My King ❈ NIKOLAI LANTSOV

t w o

THIRD PERSON (BARE WITH ME PLEASE)

THE FJERDAN CARRIAGE APPROACHED THE STEPS OF THE GRAND PALACE. 

Between the top of the steps and the doors stood a gathered crowd of Nobles, Grisha, and the King. They were all awaiting for the sight of who would become their Queen. Still, they were all entitled to their own opinions. 

The Noblemen and women hoped for a woman who would be quiet and still. She would let their beloved King rule, and wouldn't get in anyone's way. She would be a woman of silence. They had ideals. 

The Grisha hoped for a woman who would be strong and wouldn't break in tough times. She would be a rock in harsh currents, and would accept them; despite her upbringings in Fjerda. She would be a woman of courage. They had dreams. 

And the King hoped for a woman who would just be by his side. She would be her own self, then his wife, then mother of his future children, then Queen of Ravka. She would be strong, yet know when to be compassionate, she would be alive, yet know when to be serious. Above all, she would be herself. She would simply be a woman. He had hope. 

When the Fjerdan's warriors climbed of their horses, one going to open the carriage door, the Ravkan's all held their breath. Yet, no one was in the carriage... 

Where was their future Queen?

The Noble men and women felt their ideals vanish. The Grisha felt there dreams vanish. The King felt his hope vanish. 

Where was their future Queen?

Through the deadly silent crowd of people, a sudden crunch of the gravel was heard. Their gazes shifted. A figure was seen emerging from the group of horses. The figure wore a cream, fur coat. 

The Noble men and women sighed. The Grisha smirked. The King watched and waited. 

❈

FIRST PERSON

I HOPE I SHOCKED THEM. I HOPE I SCARED THEM. I HOPE HE KNOWS I'M NOT TO BE MESSED WITH. 

I felt gazes on me the moment I stepped out from the horses, and in front of my kin. The Grand Palace was so... gold. Gold and extravagant. My kin created a row, at the end, at the top of the stairs, I saw him. He stood proudly in gold and blue, golden hair shining under the sun. He appeared to be a saint. I couldn't deny it; he was indeed handsome. 

I started walking through my kin, and towards Nikolai Lantsov. My fur coat was hot beneath the bright sun. But I didn't want to remove it; it seemed like the last thing keeping me Fjerdan in Ravka. Surprisingly, I saw Nikolai begin walking towards the edge of the stairs; greeting me. Then, I was before the man I was to marry. 

"King Nikolai Lantsov, of Ravka." I greeted him, curtsying low.

"Princess Raelynn Grimjer; of Fjerda." 

"Rise." I did as he commanded, looking him directly in the eyes. "It is an honour to finally meet you in person, Princess."

"I wish I could say the same," I responded, before adding, "my King."

The Fjerdan's behind me shifted; no doubt nervously waiting his response. I heard a few light chuckles, however, this was heavily outnumbered by gasps. 

"Your honesty is admirable." He replied, tip of his lips upturned.

"I appreciate the complement. Thank you."

I told myself to remain strong. 

He let out a laugh. I was shell-shocked, as were the number of people around. I refused to show it though. 

"You're very welcome." He smiled, before motioning to the carriage behind me, "That was quite a stunt you performed."

I didn't let our eye contact falter, "I felt like a ride."

He laughed once more, "I hope you enjoyed it. Now, allow me to escort you inside?" He offered his white gloved hand. 

I looked at it. He was so... welcoming. Cautiously, I placed my hand in his which he then gently placed in the crook of his elbow. I remained tall as he led me through the crowd, and into the Grand Palace. The noblemen and woman parted, and I took note of the analysing stares, along with a dark haired woman who was smirking, standing beside a redheaded woman. 

I noticed quite a large number of Grisha, and knew that part of screwing my Fjerdan traditions was to converse with them. I was looking forward to it honestly; I wanted to see it from another perspective. Neither the Grisha, or my kin were to blame for the deaths. Focusing my eyes on the palace, I shook all thoughts out of my head.