CHAPTER TWELVE.

The celebration for the Prince's birthday came around quickly. Quicker than Liliya had hoped. She had been through multiple fittings to ensure that she looked perfect and Genya had tested hair colours on her. Each day she found herself with a different shade of blonde and Kirigan seemed surprised to see it every time. They eventually decided on a shade and she was ready for the celebration.

Genya had assisted her with the dress and they were now sat at the dressing table. The mirror in front of Liliya as she watched Genya run her hands across her hair. The red locks slowly morphing into the blonde shade they had decided on. It wasn't too dark but it wasn't too light. It looked natural on her skin colour and complimented her eyes that Genya had already turned brown.

It was strange seeing those changes. They were so small, practically insignificant but they made her unrecognisable even to herself. Her head tilting back slightly, seeking out Genya's warmth when she had pulled her hand away. The redhead glanced down before sending her a small smile. She turned around and grabbed the box, flicking it open.

"Is Lord Yanovich here yet?" Liliya asked as she turned around. Or attempted to Genya was quick to roughly push her back into place. Two petals between her fingers. Liliya was instructed to close her eyes and allowed Genya to work her magic. Make her look like she was fit to be a noblewoman.

"Stop moving. General Kirigan said he was speaking to Lord Yanovich privately first," Genya said, her tone harsh. She seemed frustrated and Liliya quickly stopped. She knew better than to keep fiddling, Genya had work to do and she needed to finish doing it.

"I should at least meet the man who I'm pretending is my father. I don't exactly have experience with one," Liliya snapped. Her fidgeting continuing again. Her feet pushing back on the heels of her shoes. The heels were already uncomfortable and she had barely even walked around in them. She was not used to them. She was not used to any of this. The fancy clothes, the jewels. She had never expected to be dressed like this, to be pretending to be part of the King's Court. Now she was and she felt like a fraud.

"Lord Yanovich is here, Milaya. Genya, once you are done, come to me in my office," Kirigan said as he looked over at her. The redhead nodded and Liliya cracked her eyes open. Her gaze flicked to Genya's face and then over to Lord Yanovich. He looked kinder than Liliya had expected. His soft almond eyes and cautious smile. He seemed just as nervous as she was.

"Look at me," Genya instructed. Liliya was quick to look back at Genya. The redhead examined her face before nodding. She deemed it suitable and then moved Liliya to sit up straight. Pushing her so she could do her hair. Her fingers worked quickly, deftly and her hair was quickly pulled up. The fancy up-do made her feel even more like a fraud, "Don't touch it. If there are problems during the ball, be discreet and find me. Don't blow your cover. Good luck," Genya said before she walked away. Not another word leaving her lips. Liliya sighed and then stood up. She gave herself a moment to adjust before letting a smile grace her lips.

"Lord Yanovich. It's lovely to meet you. I've heard so much about you," Liliya said as she walked over. Even with the heels on, she felt short. Even shorter compared to Yanovich who was nearly as tall as Kirigan - if not taller. Her hand reached out and he took it, shaking her head.

"It is lovely to meet you as well. General Kirigan did not tell me much about you. But I would suggest you call me 'father' from now on. Would you like to sit?" He asked. His voice was like honey. Comforting and warm. It felt like a warm bath after a long day. He seemed kind. His smile warm and genuine as he walked over to the sofa in the corner.

"Yes, of course. We have half an hour before the celebration starts so I think getting to know each other might be a good idea," Liliya said, nodding her head. Lord Yanovich nodded and the two sat down next to each other. Her hands resting in her lap, her fingers fiddling with the soft fabric of the dress. She had never been in something so elaborate. It almost scared her to touch it.

"Have you ever worn anything like this? I imagine living at the Little Palace has afforded you many luxuries," Yanovich said, his hands resting against his suit. He was a man of the military. That was the uniform he was wearing. Pristine and ironed. His medals on display. He was in his late-forties but seemed to have helped Ravka more than Liliya felt she had.

"It has but never something as elaborate or gorgeous. We like to live simply in the Little Palace. It reminds us of who we are. We are not royalty or special, we are simple people like everyone else," Liliya responded, finding her response to be automatic. It had not been the first time the question had come her way and it had been drilled into her long ago that she was meant to be humble.

"What can you do? If that is not a rude question to ask," Lord Yanovich questioned. His smile was soft, he seemed caring. Genuinely curious. That childish sparkle in his eye. Liliya couldn't help but want to show off.

"I'm an Inferni. I can bend flames to my will. Would you like to see?" Liliya asked, glancing around the room. There were multiple fire sources that she could draw from and she had much more control than other Grisha. It would be a spectacle and she hoped it impressed him, not scared him.

"I would be interested, yes," He smiled. Liliya nodded and then glanced around, trying to find where she could land the fire. The candelabra seemed like the best place so she lifted her hands. With a few movements, the fire drew out from the lantern. Arching through the air, splitting into three distinctive streams before landing in the candelabra. The flames of the candles briefly lighting up before dimming once again, "That was beautiful," He said. Liliya grinned. It was nice to see someone compliment the Grisha rather than fear them.

"Thank you. Is there anything about you I would need to know?" Liliya asked as she turned to face him. Some of her nerves had dissipated and the two quickly found themselves chattering. The conversation flowed nicely. They learnt each other's favourite place, favourite food. The toys that Liliya used to play with and Yanovich gave her a brief summary of his military achievements. Much of this information had been given to her by Kirigan. She had to commit it to memory but she let him talk, reminisce. He seemed content. His almond eyes shining with delight at the memories of his long lost friends.

Liliya found herself trailing off of her rant about the exquisite taste of pastries when she saw Kirigan stood by the door. He was dressed in all black as usual. The black kefta only seemed to make him more attractive and she had to stop herself from staring at him. They had a guest with them after all.

"Is it time?" Liliya asked. Lord Yanovich turned around to face Kirigan who simply nodded. He then stepped away and Liliya took a deep breath. Now to pretend to be someone she knew she wasn't. Kirigan had faith in her. She knew she could pretend but it didn't make her heart thump any slower. It didn't stop her hands from shaking as she looped her arm with Lord Yanovich's. The two of them beginning their walk towards the celebration.

"Remember your name is Lisenka and call me father. Do not call me Lord Yanovich. The others will become suspicious and smile, keep your back straight. Nobody will suspect a thing," Lord Yanovich reminded as they walked closer to the door. The chattering of party guests could be heard on the other side and she took a deep breath. She wished she had slept in with Kirigan longer that morning. Maybe it would have eased her mind. But there was no turning back. No running away and then they were inside.

Liliya was swept away by the magnificence of the room. Her head turning from side-to-side as she admired everyone and everything. She had been in the King and Queen's Palace before but she never truly looked at it. Now, she could and she admired it. Her gawking was, however, in character. Lisenka had never visited the Palace before. Never left the Yanovich's manor. The anxiety, the nerves, the gawking. It was all perfectly in character.

Liliya's attention was drew back to the front when she heard Yanovich speak. His voice like honey, calming her. He was speaking to someone. Liliya vaguely recognised him and hoped that he didn't vaguely recognise her. It took her a second but then she saw his wife and recognised him as Lord Grekov.

"So this is the lovely Lisenka," Grekov said. His voice was low and croaky. His hands old and withered. A smile on his face that was somewhere between sleazy and warming. She didn't know but she curtseyed and smiled.

"It is lovely to meet you too, Lord Grekov," Liliya responded. Changing her voice to sound a little more posh. Her words formal, trying to change her pronunciation slightly. It was very slight but it made a world of difference. Yanovich seemed surprised by the chance.

The conversation continued and Liliya continued on as she way. Yanovich leading her around, making the rounds of introductions before eventually meeting the King and Queen. Liliya was formal and perfect as ever. Making sure she acted like the perfect noblewoman. Curtesying, smiling when she was supposed to, speaking when spoken to.

She was thankful to get away when she could. Yanovich granting her to leave and she skirted across the room. Her hands resting at her sides as she walked through. Trying her best to look regal, look like a noblewoman. It felt a little better now that she was away from Yanovich. He was sweet and caring but she still felt unable to breathe when she was being faced with so many people.

When she reached the table, she took a glass of champagne and took a long sip. It tingled against her tongue before she swallowed it down and closing her eyes. A soft breathe of relief escaping her lips until she felt someone moved next to her. Her gaze flicked to them as she pushed her brightest smile on. Only to realise it was Kirigan.

"Oh... General Kirigan, I didn't mean to impose," Liliya quickly apologised as she stepped back. Kirigan shook his head and took a flute of champagne for himself. He swirled it around in the glass before looking down at her, his smile growing.

"I don't think we've been formally introduced?" He asked. The woman glanced around in hopes of spotting Yanovich but he was busy talking. So, she had to do it herself. She hoped that she was convincing everyone that she was who she was supposed to be.

"Uh... no. My father sought you out but he could not find you. I am Lisenka Yanovich. It is lovely to meet you General Kirigan. My father has told me much about you," Liliya said as she placed her champagne down. She curtseyed and Kirigan nodded. He took her hand in his own and lifted it to his lips.

"It is lovely to meet you," He said, pressing a kiss to her knuckles before letting her hand fall. The blush quickly spread across her cheeks and she grabbed her champagne, staring down at her feet. The elaborate gown was hugging her hips and curves in a way that Kirigan couldn't help but admire. He quickly found himself having to look away.

"Thank you, General," She said softly. Kirigan opened his mouth and seemed to spot General Zlatan. The target. General Kirigan gestured for the man to walk over and Liliya quickly realised what was about to happen. Lisenka was about to meet General Zlatan and Liliya was about to re-meet him. This was the part where everything could go wrong.

"General Kirigan, who is your company tonight?" Zlatan asked as he looked over Liliya. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment but he didn't say a word. He took a sip of his champagne and met Kirigan's gaze once more.

"She is not my companion. Lord Yanovich finally allowed Miss Yanovich to court. This is Lisenka Yanovich," Kirigan explained before he turned to her. Liliya let the smile spread across her lips and she curtseyed to him. Trying her best to appear noble. She had to be the perfect noblewoman. Men didn't care what they said about women. They were not intelligent enough. That is what Zlatan thought and that is what Kirigan was hoping for.

"It is lovely to meet you, General Zlatan," Liliya said. Zlatan nodded and then glanced over at Kirigan. The man seemingly getting distracted and excused himself and wondered off. Liliya took a sip of champagne, unsure what to say to him.

"Are you enjoying your stay at the Palace?" Zlatan asked. Liliya took a sip of champagne before debating her answer. Trying to work out how to word it. She quickly realised she was considering too long and smiled brightly.

"I only arrived today but it is splendid. The decorations are elaborate, beautiful," Liliya grinned, keeping her tone airy. Hoping to convey the unawareness of a woman. Just how he wanted. Just what Kirigan had told her to be. She had to be inconspicuous and then the words would come pouring out.

"Zlatan! I see you have met the lovely Lisenka. Yanovich has been bragging about her all night long. She really is a wonderful girl," A unfamiliar voice made Liliya look away from Zlatan. Her eyes focusing on the man before recognising it. Baron Petrovich. A greasy slimeball. Kirigan had warned her of him. He liked the ideas of Zlatan and was willing to do whatever he could to gain that title. Liliya had been thankful Yanovich had introduced them.

"She is certainly one to look at," Zlatan smirked, glancing at Liliya again. His eyes raking across her body before he took a sip of his champagne. Petrovich smirked and nodded in response before gesturing for her to join them.

"We must introduce Miss Yanovich to the other guests. Her father is keeping her conserved to the less... radical among us," Petrovich suggested. Zlatan seemed pleased with that idea and he nodded, taking another sip of champagne. Petrovich held his arm out and Liliya knew she had been successful. Her arm looped with his and then it began.

Liliya quickly found herself in the middle of a group of people. Zlatan seemed to have gained support of the lower nobility. The group conspiring. Talking as if Liliya wasn't even there. To them, she was Lisenka Yanovich. Recluse. Unaware. A woman. Little did they know she was a Grisha Inferni with a plan to go after them.

Liliya had to stand by as they discussed breaking from the "old country" and removing the "filthy Grisha". They spatted over the best way to do it and how General Kirigan had "never been fit to lead". The words made Liliya's stomach churn and their arguments and plans made her blood boil. They talked of massacring anyone who opposed them. The ideas that she once had an ounce of sympathy for now made her blood boil. Her hands shake.

"Lisenka, does your father talk of revolution?" The question directed at her was one she didn't know how to answer. Liliya simply shook her head, keeping the smile to her lips, "He was always a short-sighted old fool. He never could see the future for what it is. The old country is dying out," The man she had long forgotten the name of continued. All the names of the Lords and Barons sounded so similar. They were jumbled in her mind so she just allowed them to continue.

"It is not dying out. It is dead. General Kirigan and his Grisha vermin are the only thing between us and declaring our independence," Zlatan declared as he tucked his hands in his pockets. The group were tucked away from the King and Queen. All the servants were out of ear shot. Kirigan was away from Liliya and she just had to listen. There was no other choice in the matter. She couldn't reveal who she was. She had to stay composed.

"Do the Grisha not help?" Liliya found herself asking without even really meaning to. Her voice was light and airy. Keeping up the accent she had chosen. Zlatan snorted into his glass at her comment. Petrovich shook his head and glanced over to Yanovich who was across the room. He seemed to be indulging in converation with another General. They were wearing similar military uniform.

"They are vermin. Scum. They make us weak. While those around us defend themselves with science, we rely on that vermin and their magic. The King is making us weak,"

She was thankful for the interruption of the King and Queen. The speeches were dull and they made her head ache. The food was nice and then the Grisha performed. Liliya knew most of them but she didn't pay attention. As they performed, she slid away from Petrovich. She whispered to her father that she needed air and slipped out of the door.

She felt sticky from the heat of the rooms. The wind whipping past her as she crossed over the terrace. Her fingers moving to grip the matieral of the dress, she lifted it slightly as she moved two steps down. Her heels crunching against the gravel of the path as she began to walk down. It was nice to get away from the warmth. To just enjoy the night.

She was just glad not to feel exhausted. The socialising was a lot, the nobility were jarring and their views were backwards but they hadn't taken as much out of her as she expected. No, she felt okay. That was good. It meant she could continue with the night until they couldn't stand and she knew all their secrets. All their dirty secrets that she could tell her General. She could tell him and make him see how perfect she is. How important she was.

"Do you not enjoy the display?" An accented voice made her jump. Shu. She turned her head quickly and was face-to-face with the Shu ambadassador. A smile on his lips as he stood on the edge of the terrace. Liliya let an air-y laugh leave her lips and walked back over to the steps.

"I have not left my father's manor for most of my life so it is a little much for me," Liliya lied smoothly. Her hands resting against her dress, adjusting the fabric. The blue at least gave her some comfort. She was in her colour. Her Grisha colours even when she wasn't herself, it still lingered. Stayed on her skin. She was thankful.

"Do you ever wonder where their power comes from?" He asked. Liliya paused, unsure how to respond. She knew Liliya's response but Lisenka. She didn't know what Lisenka thought of the Grisha. She didn't really know what Yanovich thought.

"I suppose," She decided as she turned to look out across the garden. Then she felt the cool metal of a gun press against her back.

"I suppose I'll have to dissect you to find out," The Shu man whispered and Liliya's heart stopped.

***

author's note! hello :) did i just leave you on that cliffhanger? yes :) pls don't kill me <3 also excuse the lack of kirigan bUT WE GOT PLOT or more plot, this is just one part of the plot but it's all sorta important, all of this is lowkey important, but this just shows more of the state of the world, kirigan's trust and then... the thing that happened with the shu and that's gonna be shown more next chapter hehe, i don't wanna give too much away so imma stay quiet and just see the chaos of comments. thank y'all for reading and i hope you enjoyed!! <3