ARSONIST'S LULLABY ¹ | shadow & bone [ON HOLD]

FIVE

( 𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧'𝗦
𝗟𝗨𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗬 )

AS THE GRAND PALACE came into view, Lavinia had let out a disgusted shudder and immediately started taking jabs at the new decor that had been placed around. How the golden statues had been gaudy, how the curtains couldn't have looked any more tacky, and don't even get her started on the new chandelier by the front. Lavinia's words, not hers. It seemed Lavinia would have a fun conversation with Aleksander today. Splendid, that.

The ride was simply put, hideous. Katerina's backside already aching seconds into it. Icarus however, seemed to be relishing in her demise, trotting with a little more jump. No sugar cubes for him then.

Walking into the throne room, she spotted several familiar faces. It seemed that most of the Grisha were indeed called. She could see Zoya and Yelena chatting about with Nadia and Marie in the small crowd, David standing by near the edge, Fedyor and Harshaw by his side, and Sergei further up surrounded by other Corporalnik, their blood red keftas gleaming in the sun.

And Genya had stood behind the crowd, separated completely.

Katerina's mood immediately soured. It seemed that the Queen was still on her mission to cut off Genya from the Grisha as much as she could. She almost walked towards her to stand by her side but Lavinia held her off and shook her head.

"Don't." Her voice was small, and her eyes were downcast, as if she herself was tempted to go and keep Genya company.

Katerina felt faint, her rage soaring through her veins. The urge to walk up to her Royal Bitchiness and demand to have Genya by her side was rising. But all she could do was stand and watch as the Queen taunted her friend and made her life miserable.

"The Prince can't seem to keep his eyes away from you," Zoya murmured as Lavinia and her walked up to the front of the crowd. "Poor lad, groveling for small bites of attention." She snickered as her expression was anything but sympathetic.

"I know, I've been looking anywhere and at anything to avoid his gaze." Katerina huffed as Lavinia laughed beside them.

"I heard he cornered Genya this morning," Yelena began, her golden skin glowing in the sun's light, "Asking about you, whether you had returned."

"I know, I heard." Katerina rolled her eyes. "When will men understand, that when a lady avoids you, it means she wants you to leave her alone."

"Not in this monarchy, they won't." Lavinia retorts.

"They're here, they're here!" Soft whispers were heard from Nadia and Marie, who had been immersed in their own conversation until then.

The women all straightened as the general and the Sun Summoner walked into the throne room, flanked by Ivan behind them. Oprichniki surrounded the trio as well, guarding their backs.