One shots

Theoretical Questions (original work)

"Vasiliev, please. We really cannot afford to take anymore recruits. Most of them are not qualified." Irina pleaded, exasperated as Annika frowned a little, setting down the papers with a sad smile.

"Irina Peshkov. Watch how you address Princess Annika." Irina reddened profusely as Michail glared at her.

"Ah, ah Micha. No titles." Annika tutted in her good nature.

"As you wish, Annika." Michail sighed, sorting back through the papers that lay on each of their desks, all with different purposes.

"Irina, zaya, could you please give us a moment of privacy? I must discuss something with Nikolaev." Annika shot the girl a smile, happy as she watched Irina beam at the nickname.

As soon as she left, Michail was behind her, hands hanging loosely from her shoulder.

"Kotya, our engagement is not secret. It has been announced in the paper." Annika gave his hand a gentle squeeze, barely holding in her laughter as his cheeks reddened.

"Micha, are you afraid of what people would say?" Annika asked quietly, looking up to catch her lover's lips pulled into a thin line.

Annika Vasiliev is known for her perseverance, perhaps that was what made her such an easy-going person.

She turned around in his hold, hands now resting at her back.

Gentle kisses ran up from his jaw to his taut lips, until she settled for resting her head against his shoulder, Michail drawing mindless circles on her silk shirt, earning a sigh of satisfaction.

"I don't understand why you work. You're more than wealthy. Everyone knows of your intelligence and you put yourself in unnecessary danger." Michail sighed, stopping his ministrations to coax her chin up, watch as she flushed under the attention.

This time, she did not.

"Michail Nikolaev. Kotya. Your family is well-known for their loyalty to the royal family. To my family. I am not going to rule Russia, kotya, and I don't like sitting still." The words hung unspoken.

 Michail could not take this away from her.

"Very well, malyshka. But if I asked you to stop?" Michail watched her frown, before turning impassive.

"I would remind you that I am my own person, and if you were to take that away, I would be unafraid  to show you what royalty are taught as children." The threat was empty, Annika would rather die than injure him, but she would remind him of his place.

"And if I were to say you should be a housewife and bear me children?" Michail asked.

He had no intention to do so, working with Annika was a blessing to everyone around her, but he was curious.

Remaining impassive, Annika brought her hands up to Michail's shirt, before tugging it down to bring his face to hers.

"I would remind you who you are dealing with, kotya. Nothing more." Annika spoke quietly, a gentle kiss against him before she released her harsh hold.

"You are not angry, malyshka?" Michail peered at her.

"You are reasonable and smart, are you not? I trust you to know me as I know you."

"I can't wait to marry you, Annika."

"Neither can I, kotya."