Favored and Forgotten

Seduction and Deception

Aleks left rather quickly, not bothering with any kind of heartfelt goodbye, but Milena was not worried. He would come back, and all would be well. That was their way.

After his departure, she was escorted to her bed chamber. It was as simple and elegant as the rest of the palace. Milena had to admit she was a little sick of the white marble; it was all too...bright. The four-poster bed in the room was made up with white linen and purple satin pillows. Much to her delight, it was just two doors down from the queen.

That evening, Milena was summoned for dinner. The dining room she was escorted to was surprisingly dark with eggshell-colored walls and a wooden floor. The dinner table was small and set for two, one of the seats occupied by a young woman with brown hair and a deep blue dress.

"Moya tsaritsa," Milena greeted, curtsying before her. "It is an honor to be your dinner guest this evening. You and your husband's hospitality is much appreciated."

"The honor is mine, truly," she replied. Her voice was smooth as honey and sweet as daisies. It brushed over Milena like a spring breeze, tickling her ears. "Please, sit."

A servant poured them glasses of wine before disappearing, leaving the two alone.

"Amelia, may I ask you a question?"

"I believe you just did, moya tsaritsa."

The queen laughed, a bright sound, musical almost. "I suppose I did. Then, I suppose I wish to ask you another question."

"Anything you wish, moya tsaritsa."

"What are your true intentions here?"

Milena almost choked on her wine.

"I mean no offense, but it seems rather peculiar that one as powerful as your brother need ask permission from the king to protect Ravka."

Milena had to choose her words very carefully; anything she told the queen would evidently find its way back to Yevgeni Lantsov. She decided to be truthful, yet vague. If the king knew just how much was riding on Aleks' success, he may use it to his advantage. "We seek something in return that only the king can guarantee."

The queen nodded, sipping delicately from her glass. "And what of you, Amelia? What is it you seek?"

"What do you mean, moya tsaritsa? My brother and I have the same purpose here."

"I do not believe that is true. You seek something more from all of this. I see that spark in your eyes. You hunger for something different from him. I do think you have the same goals, but not the same desires."

Milena looked away. The queen was right. What she sought, the kingdom of Ravka could not provide, only her family. She wished more than anything for her mother and brother to be proud of her, to see her as capable of anything, to see her as powerful. To see her as Grisha instead of some "other" with a power they could not fathom.

"You are wise beyond your years, moya tsaritsa. My apologies for the disappointment, but I do not wish to share those desires. They are childish."

The queen set her hand atop Milena's. She glanced at them and then up at the queen who was smiling empathetically. It was beautiful. "Whatever those desires are, they must be autchen'ye, because they come from your heart."

Milena couldn't help the light blush that bloomed across her cheeks. "My brother believes I am beznako. He does not understand me, he does not care. I just wish he would realize I am useful, that I am his equal."

The queen squeezed her hand. "He is a fool if he thinks so little of you."

"You are very kind, moya tsaritsa."