My King ❈ NIKOLAI LANTSOV

f o u r

(Ps. Zoya doesn't like Nikolai. And Nikolai doesn't like Zoya.)

AS THE DAYS PAST, THE GARDEN BECAME MY REFUGE.

Majority of my time was spent there, and no one ever bothered me. It was nice to have a place I felt safe in.

Still, there was no sight of Nikolai. I hadn't seen him since he'd met me the day I arrived. I continued having meals in my room, as even though I might've seen him there, I didn't feel comfortable attending. Would I be seated next to him? Opposite him? On the other end of a table? It was a risk I didn't want to take. 

As I walked back into my room from my daily stroll outside, I noticed a figure by the window. The guard positioned himself outside, closing the door behind me. I was alone with him. Nikolai. Even though I'd wanted to see him, I wasn't entirely ready to talk to him. 

"Good afternoon Princess." He turned around, shocking me as he bowed. 

"My King." I curtsied. "Wh-" 

"Nikolai. Call me Nikolai."

Hiding my annoyance at being interrupted, I continued, "Nikolai, what are you doing in my room?"

I spared him no politeness. Maybe my annoyance wasn't too concealed. 

"I wanted to talk to you." He started, motioning for me to join him at my full length window. I walked over. "You haven't attended meals in the last few days, so there hasn't been a time for us to talk."

As I started to defend myself he continued, "I understand that you don't want to go. However... there are those who aren't as understanding."

I rolled my eyes, looking outside, "The nobles?" He nodded. "If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the woman they want in someone who'll be quiet and submissive."

"You're not like that."

I turned back to him, "Is that a statement or a question?"

He smirked, "Neither. It's simply an observation."

It was silent for a moment before I spoke up. 

"Does anyone else understand...?"

He folded his hands behind his back, standing taller with a smile, "Are you referring to the Grisha?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

"I believe so. I hope you haven't done anything to offend them?" He joked at the end. 

"Not on purpose. But... I thought that they wouldn't be too friendly to me."

"Friendly?" His voice had an undertone I couldn't quite catch, before he cleared his throat and continued, "What do you mean?"

"I'm Fjerdan in case you hadn't noticed, Nikolai."

Without a word, he reached a hand forward, taking mine. 

"The past has happened. Right now, we are making a future. The sheer thought of peace between Ravka and Fjerda... it's more than they would've ever dared to dream of."

His words seemed in the back of my mind. All I could feel was his hand. His thumb rubbed my skin softly, sending tingles throughout my body. 

"What about you?"

He smirked, "Are we talking about me now?"

"Don't be so self-centred." I mumbled with a smile. "I mean, what do you think about all of this?" 

"I won't lie. It can as a surprise when it was suggested by my council. But I'd heard whispers about you..."

"Whispers? What kind?" I interrupted. 

"Nothing bad." He winked, seemingly glad to have gotten my attention, "After a letter to your Father, an alliance was agreed to; through the form of a marriage."

"Its happening this week, isn't it?" I questioned, managing a weak smile. 

He looked me in the eyes, "It is," He sighed, "I tried to prolong it, but the council wasn't going to let it happen; neither would your father."

"He wants a marriage as soon as possible." I guessed. "So... when is it?"

"Three days." His thumb stopped moving. With a burst of courage, I squeezed his hand gently. 

He attempted a smile, "Enough of all this mopping around and sad conversations. Would you do me the honour of dining with me - alone - tomorrow night?"

I smiled, "I'd be honoured to."

"Wonderful! After the sixth bell." He started walking to the door. 

"See you then Princess." He winked. 

Before I could correct him he'd closed the door behind him. I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my lips. 

Maybe he wasn't that bad.

❈

The morning breeze was cold. Walking through the gardens, I heard voices around the corner. I continued walking. 

"Princess."

I looked up. Before me stood the two women I'd noticed. the head was curtsying, I noticed he had an eye patch over one eye. The dark-haired woman stood tall, her gaze on my unmoving. I admired that; respect having to be earned. 

"And you are?"

"Genya Safin. And this is Zoya." The former woman, Genya, responded.

"Nice to meet you." I smiled. Before I could continue walking, Zoya spoke up. 

"You aren't scared of us?" She wasn't smirking, simply analysing me. 

"No. Should I be?"

"Perhaps not. But aren't you at least slighting uncomfortable that you might be harmed?"

"Zoya!" Genya scolded. 

"It's fine." I responded to Genya, before responding to Zoya, "If I'm harmed I don't think the King of Ravka or Fjerda will be pleased. I might be able to avoid this marriage and would, in fact, thank you for your actions."

At my words, Zoya let out a laugh.

"I like you. You'll remain unharmed so you have to stick around."

I was unable to help but smile. I didn't want to make enemies; especially those who seem to like me, Grisha's. 

They then invited me to walk with them. I discovered that Zoya was blunt, yet truthful and was more on the sly side. On the other hand, Genya was generous, funny, and loved a good laugh - she was equally as blunt though. 

By the end of the walk, they went to continue their duties, leaving me with the promise to talk soon.