Chapter 15


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𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕂𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕒𝕟

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My night consisted mostly of making conversation with nobles, royals, ambassadors, generals and other military leaders from the Wandering Isle, Novyi Zem, Kerch and beyond. There were even a few Fjerdan and Shu who'd chosen to flee to Ravka, which had become a much stronger nation under my reign.

The thrones at the centre of the room remained empty. I preferred walking around compared to being restricted to one spot. Besides, if I was being completely honest with myself, I was too nervous to sit still. My eyes kept occasionally searching for Ivan's familiar face and red Heartrender's kefta.

Finally, just when I thought he might never show, Ivan pushed his way between two ambassadors, who'd begun to ramble nervously about the state of their home countries when I'd arrived. "Moi Soverennyi," he gave a swift soldier's bow.

"Ivan," I replied, waving a hand at the ambassadors who all dispersed hastily. "So? What news?"

The Heartrender nodded stiffly, hands at his side. Even during events such as the Winter Fete, he was always at attention, always ready to serve or protect. That was what made him my best soldier. "I've just received word from Kribirsk. With the Sun Summoner's help, they crossed the Fold successfully. And they've brought it with them, just as you instructed."

I took a deep breath in. Finally, something to brighten up the tiresome night. "Good. Choose your men, Ivan. They must be prepared to leave tomorrow. No time to waste."

"Yes, Moi Soverennyi." He said, turning on his heel to walk away.

"And if you see my son, tell him to meet me in my chambers." I finished, straightening my kefta.

"Yes, sir," Ivan said, voice impassive.

I swiftly made my way through the crowd, who hurried out of my way like wild beasts did to forest fires. There was a time when the sight of that would've hurt me, but after hundreds of years of being feared by all who saw me, I'd grown used to it.

But I didn't their love or praise. I just needed them to stay in line and out of my way, so I could keep my people safe. Novyi Zem and Kerch were both under my control, with both leaders having subjected to Ravka's new rules.

I reached a quiet hall, relieved to be away from the crowded rooms. I stretched my arms out into the empty space in front of me.

I pushed open the door to my chambers, which consisted of three rooms. The entrance room was big, where I usually had my war meetings. A huge table filled the centre of the floor, with a huge map set upon it along with little pawns that represented Ravka's armies. My finger traced the thin ink lines, reaching the huge black ink splotch that was the Fold.

I stared at the table's side like I always did when I was alone. I'd been standing in the same spot, with Alina sitting in front of me, her hands sliding their way down my back and her lips caressing mine. It had been exactly thirteen years ago.

On that night, we'd been alone. No kings. No queens. No guards.

Just the two of us, together...

The kiss had turned hard and with joyful laughs, we'd stumbled to the bedroom, where I'd slowly undone her black and gold, silk kefta. She'd done the same to mine.

The room had been warm, but I'd been shivering the entire time. I made my way over to the bedroom down now, staring at my perfectly made bed. But I could still picture it the night it'd just been the two of us... The night she'd left me...

A knock on the door sounded and I spun on my heel. "Come in."

Reagan poked his face through the open door, smiling a bit. At least one of us was enjoying ourselves.

But I couldn't help but smile back.

He had the same smile as Alina. Kind and young, not yet fully aware of the world's horrors. I wanted to savour that smile. I wanted to hold it close and keep it forever. My hand raised to the boy's cheek, brushing a strand on his ink-black hair with my thumb.

"You said you wanted to see me?" Reagan asked.

I took a breath in. "Yes, I've just received a bit of information. Tomorrow we're leaving for Kribirsk."

"What for?"

"How have your study lessons been?" I asked, walking back to the table, where my hand rested on the wood.

I could feel Reagan's curious gaze on my back. "Fine. But what has that got to do with going to Kribirsk?"

"And you know all about amplifiers. Specifically, Morozova's amplifiers." I turned back towards him, watching his shoulders rise with surprise.

"What about them?"

"Morozova made three amplifiers. The stag. The sea whip. And the firebird. We found the sea whip. And I intend to give it to you." The boy's shu-ish eyes became startled, no doubt he was wondering if history was going to repeat itself. "You will be the one to slay it," I reassured him. But I don't think he was completely convinced. 

I walked back to him slowly. "You agree with my vision, right? To make a world where all Grisha are safe. The Fjerdans and Shu are still our enemies. You support me, right?" To my pleasure, he took no time to nod firmly. If only Alina had been so assertive. "Then I know you will use to power of the sea whip well. I trust you."

"And I trust you."

My breath caught at the unexpected words. Reagan walked forwards, taking my hand in his. His fingers were warm and soft. "I trust you," he repeated.

My fingers curled around his, my other hand cupped his cheek. "Together, we will do great things."

And maybe... Alina would join us...


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Hey Readers,

Sorry this took so long to post.
I've been really busy with assignments for school.
You understand I'm sure.

- DawnTide


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