Mother Knows Best (Russia x Reader)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝘁𝐞𝗿 𝐋𝐈𝐈𝐈

In the aftermath of their daring escape, Natalia and Soviet rode hard and fast, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. The once-grand palace, now a smoldering ruin behind them, was a testament to the darkness that had taken hold of Russia. As they galloped through the open countryside, the beauty of the land seemed bittersweet, marred by the looming threat of Teresa's pursuit.

Soviet cast furtive glances over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of Teresa's forces. "We can't slow down," he urged Natalia, his voice tense with urgency. "We need to put as much distance between us and Teresa as possible."

Natalia nodded, her jaw clenched as she urged the horse to go faster. The weight of her sister's betrayal and the revelation of Soviet's deception bore down on her like a heavy burden. She couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to trust anyone again.

As they rode, the vast expanse of the Russian landscape unfolded before them, its beauty juxtaposed against the darkness that now threatened to consume it. Fields of wildflowers swayed in the breeze, and the distant mountains stood tall and majestic. But in the midst of this idyllic scenery, Natalia couldn't shake the feeling of being hunted.

"We'll head to the Northern Forest," Soviet suggested, his voice breaking through her thoughts. "It's a dense and vast area, and it might buy us some time."

Natalia glanced at him, her eyes searching his face for any trace of the man she had loved. "And how do I know I can trust you?" she questioned, her voice tinged with skepticism.

Soviet's expression softened, and he met her gaze with sincerity. "I know I don't deserve your trust after what I did," he admitted. "But right now, we have to focus on survival. We can sort through everything later."

Though reluctant, Natalia understood the practicality of Soviet's words. Survival was their top priority, and they had little choice but to rely on each other. As they rode on, she found herself torn between her lingering feelings for the man before her and the painful memories of his deceit.

The Northern Forest loomed ahead, its dense foliage and ancient trees casting long shadows. Natalia and Soviet sought refuge within its green embrace, the sounds of the outside world fading away as they ventured deeper into its heart.

Under the canopy of leaves, they paused to catch their breath, the rhythmic chirping of birds and the whisper of the wind the only sounds that greeted them. Natalia dismounted the horse, her eyes scanning their surroundings warily.

"We'll rest here for a while," Soviet suggested, his eyes never leaving her. "Teresa's forces won't find us easily in these woods."

As they settled down, Natalia couldn't help but replay the events of the past few days in her mind. The love she once felt for Soviet had been rekindled by his return, but the deception that had separated them now cast a shadow over their fragile reunion.

"I need to know the truth," Natalia finally spoke, her voice laced with vulnerability. "Why did you fake your death? Why did you leave me to grieve for you?"

Soviet looked pained, as if the weight of his actions bore heavily on him. "It was a ruse to protect you," he began, choosing his words carefully. "There were forces at play, powerful and dangerous ones. I couldn't risk your life being tangled in their web."

Natalia's eyes bore into his, searching for any signs of deception. "You left me behind without even a goodbye," she said, her voice trembling with hurt.

"I know, and I'm sorry," Soviet replied, his voice filled with remorse. "I never wanted to hurt you, but I had to ensure your safety. I had to make you believe I was gone to keep you safe from those who wanted to harm you."

Tears welled up in Natalia's eyes as she grappled with the conflicting emotions inside her. Part of her wanted to believe Soviet's words, to find solace in the possibility that he had acted out of love and not betrayal. But another part of her couldn't help but feel the pain of abandonment.

"I loved you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "And you took that love and shattered it."

Soviet reached out to touch her, his hand trembling as he did so. "I know I can never truly make amends for what I did," he said, his eyes filled with sorrow. "But I swear, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you now. You're still my queen, and I'll never stop caring for you."

The sincerity in Soviet's words tugged at Natalia's heart, but the wounds were deep and raw. The path ahead seemed uncertain, their lives entangled in a web of danger and intrigue. Yet, in the midst of darkness, a glimmer of hope remained, a chance for redemption and the possibility of love rekindled.

As they rested beneath the ancient trees of the Northern Forest, Natalia and Soviet found themselves confronting the complexities of their past and the uncertainty of their future. The land of Russia, with its beauty and turmoil, now held their fate in its hands, and the choices they made would shape the destiny of the kingdom and their own intertwined hearts.

Their journey was far from over, and as they set forth once more, they knew that the shadows of the past would continue to haunt them. The pursuit of survival and the fight against Teresa's darkness would test their resolve, but perhaps, amidst the trials and tribulations, a love once lost could find its way home. 

The land of Russia, with its ancient forests and storied history, held the promise of hope and a chance for a love strong enough to withstand the trials of time and fate. As they ventured forth, Natalia and Soviet knew that their destinies were forever entwined, and the tale of Russia's heart would unfold with every step they took.

In the heart of the Northern Forest, where ancient trees whispered tales of old and the gentle rustle of leaves carried secrets, the journey of love, betrayal, and redemption had only just begun. And with the land of Russia as their witness, the entangled souls of Natalia and Soviet would continue to navigate the intricate dance of darkness and light, as they sought to reclaim their love from the clutches of fate and shape a future that defied all odds.