CHAPTER TWO.

When Liliya attempted to find Aleksander, she was quick to discover that he was busy. A soft huff escaped her lips but she pushed it to the back of her mind. There was nothing she could do now so she pushed it off, walking towards her room. It had been turned into a hide-out for Genya and Liliya knocked against the door.

She heard a voice inside and smiled, pushing the door open. Genya was sat on the bed, flicking through a book aimlessly. Liliya kicked the door shut behind her and walked over, jumping onto the bed and lying down next to her. Her simile spreading wider as she rested back. Genya looked down, meeting her gaze.

"You look atrocious," Genya commented. Liliya shrugged and lifted her fingers towards her lips, pressing against the wound.

"You could help," Liliya said as she met the woman's gaze. Genya hummed in thought before she adjusted her seat and held her hands out, waiting for Liliya to move. The redhead then sat up and Genya ran her thumb along her bottom lip. Then she ran her thumb along her bruised eye and once the tingling sensation had passed, it was healed.

"Much better," Genya said before she pulled back and went back to flicking through the book. Liliya rolled her eyes and then shuffled forward on the bed, lying on her back. Her gaze on the ceiling as she rested her hands against her stomach.

"I missed you," Liliya admitted, not meeting the other woman's gaze. Genya smirked and closed the book, placing it down on the bedside table. She then adjusted the kefta around her as she sat up straighter against the bed.

"Of course you would," She shrugged. A hint of arrogance laced her tone but her words were airy, vaguely amused. Her smirk then fell into a soft smile, looking down at Liliya, "I missed you too. Did you find anything?" Genya questioned. Liliya shook her head and rolled onto her side, adjusting her head so she was looking up. Her eyes straining a little.

"No. Just.... Nothing," Liliya muttered, a soft huff escaping her lips. She then rolled onto her back again, closing her eyes. Her hands staying rested against her stomach. Her meeting with Roma hadn't helped either. They were both still at a deadend and now there was a possibility of Isaak returning. None of this was going how she had hoped.

"You'll find something and if you don't, I'm sure you can keep Kirigan pre-occupied," Genya shrugged. A hint of teasing in her tone. Liliya chuckled and opened her eyes. The reminder of his presence on her hips. The pain wasn't there any longer, just a dull reminder if she pressed against it in the wrong way.

"He keeps me occupied," Liliya corrected. Genya nodded and then glanced over at Liliya's neck. There were a few bruises littered across her neck that she could see peaking from the top of her black kefta.

"I can tell," Genya said and the two fell into a comfortable silence. Liliya adjusted the sleeves of the kefta before beginning to unbutton it. It suddenly felt suffocating so she was quick to throw it on the floor. That was until she realised that she should 'treat it with respect' as Kirigan continued to remind her.

As she stood up, she realised what she wanted to tell Genya. Snatching up the black kefta, she said "Lev sent a strange letter today." Her words were vague but Liliya didn't know how else to describe it. It was certainly an odd letter and some part of her was doubting the credibility. It was Lev. He seemed to have fallen off the deep end in his time away from the Little Palace.

"Lev's an arse, ignore him," Genya said before Liliya could even finish her thought. The redhead turned around, black kefta draped over her arm.

"It was addressed to Roma and it mentioned Isaak," Liliya explained. Genya shrugged and looked into Liliya's blue eyes. Searching them and trying to understand why she had brought this up. Liliya had been carefree for a while. Most of her anxieties floating away but now it seemed like they were beginning to crawl back.

"Isaak's gone," Genya said, attempting to reassure the woman. Liliya shrugged and then walked over to the dresser. She folded the kefta and then placed it on the dresser.

"No," She said, shaking her head before turning to face her. A frown on her face as she stared back at Genya.

"Liliya, we both know he's gone. He's been missing for months. The Shu must have realised who he was," Genya said as she slipped off the bed. Liliya shrugged and then buried her hands in the pockets of her pants.

"Lev has no reason to lie about this," She argued. Genya sighed and then moved closer, grabbing one of Liliya's hand. She intertwined their fingers and pulled her closer.

"He wants attention or to have a reason to stay away. He has every reason to lie," Genya argued. Liliya huffed and then pulled her hands back. She stepped back and began to pace across the room. Her hands resting in her pockets as she stared up at the ceiling.

"Not about Isaak. He doesn't even know who he is, not really. Only Roma knows," She shrugged. Genya cocked an eyebrow before she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Watching the redhead move across the room.

"What is going on with you and Roma?" Genya asked curiously as she rested the side of her head against the bedpost.

"What?" Liliya asked as she turned on her heel, halting her movements. When she caught the look on Genya's face, Liliya narrowed her eyes, "Genya, don't even put that thought into my head. If I had another man trying to get my attention, I'd throw them into the lake," She responded simply. Genya smiled and then stood up again. She then took hold of both of Liliya's hands, pulling the older woman closer.

"You've been friends since you were teenagers," Genya argued. Liliya shrugged and ran her fingers along the sleeve of Genya's kefta. The two had always been touchy. Even though they knew they could never be together and didn't particularly want to be anymore, they were much more comfortable around each other than most friends.

"Yeah and he's a friend. Never anything more," Liliya said simply. Not allowing Genya to twist the situation. She wasn't doing it on purpose. Liliya knew she was merely pointing out what she saw but that didn't make it any less exhausting to think about. After Ivan and Genya, she couldn't take any more drama. She was happy with Aleksander.

"But what if he wants more?" Genya asked. Liliya scoffed and pulled her hands away. She stepped back and her hip smacked against the dresser. A soft cry of pain escaping her lips as she gripped her hip. Her teeth gritted before she straightened up. Her hip throbbing softly.

"He won't get it," Liliya said simply. Genya rolled her eyes and then strolled past into the bathroom. Liliya following after, she needed to check how her face looked. If the marks were still there, Genya hadn't touched them as far as she knew.

"Do you want to get a bath?" Genya asked as she began to unbutton her kefta. Liliya hummed in thought before nodding, smiling as she glanced back.

"Yeah. My legs are killing me. Arina was a lot more aggressive than I expected," Liliya said. Genya discarded her kefta and then began to run the bath, picking up a few things to add. It was mainly lavendar to try and soothe Liliya's aching muscles. It was obvious that she was tired and after spending a week riding her horse, that couldn't have helped.

"I'm surprised Kirigan hasn't already stolen you away," Genya said as she sprinkled the lavendar across the surface of the water that was beginning to rise. Liliya pulled her blouse over her head and threw it into the washing box.

"He has meetings," She responded. There was a hint of disappointment in her tone but as she pulled the bra off her chest, she was reminded of the marks. Aleksander's light bruises littered across her chest, "Plus, I wanted to try and see you. I wasn't sure when you'd be around," Liliya added before she toed her boots off. The socks joining her blouse before she took her pants off.

"The Queen is being ridiculous so I made sure to be quick as always," Genya shrugged. Liliya hummed in response and watched as Genya turned the taps off before gesturing for Liliya to get in. The redhead took her underwear off but paused. Watching to see what Genya would do and if she would look, she did take a small peek. A smirk spreading across Liliya's lips.

"She's always ridiculous. She's a cow," Liliya mumbled. It was treason to insult the Queen but the two always did so. They didn't entirely care and if anyone overheard them, it was hard to even convict them. Plus, Liliya was a Grisha and General Kirigan's partner. It wouldn't be a good look for the Royal Court.

"Exactly," Genya muttered before she gestured for the bath. The woman was quickly getting impatient, "Come on, get in," Genya snapped. Liliya rolled her eyes and then climbed into the tub. Giving her body a moment to adjust to the water before she sunk down.

"Alright alright," Liliya muttered as she sat down. Her body sinking beneath the water. The water line travelling to rest above her collarbone, Saints you're worse than Aleksander," Liliya added, glancing over at Genya. The woman's face briefly scrunched up before she leant over and grabbed a hold of the sponge and soap.

"I don't even want to know what you meant," Genya mumbled under her breath. Liliya chuckled and then moved to sit up. Leaning forward so Genya could wash her back. That was the main place that Genya washed but it would be particularly sensitive after all the recent activities. Genya knew when to be careful.

"Yeah, you don't," Liliya muttered as she felt Genya begin to rub the sponge against her back. A soft hiss escaped her lips but Liliya decided to try and talk, just to help distract her, "I think he's leaving in a few days," She added. Genya furrowed her eyebrows, her movements pausing briefly. Then she continued to wash her back.

"Where to?" Genya asked curiously. Liliya rested her forehead against her hand as she closed her eyes.

"The Fold," Liliya muttered before realising that she should elaborate. Genya was not entirely informed of all their plans, "Zlatan is becoming restless. I wonder if that means I'll have to pretend to be Lisenka again," She mumbled the last bit. The thought had even surprised her but the reminder of Yanovich earlier certainly didn't help her thoughts wondering. That night had been an odd one but she enjoyed playing the role of Lisenka. She hadn't been able to do anything like it since that night.

"That nearly got you killed," Genya commented. Liliya hummed in agreement before she lifted her head. Her hair falling across her back much to Genya's annoyance, "Pull your hair back," She commented. Liliya complied, pulling it back over her shoulder.

"Only because the Shu people knew me," She argued as she tilted her head back. Genya rolled her eyes and dipped the sponge into the water. She then began to wash the soap away.

"And now everyone knows you. Walking around wearing his colour has gotten you notice. The Queen hates you," Genya explained. Liliya scoffed but then she felt Genya press a particularly bruised spot and she flinched. The woman muttered an apology which Liliya waved off.

"She hates all Grisha," Liliya said. The Queen never failed to hide her dislike but she knew when to be respectful. Especially considering General Kirigan was one of the few things keeping Ravka safe from Fjerda and Shu Han.

Genya merely hummed in response and the two went on. Only quiet conversation as Liliya bathed, trying her best to relax despite the thoughts swirling around her head.

***

Waiting for Aleksander had become the worst thing in their relationship. Most of their time was spent together, enjoying each other's company but when meetings and the real world got in the way, it was the worst. Between Isaak's potential return and General Zlatan becoming that little bit more dangerous, they both became busy. Whether that was mentally or physically, it was exhausting. Liliya just wanted to snuggle in bed with him and talk. He hadn't been free since the morning and now it was getting late into the night and he was still in his office.

So, Liliya decided to get another bath. Sinking beneath the water for an hour before she decided to get out. One of their towels wrapped around her body as she walked back into the bathroom. Her hands clutching the matieral to keep it in place.

She hadn't expected Aleksander to be changing when she walked in but she was glad. Her hair was damp and she knew she looked terrible. The exhaustion evident and covered in bruises from him but it didn't stop his staring. Admiring her face and a small smile spread across his face.

"You look gorgeous. I apologise for being so late," He said as he pulled his night pants on. Liliya shrugged and began to change into a new set of underwear. Aleksander coming to help slip her bra back on. He then pressed a kiss to her temple, "You've been pacing, haven't you?" He asked. Liliya shrugged again and he turned her around. Her gaze meeting his. Those beautiful almost-black eyes that drew her in.

"I have," Liliya shrugged, attempting to brush it off. She had been pacing for half of the day, unable to stop her mind. Everything had been so calm but just the prospect of Isaak had sent her reeling. She just prayed that her nightmares didn't come back. They had become more and more infrequent over the past year.

"What's on your mind?" Aleksander asked as he reached out to grab the night dress for her. She watched him and lifted her hands as he slipped it over her head. Only when it was on did she realise that she hadn't told him about what Lev had said yet.

"Isaak," Liliya said as she wrapped her arms around his torso. The side of her face rested against his chest, listening to the soft thump of his heart, "Lev spotted him getting on a ship," She clarified. Aleksander furrowed his eyebrows and lifted her head up by her chin.

"Where?" He asked. There was a hint of soething she couldn't quite discern in his tone. She had managed to work out what every movement and tone of his voice meant. He was difficult to read and suddenly, she felt like she was just an Inferni in training again. Completely unaware of what he meant with those words.

"Ketterdam," She said cautiously. Aleksander stayed quiet for a moment before nodding. He pushed his fingers through her hair, pulling her close again.

"It is unlikely he would return to Ravka. He has no business here," Aleksander shrugged. His words were an attempt to reassure her but they fell relatively flat. Her mind had been thinking and overthinking the whole day. Nothing could stop her from being convinced that he would return to find her.

"He wants to kill me," Liliya muttered as she lifted her head. Wrapping her arms around his neck, running one of her hands through his hair. A soft huff escaped her lips before she let her head fall forward.

"That won't happen," Aleksander promised. She lifted her head, looking into his eyes. There was a determined look in his eyes and she knew that he meant it. It made her heart melt but also worried her. She didn't want to put him in danger.

"Plenty of people have nearly succeeded. A year ago or not, people hate me and they'd rather see me dead," Liliya shrugged. Aleksander rested his hands on her hips. She twitched slightly at the pressure but quickly got used to the feeling. Her skin still sensitive from his rough actions the previous night.

"You are stronger than he is," He responded simply. Liliya shrugged. She knew that she had better control of the shadows but Isaak was unpredictable and efficient. It made him terrifying and skilled despite his complete lack of training.

"He massacred an entire village in a minute," She argued. Aleksander let his hands fall from around her waist. He then walked over to the bed and pulled the covers back.

"And I am the reason for the Fold. He will not harm you," Aleksander stated simply. Liliya rolled her eyes at him.

"Aleksander." She said softly as she stepped closer. He moved back from the bed and turned to face her, meeting her gaze. A serious look on his face.

"Yes?" He asked, one of his eyebrows slightly raised.

"You shouldn't protect me. This... it has already adjusted your plans," Liliya said, gesturing vaguely between the two of them. Ever since he had revealed what he truly wanted to do, she had become cautious of what they had. It cold be detrimental to him and she didn't want that. They had agreed to do it together but they had already wasted so much time.

"If I knew there was another Shadow Summoner when I realised what I must do, I would have accommodated for you then. My plans were simply adjusted when I found you. We both know what we want," He said simply, staring into her blue eyes. They had always been such a contrast to his. Her eyes were like a calm ocean on a cool day while his were black like fire coals.

"Aleksander," She said softly, pushing her fingers through her hair. Aleksander looked away for a moment before he closed the gap between them. He pinched her chin, looking into her eyes. A disgruntled look on his face.

"Liliya. We have had this conversation before and I am not willing to have it again," He said simply. Liliya reached up and took a hold of his wrist, pulling him away. She moved his hand to rest by his side. Wanting to put a little bit of space between the two of them.

"I shouldn't even exist. Isaak should have killed me," Liliya responded, letting her hands rest loose by her sides. It had been something she had contemplated quite a few times and it was true. Whether it was when she was a child or when she had been caught by the Shu Han, she should have been dead. Should not have been causing a stir.

"Yet he didn't. Maybe the Saints smile down on you or maybe you serve a greater purpose," Aleksander stated simply as he moved back to the bed. He pulled the covers back again and then moved to sit down on the edge of the bed.

"What greater purpose could I possibly serve?" Liliya scoffed as she moved over to her own side of the bed. She adjusted the straps of the night dress before sitting down.

"Assisting me in my plans," He decided simply. A soft scoff escaped her lips. She didn't know how she was supposed to help.

"You're stronger than me," She voiced her thoughts. Aleksander then turned to face her, twisting his body.

"And we are stronger together. The only piece that is missing is our Sun Summoner," He said simply. Liliya nodded and then slid under the covers. Her back pressed against the mattress as she stared up at the ceiling.

"If we ever find them," She mumbled. Aleksander moved to lie down next to ehr.

"If you, Roma and Lev are trying, there is nothing to worry about. I am simply glad you decided to join me," He said as he reached his hand over. Resting his arm around her stomach as he pressed his face in the space between her head and shoulder. Pressing a soft kiss to the skin of her jaw, "Would you like to sleep?" He asked after a moment. Liliya then rolled over onto her side and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Please," She muttered. Aleksander then adjusted their position so she could be a little more comfortable. The two of them slowly slipping into sleep.

***

author's note! ruby is very sleepy after writing this so kindly excuse any grammatical errors, i am KNACKERED but i wanted this chapter out cause well, i miss my babies and miss the interaction, y'all are so fun to just talk with and stuff, but yeah, here's the chapter, we have the RETURN OF GENYA and some more domestic!lilikiri cause bbies so yeah, i love y'all, thank you for reading!! <3