THE APPROACHING AUTUMN SEASON HAD TRANSFORMED THE GARDEN OF THE GRAND PALACE INTO A STUNNING TAPESTRY OF RICH COLORS AND SERENE BEAUTY. The trees were adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, their leaves creating a brilliant canopy overhead. Cobblestone paths meandered through the garden, lined with meticulously trimmed shrubs and hedges, guiding the early visitors through the picturesque landscape. The crisp air carried the faint scent of earth and decaying leaves, while the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze added a soothing melody to the tranquil setting. Statues and fountains, elegantly placed throughout the garden, provided focal points of interest and blended harmoniously with the natural beauty of the autumnal scene.
Yelena Volkov stood immersed deep into the trance the landscape had put her under, unaware of her surroundings. The loose sleeves and the light hem of her ivory dress fluttered with the air, the golden thread forming vines that covered the entire skirt in a labyrinthine. Her hair was let down, free of any intricate knot, allowed to flow down in their natural curls.
She could feel her stomach churning as she waited for the Tsar patiently. Her skin was paler than usual, almost on verge of appearing sick. She wondered whether anyone would notice the change, query about her health to which she would thread lies together to form an answer that was acceptable.
It won't be long when more and more of her beauty will chip away, giving way to the sickness that would settle deep into her bones; all because she was suppressing her abilities as a Grisha. It was one of the few reasons why the twins loved to wander deep into the forests of Tsibeya, regardless of season. There, hidden from the world by the towering trees, they could summon freely, letting their powers do wonders while they watched with amazement similar to a child's.
But in Os Alta, the nearest woods were miles away from the Grand Palace and with thousands of pair of eyes hovering over them, there was no way that the twins could escape to get rid of the masks of otkazat'sya they had to wear.
Footfalls behind Yelena had her inhaling sharply, preparing herself for an hour or two of unease. She turned swiftly on her feet, her glossy lips pulling up in a bright, as well as practiced, smile as her gaze fell upon the King who strode out of the Grand Palace. But the shine of her smile quickly vanished when she saw the black figure trailing behind Vladim.
The Darkling was dressed in the same attire as the day before, and yet, somehow, he still appeared more regal than the Tsar himself. The Lady of Tsibeya drew in another sharp breath, her lips trembling - struggling to hold the smile that felt quite heavy.
"Moi tsar," she flinched internally at the obvious tremble in her voice, dipping down into a curtsy that had Vladim sighing while the wolfish smile made its way to his face. "I must remind you that we are past these formalities, my lady." The girl only offered a hesitant smile, her eyes darting over to the figure that was studying her with great intrigue. The glint in the Black General's eyes had her shuddering as she hastily turned to the king.
"A lovely day, isn't it?" Yelena wasn't sure whether she was supposed to answer it or not, and hence, at last settled on providing the man with a small nod. Blue eyes turned to roam over her figure curiously, before making their way up to her eyes. But his gaze hovering a moment longer on her barely visible cleavage wasn't lost on the girl, but she dismissed it with a tug on her lower lip.
"You seem rather pale, Yelena. Are you alright?" The said girl was caught off guard, her breath hitching for a moment before she regained her composure. Playing a shy, young lady, she turned her gaze to the landscape in front of them, whispering softly: "I am fine, moi tsar."
The smirk on his face and the malicious glint in his gaze had disgust settling deep into her bone, but she remained unfazed on the exterior. Her hands clasped in front of her, eyes settled on the cobblestone paths that laid ahead of them. With her hair fluttering along with her dress, she knew she looked every bit of what a desirable lady of a noble house should look like. Timid; young; pretty. Perfect combination for a bride.
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Moon and Shadow
Fanfiction"It will always be me and you against the world." "You are the dream I have dreamt a long time." She was the prophesied child of the ever radiant moon, while he was the personification of the endless darkness. She was the Saint she never wished to...
