrounded by blooming flowers, her sister's peaceful presence, and the quiet hum of magic in the air, Ana allowed herself to hope. Not for grand miracles or perfect endings—just for peace. For steady days. For moments that would last a little longer.

She exhaled softly, as if sending her wishes into the wind.

Let things go well. Let them stay like this a little longer.

"Your Highness," came a soft yet steady voice from behind—clear and respectful, but touched with a familiar warmth.

Anastasia turned, her low ponytail swaying gently with the motion, the silky strands catching the sunlight. The hem of her soft green fantasy dress fluttered gracefully around her calves, the fabric shimmering ever so slightly as it moved. On her feet were dainty flats, perfectly matched to the subtle elegance of her attire.

Her expression lit up the moment her eyes met the figure before her—someone she hadn't seen in quite some time.

A wide grin spread across her face, her jewel-like eyes twinkling with delight, almost literally glowing with magic. "Wow, you've grown way taller—unfairly so," she said with playful disbelief.

The young man chuckled, a low, genuine sound that carried both familiarity and maturity. He had indeed changed. Gone was the small boy from her memories—before her stood someone stronger, broader in the shoulders, his presence steadier. Alastair's hair had grown longer, now tied neatly at the nape of his neck, a mirror of her own style. His eyes still held that same gentle kindness she remembered, though now touched with a quiet depth, shaped by time and experience.

He was dressed simply but well: a long-sleeved, cream-toned shirt tucked neatly beneath a dark vest, a soft blue coat draped over his shoulders like a prince out of a fairytale. His navy trousers were a mature change from the shorts he once wore as a child, and his sturdy black boots added to the impression of someone who had walked far and returned stronger.