𝖈𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓| Nikolai Lantsov

For Ravka |

When Alina tolled us that Mal was the firebird, it took me aback with a shock. I could not believe that the firebird was among us all this time, and none of us knew.

And with all of that at hand, we had to separate. Alina and Mal left to find the Darkling, while Nikolai and I were about to take the new Humming bird out to find the Darkling's base camp.

"Since I was a child, I had been told that hope was dangerous. I've been warned of it many times." Nikolai began speaking to the soldiers below us. "But I know that hope is the wind that comes from nowhere to fill your sails and carry you home. And I see it in your eyes. Hope shines."

"Hope for a new Ravka." I interrupted, taking his hand into mine.

"My brothers and sisters, I say to you, Grisha and otkazat'sya alike, this is our home. And we will fight for it. May the Saints light your way. For Ravka."

"For Ravka." Everyone cheered and chanted as the flying ship took off.

I could feel the cold air burn the sides of my face as we went higher into the clouds. And I caught myself saying a little prayer for Alina and Mal. I really hope they would make it out safe. For all of our sakes.

"You okay?" Nikolai said, giving my hand a little squeeze.

"I'm fine," I said.

He looked at me once.

"I'm not going anywhere, unless you tell me whats wrong," he declared.

I sighed, turning my attention to the blue sky around us. "I'm scared... I'm sacred of one of dying. I'm scared of failing and losing this war."

"Stop worrying for just one second. Saints, Adelaide I know it's scary, but do we really have a choice?" He said, pushing my hair behind my ear with his left hand.

"I'm the queen. I must do nothing but please myself."

"Would it please you to kiss me?"

It would. And I did, drawing him up to me, feeling the stubble at his jaw, the soft curl of his hair behind his ear, and at last, after all these long days of wanting, his witty, brilliant, perfect mouth. Silence fell around us and my head emptied of fear and worry and anything but the warm press of his lips.

"And why is your heart beating so fast when you're telling me not to worry?"

"How do you know my heart is racing?" He asked. Sometimes, just sometimes, I really thought he couldn't get any dummer.

I took his hand and placed it on my chest, then placed mine on his. "Because mine is."

Feeling his racing heartbeat under my hand made my heart flutter and I knew he could feel it.

I felt his arms go around me, holding me tight.

I was safe.

I was warm.

I was home.

No matter the outcome of this war, I knew that if I had Nikolai by my side, everything would be just fine.