2 months later

[ a l i n a ]

"To be fair, your Highness, the King's request seemed completely understandable." Gabriel, one of the ministers, the minister of Health actually, spoke as we walked down the hallway.

"Well, I don't. As you can see, Gabriel, I am nowhere fit to rule this country. I understand Nathan wants to back away, but I can't possibly be his replacement.
Maybe we could find someone different.. someone better."

"To be honest, Your Highness, I am failing to see why you shouldn't replace the King." He smiles, a serene aspect as he speaks. No wonder Ariana had fallen for him.

"Thank you, Gabriel. I'll think about it."

"Right. By the way, I'm sorry if I am being disrespectful, but.. may I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"I haven't heard from Ariana lately.. Perhaps, you could enlighten me about her situation?"

"Oh, she didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what, Your Highness?"

"She's not coming back here."

Gabriel opens his mouth, but closes it again. His eyes became glassy, his breathing uneven.

"She's staying there? In Gotham? She's leaving me?" He mumbles, massaging his forehead. I sigh, knowing what's about to happen. Ariana was in a relationship with Gabriel, for three years.

I was the only one to know about then, due to the fact that I walked in on them in the meeting room.

"I'm sorry, Gabriel. But you are a married man, she's not your responsibility anymore. And last time she called me, she's in a relationship."

"Relationship? With who?!"

"I don't know, ask her." I smile weakly. He bows, turning around, and leaves.

"I'll kill whoever he is.." He mutters as his shadow disappears in the dark hallway.

Sighing, I keep walking, facing the balcony doors. I open them, to be greeted by the whistling, freezing wind.

My eyes search the city, a view I wasn't really used to seeing. The capital, behind the castle's gates, seemed quiet yet lively.

Valencia is a beautiful country.. led by a chaotic government. At least for now. I'm going to keep everything under control.

A sudden spark of excitement rush through me, and I make a run towards my room, quickly changing my clothes. Putting on a black sweater, jeans, a jacket, and putting my hair up in a ponytail.

Deciding to leave my phone, my feet strottles down the staircase, into the great hall. The room is lit up by a magnificent chandelier; and events are usually held here.

I glanced around the room. White wallpaper with golden trims, statues, paintings and other artifacts.

I turn left, towards the west building, into the hallway. A few maids pass by, tray in their hands, and I quickly smile towards them, which they responded with a curtsy.

I notice the familiar large wooden door, and noticed the new metal lock. Taliana must've ordered the guards to lock it.

I take a few steps back, and my left leg raise up, kicking the door with force. As I expected, the lock broke. I open it,

To be greeted with a spectacular view.

Everything was covered in the smooth yet cold snow. I take a step forward, enjoying the snow crunching under my feet. Another step, and I'm finally outside.

Outside for the first time this year.

I breathe in the fresh, cold air, and pull up my jacket, covering my hair.

Hands in my pockets, as I forgot to bring gloves, I start trotting down the road, disappearing into the city.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of enjoying walks in the snow with my father. And then came Damian. And now, it's just me.

Ever since Father died, I would always look up to Nathan. He'd be there for me, but then, from time to time, he would disappear. God knows where he goes.

But my biggest regret, is Michael. If only I looked after him..

I glance at the city. The streets almost empty, a few cars passing by, a woman carrying her child, a grandmother walking out of a store, a man on his bike, passing around newspapers.

I spot a bar, by the end of the street. A coffee would calm my senses, perhaps. I need heat in this freezing weather.

After a few minutes, I arrive, and clean my shoes onto the welcome mat. I open the door, hearing the sound of a little bell twinkling. The bartender, a woman surprisingly, glances at me, and her eyes widen instantly.

There was only one customer, an drunken, almost unconscious old man sitting in the corner table, a glass of whiskey in between his shaking fingers.

"Oh dear goddess, I must be dreaming!" She whispers, walking towards me as I take off my jacket, and she cleaning her hands with her apron.

She bows, a warming smile forming by the edge of her lips. Her red hair tied in a messy bun, freckles adding a beautiful touch to her face; a sleek, curvy body. I notice a name tag, her name is Hannah.

She must be in her twenties.

"I would like a cup of black coffee, please." I mutter, and she nods.

"Of course!" She replies energetically, walking towards the bar, as I took a seat in front of her.

"What brings you here, Your Grace? I've never seen royalty willing to drink in a bar like this."

"I was just looking around. Wanting to see the city. You have a very nice place, actually." I smile, and she hands me a mug of the coffee I asked.

"Why, thank you!"

I take a sip, the warmth of the liquid soothing me. It's nice, sometimes, doing things like this.

Although it could be better.. if he was here.

__________

[ d a m i a n ]

"So tell me what was your plan again?" Dick asks, a stupefied look on his face, arms crossed.

"I'm going to resurrect my grandfather."

"Damian Wayne, are you twisted?"

"Perhaps."

"This is insane." Dick grunts, pacing around the room. I keep a blank face as I watch him.

Grayson had been spending his time quite wisely lately. After taking a break with the whole nightwing business, he started his new life as a police officer.

He does make a remarkable one, must I add.

"Why do you want to? At least tell me why." He asks, calming down.

"It's important. Trust me."

I need to cure her. I need to cure Alina.

I can't let her suffer.

And for that, I need the antidote. And my mother doesn't know anything about it.

And to prepare the antidote, Ra's Al-Ghul would be the key. The antidote's recipe lays with my grandfather.

And to resurrect him,

There's only one person who knows how to.

"Fine. What do we start with?" Grayson succumbs, letting himself fall onto the couch.

"We find my mother."

____________________________

Ahh, the things Damian is willing to do for Alina.. *insert cheesy smile*

And If you checked out Tim's book, which is called 'Hold On', you will have an idea on who's Ariana's new bae!

I think I just spilled the whole plot..

Anyways, thank you so so so much for 4k! It's crazy how it keeps growing!

Thank you for reading!! Oh, and please don't forget to vote; love you guys!

- Sophia ⚜️