The "dark" secret

Chapter 1: The Sun summoner

The king had ordered you to get ready for the Sun summoner's arrival at the palace.

You still can't realise that the myth is true after all. Maybe there is still a chance to get rid of the Plain after all.

'Y/n! Are you dressed yet?' shouts Genya Safin from behind the closed door. She is a Tailor, which means she has the gift of customising people's looks.

'Yes - give me a moment and I'll open the door!'

With a few steps, you reach the door and open it for her.

'Isn't there a better dress you can put on? This one is rather dreary,' she mutters as she pushes you onto the chair in front of the mirror.

'I'll wear what I want. Just be glad I'm not wearing trousers with a blouse,' you reply.

Your choice was quickly made. As usual, you wear a dress in a dark colour. Today you chose a long, midnight blue dress with silver pearls.

'Had you worn trousers, I would have personally made sure you put on that fluorescent pink dress,' she says as she starts combing your black hair, 'A braid or a bun?'

'A bun. The queen goes mad when she sees me with a braid,' you reply quickly, "How is she?"

'General Kirigan is going to have a lot of work getting her ready. I think we'll have to wait a while longer for the destruction of the Plains.'

'I didn't expect much else. Genya, surely you know not to help me get ready.'

'If I don't, you just wouldn't show up at official festivities,' she replies as she dons the last few black locks, 'Besides, I'd rather help you than the queen.'

For as long as you have been staying in the palace, you have known about Genya's hatred of the queen, but that is something that remains between you.

'I'll see you this evening,' Genya says as she sticks a few pins in my hair, 'and you'd better behave yourself, or else you know the queen is going to saw.'

'Of course. Until this evening.'

You wait a few more minutes before heading to the hall. On the way, you make sure your black gloves are definitely on correctly. You can't afford for them to fall out or have a hole in them.

Ever since you were born, you have worn gloves to protect other people.

'Are you having trouble accompanying us y/n?' someone asks behind you. You turn to look straight at General Kirigan - you hate the man from the bottom of your heart - but then you notice the woman next to him.

She has some silly veil hanging over her face. It is horribly out of place when you look at the rest of her uniform.

'Of course not General Kirigan,' you reply politely, trying to keep smiling.

'It was actually meant to introduce her later. Y/n this is Alina Starkov. Alina, this is y/n Lantsov,' he introduces you to the woman.

'Pleased to meet you,' you say as you hold out your hand. With a little hesitation, she takes yours. She is clearly hesitating whether to beugen or not.

'So you're the Sun summoner,' you say to break the silence.

'Apparently. I didn't even know it myself,' she replies uncertainly.

'You can take off that veil though. I'm sure the king will have no problem with the princess seeing your face,' he whispers.

Quickly she throws the veil over her hat and you can see her face. You can clearly tell she is half Shu.

After walking for five minutes in complete silence, we arrive at the room. You wish Alina good luck and walk into the room. As you walk up the stairs, you see the queen's disapproving looks. She has hated you ever since you moved into the palace.

She is clearly not finished with you when you stand behind the king's throne. A few moments later, Alina and General Kirigan walk into the hall followed by several Grisha.

The room goes dark and just before Alina - with the general's help - shows off her gift you duck behind the throne. You close your eyes, but it doesn't help against the sharp light. You feel your skin burn into your unprotected neck.

You curse inwardly. This is going to be an obvious burn.

After the light show, the king imposes a few more demands on General Kirigan, but you only notice Alina's puzzled look. She is clearly not used to the gift.

When they leave again, you wait patiently next to the king. The moment everyone else has left the room the queen turns to you.

And you know immediately that you are in trouble.