Chapter Text
- Father, you must be joking!
Alina shrieked with frustration, pacing back and forth in annoyance and disbelief. She felt betrayed and baffled at the same time! How could he do that to her?
The marquess sighed tiredly and pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd just came back from a private meeting with the Tsar and had been informed that his daughter was to be wed to the grand duke - Aleksander Morozova - the most powerful Grisha in the world , the leader of the second army and the king's great uncle . The Tsar had been worried about the whispers of war from the neighboring countries and some of the had apparently tried to win the grand duke's favor by offering him their daughters! To make sure that Ravka remained a "United Kingdom" , the king had ordered him to prepare himself for the wedding. Yes, it had been and order and not a request nor a suggestion!
- I'm afraid not, my dear! It is a direct order from his majesty the king.
He answered as gently as he could, not wanting to upset his one and only daughter more than she already was.
His gentle tone didn't help his daughter calm down. Stopping abruptly, Alina turned around sharply, waving her hands wildly in the air, she screamed
- What about me??? Does my opinion not matter?
The marquess didn't look her in the eyes. He wished the circumstances were different but reality was rather cruel! The future of the whole kingdom was at the stake . There was the high possibility of war around the corner and the king was not taking any chances.
- I would have done anything for you to be happy but unfortunately my sunshine, the future of Ravka depends on this marriage!
Alina stilled and frowned suspiciously.
- What do you mean?
The marquess sighed and gestured for his daughter to take a seat .
- Aleksander Morozova is the most powerful man in the world. Quite literally!
Alina rolled her eyes annoyedly. Yes , she was aware of the grand duke's immense power both politically and physically. He was the shadow saint for heaven's sake! But what did it have to do with anything? How did him being powerful threaten the future of their kingdom? He was their saint, their protector! It wasn't as if he was going to betray them...
Her eyes widened at the thought.
Was he going to betray them?
- Does he want to take the throne?
She asked with wide, horrified eyes. Marquess Starkov gave her an incredulous look and shook his head with mild disappointment . It was an open secret, the fact that the duke simply didn't want to rule. The royal family would give him the throne without objections if he asked for it ! It was his right after all!
- No child, he doesn't! He is royalty himself and the king wouldn't make any decisions without asking for his opinion! Just like the previous rulers wouldn't! He doesn't need the throne... BUT...
He didn't allow Alina to interrupt him.
- Apparently our neighboring countries have been looking for an opportunity to gain more power and take control over Ravka , which made them target the grand duke and try to build an alliance with him. Of course that on its own isn't an issue as we know where the duke's loyalty and heart lays but if word gets out of the palace walls and reaches the ears of the people, there will be chaos! Everyone will panic and start doubting him and the royal family as well ! Distrust and lack of faith in us will be our downfall! Our enemies are always looking for a weakness to strike! This marriage will be the symbol of peace. The saint who has started his own family. It will make people feel at ease knowing he has every reason to love and protect them. It means a United Kingdom! It means harmony between the royal family and the people. No weaknesses, no possible attacks!
Alina pinched the bridge of her nose.
- ... I just want to make sure... saints... this is all so ridiculous... how exactly... do they want to make an alliance?
Her father clasped his hands in front of him and leaned back.
- They're offering their children as possible marriage candidates to the grand duke! Shu Han has offered their crown princess while Fjerda has offered their young king! There are other candidates too... but those two are the highest ranking people I've heard of.
Alina gaped at him . Was he being serious? What was so great about taking over another country and disrupting the peace that made them want to get the darkling on their side?
- What makes them think he'd actually accept their offer anyways?
She asked with a huff , politics were headaches wrapped up in poisonous honey if you asked her. They were supposed to be beneficial to everyone but the people using them had only themselves in mind.
The marquess sat up straighter and frowned disapprovingly. Not at her, but at the ones who've been eyeing their country.
- "He's killed a king once and taken over the country, surely he'd do it again with the right motivation." Is what they think.
He explained tiredly. Sometimes he wondered if he should have just taken his family and left the palace to live in a farm! It surely would have been less complicated!
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Nikolai watched her shove her clothes into a bag with a raised brow
- Are we going somewhere?
Alina stopped for a moment and pushed her hair away from her face before answering
- Not we, I am!
It's been a week since the big bomb her father had dropped on her head and she'd made up her mind!
Her friend gave her a tight lipped smile. He was going to argue with her , she could tell by the way he pulled his shoulders up and lifted his chin .
- Alina, I can't imagine how under pressure you must be feeling, but running away will only add fuel to the fire! What will happen to your parents if you leave?
Alina resumed her packing and shrugged
- They'll forgive me eventually!
Nikolai shook his head
- That's not what I meant, I'm asking what will the king do to them if you leave?
Alina's hand stilled midair. She'd be committing treason by disobeying the king's orders and thus would put her family at risk.
- Damn it!
Flopping down on the bed, she covered her face with her hands. What was she supposed to do?
She felt the weight of the bed shifting and heard Nikolai's soothing voice next to her
- Nothing is for sure yet, Alina! How high is the possibility of the grand duke accepting the marriage anyways? His majesty might be able to order you around but he can't do the same to him!
There it was, the little glimmer of hope! There was no way he'd agree to it! There was just no way, Alina just knew it!
The doors burst open and they both jolted up in surprise.
- Mal? What happened???
Alina asked worriedly, already expecting the worst. Were they under attack? Had somebody died? The young prince was trying to speak between uneven breaths.
- He's here!...Uncle...duke... grand duke ... he's here! It's been years since the last time he'd come to us himself! Something's up , I can feel it!
- What?
Her and Nikolai asked at the same time.
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The Darkling didn't waste any time on pleasantries , he'd traveled east right after receiving word that his grandniece had been in grave danger.
- Where is she?
He asked upon seeing Arman - the current Tsar of Ravka- and looked around as if by doing that he'd find Tanya faster.
- Uncle Aleksander, I'm so glad to see you again. It's been what... 10 years since the last time we saw each other?
Arman said with a bright smile , arms wide open, waiting no doubt for him to accept the hug .
- You haven't changed one bit since the last time I saw you... which was 9 years ago actually.
The Darkling responded disdainfully but returned the hug nevertheless. Patting the "boy's" back a few times , he stepped back and looked around.
- Now, where's your mother?
A look suspiciously close to guilt crossed the king's eyes before he nodded towards a general direction.
- She's in the garden, as usual!
Unable to hide his worry, he frowned
- Why is the queen mother in the garden when her health is already at so much risk?
Coughing into his fist- which the Darkling knew was just an act- he nodded his head.
- Mother is waiting for you !
He noticed how the Tsar excused himself and left him at the garden entrance. Why did he run away like that? Something wasn't right... he just had to find out what exactly it was.
- Took you long enough!
Said a soft yet steady voice from between the bushes. Taking his eyes off the direction his second youngest nephew had ran off to , he turned around and looked at his grandniece, who was... enjoying a picnic in the garden???
- Tanya, are you sure you're well enough to be outside right now? Where are your maids , your guards?
His questions didn't seem to be of too much importance for the queen mother to answer as she smiled and patted the spot next to her slowly.
- The weather is great today, isn't it?
Her smile was very bright. It distracted him from his worries for the moment. Tanya resembled her grandmother - his sister - a lot. Not only her face but her personality as well! She demanded all his attention, just as Ulla would, many decades ago.
- I suppose it is.
He answered slowly, eyes looking skywards at the white and cotton-like clouds.
- I'm turning 80 in a few months.
The Darkling turned his head towards the queen mother with a small smile.
- Has it already been 8 decades?
He asked with a raised brow. He could clearly remember the days when she'd been merely a toddler and he'd put her on his shoulders and walk her around her bedroom, making her giggle happy and clap her tiny hands joyfully.
Tanya smiled back. She'd never been able to not return his smile. Her grand uncle who would look like her grandchild to anyone who'd see them sitting next to each other.
- Yes! And don't think you can skip giving me a present just because I'm an old woman who has her own grandchild!
Huffing halfheartedly in annoyance, he nodded his head. He'd never deny her anything, no matter how old she thought she was.
- I wouldn't dare. Name anything you want , I'll give it to you .
His confident smile wavered at the victorious glint that brightened her green eyes . Why did he feel like he'd walked right into a trap?
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- I can't believe you're going to be my aunt, Alina!
Said Mal quietly as he lead her towards the dining hall. They'd been informed that the marquess Starkov and his family would be joining the royal family for dinner. No one dined with the royal family unless it was some kind of royal feast. It was considered an honor but Alina, wearing one of her finest dresses and looking like she was attending a royal ball instead of dinner, felt more nervous than anything. She was sure she'd collapse if Mal wasn't there to support her weight. People didn't just receive dinner invitations from the king of Ravka for the sake of catching up. Even if they were the marquess Starkov's family, who was queen Katiya's dear cousin. The fact that the grand duke had arrived in the grand palace on the same day as well made it too suspicious to be a mere coincidence.
Her palms were starting to sweat and her nerves were a wreck as well, Mal's words weren't exactly helpful either. She wished she could just disappear and leave the palace... no... the capital all together.
- Please shut your mouth if you're not offering any help, your grace.
She replied just as quietly and walked through the big doors right after the prince.
- Only you can manage to address me respectfully and sound so disrespectful at the same time, Alina!
Mal replied in a nagging voice, drawing his eyebrows closer in a frown, making Alina smile at his silliness.
- Remember to breathe!
Whispered the prince before taking his place next to his father.
Alina couldn't make a face at him in front of the whole royal family, even if the queen was her aunt, so instead she curtsied and greeted them politely.
- Good evening, your majesty, your highness.
- Good evening to you too, miss Starkov, how have you been?
Asked the Tsar with a gentle smile. No matter how well meaning he was, to Alina, his smile looked like a wolf's. He was the one who'd ordered her to marry the shadow saint after all.
- She's a hard working young lady. I heard you've defeated some of the experienced knights in one of your hand to hand combat trainings. I have always wanted to learn how to fight, but I couldn't really stomach the sight of blood . Ah... what am I saying at the table, come dear, sit with me .
Alina had wanted to sit (hide) between her parents but apparently that wasn't an option anymore. Smiling politely at the queen, she looked around the table as she took her seat. The table was set for eight people.
The seats at the head and end of the table were both empty! The queen mother and the king were the only ones who had the right to take them. The queen mother wasn't there yet, that explained her empty seat but the king was already there so why was he sitting on the other side of the table, in front of his wife instead of right next to her?
The doors opened once more, revealing marquess and marchioness Starkov . Alina felt like she could finally breathe a lot easier now that her parents were there as well.
They hadn't taken their seats yet, when the queen mother - Tanya- entered the dining hall as well. They all stood up and greeted her respectfully.
As she took her seat at the end of the table between Alina's parents, Alina couldn't help but wonder how she could manage to be so elegant and graceful and have such a demanding presence as well while being 79 years old and a none Grisha at that.
- Isn't he coming, mother?
Asked the king after clearing his throat with a fake cough. Alina didn't need the "he" explained to her, HE was the reason why she and her family were there in the first place.
The queen mother's lips curled upwards. Her expression seemed like a victorious one in Alina's mind. Maybe she was just imagining things.
- He-...
She was cut off by the hurried guards who opened the door and bowed down dramatically to a man covered in black from head to toe.
- ... is here already!
Finished the queen mother with a satisfied grin as everyone else stood up once more.
Alina and Mal shared a nervous look, the young lady wondering why the prince was so nervous? He was the grand duke's youngest descendant. Besides he wasn't the one ordered to marry the duke for the sake of politics and the country.
- Moi Soverennyi, it's been years since the last time we saw each other, I hope you've been well?
Queen Katiya was the first to speak. She sounded so genuinely happy it made Alina doubt if she had any idea why the duke was there to visit in the first place.
- Katiya, I've been well. As well as dealing with foreign ambassadors allow me, that is. How have you been?
Alina couldn't even lift her head up to look at the man. There was something about him, his presence, his power , that filled the room with a heavy air , made it hard for her to do anything but to listen with her head held low. She wondered if she was the only one. The queen clearly wasn't as uncomfortable or intimidated as she was, chatting with the shadow summoner like he wasn't the most powerful man in Ravka and possibly the whole world.
- I can't deny I've been very surprised to hear that you're visiting us. Can I ask to what we owe this pleasure?
So she didn't know? Had the king hidden his intentions from everyone but her father? Alina glanced at her mother for a moment. She was listening to the conversation with curiosity , her expression free of that worried frown sitting on her husband's face. The realization hit her slowly.
She didn't know either!
Alina's eyes sought out for her father's. He gave her a subtle head shake, he hadn't told her !
Alina closed her eyes slowly. Everything was a mess and she wished she could be anywhere but there.
- We have to prepare a celebration! A ball would be nice!
Said queen Katiya with a bright smile, looking at her husband for confirmation. The king glanced at his mother and nodded his head.
- We can announce the official date of Malyen and Zoya's wedding as well as ... uncle Aleksander's engagement!
He said after an uncertain pause. Why was he acting so nervous now? Hadn't he been the one who'd planned it all? Alina wondered begrudgingly.
- Congratulations moi Soverennyi, I had no idea you were getting engaged.
Said the queen with bright eyes, she seemed to be more happy about the duke's engagement than her own son's wedding!
- Me neither!
Responded the duke neutrally before taking a sip of his cup.
Nobody seemed to pay attention to that, however. Alina frowned. What did he mean by that? He didn't know he was getting married to her??? He must have been joking! Yes, a mere joke. A very lame one too! How could a man like him be unaware of his own marriage?
To her right , her mother cleared her throat.
- Congratulations moi Soverennyi, I am rather careless when it comes to these sort of ... events... may I ask who the lucky person is ?
Oh mother! Thought Alina pitifully and lowered her head some more , wishing she could just disappear for the nth time. Maybe she could hide under the table. Would anyone notice if she did? A look at Mal who was trying to hide his face behind his cup made it clear that yes... they would.
- Everybody out!
Ordered the queen mother. The maids and servants followed her order wordlessly and very soon, the hall was empty aside from the ones sitting at the table.
The marchioness looked around surprisedly. Probably wondering if she had asked something out of turn! Alina wanted to hold her hand and say everything was alright but she couldn't. Everything wasn't alright and she needed someone to hold her own hand and comfort her!
- Did neither of you actually tell your wives?
The queen mother asked with a disapproving frown sitting between her brows, eyes moving between the marquess and the king who appeared to be unable to look her in the eyes.
A thought crossed Alina's mind. A rather bizarre thought, really. What if the king hadn't been the one who'd come up with that idea but his mother?
- Duke Morozova is going to be engaged to your daughter Alina, Hua! I should be congratulating you!
- What?
- Alina?
Queen Katiya and marchioness Starkov both asked (shrieked) in union and turned their heads towards her. Alina drew her shoulders together and shrunk into herself some more. Why did she have to be sitting right between the two women?
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- And you didn't think I was supposed to know???
The marchioness was very upset with her husband fo hiding such an important information from her. Had it not been for the queen mother , she would have probably found out on the day of the announcement with the rest of the nobles!
Alina shook her head and slipped through her parents' bedroom doors. Her father wouldn't get any help from her in that. Mother would set them both on fire if provoked, Alina had no doubt about that and wished to be away from the Inferni's wrath as soon as possible.
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- Are your parents also having a ... conversation?
Asked Mal with a look akin to a kicked puppy.
So the queen was also upset with her husband? Served him right! Thought Alina with cold satisfaction.
Nodding her head in positive, Alina leaned her chin on her hand and eyed the books in front of her. She couldn't really concentrate on anything she read. The palace library was a huge room with seemingly endless rows of bookshelves , her favorite place in the whole palace and she'd never waste the chance to visit whenever she could. Their manor had a library too but it wasn't as grand as the one in the grand palace.
- Mother was upset that she had to be informed about my marriage by the queen mother instead of her husband who'd known about it for a whole week. I understand why father hadn't told her. He's still trying to wrap his head around the who marriage thing. But mother has every right to be upset too, so I left them to talk it out, I guess! How're the things on your side?
She watched Mal's eyes move rapidly before turning his head skyward. He sighed for a long moment and gave her a guilty smile.
- My mother's reasons are very different from yours. She was upset because she hasn't prepared anything to give the new couple as a gift! She feels like a terrible daughter in law and a horrible aunt!
Alina groaned and hit her head on the desk, she regretted it immediately but it was too late. Her forehead hurt like crazy, making her eyes tear up with pain.
- I want to run away, Mal!
She said in a defeated tone. The prince patted her shoulders with sympathy and nodded his head.
- I know... but we both know you can't!
Alina groaned once more. Mal leaned closer
- To tell you the truth... uncle Aleksander didn't want to get married either!
- Then why...?
Alina asked, lifting her head off the desk to look at him with a frown.
- I don't know. I just know that it was grandmother's idea and my father had agreed to it ! I still don't know how, but it seems grandmother was the one who convinced the duke to agree to the marriage! Maybe she used her "granddaughter charm" on him.
Alina snorted at his ridiculousness.
- Granddaughter charm?
Mal nodded his head with an excited smile, like a child who was revealing a secret to their best best friend. Alina unconsciously leaned closer. She couldn't help her curiosity!
- She used to tell me stories about her childhood! About how much the grand duke would spoil her despite her mother's disapproval! He'd give her everything she would ask for and he'd even carry her around on his shoulders!
Alina listened with her mouth wide open in disbelief. How could that be possible! It was unbelievable! She couldn't imagine the man she'd seen for a short moment at dinner to do anything as affectionate as that. Even more unbelievable was for her to imagine the queen mother as a child, sitting on the grand duke's shoulders and ordering him around.
- What in the world? I can't even imagine any of them being like that.
Mal grinned and nodded in agreement
- I know right?
Alina grinned back . She didn't have many friends, but the few she had were the best of the best.
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She started to relax some more after the first three days of "looking over her shoulder, expecting someone to seek her out to go and speak with the duke in private" had ended rather quietly. It all seemed to have gone back to normal. Could it be possible that everyone had magically forgotten about the marriage? She wondered enthusiastically as she walked down the stairs and exited the palace walls. A walk in the garden would be pleasant! She decided and so followed the road that lead to the palace garden.
The smell of flowers filled her nose and made her feel a lot lighter. Smiling slowly, she wondered if she should as her father for a private garden just for herself as her seventeenth birthday present.
- It's a pleasant weather, isn't it?
She startled and looked around, spotting the queen mother sittings on the ground not far from where she stood , she curtsied immediately.
- It is indeed, your highness!
Smiling slowly, Tanya patted the spot next to her and nodded her head towards her maid .
- Why don't you take a seat? We can chat together for a while!
It sounded like a request but was an order , Alina could tell so as the maid poured her some tea , she lowered herself and sat next to the queen mother with a respectful distance between them.
- Are you looking forward to the ball, Alina?
Asked Tanya with a raised brow. The ball was going to take place in four days. Too little time for one big announcement.
Two!
A small voice in her head corrected her. Ignoring it would not make it just disappear!
- Everyone is excited and in a hurry. The palace looks so full these days!
She answered, choosing her words carefully. She couldn't exactly say " no I'd rather be anywhere but here!" Could she? She'd be thrown in the dungeons for disrespecting the royal family.
Nodding her head in agreement, Tanya took a sip from her cup. Once again, Alina wondered how much elegance could one person have?
- Uncle is a very busy man! He can't leave his responsibilities for long. He's very dedicated to his duties and his people. So we had to rush things a little, this way he can go back to Os Kervo and look after them.
Alina felt relieved to hear that the Duke would be leaving soon after the ball! She selfishly hoped he'd leave right away!
- I'm actually looking forward to you two dancing together!
Alina's eyes widened, her head snapping up in surprise. She really didn't want to see him or speak to him not to mention dance with him. He scared her for reasons she couldn't explain.
- Your highness, may I ask you something?
Tanya gave her a knowing look and nodded her head.
- I'm sure there are lots of people who'd be more... suitable for his grace , so why ... why did you choose me?
Alina asked with a wavering voice, half expecting the older woman to slap her across the face and accuse her of being an ungrateful person. The queen mother took another sip from her cup before looking at the tall trees with a distant look on her face.
- For as long as I can remember, he's been always alone ... no matter how many people surround him... no matter how much we love him... we are all going to die and he will still be here. There's no one like him . Or wasn't, not until you came along, Alina! I'm sure you can learn many things from him... about yourself... about your powers. Don't you think?
Alina looked around hurriedly. Her powers were her secret! Why was the queen mother throwing it out in the open like that?
- Do my feelings not matter?
She asked after a long silence. Tanya looked at her with a smile.
- Feelings change! Besides, I wouldn't arrange this marriage if I thought it would be to anyone's ... disadvantage. Look at me, my son and look at his son ... don't we all look happy? Do you think any of us married for love? Do you think my grandson is in love with his fiancé?
Your parents are one of a kind! Not everyone is going to find the love of their life and settle down!
She wasn't exactly wrong... but Alina didn't completely agree with her either.
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One day before the ball
Another black coach had arrived at the palace surrounded by guards from the little palace.
One of them held the door open and a man wearing a deep red Kefta covered in black embroideries stepped out before offering his hand to a woman who smiled at him, accepted the help and climbed down afterwards. She was wearing a Kefta almost identical to the man's, the color of her hair almost the same shade of her outfit. Alina watched them from her room's window and wondered what their identities were with curiosity.
To her surprise, Mal was the one to welcome them personally. Those two Grisha must have been very important people for the crown prince to go and greet them right away.
- Who are they?
She asked with a curious frown, squinting some more to see better. Sitting on her guest chair, Nikolai threw another grape up in the air and caught it in his mouth before standing up and walking towards the window. Upon seeing the new faces he raised a brow.
- You don't know them?
He asked, sounding almost judging, almost! Shaking her head in negative, Alina shrugged.
- There aren't many Grisha in the grand palace aside from the king, my mother, Zoya and some healers, you know that !
Nodding his head, the knight shrugged nonchalantly and turned back towards the window.
- The Heartrender is Fedyor Kaminsky, Morozova's left hand man and also his son in law. The woman, Genya Safin , is the only Tailor I've ever seen in my entire life. She works for the grand Duke as well and even attends some of the meetings and important events on his behalf. I asked her out one time ... She looked at me like I was the most disgusting creature in the world. My pride was hurt a little... not gonna lie!
Alina listened to his introduction attentively and snorted at the last part. She'd never met someone who'd refuse her friend's request to spend some time together! That Tailor must have been blind to his beauty and charm!
The two guests disappeared from their sight alongside the crown prince . Alina looked at her friend with wide eyes, suddenly having remembered the words of the queen mother about the marriages of the royal family members.
- Do you know how Zoya got selected to become the next queen?
Nikolai rolled his eyes dramatically and put his hands on his hips. Ugh! Alina thought. Please don't say " you don't know that either?"
- You don't know that either? Girl you are the queen's niece! How is it that despite being so close to the royal family you have not a single clue about anything? What do you do in your free time?
- I read books.
Alina deadpanned. Nikolai pinched the bridge of his nose in disappointment. That was what happened when a young lady didn't attend any social gatherings and just stuck to books! They'd miss out the whole juicy gossips!
- Zoya Nazyalenski, daughter of marquess Nazyalenski was actually a member of the Darkling's elite soldiers and was rumored to be in line to become one of his generals before HE suggested she and Mal get engaged. The king and the queen had accepted after a through background check!
Alina stared at him for a long moment, trying to digest the new information she'd just gathered.
The grand duke was the one who made Zoya the queen to be? Why had Alina thought that the two had met somewhere and took a liking to each other before getting engaged?
Because that had sounded much more romantic than the truth! A little voice inside her head whispered. Alina was starting to ... dislike... the grand duke more. At first she'd been displeased by his lack of disapproval to their marriage but now ... knowing he'd forced two people who weren't even in love to get married... the fact that he could actually do that... had the power to do that... made Alina feel an indescribable amount of annoyance towards him.
- There's also this very... strange... rumor that I had heard when I was in Os Kervo last year. I didn't pay much attention to it because it didn't have anything to do with me but I feel like I should tell you. It's like my duty as your friend! It's something I haven't told the prince. You should keep it to yourself too!
Alina squinted at him suspiciously. What had he heard last year that he considered important for her to know? What could this rumor be for him to hide it from their best friend, Mal?
- What is it?
He took a deep breath and looked at the ceiling for a long moment. Why was he acting so dramatically? Alina rolled her eyes.
- I heard that before Zoya was announced as the new princess, she and the grand duke were ... very... close!
Nikolai said with an uncomfortable look on his face. Alina frowned with confusion. If Zoya had been close to becoming one of his generals, then it mustn't be that strange for them to be close. They could be friends for all Alina knew! Which wasn't much!
- So, they were friends?
She asked after he didn't elaborate any further. To her annoyance, he looked annoyed!
- No Alina, I mean they were close in a " come to my bed and warm me through the cold nights" way!
He spoke in a frustrated high pitched voice. Hands moving in front of him as he explained. Alina's eyes widened, her ears started ringing and her face had turned red. That... had not been what she'd expected, at all! No wonder Nikolai hadn't told Mal anything. It would have made everything so awkward if he had! But Zoya and Morozova?
- Do you think they're still... um... in contact with each other?
She asked after clearing her throat with a cough. She wished the redness on her cheeks would go away soon. Nikolai shrugged.
- I have no idea! Zoya and Mal seem to be getting along pretty well... so I hope that there isn't any ... contacts... between her and the duke . And it would be a lot more weird for them to ... cough... because you are going to be his wife...
Alina straightened up and cleared her throat. Well... she didn't have any feelings for the duke but it would be good for ... everyone... specially Mal, if those two weren't in contact anymore! Yes... she was just very worried about Mal, who seemed to be quite happy with his fiancé.
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The day of the ball
Alina liked her dress a lot. It was a deep shade of red with hints of golden here and there. Her hair was styled by her nanny- Ana Kuya- in a simple loose braid that reached her elbow. And there were delicate golden hairpins in her hair. She was a noble lady and from the queen's family, many eyes would be on as usual. Being the only unmarried girl in the family or at least the only one of appropriate age for marriage, made her the target of many families who sought more power, wealth or more anything .
That won't be a problem for much longer. The little voice in her head whispered softly. Alina decided to not pay it much attention for the moment at least.
She watched the couples dancing in the middle of the main hall and noticed Nikolai from the other side of the dance floor. The young knight was smiling charmingly at the ladies surrounding him - who no doubt were asking for a dance- but Alina had known him her whole life. He was definitely regretting flirting with them all at once and just for fun.
- Look at them. They look like they were made for each other. They're even wearing the same color! If only she could let go of some ... unreasonable thoughts and focus on what's in front of her...
A feminine voice spoke from not far away from where she stood. Alina glanced at her with curiosity and straightened at the sight of the Tailor from the little palace. She was very beautiful and they way she spoke , the way she held herself made it clear
that she'd easily put many of the so called nobles to shame just by breathing next to them.
Noticing she was starting to stare at the young woman, Alina hurriedly looked at the dance floor once more. To her surprise, the only couple who did wear matching outfits were Mal and Zoya. The blue and white did make them stand out among the others on the floor. Alina was almost one hundred percent sure that queen Katiya had something to do with it! Always the one ready to play dress up . Rolling her eyes mentally, she watched Zoya smile at Mal and the prince smile back before asking
- Unreasonable thoughts? Does it perhaps have anything to do with the rumors?
It was like shooting an arrow in the dark but Alina had to make sure. Not that she cared about Zoya and the duke's relationship or anything, she was merely concerned about her beloved cousin's marriage.
The Tailor's eyes sparkled at her question, making Alina think " oh no" . Leaning excitedly towards her, the girl whispered in a hushed tone
- I didn't expect people from the capital to be aware of the rumors but now that someone knows, I can finally speak about it before I die.
Alina decided she would avoid putting the Tailor and Nikolai in the same room . They'd be terrible at keeping secrets and in less than an hour, they'd be spilling all the secrets of the palaces out .
- Well... I have a friend who likes ... stories!
She didn't want to explain any further. The red haired girl didn't seem to mind as she turned back towards the dancing crowd.
- The duke has been married once! Long time ago! His wife was a healer who was assassinated after giving birth. He had just taken over the kingdom and his hold over the people wasn't as strong as it is now. He lost his wife, whom he loved dearly and has never given his heart to anyone else! Zoya had been... well... interested in him for years and he favored her more than some other Grisha but we all knew that he wouldn't return her feelings. Then suddenly we were informed that Zoya would be moving to Os Alta to marry the prince and become queen. Sure her family is very influential and loyal to the throne but if you ask me , the grand duke has sent her over here to get away from her one sided feelings. She was too clingy if you ask me! He clearly didn't want her for more than... you know... and sent her away as a result. Not that bad of a punishment in my opinion! The prince seems to like her and he doesn't seem to be a bad person... obviously... coming from the grand duke's blood line and all ... and she's going to be the queen! That's the highest ranking a girl could ever have...
Wow. Thought Alina. What a tragic story! She had known that he'd been married before but the details about his romantic life weren't really part of the history books. She also pitied Zoya a little bit now. For being in love with him, the duke had sent her off to marry someone else! Once more ... she felt annoyed by how easily he could and would change people's lives whenever he felt like it! Couldn't he just say no and ask her to not insist? Instead of sending her away to marry someone she didn't love?
Alina could only pray for the new royal couple to develop more positive feelings for each other and live the rest of their lives happily ever after.
- ... unless one is the wife of the grand duke himself... then I guess you could say Zoya has a rival both romantically and politically.
The red head was still talking and her words gave Alina the chills. She'd rather live a long-peaceful life, thank you very much! She didn't want to fight against Zoya! She'd seen her on the training ground and the Squaller was like a beast! Specially when provoked.
- Speaking of which... could you tell me where this supposed wife-to be is? I can't remember ever meeting an Alina Starkov so I'm not capable of telling her apart from the crowd! Oh saints, I'm so sorry , I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Genya Safin... you are?
She hadn't known about her identity and said everything she had wanted and now after everything that was said she was asking for her name? That was ridiculous! Alina had a feeling they'd become good friends!
- I'm...
A familiar voice interrupted her.
- Miss Starkov, there you are!
They girls turned towards the grand duke at the same time, both wearing startled expressions but for different reasons. Genya had just found out she'd been speaking about the duke's love life to his soon to be wife and for Alina it was like being hit by a lightning... being addressed by the grand duke for the first time ever. She knew they'd eventually have to speak to one another but she'd done her best to delay it as much as possible.
- Moi Soverennyi!
They both said at the same time and curtsied hurriedly.
Alina hoped with all her heart that he hadn't heard anything they'd said.
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The look on their faces was the look of someone who's been caught doing something they weren't supposed to. The darkling hadn't expected Genya to actually find the young lady Starkov and converse with her like they were close friends instead of complete strangers. He was curious to know what they had talked about but looking at their pale faces, he took pity on them both.
- Genya, I see you've already found miss Starkov. I hope you take good care of her once she joins the family.
He said with what he hoped to be a sincere smile to put the said miss Starkov at ease. To his curiosity, Genya - who'd looked like she'd been having a fun conversation with the young lady - avoided her eyes all together. What had happened?
Smiling hurriedly, Genya curtsied to Alina and kept her eyes anywhere but on hers.
- Greetings, my lady! My apologies for my rudeness, I did not realize I was talking to... you.
The Darkling watched his Tailor's flustered attempt to apologize and wondered what she was apologizing for? They had looked certainly happy to talk to each other. Turning his attention to miss Starkov, he raised a brow at her easygoing smile. She was showing more expressions than he'd seen of her at the dinner table last week! Was that because he made her ... uncomfortable?
- There's nothing to be sorry about, Genya! Can I call you Genya? Your information had been very... helpful.
She sounded and looked very sincere. What kind of "information" had she received from the Tailor for her to want to become friends so soon after first meeting? The Darkling thought to himself. For some unknown reason, he had a bad feeling about it!
- It would be my pleasure!
Said Genya with a smile that looked less nervous and more friendly. Clearing his throat, the Darkling drew their attention back to himself.
- Well, I'm glad to see you two get along. I'm sure you'll like the rest of the "squad" as well. Now, if you don't mind... it is almost time!
He didn't need to look too hard to notice how pale the girl's skin became at the reminder of the real reason behind the ball. Poor thing! Thought the Darkling. She looks like she's about to faint.
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Ah!
She had almost forgotten! Almost thought this was just a ball like the other ones from before! She wondered if she could change anything now?
Looking at the duke's outstretched hand, Alina took a deep breath to calm her nerves and accepted it. As they walked towards the royal family, she noticed how some of the guests were watching them with curiosity and signaled the others to look at them as well. So many eyes were on them... mostly on him... but enough on her to make her feel slightly uncomfortable. She was an indirect member of the royal family and thus many knew of her but tonight it was different!
She was the only daughter and heir of marquess Starkov and his Shu wife. The future king's cousin and close friend and soon... she'd become duchess Morozova.
Aleksander Morozova's wife!
Mal looked at her with an encouraging smile. Alina tried to return it. She wasn't sure how successful she was. Nikolai was close by as well. Eyes carefully guarded. Alina couldn't tell what he was thinking. She looked at the Royals. The king and the queen wore wide smiles while the queen mother, sitting on her throne, watched them approach with a faint grin. She looked so proud. What made her feel that way? Alina couldn't understand.
She, herself after all didn't feel anything but nervous and angry ... maybe a little afraid.
Her parents weren't smiling. They weren't frowning either, a neutral mask hid their true feelings. Alina knew them her whole life however and it wasn't difficult for her to notice her mother's nervous fingers playing with her skirt and her fathers worried eyes that watched his daughter be taken away from him. Alina smiled at them. They didn't have a choice and she knew they'd miss her a lot after she left. They smiled back. Tight lipped!
Once they stood right next to the others, the king cleared his throat and opened his arms.
- People of Ravka, we've invited you to celebrate with us today as we've decided on the exact date of prince Malyen and Lady Zoya's wedding.
The crowd who'd been listening carefully, cheered loudly. A royal wedding was going to take place soon and thus they were very excited. Alina watched their wide smiles and sparkling eyes. She couldn't blame them. The last royal wedding that had happened was the king and the queen's. Alina hadn't been born yet and neither had many of the younger people between the crowd.
Raising a hand with a joyful smile, the king signaled for them to be silent.
- But that is not all! We are all gathered together because I have another big announcement to make!
He paused and watched the crowd whisper among themselves. He was having to much fun. Alina wasn't as happy as he was and she wanted to be done with all of that as soon as possible.
- My dear uncle, the protector of our beloved country Ravka, the moon of our kingdom, grand Duke Morozova and our dearest lady Starkov are also getting engaged.
Two royal weddings in a short distance of time! The crowd cheered even louder. Alina put a smile on her lips and hoped it fooled them to think she was very happy. She'd rather have the people think she'd wanted this marriage rather than knowing the truth and pity her forever. Or worse... tell her how happy she should feel... that it was the greatest honor to become the grand duke's wife!
Sparing a look at her soon to be husband, she watched his reaction to the whole situation. Would he be smiling and pretend like he was happy? Or was would he smile because he was in fact happy?
Her thoughts were kicked down the stairs as she watched his face remain as blank as a sheet of paper. Of course she didn't expect him to be overwhelmed with joy for getting the chance to marry the daughter of a marquess ... and Alina of all people but she'd at least hoped for him to act like he was happy. Of course he'd maintain his image at all time but why didn't he consider HER image?
People would think Alina had been the one to ask him to marry her instead of it being her being forced to accept the offer (order) .
- You can at least pretend you are happy.
She told him through a forced smile. Raising a brow at the speed of a dead snail, he turned his head slightly towards her and answered
- This is my happy face.
Bastard! Utter bastard! Despite fuming inside, Alina widened the smile on her face and nodded her head as if agreeing to something he'd told her.
- I never expected to spend the rest of my life with a statue!
The corners of his mouth curled upwards.
- We haven't even gotten married yet and you're starting a fight already?
He had leaned slightly towards her as he spoke in a calm tone. She right next to him and didn't have difficulty hearing him so why did he lean towards her like that. He was almost towering over her! Was he trying to intimidate her into submission? Hah!
Looking him right in the eyes, Alina tilted her head.
- Starting a fight? I'm merely asking you to cooperate and stop making me look like a fool who's thrown herself at the protector of the kingdom! We know I was forced to accept this marriage but those people don't and I don't want them to get any wrong idea about me!
He watched her in silence for a long moment. Alina refused to be the first one to back down and look away so she stared back. His eyes were so dark she couldn't see the pupils. She'd never seen anyone with actually black eyes before-
- Of course, I wouldn't want people to misjudge my precious sun summoner!
He interrupted her thoughts with a one sided smile. Alina ... despite having suspected his awareness of her powers... flinched at his words. On top of calling him by the mythical title from the story books, he also called her his! It was unsettling! And Alina couldn't do anything about it. There was something about it... something she couldn't put her finger on!
Pressing her lips together, Alina was the first one to break the eye contact.
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Did he mention her powers too soon? She must have felt like she'd be used as a tool by him ... which wasn't true. Maybe under different circumstances... maybe in another life in which he was a power hungry heretic , he would use her for his own dark intentions but now ... he was only starting to have a slight- almost nonexistent- silver of hope that maybe... he didn't have to be alone anymore!
Miss Starkov would probably... dislike him for a while... maybe even years... but if her powers were ready as Tanya had said... then they both had all the time in the world to get to know each other. Maybe even become friends in the process!
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The night didn't seem to end and despite wanting to sneak out as soon as possible, Alina had been unable to find the opportunity and thus had to sit through a long conversation with a group of young ladies- who had never bothered speaking to her at any of the balls previous to this- and answer their ridiculous questions about herself and her... fiancé...
Mostly about her fiancé... which Alina knew close to nothing about. They had danced together and at the end of it he'd put a ring on her finger before placing a soft kiss on top of it, making Alina blush with shock and the guests cheer and applaud at the romantic play in front of them. It was all that it had been... a play... which Alina wasn't aware she had a part in!
The ring was an ugly thing, a thick golden band with a giant ruby on it. If only she could throw it away...
- How did you two first meet ?
Asked a girl with shiny blond hair... daughter of some lord Alina couldn't remember the name of .
- At a family dinner!
She answered... and it wasn't a lie either. They had met at dinner last week. The young ladies all looked rather... disappointed! What? Did they expect some kind of over the top knight in a black Kefta scenario? Sorry, not sorry! Alina thought to herself! She wasn't going to make up a story for their happiness, at least not unless it was necessary!
How many more questions would she be able to answer truthfully? Why was she the only one being questioned? Why did nobody ask HIM anything?
Looking at where he stood next to his family and his Heartrender, she saw how everyone kept a respectful distance from him . Of course nobody dared ask him anything! Annoyed for the nth time since he'd arrived in Os Alta , Alina looked away from him.
- What kind of person is he?
Asked another girl. She looked younger than Alina... were children always so involved in a conversation such as this one? Alina couldn't remember herself ever being interested in anything "grown up". Her, Mal and Nikolai would usually steal some food and then run away from the grand hall to dance in the garden. And whenever it was the boys' turn to dance together, they'd always argue about who should take the lead!
Good times! Good times! Alina sighed.
- Well... he is very caring (about his family) and very calm (if you could call a "statue state" that) as well. I've never seen him being angry or upset (because I'm usually avoiding/hiding from him). He doesn't talk much (to me at least). All in all ... he's a good person( bearable when not around).
- Not to mention his status and rank.
Said another girl , the others nodded their head in agreement.
- He's the most powerful Grisha in the world too!
Another girl.
- The only shadow summoner too!
Another one.
- Not to mention his handsome face!
Said another girl with a deep blush, making the rest of the group nod passionately.
Handsome? Him? Alina was "this" close to snort at them. They should get their eyes checked if they thought of him as anything near handsome! Mal was handsome, with a cute smile and beautiful eyes! Nikolai was handsome, with his somehow always messy but not messy hair (does that make any sense?) and shiny ocean eyes! Alina could easily name ten people from the knights that could easily be considered handsome but HIM???
Alina looked at his direction once more. He was talking to the Heartrender, Fabian or something, when he suddenly looked at her direction. Alina fought the urge to flinch at being caught staring.
- Oh my god he's looking this way!
- He's looking at us!!!
- Do I... how do I look?
- How about me???
Alina couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes at that! These girls were too romantic! They had to stop reading romance novels and start looking at things the way they actually were!
The grand duke nodded at her once. The girls around her started giggling happily!
- He acknowledged us!
- Oh my god!
- I can't believe it!
- He was looking at us, can you imagine?
Their chatter was interrupted by a cough.
- I hate to burst your bubble but I think he was looking at his fiancé.
Genya! Alina was happy to see her. Despite being almost totally strangers to one another, the Tailor had seemed more ... interesting... than the group of noble ladies around her.
- Oh my god, it's miss Safin!
The girls curtsied nervously. What? Why were they nervous in front of the Tailor? Was it because she was one of the Grisha taking direct orders from the grand duke? Shouldn't that make Alina more... scary? She was going to be the duchess! It didn't make sense! She wanted to go back to her room... not the guest room of the grand palace but her own bedroom! She wanted to go home! And right then it hit her... she wouldn't see her home for much longer... all because of him and his family! So what if he was lonely? Why did she have to sacrifice herself for his happiness? The queen mother was so heartless.
- Alina, I never had enough time to walk around the grand palace freely, can you show me around please?
Genya asked with a smile, blinking beautiful eyes at her rapidly. God bless her soul for saving Alina from the uncomfortable situation!
Nodding her head enthusiastically, the young lady Starkov responded
- Of course!
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- Are you happy, little one? Was my performance to your liking?
His words brought a giggle to her mouth. Anyone who didn't know them , upon looking at them would think he was her grandchild not the other way around and yet he'd call her "little one" from time to time.
- I'll be even happier if I saw your wedding as soon as possible too.
Tanya responded with a big smile. Her green eyes shining like the stars. Aleksander swirled her around elegantly and sighed softly. His grandniece was just as greedy as his sister and mother. Always wanted to have everything she wished right away. It might have been his own fault! He had always had a hard time not spoiling his offsprings. Had his mother been still alive, she'd hit him with her cane and lecture him for hours on about how to raise strong children! Ulla would probably grin and watch all the chaos , enjoy her older brother's suffering a little. And Luda would- no... he'd rather not think about his wife. Not when the subject of his thoughts was his second marriage. His beloved wife would be devastated if she knew. But then again... had she been still alive... there would have been no need for a second marriage in the first place. He would have been happy, his family would have been happy and young Alina Starkov would have also been happy. Speaking of which... where was the young miss Starkov? The last time he saw her , she was chatting with Genya... smiling and whispering to each other about god knew what. Turning his attention back on the queen mother, he complained
- Why are you in such a rush my dearest? I just gave the young lady an engagement ring not that long ago! If we keep this up I'm afraid we're going to spook the poor thing away.
Tanya smiled again. Her eyes however had a dusty sadness in them this time. Aleksander wished he could just wipe it away and see her happy again.
- I don't have that much time left, uncle, don't!
She stopped him from interrupting and continued.
- The healers you send me can only do so much! In the end I am only mortal and every passing day I feel the strength leaving my bones more and more. I know what's happening and I've made my peace with it. I just want to see you no longer alone and then I can die in peace. Can't you do that for me?
He knew it! Of course he did! He'd seen it for decades! People around him would eventually die, some sooner and some later but the point remained that they did! Precious Tanya had lived longer than most of his family members as it was. She wasn't Grisha and his healers were doing their best but they couldn't stop her from aging. Nobody could. She just wasn't like him! Most of the children hadn't even reached 70 before they had died! The fact that Tanya would be celebrating her eightieth birthday soon was like a miracle! His son had been the only one who'd actually reached the age of 83 before leaving him forever and he'd been Aleksander's own flesh and blood unlike the royal bloodline which came from Ulla. His mother would have possibly been able to live for more decades and centuries, had she had not lost her life in the war .
His train of thought was getting darker and darker... the irony.
- You know I'll do anything for you, child! Getting married a second time is nothing!
He told her with a gentle voice, making her smile once more, eyes less cloudy. He would marry miss Starkov and live with her for hopefully a long time. He wished for them to have a good relationship. Be friends and support each other throughout the years. Give each other bright memories and don't leave one another alone.
- Then, in a month?
- Sure, why not!
---------------------------------End of chapter one