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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖

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The Darkling's words bounced around in Inessa's head as she walked through the halls of the Little Palace. She didn't know how she felt about being essentially a spy for him. It just felt wrong. And on top of it all, lying wasn't something she was trained to do and she had a feeling that would come into play. Especially when it came time for Inessa to join Alina's sessions with Baghra. That woman had a way of sensing if the Smirnoff girl was hiding something and eventually bringing it to the surface. Inessa also didn't like the idea of using Alina for the Darkling's gain, especially when the Smirnoff girl had no idea what he would get out of it.

It wasn't long before Inessa reached her destination. She just stood outside Alina's bedroom door, not ready to begin her assignment. She did her best to slow her breathing as she listened to the muffled voices within. Genya and her staff were sent by the Darkling to prepare Alina for her meeting with the Ravkan King, something else Inessa wasn't looking forward to. She rarely saw her uncle or the rest of her family since she was forced to join the Second Army. And when she did see them, they barely looked at her. It was as if she was never part of their family. That thought alone was enough to make her miss Nikolai all over again. And it wasn't because he was the only one who treated her like family. It was because he was the only one who treated her like a human and not some game piece.

A small sigh passed over Inessa's lips before knocking on the door. After hearing someone shout for her to come in, she quickly walked into the room before shutting the door behind her. She walked further into the room until she found the Tailor sitting in an armchair in the bathroom. The Smirnoff girl did her best to hide her smile when she saw the distress on Genya's face as she studied the Starkov girl. But Inessa's attention was soon drawn to two members of Genya's staff when she heard how they were talking about Alina. However, right as she was about to speak up and tell them that their words were uncalled for, Alina beat her to it.

"Stop, stop, stop. I am perfectly capable of washing myself. And yes, I smell like horse. I was on one for two hundred miles. After nearly being killed. Twice," the Sun Summoner ranted. Her words made small smiles appear on Inessa and Genya's faces, something that went unnoticed by Alina as she continued. "And I understand Old Ravkan, and that was really quite rude."

The smile on Genya's face slightly grew, which only Inessa seemed to pick up on. It wasn't long after that when the Safin girl began speaking. "In an hour, you'll be presented to King Pyotr, and General Kirigan has asked that I make you look presentable."

A sudden wave of annoyance washed over Inessa at the mention of her uncle. She always tried not to hold her current situation against him. Especially since it was the law that all Grisha must join the Second Army. But the Smirnoff girl could never forget the look on Pyotr's face when she was discovered to be Grisha. Or the last words he spoke to her before she was dragged away. It was obvious that her uncle didn't care that he was losing her. He never cared about her much to begin with. But there was a hint of hope in Inessa that day. She had faith in Pyotr. Faith that he would fight for her. But Inessa was far from wrong.

The Heartrender was soon drawn back to reality when she noticed Alina looking at her and Genya. A shocked look was plastered onto her face as she opened her mouth to speak. "I am to meet the King?"

"In an hour."

"Oh."

The smile on the Tailor's face faded as she turned her head to face the Starkov girl. "Yes, 'oh.' So let's get on with it."

"You know, this is all a bit much. I really don't need any of this," Alina declared after being forced to her feet before a robe was placed on her shoulders, "oh, Saints! Is this velvet?"

Grins instantly returned to Inessa and Genya's faces as they watched the Sun Summoner look over the robe. But their joy instantly faded when they heard the woman next to them speak. "I'd start by making her eyes less Shu, Miss Safin."

The joy instantly faded from Alina's face after hearing the woman's words. The tension in the air grew thick as an eerie silence settled around them. Inessa stayed in her corner as she watched Genya study the Starkov woman. What felt like an eternity passed when the Safin girl let out a long sigh and loudly clapped her hands two times.

"Everybody out," the Tailor ordered, causing her assistants to make their way toward the exit. Inessa tried to sneak away with them, wanting to be anywhere but there. But to her dismay, Genya grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Not you."

The Smirnoff girl rolled her eyes at the Safin girl before sitting down on the sofa in Alina's room. It wasn't long after that when Genya held the curtain back, signaling for the Sun Summoner to join them. The Starkov girl hesitantly walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. Her eyes locked with Inessa's after stopping a few feet away from the curtain. The two of them just stared at each other for a moment before Genya walked between them, drawing their attention toward her.

"Thank you," Alina said after glancing at the closed door.

"Happy to get rid of the miserable shrews," Genya responded while opening her supply chest, "I don't pick my staff. The Queen assigns them. Mostly so she can spy on me."

The Tailor's words caused Inessa to instantly tense, something that didn't go unnoticed by the Starkov girl. Alina just stared at her once again before opening her mouth to speak. "Did she assign you to Genya?"

"The General assigned me to you," the Smirnoff girl stated in the calmest voice she could muster, almost sounding monotone, "he wants me to prove myself after my failure on our journey."

Before Alina had a chance to respond, her attention was drawn back to Genya when the latter began looking through her supplies. The Sun Summoner watched her until a hint of panic appeared on her face. "Don't change my eyes."

The Safin girl's attention immediately moved to Alina. She studied her for a moment before walking toward her until they were standing a few feet away.

"I don't care that you're part Shu. I care that you look terrible," Genya declared, causing Alina to laugh. The Tailer soon took the Sun Summoner's face carefully into her hands and began examining her wounds. "Some of this is surface, but some of it runs deeper."

Inessa sat up on the sofa as she watched the Safin girl wave her thumb just above Alina's lips. Her actions caused the large cut to mend itself instantly. The Starkov girl's eyes widened as she reached to touch her lips, finding it as though it was never wounded. It wasn't long after that when a hint of realization flashed across Alina's face. "You're a Healer."

A smile soon appeared on Genya's face along with a hint of mischief in her eyes. Inessa watched in awe as the Safin girl mended the cut on Alina's head. "I'm a Tailor. I can fix, but I can also modify."

The Sun Summoner reached up to touch her now healed forehead as the grin on her face grew. "I've never met a Tailor before."

"I'm almost as rare as you," the Safin girl explained while circling Alina and examining her as she went, "though I'd hardly say saving the Queen from blemishes makes me as important as you."

"But that makes Genya more important to the Queen," Inessa announced, drawing both of their attention toward her as a small smirk appeared on her lips, "she hates seeing cracks in her porcelain."

It wasn't long after that when the Safin girl rolled up Alina's sleeve to heal the cut on her upper arm. A smile appeared on the Starkov girl's face as she stared at the now-healed part of her arm. But it soon faded when Genya reached for her hand. Alina instantly pulled her hand back before noticing the confused looks staring back at her. A forced grin soon formed on the Sun Summoner's lips. "That one's a reminder of home."

"Sentimental. I'll work on that too. But for right now, sit," Genya said while pointing toward the vanity. Alina hesitantly walked toward the chair before sitting down. The Tailor handed her a mirror before looking through her supplies until finding exactly what she was looking for. The Safin girl examined the beads in her hand before pulling Alina's hair to the back. Not even a second after that passed when she waved her hand over the Sun Summoner's hair, making it look darker and healthier than before. Smiles returned to Inessa and Genya's faces as they watched her before the latter spoke. "It only lasts a few days."

Alina just stared at her hair before finally asking the question bouncing around in her head. "How old were both of you when you knew?"

"Testers found me when I was eleven. That's when General Kirigan gifted me to the Queen," Genya answered before pulling out a red bead from her supply box and holding it up to Alina's face, "but I've been working on myself since I was three."

"Since you were three?!"

"If it makes you feel any better, I was tested when I was twelve," Inessa told Alina, only for her eyes to widen in shock.

"Saints! I can't go in front of the King! I need more time! I've only been a Grisha for a day!"

The smile on the Smirnoff girl's face grew right as Genya chuckled. While the Tailor continued her work, Inessa found herself responding to the Sun Summoner. She hoped her words would calm her a bit before being presented to her uncle. "You may have only known for a day. But you've been a Grisha your whole life."

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About an hour passed before Genya finished her work. After getting Alina into a First Army uniform and checking over her to make sure she didn't miss anything, the Tailor placed a veil over the Sun Summoner's head. Both Alina and Inessa sent Genya a confused look, but the latter assured them that it was necessary. They didn't want anyone to see Alina before the King. It wasn't long after that when the Safin girl packed up her things and said her goodbyes, having to go make sure the Queen looked ready for Alina's debut. As soon as she was gone, the remaining two girls began their journey toward the Grand Palace.

They walked through the halls in silence, neither of them knowing what to say. If she were being honest, Inessa was fine with the silence. In fact, she preferred it. Because if they didn't talk to each other, there would be less to report to the Darkling. But the Smirnoff girl's wishes to maintain the silence soon ended when Alina let out an annoyed sigh. When Inessa glanced back at the Sun Summoner, she found her glaring at the golden veil she was forced to wear.

"No army uniform includes a veil," the Starkov girl muttered under her breath, only to earn silence in response from Inessa. Alina just studied the girl in front of her, who didn't seem to want to be there at all. That continued for another moment before the Sun Summoner continued speaking. "Say one wanted to leave the Little Palace-"

"Everything you need is here," Inessa interrupted without even glancing at the Starkov girl.

"I've got some things I've forgotten back at the camp. I could just go back," Alina continued after picking up her pace to walk beside her.

"Don't be ridiculous," the Heartrender said before stopping and turning to face Alina, "put this idea of yours to rest. This way."

Before the Sun Summoner had a chance to respond, Inessa turned around and continued down the hall. They had barely made it to the next corridor when the Smirnoff girl heard a strange noise. When she looked back at Alina, she found her blowing on her veil like you would a stray hair. Inessa couldn't fight back the smile forming on her lips as she watched. That continued for another moment before the Heartrender began speaking. "Alright, you've had your fun. Now enough with that. No one can see you before the King does."

Instead of continuing on their journey, Alina's attention fell on the large mirror next to them. She then carefully lifted the veil to look at herself, her face holding a very blank expression. That continued for what felt like an eternity before the Starkov girl let the veil fall back over her face. "It's just as well. This outfit is ridiculous."

Inessa couldn't help but scoff before gesturing for the Starkov girl to follow her. The two of them soon continued walking down the hall. They didn't make it much farther when the Heartrender responded to Alina's previous statement. "This is always how the King has seen the First Army. He couldn't care less for mud, blood...or even sacrifice."

"Shouldn't I be in a kefta?"

"You'll get one once the King has witnessed your power. For now, he expects to see a girl from the ranks of his army. He's going to want to take the credit for us finding you. And who are we to take that from him?" the Smirnoff girl said with an eye roll, completely unaware of Alina's small distraction during their journey. They soon found themselves walking down a large staircase that would take them to the main foyer. As they descended, Inessa continued explaining everything to Alina. "You should be aware of the important people attending. It'll be King Pyotr, Queen Tatiana, Crown Prince Vasily, and the King's spiritual adviser, the Apparat."

"Was that a library? Is it available to all of us?" the Starkov girl asked while pointing back in the direction they'd just come from.

"Everything here is available to us. The General built this home for us so we can thrive," Inessa responded before the smile on her face returned, "though I do find myself spending most of my free time in the library."

"Has a Grisha ever escaped?" Alina questioned, making the Heartrender stop in her tracks.

The Smirnoff girl's eyes were glued to the girl standing next to her while trying to figure out a response, only to fail. Lucky for Inessa, the Darkling appeared out of the shadows and spoke for her. "Planning on making a break for it?"

The Heartrender's feet stayed glued to the floor as she watched the two of them walk off. Deep down, it felt wrong to leave Alina alone with the Darkling. Especially since Inessa knew he had a hidden agenda like he always did. But she also knew that General Kirigan wouldn't be happy if she tried to tag along. And the Smirnoff girl wasn't in the mood to upset him today. So after watching them for another moment, Inessa left to find Fedyor and Ivan.

It didn't take her long to find the two of them. They and the other Corporalki along with other Grisha were gathering outside the Grand Palace in anticipation of Alina's reveal. Inessa weaved through the group until she found herself standing next to the Kaminsky man. A large grin appeared on Fedyor's lips as soon as he noticed the younger Heartrender. While the Kaminsky man continued to smile down at her, Ivan studied her with an indescribable look on his face. But that was usual for the Bozic man.

"We've been looking for you all morning," Fedyor told Inessa while wrapping his arm around Inessa's shoulders, "how did it go with the General yesterday?"

The Smirnoff girl couldn't help but tense, which didn't go unnoticed by the Heartrenders beside her. She knew that her conversation with the Darkling was just between them. But she also knew she was a terrible liar. A shaky breath passed over her lips as she opened her mouth to respond. "We talked about what happened. He told me I was foolish. But he left me off with a warning."

Ivan just studied her for a moment longer before speaking. "I'm surprised it was just a warning."

"Me too," the Smirnoff girl muttered under her breath.

It wasn't long after that when the Darkling walked in front of his Grisha army with Alina by his side. He didn't say a word as he turned and began walking with the Sun Summoner into the Grand Palace. That was all it took for the Grisha to follow him. No one said a word as they walked into the palace and through the extraordinary halls. Inessa tried to force herself not to relive the memories she created with Nikolai when she lived there. It was just too much for her. And it only got worse when they reached the throne room.

Her aunt and uncle sat on their thrones with Vasily standing by their side. Their presence alone was enough to send various emotions throughout Inessa's body. She did her best to push her feelings away, knowing nothing good would come out of them. They continued walking down the staircase until reaching the bottom. While the Grisha waited, the Darkling and Alina continued until they were only a few feet away from the stairs that led to the thrones. No one said a word as the Starkov girl hesitantly took off her hat before handing it to a royal servant.

"I thought she'd be taller," Pyotr said without bothering to hide the boredom in his voice.

"I thought she was Shu. Well, I guess she's Shu enough," Tatiana added after studying the young girl standing in front of her. Inessa forced herself to suppress an eye roll at her aunt and uncle's words, knowing they cared more about appearances than anything else. It wasn't long before the Smirnoff girl noticed the Queen turning toward the servant next to her. "Tell her...oh, I don't know...good morning."

"I don't actually speak Shu, Your Highness," Alina announced while trying her best to hide the annoyance in her voice.

"Then what are you?"

Queen Tatiana's question caught the Starkov girl off guard. She stood in silence for a moment before looking back at the Grisha behind her. Her eyes soon met Inessa's, who held the blankest stare she had ever seen. It was as if she was disassociating herself from the world around her and Alina couldn't help but wonder why. Unknown to both girls, the King was looking at the Heartrender with disdain in his eyes. But everyone's attention was soon drawn back to the situation at hand when the Darkling began speaking.

"She is Alina Starkov...the Sun Summoner, moya tsaritsa," the Darkling announced with no hesitation in his voice while bowing his head, an action that Alina immediately copied, "she will change the future. Starting now."

The next thing anyone knew, the Darkling held his hand out in front of him. The room suddenly grew dark, making Inessa inch closer to Fedyor. Lucky for her, only the Kaminsky man knew and he wasn't one to report her weaknesses to the General. Everyone soon watched in anticipation as the Darkling moved to stand in front of Alina. Not even a second after that passed when a blinding light filled the room, forcing everyone to look away. That lasted for a few more moments before the light faded, bringing the room back to its normal state. Applause instantly filled the room as a small smile formed on Alina's lips. Shock coursed through Inessa's veins as she watched the King get to his feet to join them, followed by the Queen and Crowned Prince.

"How long will she need?" Pyotr asked while keeping his eyes glued to the Sun Summoner.

"Destroying the Fold will be no easy feat. She alone may not be able to do it," the Darkling announced while taking a few steps closer to the Royal Family, "she will remain with me at the Little Palace to train...undisturbed."

Silence filled the room for what felt like an eternity before Inessa noticed her uncle looking over at her. The two of them just stared at each other, the younger of the two unsure of what to make of what was happening. It wasn't long after that when Pyotr returned his attention to the Darkling. "Then train her quickly. Our wars have been a noble pursuit, but this chatter from the West about becoming a sovereign nation, that needs to stop. The sooner we are one country again, the better."

"Agreed...moi tsar," the Grisha General declared in a calm tone, very opposite to the one the King had just used.

After bowing to Pyotr and whispering something into Alina's ear, the Darkling left the throne room. The Grisha instantly moved to welcome the newest member of the Second Army, each taking a moment to hug and say a greeting to the Sun Summoner. Inessa kept her eyes glued to her uncle for a moment longer before leaving the throne room with Fedyor and Ivan.

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