Element [The Darkling]

Chapter Thirteen

The Winter Fete was underway. Ambassadors from all of our allied countries were here, along with others. Important noblemen from all over Ravka, I assumed. This was, after all, the official unveiling of the Sun Summoner.

Genya led Alina and I up the back stairs, glancing over inside the ballroom. There were a few people scattered down the hallway, and they glanced at us, whispering to each other.

"It's not time yet." Genya told Alina, leading her down the right. I glanced inside the ballroom, searching for a glimpse of Aleksander.

He was standing near the thrones, and he looked in desperate need of saving.

Well, I was always one for dramatic entrances.

A hush fell over the room as I stepped inside, and the people that were gathered around parted ways, allowing Aleksander and the royals to see me completely.

My kefta was black, with white summoner patterns, and at this point, my hair was red. I'd planned to reveal my true colors at the end of my demonstration.

Aleksander stared at me in awe for a long moment, taking in the sight of me with widened eyes. His jaw set, and he approached me, looking around at the others as he stood in front of me, our bodies just inches apart.

"You were supposed to enter accompanied by palace guards." He told me, and I faltered, worried I'd upset him. He finally looked down on me, and his scolding expression softened. "You look lovely, by the way." He added, his voice so soft only I could hear it.

"You looked like you needed saving," I whispered up at him, and he smiled down on me. "Besides, I'm always one for the dramatic entrances," I added with a teasing grin, tilting my head slightly.

He offered me his arm, and I slipped mine through his, wrapping my free hand around his bicep, clinging to him as he walked me over to the royals. "Moi tsar," I greeted politely. "Moya tsaritsa." I bowed my head.

They smiled politely at me. "Tell me- Miss Sisko, is it?" The king checked, and I nodded. "Are you ready to return to battle?" I felt Aleksander stiffen beside me.

"I'm always prepared to fight for my country, moi tsar." I replied immediately, straightening and removing my arm from Aleksander's grasp, the soldier in me coming out as I clasped my hands behind my back.

"We need you at the Fjerdan frontlines. Has she completed her training?" The King asked Aleksander.

"She's not ready." Aleksander replied immediately, to my surprise. I sent him a look, but he wasn't looking at me, he was staring at the King with a firm, stone cold expression.

"Well, get her ready. She was an excellent soldier before, I'm sure she'll manage fine. She'll be twice the killer with those powers." The King replied, and Aleksander nodded before pulling me away towards the corner of the room.