Our Past Life

Two

The following day every grisha arrived at breakfast an hour early in the hopes of seeing the darkling or the queen. Maria and Nadia were at the edge of their seats all through the meal, but just as before, the darkling never made an appearance. Alina was left feeling like the previous night had never happened. It was so bizarre that it could be a dream; but the gossip filling the training rooms, hallways, and grounds; were more than enough to disprove this theory. The day passed as normal.

Training was difficult as ever, and each meal passed with the same disgusting food. Alina retired that day feeling more confused than before. Genya came in before she could get ready for bed, however.

"I heard what happened last night," Genya said with no introduction.

"It was bizarre, but nothing has happened since. No one knows where she is," Alina responded at once, excited to finally have a friend around to talk about it with.

Genya stayed for hours discussing the odd circumstances, until she swiftly left, claiming she had kept Alina awake for far too long.

The following morning Alina headed to breakfast exhausted from her late night talk with Genya, and the prospect of training that day. Her combat skills were increasing, but that didn't mean the bruises didn't hurt. The hall was just settling in when the back doors clanged open.

There in a stunning day dress stood Queen Susan. Alina, and the gathered grisha, noticed the difference in the woman. She was clearly much better, with a healthy glow and a fresh wardrobe. The queen was the most beautiful woman Alina had ever seen, including Genya. There was something so natural about her beauty.

She swept into the room with a smile on her face calling over her shoulder, "You see, isn't it nice to see other people, I want to meet your friends Caspian."

Following the queen was the darkling, stepping into his dining room for the second time in all of Alina's stay there.

"And I told you I have no problem keeping you all to myself, but as you wish my lady," The Darkling gave an exasperated sigh and drew up a chair to the right of his own.

"And see what a beautiful day it is, it is good to stretch our legs," at this time the queen was sitting right beside Alina with the darkling on her other side.

"My love, this is the sun summoner I mentioned, Alina Starkov," the general said, gesturing at Alina.

Alina found herself straightening up under the scrutiny of royalty. Maria and Nadia to her other side were gaping at the queen instead of finishing their breakfast. Though Alina was preoccupied, the rest of the dining hall was attempting to listen to every word that came out of the couples' mouths.

"It is lovely to meet you Miss Starkov, my name is Susan Pevensie," the queen said, with a shockingly casual manner.

"The honor is mine, your majesty," Alina said back, puzzled by the second name of the queen.

"Oh please none of this "your majesty" nonsense, it must be difficult enough being thrown into a position like this, I have some experience in that matter myself."

Though further confused, Alina nodded at Susan with a smile on her face.

"I really am excited to see the rest of this palace, perhaps a tour," Susan said while looking over at the general with a smile on her face, "I think I'd like to see how it compares with Cair Paravel."

Kirigan smirked at this, "What scared my palace isn't big enough for you."

"I simply think Peter and Edmund would have wanted me to check out the training room," though the phrasing was casual, a dark look appeared on Susan's face.

Alina couldn't understand what this could be until the general reached his hand over.

With a soft look on his face he said, "Susan I'm sure you will see them again, if you were given a second chance maybe they will as well. You were sent here for a reason, we are at war in this country." Alina found it interesting where the conversation had turned.

Although the two were speaking privately, she was far too close to not hear.

Susan simply gave a small smile while standing up, "And what if my purpose here is only to save you," she extended a hand to Caspian.

Kirigan didn't look done with the conversation, but grasped her hand in his, "then I shall start this gift by giving you a tour; Miss Starkov," he didn't even turn his head towards her, "we will see you at training."

Everyone at the breakfast table was eager to have a chance to speak with the queen, but settled for hearing her goodbyes.

"Thank you for the lovely meal, I hope to get to know you all at your training, or later. It was an honor to join you all," and with that she strolled out of the entrance door with Kirigan at her arm.

The effect of these words was different than the queen probably intended. Now the hall was alight with the prospects of showing off in front of royalty and Kirigan. Either that, or, like Alina, grisha were worried their skills weren't up to scratch.