A Darker Shade of Gold

Chapter Four: The White Suite

Alina

A figure loomed over me, blocking the warmth of the sun that had engulfed me.
"Miss Starkov," grunted a stoic voice. I peaked an eye open to see an oprichnik standing over me.
I grumbled and sat up from my nestled position in the grass. The sun was positioned lower in the sky, taking on a orange-gold tint as it lowered to the horizon. It painted the world orange as if it had all been engulfed in flames.
"You have been summoned for dinner this evening," the oprichnik explained. Despite the clipped tone, his words seemed to lack command. Was that out of fear or respect? Or perhaps a lack of care?
"Dinner?"
"The Darkling has sanctioned a formal dinner tonight."
"Why?"
The dark-clad guard did not provide further detail. Instead he motioned to the set of horses tied near the clearing's edge. Beyond the tree I could make out the figures of more oprichniki upon mounts of their own mounts.
I stood wordlessly, not taking the oprichnik's outstretched hand. My kefta lay a couple feet away, yellow grass entwining with the gold embroidery. I shrugged the thick coat over my shoulders, suddenly missing the warmth of the sun on my skin.

...

It was a quiet ride back to the little palace. The woods were still, devoid of all life save for the muffled flutter of the evening birds. The lowering sun slipped though the green canopy of trees, painting the path a dotted gold. It wasn't long before the path opened up to reveal the arching walls of the little palace.
We rode in swiftly. Two oprichniki followed in dismounting and escorted me to the door.
Only, as we made our way though the halls I found our course to be unfamiliar.
"Are we not headed to the vezda suite?" I asked aloud. Neither guard looked at me.
"Net. We have been instructed to escort you to your new chambers. The White Suite."
New chambers? What was wrong with my old one? But as they led our small convoy though the great double doors, I understood. He had given me a room in his wing.
"Miss Safin will be in briefly. We will be just outside this door," the female one said as she opened the doors to the rooms. With that the doors were shut and I was left alone in the unfamiliar space.
The walls were painted ivory, complementing the gold stucco and white trim. Large windows encompassed the far wall. Gauzy curtains blew in a slight breeze. On the right side sat the largest bed I had ever seen, adorned with cloud-like pillows and blankets. The other side held two doorways which surrounded a vanity table in the center.
It was...bright. The windows painted the room in  an angelic glow. Gold accents on the furniture shimmered. But the true beauty of the room rested above.
The ceiling was a painted collage of folklore and scenery. Ravka's mountains and rolling plains were depicted alongside stags and forest creatures. in the blue skies flew golden Ravkan eagles that circles a flaming firebird. A turquoise ocean littered the far wall, a serpentine creature lurking in its sparkling waters. And in the center lay a gold sun. It was breathtaking.
The door behind me cracked open, a redhead slipping in behind me.
"Alina," Genya greeted. She sounded tired.
"How was her royal bitchiness?" I snickered.
"An utter wreck," she laughed. "The old hag is heavily hung over. She's also convinced her beauty is not up to standards after comparing herself all night. She had me 'fixing' her for three hours straight."
"Sounds horrendous."
"It was, her saggy tits just won't stay up no matter what I do anymore," Genya sighed.
"Hag."
"Witch."
We both laughed. Saints do not hear our treasonous words, I pray you.
"So," she started. "I am to prepare you for dinner tonight."
"I suppose so. Genya, you wouldn't happen to have any idea what this dinner was called for, would you?"
Her perfect brows scrunched in thought. Her eyes seemed to wander as she searched her memory.
"I'm afraid I do not," she admitted. "All I know is that it was called as a type of meeting. Sorry."
A meeting?
"Well I hardly have an hour, so I really must start getting you ready." With that, the redhead pushed me over to the vanity table, practically throwing me into the seat.
The look was nothing grand. It was but another braided updo, this one having gold wire weaving through the plaits. She kept my face simple, just a little touch up here and there.
Soon she pulled me into a long closet and dressing room. Rows of dresses, trousers, and shoes littered the walls. But it was devoid of any keftas. The one I had worn earlier had presumably been scooped up by a maid for laundry.
"Genya," I called as she helped with the stay over my chemise.
The girl hummed in response.
"Where are my keftas?"
She stopped. Genya looked around, a look of annoyance on her face growing.
"Change into this," she grumbled. I was handed a simple black dress. Then she left me to change, storming out. I could hear the door swing open then slam as she left.
Just As I finished fastening the gown, the door clicked open. Back already? The vezda suite was further than that. Perhaps my things had been moved elsewhere. I shuffled out of the dressing closet to greet her but was instead met with someone else.
The Darking stood in the doorway, a black garment in his hands. My kefta.
"The servants made the mistake of delivering these to my quarters," he mused. His voice rolled richly as if it were made from silk.
"Is that really a mistake?" I ask smugly, taking a step towards him. Amusement fluttered in his dark eyes, the corner of his lip curling up.
"Well perhaps, Miss Starkov," he purred as he took the final step between us. His free arm curled around my waist, pulling me in as he continued, "you should come get them at some point."
The look in his eyes was almost predatory as he peered down at me. Dark and hungry.
"You couldn't find the care to bring them yourself," I sneered, gesturing to the the singular kefta on his arm.
The Darkling's voice became a mere whisper as he leaned into the crook of my neck, "Oh, Alina. My Alina. What a waste of opportunity that would be."
He paused for a moment then, as if taking in the scent of my hair. And suddenly I felt exposed as if he could hear each shaky breath of mine. As if he could read my mind wandered into the possibilities of what he described. I suddenly felt so small and vulnerable.
Then, he pulled back. His arm slipped from my body and he regained his full height and posture. But the ravenous look in the Darkling's eyes remained.
"May I?" he ask politely, raising the kefta in his hands. Gone was the dirty, playfulness. But I recognized the mock imitation of what I had done just the day before.
"Thank you," I laughed.If he wanted to imitate me, I would him. I turned on my heel sharply, stretching my arms behind me. Two sleeves greeted my awaiting arms. The Darkling pulled the thick coat up. But just before I could pull it up the rest of the way, he halted his arms.
Then, warmth bloomed on the back of my neck as his lips pressed against the skin softly. I could feel my skin begin to spark under his touch. It thrummed softly and I knew my skin had begun to glow.
"My Alina," he murmured. He pulled the kefta the rest of the way up. I turned to face him again. Now, he offered his arm to me. I took it. "Unfortunately, we have a dinner to attend," he said softly.
"Later then?"
"Later."
I found myself hoping that would be a promise.