Rani hasn't slept in three days. Not since the night of the attack.
It's no surprise then, that as the security meeting hits its fourth hour Rani's head bobs slightly. Every security hole she exploited to get into the palace had been discussed, rehashed, and pulled apart hours ago. Now the soldiers and advisors seem to be content creating committees and planning more meetings in which they intend to solve said security breaches, each of which Rani will have to attend.
It leaves far too much time for the heady weight of sleep to press in on all sides. Yet every time her eyes close she sees that monster reaching out of the darkness, every time her mind wanders she imagines what other demons could be haunting the halls of this place.
Her head is about to slip from her palm when the door opens. As Toyla enters, Rani straightens, hoping the boredom isn't too evident on her face.
His eyes slide across the table to her, "The King has requested your presence."
Trying not to look too relieved, Rani measures her steps, making sure not to run to the door. When it closes behind her, Rani throws her arms around the Grisha guard, "Thank you! Thank you for saving me from that bureaucratic hell!"
"Perhaps you should aim your gratitude toward the actual architect of your escape," Rani pulls back at the sound of the King's voice. His eyes are bright with the mischief that she's come to associate only with him. It dims for a moment as his eyes travel to Rani's hand still resting on Toylas arm then back to her face. Just as quickly the smile returns, as though it never faded to begin with.
Since their conversation on the roof, she has barely seen him. Only in passing between meetings or in the halls. At any other point, it would have been innocuous, would not have made a difference if he had not crossed paths with her for weeks.
But the King, he had been avoiding her.
He had not mentioned the attack, had not even come to check on her. Had breezed past it as if nothing at all had happened. Even now he shows no signs that he remembers.
That night has been locked in the forefront of her mind and he would not so much as acknowledge it.
Despite those recent injuries, there's no lasting pain. The attack that should have left her scarred bears no lasting signs, no lingering pain. No outward effects to show what's been plaguing her mind, to make him remember.
Fine. She could do that herself.
She had seen the way he looked at her, seen the way he tried to hide it.
He would admit it. He would remember because that night has been haunting her. Why should he get the pleasure of forgetting? Of thinking of her only with desire, pretending she hasn't been dying with every waking moment in these halls.
She could make him admit what he was so desperate to ignore.
That quicksilver smile is on full display as the King leans against the wall, "If you can't deign to embrace me, as you did Toyla, I suppose a kiss would suffice."
"Oh, I think it would more than suffice."
Beside her, Toyla chokes.
The King's eyes cut to her, a sharp look that tries to cut through Rani's mask. Tries and fails. "What are you suggesting?"
"That you think about kissing me often."
The silence between them comes on in a thunderous wave, a buzzing almost tactile thing. The King's grin widens, the glee of a clever fox coming upon an unexpected game, unaware of a snake waiting to strike.
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heartless | nikolai lantsov
Fanfiction"You enjoy knowing someone in your palace would as soon have a knife to your throat as help you?" "Oh, I count on it, keeps my wits sharp." \\ Kidnapping the King of Ravka was easy. Until it wasn't. When her plan goes awry, Rani is given two choi...
