Blood and Water - The Darkling

Chapter 21: Games and Company

*Unedited

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𝕹𝖎𝖐𝖔𝖑𝖆𝖎 and I do end up winning almost every single round of cards. Even the nobles noticed how he or I kept alternating which one of us won the hands. They finally convinced us to play a one on one game and so far I've been winning but you can never really know with Nikolai as your opponent.

Before I can play my next card, Tolya comes running into the room.

He leans close to the prince and me, "We have company."

As one, Nikolai and I stand and excuse ourselves. My blonde best friend rests a hand on his sword and asks, "Who is it?"

"There's a group of people at the gate demanding entry. They want to see the Star and Sun Summoners."

"Pilgrims wouldn't be so demanding," I observe. "Who are they?"

Tolya nods, "They claim to be Grisha."

I carefully school my features, "Well then, we better get to them before Alina."

"Yes, I agree," Nikolai hums, then he claps me on the shoulder, "I thank the Saints that I kidnapped you that one time. You never fail to keep things interesting."

"I saved your asses."

"Eh, that's a bit dramatic."

"Nikolai."

"Lovel-"

A shout up ahead from the gates stops all friendly banter. The Prince and the Saint have slipped into their roles.

"Let me do most of the speaking, Nikolai."

He nods, "I trust you, but you know how I am."

A crowd has gathered at the dacha's iron gates. Nikolai, Tolya, and I step forward to the front and soldiers are quick to surround us with their weapons drawn. Armed footmen from the Count's household fill in the empty spots. The moment I'm in view, the angry rattling and clamor of raised voices calm.

Before I address the small crowd, my voice raises so the soldiers can hear me, "My sister, the Sun Summoner deserves more respect than this. Let her pass. Now."

For a moment, nothing happens, everyone seems to be in awe of the fact that I actually just gave an order. Then Nikolai nods and a path forms so Alina, Mal, and Tamar can join us. Now is not the time to be insulted by the lack of respect. Not the time, Lana.

"If we wanted to talk to a line of the King's lackeys, we would have gone to the Grand Palace, Lana," an impatient voice declares.

"Show some respect, bloodletter," barks a soldier I don't recognize. "You're addressing a Prince of Ravka and an officer of the First Army."

I scoff, "He was addressing me, one of the only summoners of light in existence, I remind you."

The crowd murmurs, unused to such authority from someone like me. But everyone knows what this is: a reminder that though I may not be a prince, I deserve respect or else Ravka may no longer have the support of the Star Saint.

A chest-deep laugh draws everyone's attention, as the Grisha who spoke steps closer to the gate. As the light hits his face, I gasp, "Fedyor?"

His long face breaks into a grin, and he bows deeply, "Svetlana Starkov," he says. "I could only hope the rumors were true. Now here you are, as bold as ever."

I carefully force myself to stay emotionless, even though my heart soars at seeing my friend again. Instead, I study the man warily. He is surrounded by a group of Grisha in dust-covered kefta, mostly Corporalki red, some in Etherealki blue, and a smattering of Materialki purple.