Which Witch || Aleksander Morozova

𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓾𝓻

Consul

—

It never takes Katerina long to adjust to the rock and sway of a coach. More often than not it was the boredom that really got to her, but now her company is quite interesting; a pleasantly unfamiliar experience for her.

Aleksander sits next to her, Fedyor across from her and Ivan next to him. Ivan doesn't speak unless directly spoken to, usually by his husband. And Aleksander seems quite content to watch the interactions between Fedyor and Katerina.

The heartrender is quite easy to talk to, and his bright and friendly personality puts her more at ease – though she knows better than to ever shake the habit of being careful with her words. Throughout the conversation, when needed, she'll slip in a few half-truths that she's carefully conceived that even Aleksander is unaware of, though she's certain he sees through them regardless. Years worth of experience telling lies to placate nobles is nothing compared to his centuries worth of both conceiving and spotting lies.

However, when he asks about her family in the Capital, she surprises herself with her own honesty. "Though I'm grateful for them, I don't truly fit in amongst my family here. I suppose that's why a position as Consul was such an alluring offer for me. I've worked with the First Army General before. I feel more at home doing what I'm good at."

Fedyor smiles. "That's lovely. It's always nice to hear that those who work amongst us enjoy our company. It's not common."

"A terrible oversight, really." she says. "Grisha, though exceptional, are still people. It amazes me how so many people can refuse to see that simply out of fear."

He seems to appreciate her sentiment greatly, but Katerina feels the conversation is verging on more risky territory now. Most specifically, the question as to what made her feel so differently than others. So she takes the safer route, redirecting the conversation to his own family.

He has a large collection of older brothers and sisters, and she can't keep the smile off her face as he tells her about them. After all she suffered in her old world and after her Ravkan mother's death, tales of families who live happily are such heartwarming things to her, and nothing is clearer than how much Fedyor loves each and every one of his family.

After an hour or so, they reach Balakirev. As they pass through the town, Katerina's eyes remain fixed on the streets lined with people who turn to stare at the sight of the Darkling's coach tearing by. Once the coach reaches the outskirts of Balakirev, it slows to a stop in the courtyard of a well-maintained inn.

Aleksander offers his hand as Katerina follows him out of the coach, and she stretches her aching legs as he speaks with some of his oprichniki.

He doesn't remove himself from his soldiers, staying with them as the small group eats an early lunch at the inn. Whilst he isn't actively involved in the conversation, he gives whoever is speaking his full attention.

Katerina would admit only to herself that she spends plenty of time watching him.

Once lunch is over, the majority of the group heads to the stables to change over the horses, which means hopefully they'll arrive in Kribirsk earlier than expected.

Needing a moment, Katerina sits alone on a nearby bench. In the courtyard, she can see Fedyor and one of the oprichniki preparing some horses.

Aleksander surveys them intently, brows furrowed as his eyes scan over the cobbled courtyard. His chin lifts and he turns his head, searching until his eyes land and fix on Katerina.