The Sea Does Not Forgive

Zoya

Rebuilding Ravka was slow going. The struggle of everyday with diplomatic endeavors on top, and geographical repairs next to that, made Zoya's days long and grueling. But besides being the worlds cruelest politician, she also had to babysit the king. Well, had was a bit strong, she chose to. He needed a right hand man and instead of letting some idiot like Pensky do it, she figured she'd be his best option.

In hindsight it might've been a bad idea. Nikolai was relentlessly charming, and despite her efforts to ignore his words, she found herself awake at night blushing profusely or aroused by unwelcome thoughts. Now they sat in the war room with the rest of the Triumvirate discussing plans for the coming months of how to rebuild and better the country.

  "The palace will be finished by months end. We've reinforced the glass so smashing anything should be nearly impossible. The chapel should be the only thing penetrable within the inner circle of Os Alta." said David.

  Him and his fabricators had spent months slowly chipping away at the damage and making the palace safe and whole again.

   Nikolai smiled, "Fantastic David. I presume you have all the materials needed?"

  The fabricator was back in his journals before Nikolai could even finish his sentence. He mumbled something and gave a little wave which Zoya presumed meant yes, Genya confirmed it by giving a solid nod.

  "Great. Tamar, any updates from your contacts?"
  "Yes. Fjerda seems calm for now, though rumor has it that Brum doesn't intend to stay that way for long. However, I think our main concern might actually be the Shu."

  Zoya's eyebrows furrowed. Ravka and the Shu never were the best of friends, but they hadn't been feuding with each other for years either.

  "Why?" she asked.
  "Well, they've blocked our way into the fifth harbor in Kerch."
  "Is that allowed?" Genya asked.
  "Technically yes," Nikolai responded, "The waters between Kerch and the mainland are Shu Han territory, so they can harbor ships wherever they wish, so long as the don't intrude on Kerch territory. Even then, the Kerch can often be... persuaded."
"You mean bribed." Zoya countered.
"Is that not what I just said?"
Zoya rolled her eyes, "Okay, so the Shu have blocked fifth harbor, why does that matter at this exact moment?"
"Well," Tolya started, "A letter arrived today."

He held out a rolled sheet of paper bearing the Merchant Counsel's seal. Zoya stood from her chair and grabbed the letter. A number of emotions coursed through her, but the one that showed was anger.

"Those damn Kerch!" she shouted.
"Give me that." Nikolai took the letter and read it out loud, "Dear his Highness Nikolai Lantsov, well what a formal start to what is sure to be a threat. We have come to notice that your status of neutrality with us has become a threat to our country and our people. While it would be a disappointment to see our alliance suffer-"
Zoya sneered, "Alliance is a strong word."
"We may have to consider alternate options and methods unless you can guarantee our people's safety and ensure that our treaty benefits us as well instead of just benefiting you. We are very sorry to have to put you in this position, but would you not do the same if it were your country suffering? We have scheduled a meeting in three weeks time at nine a.m. sharp, if you choose not to arrive we will have no choice but to enact our backup plan. We hope to see you shortly, the Merchant Counsel."

The room was silent. Zoya was fuming, her face contorted into a glare that could slice through half an acre. Of course the Kerch would pull something like this. She thought, Leave it to Kaz Brekker's stupid country to endanger our home. Her thoughts clouded her mind and she soon found she was sick of them.