Queenofdarkestshadows:

queenofdarkestshadows​:

Those marvelously blue eyes, that just a moment ago was furious, gleamed with satisfaction from the flattery. ❝Ugh.. ❞ The raven haired girl let out an over exaggerated breath. ❝..very well, I shall bless you the view more often, then. What is one more sacrifice for such poor, poor soul as you, Genya.❞ Zoya said as she turned around to face the mirror at the vanity table. There was no mark of a scar, but the grisha girl could swear her lips has changed a colour slightly - they seemed a bit more dull pink. ❝Wicked.❞ She said, rolling her eyes, as she stood up, turning back at the redhead, her expression mischievous. ❝I do not share the secrets of my wild adventures.❞

Genya grinned. Didn’t even try to deny it. ❛ Guilty as charged. ❜ She said, soothing her corporalki red kefta with dark blue embroideries, which she had acquired since the king had fallen ill. ❛ Consider this punishment for disturbing my conversation with David. ❜ She tossed her flaming red hair over shoulder, not commenting on the sacrifice part. She had had her revenge and that was all that mattered in the end. Sure, Alina was missing but the Darkling would find her and bring her home and everything would be okay. At least, that was what she was telling herself to fall asleep at night. Her amber eyes narrowed in curiosity. ❛ Unless those wild adventures of yours are something to be proud of. In that case, you’d be babbling out all around. ❜

defendrelor​:

Nikolai Lantsov was no king of hers , so much she’d made clear when she tried to kill his doppelganger. She showed no respect, no gratitude , were it for anyone else she would be rotting in a filthy dungeon for the rest of their miserable life - or until her execution . His chest stung uncomfortably at the thought of such a possible fate befalling them. Seeing her die again would be the last of his wishes - he’d have to inquire with Nikolai. It was difficult. It was a conflicted situation and yet , he knew he had to save them , himself and her , no matter the cost.

❝ Oh , indeed . Your second account of treason this week , Kir-Kaat. ❞

An exhausted smirk crept onto his features, knowing fully well that Tolya wouldn’t let her continue to spew nonsense like that lest she wanted to lose her head for crimen maiestatis.

Stupidly loyal as he was to Nikolai , he found himself disliking her tone , aware of how dulcet and kind they could be.

If I were not a KING … what is it you like about ME ?

He’d questioned, had asked and had meant it with all of his heart. Before she’d stabbed it.

Leaving was not the solution to their problems , not that Tolya would let her anyway . She was here for a reason . Not to die but for a purpose . Something greater. His eyes lifted and his posture straightened when he spotted his king , pushing himself up against the pillows of the divan , sitting now , half - reclined , trying to mask his discomfort at moving too much. Ehri was beautiful indeed with her porcelain skin and raven black hair - but something inside of him flinched at the sight of her . Her appearance had burned into his mind . Doom . Death . Destruction .

❝ It would be my pleasure , moi tsar. ❞

USE your brain one saints forsaken time instead of letting your tongue slip , he thought to himself, cursing inwardly at his own response. Being this close to them hurt , hurt him more than it did any good and still he craved her presence.

A satisfied grin spread across the King’s face. ❛ Perfect! ❜ Then, he turned to Mayu who seemed… shocked. Was the Tavgharad hoping Isaak would say no? Because Nikolai had sincerely no doubt the man would say yes. ❛ What’s the matter? Are you not hungry for a royal meal? ❜ 

Mayu blinked, realizing they’d been staring at Isaak, lips parted, since he had given his response. She pressed her lips together, turning her gaze back to the king, brown eyes narrowed. ❛ You would have dinner with someone who attempted your own murder? ❜ They asked, the suspicion clear in her voice. And almost succeeded in killing your friend and doppelganger, had been left unsaid. 

❛ What can i say? I live for the thrill. ❜ Nikolai replied as Tamar escorted Ehri out of the room and back to her chambers. Mayu wasn’t listening anymore, their gaze following their princess until she disappeared. They needed to talk to her. Know how she was doing. Trully. Let her know that she was gonna get her out of here. No matter what. But first, she needed to behave. Make sure the king trusted them. Play their game, Mayu. Play their silly game and, when you have the occasion, strike and take Ehri far far away. You can do this. She breathed out. Letting go of the tension in her frame. ❛ Very well then. It would be rude of me to refuse the Tsar responsible for my survival and my luxurious accommodations. ❜ They summoned a smile of gratitude. ❛ After all, i’m but a traitor to your crown. I should be on my knees, begging for my life in this very moment, not wondering if the king of ravka has gone mad. ❜

❛ Oh, i’m most certainly going mad. ❜ Nikolai smiled, slyly, adjusting his gloves that hid the proof of his literal inner demon. ❛ And begging me for your life will not serve you, Mayu Kir-Kaat. Flattery is always appreciated. Though, in this case, mercy isn’t for me to grant. ❜ The eyes of the Too-Clever Fox fell on Isaak, his friend and loyal guard, still recovering from his literally and metaphorically wounded heart. Nikolai had witnessed the attempted murder. At first, it had seemed like two lovers meeting in secret and then the dagger had plunged into his doppelganger’s heart. He had witnessed the tears pouring down on the assassin’s cheeks as they kissed the dying man's lips one last time before driving the same dagger into their own beating heart. Thank the Saints, Nikolai had been there to call for help! Otherwise both of them would be dead and the blame would’ve fallen on Fjerda. He looked to Mayu as he spoke again. ❛ Need i remind you it is not my heart that had an unfortunate run-in with your dagger. Sure, it might’ve been your intention to kill me but i’m still alive and well, and therefore, after dinner, after you told your story, Isaak shall decide how you should be judged for your actions. ❜

defendrelor​:

An unnatural PALOR clung to Isaak’s skin, a tinge of gray he couldn’t seem to shake off, not even after having been tailored back to his old self. He was sprawled out on one of the lush divans, his palm idly resting on his heart, over his uniform, the bandages peeking through despite his high collar. He knew that this was anything but adequate and yet -

His chest hurt. Still. It had been days. Tolya told him it would take moths to heal from an injury this grievous…

His glance found the ceiling, anything but his almost assassin. Their dagger had pierced his heart, had almost KILLED him if it weren’t for his king and his heartrender. She was the reason for his pain, his suffering and yet he hasn’t had it in him to hate her.

He’d woken up from his artificial sleep two days ago - or rather the Corporalki had - in terrible agony. With a fever as searing as the sun saint’s light. He recalled his mother standing over him, crying, clasping his hand. Nikolai had written to her and she’d come.

Isaak had felt nothing but guilt and regret for a while. And then, when the first dust had settled, he’d found pity, pity and longing. Did he still have feelings for Mayu? After everything that had happened? He couldn’t tell.

Saints, he couldn’t. All he could think of was how she’d slipped a blade between his ribs, how she’d tried to kill herself after. He CRINGED at the vivid memory of pain flooding him. He didn’t know how Tolya had saved his life. He had no explanation for the miracle that was his breath, his heartbeat.

Isaak’s focus shifted at her words, his eyes finally meeting his, soft brown irises cool and void of any emotions.

❝ Clearly longer than it should.❞

A court response in flawless Shu. If Isaak prided himself with one thing, it was his talent for languages.

He sighed, too, the grip on his chest tightening as he continued on. Isaak didn’t want to be here. But he was Nikolai’s guard. The Tsar had requested his presence and he’d come without hesitation.

❝ There’s an old Ravkan saying… Time is too slow for those who wait but for those who love, time is eternity.❞

They weren’t alone in the sitting room. There were two other guards and Tolya, which could’ve been seen as absurd, considering Mayu was in no shape to attempt any successful murder on anyone. In fact, she couldn’t stand on her own without feeling dizzy and she suspected the heartrender had something to do with it. As much as it displeased them to be bound to this chair, they had decided to take it as a compliment that King Nikolai would put that much effort into weakening her. What annoyed them the most though was the fact she had barely seen Ehri in days. Or, if they did, they were constantly shadowed by guards. While Mayu could imagine how Ehri felt about the wedding (horribly), the latter still hadn’t spoken a word on the matter and it worried them deeply. More like wounded them. This new life away from the palace would’ve been their gift to the princess. A token of her affection. The first and the last. As Mayu Kir-Kaat would’ve drawn their last breath, the royal would’ve died with them and been reborn as a music teacher in the countryside and Reyem would’ve been free as well. If only she hadn’t missed—— No, she hadn’t. Mayu Kir-Kaat never missed their target. Her survival was a miracle. Some twisted version of a miracle. One where she got to live while her kebben suffered and Ehri found herself married to the Tsar of freaking Ravka. No, this wasn’t a miracle. This was a DISASTER. And Mayu was the only one to blame for it. And yet, somehow, she found herself resenting Isaak. Isaak and his adorable clumsiness and passion for languages and poetry. And there he was again, with his flawless Shu and old sayings——  Her gaze had met his for the first time in what seemed like an ETERNITY. The words still echoing in their mind. They wanted to punch him. Punch themselves. Shake the memory of their tragic first kiss. But before they could reply, Tolya handed her a book.  ❛ To kill the time. ❜ he said when she arched a brow in confusion. ❛ Oh. Right. Thanks. ❜ Mayu took the book, happy to actually have something else to look at than Isaak, without seeming too rude. The pattern of the tapestry was getting boring anyway. They didn’t manage to find the focus to read though. Especially a language that wasn’t hers. After a couple minutes, they let out another sigh, closing the book on their lap. ❛ Not to complain or anything but— do we really need to be here? I know you won’t let me have a moment with her any way. There’s no point for me to stay. ❜  

queenofdarkestshadows​: 

Was that what she wanted? Darklin’s ‘love’? His approval, his appreciation…the honourable place by his side…but love? To be honest, she doubted she believed in such term at all, because from a place she came from love only made you spiteful, mean and broken. She would NEVER like to become her mother. ❝Love is for fools and beauty fades…power, however, is what keeps up going. I don’t seek his love, foolish Genya, I have plenty men to throw love around me. I am truthful to my country and I have proven myself enough to not be sold to be used as a weapon.❞ Zoya knew she was being unfairly harsh, but she was hurting and she wanted others to feel the same.

What was a bit unusual was that Zoya did not say she was truthful to her General…but to Ravka.

❛ I’m not as foolish as you think i am, Zoya. I know i’m a weapon. ❜ Genya said, meeting Zoya’s stormy orbs from across the room. We all are, she whispered inwardly. And the redhead thought she was done with the dark-haired beauty but something in her words had caught her attention. I’m truthful to my country, Zoya had said. Not to her General, not to the Darkling. To her country. Perhaps the squaller wasn’t such a lost cause after all. Perhaps she wasn’t as blinded by the Darkling’s charms as the rest of his protégés. Amber eyes narrowed, she crossed the room to the brunette, studying her with a newfound interest. ❛ I have underestimated you, Zoya Nazyalensky. ❜ She whispered, a smile playing about her red painted lips.    

defendrelor​:

Isaak was TENSE , his whole posture displaying his discomfort. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to be this close to his almost assassin , even if they’d believed him to be his king. Somehow it was even worse that way , he thought . HOW should he ever forgive someone who tried to kill his Tsar? Isaak had always respected Nikolai , he had done so much for him and his family , he could never repay the favor. He couldn’t forget how SOFT her lips had felt on his before the pain of having a dagger shoved into his heart had numbed his mind . What he would give to kiss them again , passionately , truly , without a murderous intent on her side.

Their gazes averted as Tolya intervened . For a moment Isaak contemplated saying something , anything , to garner her attention . A flick of a hand , a slight pressure on his chest , the heartrender adjusted his racing pulse to a more stable rhythm .

His head felt fuzzy , heavy and he had trouble dragging his eyes over onto something else .

ANYTHING to not look at them. His glance found the guards , impassive , silent and he began musing in his head again. Nonchalant things. He’d served with many of the royal guards but standing at attention at the door just opposite from him was the most familiar.

Trukhin.

A friend. A brother in arms. One of the few people he still dared putting his trust in , for the many nights spend at each other’s side , keeping watch .

They sat like that for a while , utterly quiet , utterly awkward and then -

❝ The king told you to stay , so there is a point in staying , isn’t there ? ❞

Isaak scoffed at the blatant show of disrespect for his Tsar. Orders were orders , Shu or not , they’d learned as much in the military .

❝ Why do you think I am here , hm ? What could possibly involve both of us, Tavgharad ? ❞

Your TRIAL . My JUSTICE . Our FALL .

❛ Nikolai Lantsov is no king of mine. ❜ Mayu replied without a second thought. The tension in their body doubling as a surge of anger came rushing to the surface. He’d called her Tavgharad as if it was an insult. They glared at him, trying to summon all the hate in her frame but when their gaze met his again, she felt a wave of guilt. Her heart squeezed at the feeling and they averted their eyes once more.  The tension in the room was palpable. Until then, Tolya had remained quiet and composed. But, just like Isaak, he wasn’t gonna let Mayu Kir-Kaat disrespect his king so blatantly without saying anything.  ❛ He will be when Princess Ehri becomes his Queen. Need I remind you that you stay at the Grand Palace by his grace, that otherwise you’d be rotting in a cell? Perhaps a little gratitude is in order. ❜  ❛ She will never be his queen. ❜ The determination in her voice, like a knife to a throat.  ❛ What they’re discussing behind those doors says otherwise. ❜  ❛ There’s still plenty of time before the wedding. ❜ Mayu argued, eyes fixated on the closed doors as if she could burst it open using only her mind.  ❛ This sounds like a threat to me, Mayu Kir-Kaat. Doesn’t it, Isaak? ❜ Tolya’s gold eyes turned to the recovering guard. The heartrender didn’t look threatened at all. In fact, he looked amused at the obstinate Tavgharad and that only angered the latter more. ❛ Take it as you wish, for all i care. I’m done waiting.❜ She strolled away in her wheelchair. No one seemed to stop her and then suddenly she felt her blood pressure drop and the world spun around them. Ugh. Curse the Heartrender. 

The double doors to the King’s office opened, revealing Nikolai, his golden hair, clever hazel eyes and dazzling grin. Princess Ehri stood next to him, a polite smile painted her lips but the light in her toffee brown orbs was nowhere to be found. The poor thing looked miserable inside Who could blame her? After all, she was a hostage in a foreign country. Mayu wanted to punch King Charming’s grin away.  ❛ I’m all yours now. But i won’t discuss such serious matters as trials on an empty stomach. ❜ Nikolai declared. ❛ Would you care to join me? My invitation extends to both of you, of course. ❜ He added, hazel hues going from Isaak to Mayu to Isaak again. ❛ Unless you don’t want to be in each other’s presence any longer than necessary. Which would be totally understandable, considering. ❜

queenofdarkestshadows​:

Zoya’s dark blue orbs followed the girls movements. Her expression reminded of a cat who acted all uninterested, then let its claws out when it’s least expected. ❝Well, I am not.❞ She grabbed Genya’s wrist, wrapping her fingers around it tightly.

❝I hate it when people are wasting my time. You are far from sobbing and pleading, so it’s quite disappointing, it’s also bad for my reputation, won’t you agree?❞ The grisha girl asked in exaggerated manner of a worry, that was far from truthful.

Genya studied Zoya’s features, carefully, trying to guess what was coming next. She was eager to see what the great squaller’s next move would be. The redhead gasped as soon as the brunette snatched her wrist. Startled by the sudden movement and the strength of her grasp. The tailor had quickly regained her usual composure though. ❛ Well, i’m not holding you back. ❜ she countered with a smile, amber eyes glancing to Zoya’s tight grip. ❛ In fact, by the looks of it, it seems you’re the one keeping me here. ❜ she added, ambers meeting the other grisha’s stunning stormy orbs.