It's been a full week since Ivy has been in the King's possession. She has, somewhat, gotten used to the guards that follow her around.
She spent most of her time in the library. It was one place the guards got bored of and trusted to leave her alone. It was her time to be herself.
In fact, after her afternoon meal, Ivy made her way to the library. The guards leave her to do her own thing.
She walked up and down the isles, memorizing as many book titles as possible.
"Didn't think you'd be in here," the King's voice called.
Ivy looked over at him, faking a smile. In a formal manner, Ivy was always kind to the King. He had the power to murder her at his whim. She had to live.
"It's quiet here," Ivy responded. "No one trailing after me."
"You do understand why my guards must accompany you? We have discussed this matter."
"Yes, Your Highness. I did not wish to offend."
It was killing Ivy to be so nice to the King who wishes to use her for his own gain. She wished nothing more than to use the Cut.
"You know you may take a book from the library," he spoke.
"Yes, thank you."
Ivy wanted the conversation to stop more than anything.
"I must go, I am very important you see." Ivy resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "If there is anything you need, just ask."
The King didn't wait for a response. He just exited the library. Ivy sighed in relief. She didn't know how much longer she could maintain her unbothered emotion.
Hours passed by. Ivy finished reading a collection of the newly formed Saints. She laughed and mocked them for being so selfless.
As she was leaving the room, something interesting caught Ivy's gaze. A painting of The Bone Road. She has heard of this painting before.
About a century ago there was a famous painter named Carieh Diams. Ivy saw some of her work. Anton, Serena, and Ivy even passed by her while she was touring.
Ivy has seen this painting before. Though this one was slightly different. Carieh Diams always used colors to hide secret dimensions. Especially shadowing.
But this painting didn't have that certain shading. In fact, most of the things that Ivy has passed by in the palace has looked slightly off in some way.
Knock offs, Ivy's mind came to a conclusion.
The King has been buying knock offs to keep up the appearance that Ravka still has money.
The war has finally started taking a toll on the government.
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A Love Like No Other
FanfictionA story of love and betrayal. A story between a girl who goes by multiple names, almost forgetting her real one, while trying to escape the fears of being different. One day, a boy shows up at a Grisha camp and they soon become friends. Cursed with...
