DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 23

---Mara's POV---

Intrigued, Mara placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch and the anticipation in the air. Nikolai led her through the intricately decorated corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors.

As they reached a hidden corner of the palace, Nikolai's eyes sparkled with a hint of secrecy. He pressed his hand against a seemingly ordinary wall, revealing a concealed door. With a gentle push, the door swung open, revealing a narrow flight of stairs leading upward.

Mara followed Nikolai, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and excitement. Step by step, they ascended the hidden stairs until they reached a small landing. Nikolai turned towards her, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

"There's one more surprise," Nikolai said, a playful smile gracing his lips. "Prepare yourself, my darling."

With a swift movement, Nikolai pulled on a hidden latch, and a trap door creaked open above them. The sound of rain pouring outside filled the air, and Mara's eyes widened in surprise as she realized they lead to the roof.

As Nikolai climbed through the opening, raindrops cascading over him, he walked towards the edge, facing the breathtaking view before him. The stormy skies seemed to reflect the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders. His drenched hair clung to his forehead, his clothes clinging to his body, but he stood tall and resolute.

Mara stepped forward, joining him on the rooftop, her skin sighing in relief when that cool misty air enveloped her. "Nikolai," she called out above the sound of the rain, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and tenderness. "What are we doing up here?"

Nikolai turned around, raindrops glistening on his cheeks, his gaze filled with a depth of emotion that sent shivers down Mara's spine. He took a step closer to her, the rain creating a symphony around them.

"Mara," he began, his voice steady and sincere, "standing here, above it all, I can't help but feel the weight of my responsibilities as the leader of Ravka. But in the midst of it, there is one thing that gives me strength, that makes every burden worth bearing."

Mara's breath caught in her throat as Nikolai reached into his pocket, his hand retrieving a small velvet box. He sank down onto one knee, the rain soaking into the fabric of his pants, but his focus solely on the woman before him.

"Mara," Nikolai said, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and unwavering love, "from the moment I met you, you have quite literally, and ironically, illuminated my life. Your strength, your compassion, and your unwavering support have made me a better man. I cannot imagine a future without you by my side."

Her smile stretched across her face as she realized where he was going with this conversation, her heart swelling with emotion. "Nikolai," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rain. "I love you, too. More than words can express."

Nikolai opened the velvet box, revealing a delicate ring adorned with a sparkling gem. "I know I have technically received an answer already, but I want a real answer." His mouth formed a firm line. Mara had never seen him so serious, not even in the war room. 

"Mara Peregrine, my mysterious girl from the island of white oranges, my sun summoner, will you do me the honor of becoming my queen, my partner in ruling this kingdom, and my companion for all the days of our lives?"

Mara couldn't help herself as she ran forward and leapt into his arms, kissing all over his face. "Yes! Yes!" She squealed, pressing a smiling kiss to his lips. She felt Nikolai smile against her as well. Her fingers laced through his golden hair, as his gripped onto her dress.

His lips moving quickly against hers, making her heartbeat faster. His hot breath on her mouth, and strong hands around her body making her dizzy. Both of them laughing as they pulled away. Rain dripping down their entire bodies, making them look as if they had just immerged from the sea itself.

Nikolai slipped the ring onto Mara's finger. Rising to his feet, he pulled her into a tight embrace, their bodies drenched and their hearts overflowing with love. She closed her eyes as she rested her cheek against the wet fabric of his coat, his musky smell seeping through the rain. They stood there for a moment, their heartbeats slowing. 

She looked up at him, and his eyes burned into her. She bit her lip, as he slowly raised a hand until in traced a line on the side of her face.

"You are so beautiful." His voice low and warm, causing her stomach to tighten. Mara leaned forward, tilting her neck up slightly. Brushing the tip of her nose with his.

"Does it please you, Captain?" She replied, barely above a whisper.

"Captain?" Nikolai tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling upon her lips. Mara only nodded, licking her lips as he inched closer. "I haven't heard you call me Captain in a long time." 

She closed her eyes, his warm peppermint breath blowing in her face. She let out a small sigh that she didn't realize that she was holding in, his eyes consuming her very being.

"What would you say to going somewhere more comfortable." He spoke. Again, Mara could only think to nod, as Nikolai pressed a small kiss against her jaw. Even the rain began to feel hot, and she could feel her cheeks burning crimson with his question. "Excellent." He smiled.