Blood and Water - The Darkling

Chapter 9: Change

*Unedited

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"𝕬𝖗𝖊 you sure I cannot change your mind, Lana?"

I sigh and shake my head, "We've already talked about this, Aleksander. My trips have gone without issue and this one is essential if we want to avoid war with West Ravka."

He wraps his arms around me and rests his hands on my stomach, "But this changes everything. West Ravka is part of this country, they will submit with or without your presence. However, I need you by my side right now more than ever."

"No one but you, Ivan, and Fedyor know, I won't be in any more danger than usual," I argue. "Plus, you know how hard I've been working on peace with the west ever since our engagement was announced. If I do not show up this week then everything will fall apart."

The Darkling sighs, but places a kiss on the top of my head, "Very well but please be safe."

I spin around to face him and grin, "When am I ever not safe?"

He raises an eyebrow and scoffs, "Remember to be back within a week, no more."

"I'm aware, Aleksander."

"You have much to prepare for the wedding," my lover replies.

I roll my eyes, "Most of the preparations are complete or being handled by others. Take a breath, my shadow man."

"I'm perfectly calm," the Darkling quickly answers.

"Of course, you are," I chuckle.

Then I place a kiss on his lips and back out of his arms.

"In just over one week we will be married and all will be well, Aleksander," I say as I get ready to leave.

He nods, "I impatiently await your return, moya zvezda."

With one last lingering stare, I exit and make my way to the lawn in front of the Little Palace.

Everyone is gathered by their horses. The moment they see me, Inessa steps forward and hands me a red kefta. I nod and slip it on, "Thank you. Are we ready?"

Ivan mounts his horse, "Da, moya soverenaya. Scouts went ahead to ensure the new path was clear."

"Good, shall we?" I reply as I mount my white Orlov Trotter, Lizabeta. The rest of my guard quickly follow suit.

We head out. Fedyor and Ivan take the front, followed by Ziva, Luka, and myself. Everyone else files in behind us with Boris and Inessa taking the rear. It takes us two and a half days to reach the military encampment at Kribirsk.

"Alright, get settled and then meet in my tent," I announce as I dismount. "I'll send for dinner and we can debrief afterward?"

"Yes please, moya soverenaya," Ziva groans.

I chuckle, "It's a plan then."

Over the past three months, we have all grown quite close. Boris and Miroslava surprised everyone when they became an item. No one expected the large brute of a man to fall for the ray of sunshine but after spending so much time around them it just makes sense. Similarly, Inessa and Natalya are going strong. They balance each other so well, to the point that we have dubbed them soul mates. Mikhail, Luka, and Yuri are also inseparable, albeit at times we wish it were not so. The trio are quite the troublemakers, they remind me of what Alina, Mal, and I used to be. Then there's Sasha and Dmitri. The duo tend to keep to themselves but don't hesitate to throw a quip in when the terrible trio argues.