DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 10

---Mara's POV---

Mara felt the weight of sorrow hanging heavily in the air as they entered the war room. The news of Nikolai's father and brother's demise was devastating, and she could sense the immense burden now placed upon Nikolai's shoulders. His mask of composure was intact, but she knew him well enough to recognize the storm raging within him.

Nikolai's gaze scanned the room, meeting the somber eyes of his trusted advisors and loyal soldiers. They stood at attention, awaiting his orders, their expressions a mix of sympathy and unwavering loyalty. It was clear that they understood the magnitude of the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Nikolai addressed his men with a tone of resolute determination. "Gentlemen, we face challenging times ahead. Our kingdom mourns, and it falls upon us to honor the memory of those we have lost. We must stand united and unwavering in the face of darkness."

Mara watched Nikolai's carefully chosen words, admiring his ability to project strength in the midst of his own grief. She knew, however, that he needed solace and support beyond the facade he wore for his men. As their eyes met, she reached out, her fingers intertwining with his, offering a silent gesture of solidarity.

Nikolai's hand squeezed back, his grip tight and comforting. In that simple touch, their unspoken connection spoke volumes. Mara could sense the vulnerability that he was suppressing, the weight of responsibility and loss he carried on his shoulders.

Gently, she leaned closer, her voice filled with warmth and empathy. "Your majesty, I think you need to get some rest. I'm sure there is much to do tomorrow."

Nikolai's facade wavered for a fleeting moment, a hint of vulnerability shining through his eyes. His voice, though subdued, carried a trace of gratitude. "Yes, you're right. I think we deserve a good night's rest after today."

Everyone nodded, bowing as Nikolai led himself and Mara out of the room. His shoulders back, his gaze cold and empty as they entered the hall. The weight of grief and sorrow pressed heavily on Nikolai's shoulders, and as they retreated into his chamber, Mara knew that he needed a sanctuary where he could release the emotions he had been holding back. She closed and locked the door behind them, creating a safe haven for their vulnerability.

Nikolai's knees buckled, and he sank to the floor, his body trembling with the weight of his pain. A raw yell escaped his lips, a cry of anguish that reverberated through the room. Mara rushed to his side, her arms enveloping him in a tender embrace, providing a steadfast presence in the midst of his turmoil.

"Let it out, Nikolai," she whispered, her voice filled with compassion. "You don't have to carry this burden alone. I'm here with you."

Tears streamed down Nikolai's face as he clung to Mara, his grip tight and desperate. He buried his face in her chest, finding solace in her comforting presence. The room echoed with his sobs, a cathartic release of the pain that had been festering within him.

Mara held him gently, her voice a soothing melody as she whispered words of comfort. "It's okay to grieve, Nikolai. Let the tears flow. You're allowed to feel, to mourn. I'm here to support you, to hold you through the storm."

Nikolai's voice cracked as he spoke, his words punctuated by heavy sobs. "I never thought... I never expected... to lose them both... so suddenly. I know they weren't great men, but they were still my family."

Mara stroked his hair tenderly, her touch a balm to his wounded soul. "Life is unpredictable, Nikolai. Sometimes, tragedy strikes without warning. But you're not alone in this. We'll find a way to navigate through the darkness together."

His cries gradually subsided, replaced by quiet sniffles as Nikolai clung to Mara, finding solace in her presence. She held him with unwavering strength, her love a beacon of light in the midst of his darkest moments.

As the room fell into a hushed calm, Mara continued to offer her support. "We'll honor their memory, Nikolai. We'll make sure their sacrifices were not in vain."

Nikolai lifted his tear-stained face, his eyes meeting Mara's with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you, Mara. I don't know what I would do without you. Your love gives me the strength to keep going."

Mara sighed, wiping away the tears on his cheeks, her voice filled with unwavering determination. "We'll face the challenges ahead, hand in hand. Lean on me when you need to, Nikolai. We'll find a way to heal together."

"Does this mean you'll marry me?" Nikolai laughed, clearing his throat and licking his chapped lips. Mara felt honored to be here with him, that he would let her see this side of him.

"I think you know the answer to that." Mara whispered. Placing her hand against his cheek again, rubbing her thumb softly over his skin.

"I'd still like to hear it." Nikolai spoke, pulling her closer.

Mara smiled, pulling his face closer to hers. Her fingers tangling into his blonde hair. "Yes, I'll marry you." 

Nikolai's face spread into a large grin, before stretching his neck forward slightly to press a tender kiss to her lips. Mara melted before him, pulling him into her, and kissing him back.

They remained on the floor, locked in an embrace, finding solace in each other's presence. The weight of grief slowly began to ease, replaced by a glimmer of hope as they vowed to forge a path forward, united in their love and shared resilience. 

His familiar lips slow and coaxing, the warmth of his chest inviting her in. A tear rolled down her cheek as she kissed him harder, she had missed him so much. Even though she had been angry and unwilling to forgive him before. She saw now that he was the only thing she wanted. That she was suddenly placed on this path and was meant to be with him again. And that was something worth fighting for.