The Darkness That Binds Us

Chapter 19: The Solstice

The winter solstice. In Rakvan winters there is less than nine hours of sunlight a day, the rest is pitch-black night. So, this is -officially- the darkest day of the year. 

Perhaps, if Aleksander hadn't been so obsessed with world domination, he would of pursued a career in theatre, because he certainly had a flare for the dramatic... Which was the only non-existential thought i had, while being prepared like a Ravkan-princess doll, ready for the wedding which would entomb my fate to a monster for eternity.  

Despite having his own duties to see to, the darkling did not leave. He delegated all his responsibilities for the wedding preparations to his Oprichniki  and spent the rest of the morning with me. Not exactly conventional, but neither is being forced to marry the man who murdered everyone i ever loved.

 Corporalki healed my throat secretly in the privacy of the darkling's chambers, before the prowling maids were permitted to descend. There is still a white scar across my neck and -to be honest- i don't know why he bothers with the charade. His entire cabinet saw me slit my throat in front of him. Everyone in this palace now knows I am miserable about the marriage. But then again, not many people are willing to contradict the man who tore down the fold and could raise another along on any boarder at anytime... So i guess the darkling can be as conspiratorial as he wants.

He orders breakfast and we eat on the terrace outside the war room, watching the winter sun crest slowly over the horizon. Despite the extravagant spread,  I don't eat. The darkling picked at his food, it seemed he did not have much of an appetite either. His face was almost as sickly as mine, but he did well to hide it, maintaining a constant discourse. Nevertheless, I began wonder whether my injury took more of a toll on him than he was letting on.

The darkling hardly leaves my side the entire morning. Even when i am led away and striped for bathing, the darkling hangs on the door, one shoulder propped against  the frame; long, lean, legs cross over; bare, white, feet arched; quartz eyes fixed intently on my body.

"Do you mind?"

I'd asked over my exposed back, as maids removed my sliver-white robes and i stepped into the steaming caldron of polished brass.

I'd watched out of the corner of my eye as the darkling's glaze darted sheepishly away. He reluctantly moved behind a paper screen, but i could still make out the shadow of his silhouette and i have the sneaking suspicion that he peaked when i wasn't looking...

After i'm clean and smothered with incense, tailors arrive to see to cheeks and eyes, making my sliver hair glisten like the face of the full moon. 

I looked like a saint -but i still felt like Volcra were gnawing on my brain. The darkling must of picked up on my thoughts, because the next thing i knew more Corporalki enter to perform a new medical procedure which they called 'a blood transplant'.

 Understandably, i was not ecstatic at the idea of stealing someone else's blood, but much to my discomfort, the revival brought all the relief i needed, real flush returning to my cheeks in a matter of minutes.

"Better?" I'd seen the smug glint of success in the darkling's eyes, and watched as the Otkazat'sya maid the Corporalki had drawn from was lead out of the room, feet dragging on the cold marble. 

The darkling had assured me she'd have a full day off work with sick pay. I was still unconvinced, but when i tried to voice my concern the darkling silenced me by placing his hands on my shoulders, saying, "This is your day, Alina. You're the new face of  Ravka. Your strength reflects the strength of  this country. That maid is honoured to serve her nation.  Now, shall i send for something for you to eat?"