Once Upon His December

Chapter 22 - Heartbroken

Nikolai

As the deep orange of the morning began breaching the deep violet of the night sky, I stirred.  I rolled over only to bump up against warm, soft flesh.  I inhaled sharply as my eyes flew open to gaze on Kira's sleeping form.  Her naked sleeping form. 

Kira slept peacefully on her side, a hand tucked under her cheek, lips slightly parted. A smile of deep contentment spread across my face.  I draped an arm over her waist, pulling her tightly against me. 

Twice last night, and earlier that morning, had been some of the happiest hours of my life.  I roused Kira those times during the darkness of night to ravish her. 

Those sounds that escaped her gave away just how much pleasure I could give her.  Kira willingly gave herself, trusted me with her body, mind and heart last night. In return, I gave her my everything as well.

Seeing the morning break the horizon, I thought it best I slip out.  Before the earliest risers of the household staff awoke and began their morning chores.  The last thing I wanted was for Kira to be the center of palace gossip.

I firmly embraced Kira again, placing a kiss on her shoulder.  The light sigh she released made me smile broadly. I pulled the covers up to her shoulder, covering her body to preserve her modesty. Just in case anyone came into the room other than me.  Then I slipped from the bed.

I quickly donned my pants and tunic that had been scattered across the floor in our heated passion last night.  Next was my caftan but I didn't bother buttoning it.  Giving Kira one last look of longing, I quietly opened the door and slipped out.

The corridors were empty and quiet. I was relieved for the solace.  No one was up just yet.  I was able to make it back to my room unseen. I bathed and put on clean clothes, a white tunic and navy trousers then emerged back into the corridors.  Now, they were coming to life with servants turning off lights and bringing in fresh supplies from the gardens and storage rooms.

Each servant that passed me, respectfully dipped their head to me. I gave a curt nod back, resuming my stoic demeanor.  Only Kira would know and see my other side.

Almost to the corridor I would turn down to reach Kira's room, I heard my name.  The voice summoning me made my whole body stiffen and shiver.  Only one person could make me quiver with fear like that.

"Nikolai!" Andrei called again.  It was more clipped this time with annoyance his own son hadn't acknowledged him yet.

I turned to face my father, releasing a heavy sigh.

"Father."

"I need you to go on a diplomatic mission, effective immediately," Andrei ordered.  "It's of the utmost urgency you leave now for the western border."

My brows creased with anger, fists clenching.

"I just got home!" I argued, risking my father's wrath.  "Can't it wait until after the New Year?"

"No," Andrei dismissed, waving his hand.  "It cannot wait. There are delicate matters that must be settled or we risk war."

"Fine," I grumbled.  Casting my eyes down I squeezed them shut, forcing my anger down.  "I'll go pack my things."

"Already done," Andrei smirked.  "Everything you will need for this mission is already packed and loaded.  Your horse is out front."

A cold shiver of suspicion rippled through my body.  This seemed too convenient, too organized like Andrei had planned for this. I cast a glance down the corridor toward Kira's room.  I wracked my mind for an excuse to go that way but nothing came to mind.  She would think I had abandoned her again.