Shattering My Memories

52

^^Vanya

Third Person POV

The thunder crackled outside while Vanya focused on the paperwork before her. The desk lamp illuminated the space, not like she needed it since her eyesight was better than perfect. Lightning flashed across the sky when Vanya stilled. She gently placed the paper down and clasped her hands atop the desk. Vanya patiently waited for the individual to enter through the balcony doors.

Another flash occurred, illuminating Lara's frame. Lara entered the room to find Vanya's glare. The pair made eye contact before Vanya spoke.

"I should pelt a silver dagger at your head."

"How bold of you to speak to me that way." Lara retorted. "And in English."

"I have no reservations since it's apparent that you're back."

"How can you tell?" Lara tilted her head.

"The look in your eyes. It's no longer cold and unfeeling. Now, it's frustrated and pained."

"You should've had a career in behaviorism."

"I'll take that into consideration." Vanya's glare didn't soften.

"No offer for a drink?" Lara awkwardly chuckled.

"The sewer is outside."

"I see." Lara bit her lip. "I'm sorry."

"Hmm..." Vanya was unfazed.

"My actions while I was... wasn't myself were abhorrent." Vanya stood to fix Lara a drink. "I messed you up a lot and I apologize for it." Vanya handed Lara the drink. "I shouldn't have-" Lara spat it out when her mouth touched it. "What is this?!"

"Vervain." Vanya crossed her arms.

"Really?" Lara wasn't amused.

"You attacked my mate."

"Ya, I did that." Lara muttered. "On the bright side, she's in a facility in Columbia."

"I know."

"Wait, what?"

"She was rescued. That's all you need to know."

"Gotcha."

"You also killed my father." Vanya's eye twitched in anger.

"That... is also true." Lara pulled a nervous face.

"And I'm so far from forgiving you." Vanya went back to the mini bar to fix Lara another drink.

"Apologies again. Just didn't realize you were that close."

"I wasn't." Vanya handed Lara the glass, but Lara hesitated. "No vervain. I don't do the same trick twice." Vanya pushed it into Lara's hand before taking a seat. "You murdering my father brought on a lot of instability in Russia. That has me pissed."

"You're in power though. There shouldn't be a power struggle." Lara sat down.

"My father named Damyan his heir-"

"Damyan will run Russia into the ground."

"Well, you should've thought about that before decapitating the czar." Vanya snapped. "Nevertheless, you sent the heir on the run and then named me... the one who is third in line... as the acting czarina. You don't understand the deep shit you caused."

"They'll respect you-"

"It's not about them respecting me or not. I don't want this position. Ulyana is better suited. Actually, even Damyan. Yes, he's an airhead, but he's an airhead that has been groomed for the position."