My King ❈ NIKOLAI LANTSOV

o n e

IT WAS REALLY STARTING TO BECOME REAL. 

My maids rushed around, dressing me in a cream, think fur coat, covering a flattering gold dress. I was told that it represented my 'past uncovering the future'. I honestly couldn't have cared less. Sighing heavily, my knee-high boots were tugged on, and laced up. Looking in the mirror, I couldn't deny that I looked pretty. 

Would he think that?

I shook myself out of it. I didn't care what he thought. He, being my future groom. I am expected to abruptly marry for an alliance between Fjerda and Ravka; the very nation we have unlimited hostility for. And the unlucky groom? King Nikolai Lantsov. The golden haired man that women want to run their hands through, and hazel eyes they want only on them at all times. Not me though. 

I couldn't wish more than to escape this unfortunate arrangement. This arranged marriage. I didn't care if he was charming and handsome, being told to marry my enemy was unbelievable.

I was leaving my home nation, to meet the Ravkan King for the first time. I would stay with him in Ravka for the rest of my life, with no way out. And I had to marry him before the week was out. The agreement that was made is incredibly strict. 

Reluctantly, I followed the guards outside where the bitter wind and frost touched my face. 

I didn't look back.

 Before me, a carriage pulled my wolves lay in the snow. My father, the King, approached me. 

"Daughter, your sacrifice will form and strengthen this new alliance. Respect your husband, and represent Fjerda with pride. Remember your home nation's traditions. Maintain distance between yourself and Grisha." He spit his final word with such hate. 

Sacrifice. Respect. Pride. Distance. 

Throughout my childhood, it had be engraved in my head that Grisha were like witches; they were meant to be burned on the stake. It was kill or be killed. Too many of my kin had lost their lives to them, yet too many of them had lost their lives to my kin. The only reason I was actually complying with this arrangement was for the possibility of peace. 

My mother then approached me, nodding and kissing my check. My brothers similarly nodded at me, and with a deep breath I began walking to the carriage. Every step was like being stabbed. 

I didn't look back. 

When I was seated, the long journey began, and my fate was sealed. Fjerda was my past, Ravka was my future. 

❈

The trip was long and tiring. I was ready for it to be over, and we weren't yet there. I'd began to long for the harshly cold temperatures of Fjerda that I'd known for my entire life. The forest came and went, and through sections of tree I caught sight of Os Alta in the far distance. It seemed like the Fjerdan warriers escorting me knew of my unwillingness, for the next thing I knew the carriage came to a stop. 

When the next morning came, I knew I'd seen the palace, and I'd be stuck there for the rest of my life. With a burst of courage and confidence, a plan developed in my mind. Screw Fjerdan traditions and customs. 

If I was to marry the King, I'd make sure he'll respect his future Queen.