Like Calls to Like: a Darklina soulmates + Political marrage AU

The Darkling

Gheezen, this really blew up! Well, it didn't blow up like big stories do but of all the things I've written, both on this account and my old one, this is definitely the most popular!

Alina walks into the throne room, and the sight nearly takes my breath away. She is strikingly gorgeous, in her black Kefta and golden cloak. As she stands beside my throne on the dias, she shoots me a hateful scowl. On the outside, I smirk at her. On the inside, I wilt.

What is wrong with you, Aleksander? I ask myself. You've lived thousands of years, and you're falling for an Okazat'sya who hates you? She's not even your soulmate!

I attempt to clear my mind of all thoughts involving Alina and it works- mostly. I stand in front of my throne, and the nobles in the room all quiet down.

"People of Ravka." I begin. "It has been a hard time for us all. However, I come with good news. The heathens that have kidnapped the sun summoner and forced her to turn against me, against us, are no more. Today, Alina Starkov returns to us! Hail the Starling queen of Ravka!"

"Hail the queen!" Echoes the crowd. "Sankta Alina returns!" "Hail the Darkling!"

I feel a straining sensation in the back of my head, and I glance at Alina through the corner of my eye. Turning to her, I whisper "You cannot use your powers, little Starling. I control you." She looks fatigued, as if simply attempting to use her power has taken all of her energy. I feel my gaze softening against my will. "Are you alright?"

She opens her mouth to say something, closes it, then finally mumbles "I'm.... so tired."

"We need to get through this event, then a dinner, before you can retire. Perhaps you should leave the summoning to me." I state the last part coldly, to convince her- and more likely, myself- that I am not going soft or falling for this girl.

She rolls her eyes, yet sags weakly into me. Wrapping an arm around her waist to keep her upright, Alina and I walk through the crowd, making aimless small talk with the nobles, slowly gathering information.

When we reach the double doors, Alina stumbles again. "I can.... I can't do this anymore." she pants. Wordlessly, I escort her out of the throne room and into the hallway, before leaving her in her room.

"Someone will be with you to bring you food and help you change. I'll return after the event."

I turn and leave the room, making sure the door is locked behind me. I have no idea what she might try to do.

I find my thoughts drifting away from political matters and occasionally manipulating nobles- something I often enjoy, and towards the girl.

Alina.

It disturbs me, how often she's been on my mind. While she was unconscious, I often longed simply to sit by her and make sure she was alright. And the marriage - there were most likely other ways to forge an alliance, albeit a fake one, yet I ignored all other possibilities for such a selfish reason.

I try to bury my thoughts throughout meetings and dinners and talks and trade offers, before I can finally slip away, back to my fiance, who I may or may not be in love with.

Wow, this blew up way more than I thought it would haha. I'm going to try to update more often. Thank you to the people (Person?) who voted on this, and hopefully I'll be able to get the next chapter out soon!