The Act of Duplicity [General Kirigan]

nineteen

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    Nataliya smoothed out the front of her long red kefta as she stepped to the large staircase. She observed the Suli rope acrobat with very much interest in her eyes while at the same time wondering how the girl can even do it while looking so beautiful and graceful. The fete already was going on for a while and people were getting tipsy on champagne and full on pastries. Nataliya strolled into the main ballroom that was packed with Grisha, servants and important people from all over Ravka. She smiled lightly at the sight of Fedyor and Ivan who were by the dessert table together. It looked even better when she saw Ivan actually smile for the first time in a very long time.

    Her trance was broken when someone looped their arm through hers and started walking. ''Everything ready?'' asked Kirigan as he pulled Nataliya to walked beside him.

    Nataliya furrowed her eyebrows at him and if they were in any other place she would be snarky and talk back. Since she could feel a lot of eyes on them she raised her hand and put it on his bicep as they walked, nodding to different people as they made a path for them.

    ''It should be. I made sure every Grisha in this place knows the plan,'' said Nataliya.

    ''And Marie?'' Kirigan turned his head to look down at her.

    ''Genya will take her when Alina gets ready to perform. After that, they will walk together around the palace just until the risk of an attack dies down.''

    ''The exits?''

    ''Are secured.''

    ''What about you?'' Kirigan slowed their pace.

    ''I'm the eyes of this plan, watching for every mistake. While I hope I won't die out of boredom at this stupid social event.'' She muttered the last part. She sighed deeply as she realised where Kirigan was leading her.

    ''General.'' The King welcomed them when they walked up to the small thrones.

    ''Tsar. Moya Tsaritsa.'' Kirigan bowed.

    He slightly nudged Nataliya to do the same and she did with great difficulty. She spared a glance at the King and then at the Queen before detaching herself from Kirigan. She never once smiled at them, not liking that this was just a little show for them.

    ''I do hope you're both enjoying the festivities,'' Kirigan addressed the royal couple.

    ''I must confess, I'm not bored.'' Replied the King.

    Nataliya received a strange feeling and when she turned her eyes to the throne she felt the King's eyes on her body. A deep frown etched itself on her features and she stepped from one foot to the other. She looked to her left and noticed Vasily was also looking at her.