Zoya's contacts were really surprising. She said we would be heading towards a secluded, place outside of Keramzin. Out in the countryside. The contacts she maintained were with the ambassadors, merchants and nobles from around here. A few we have had the pleasure of meeting before entering the carriages Zoya managed to arrange for us. My mind went back to the forest and how we were all bathing. I even collected a sample of the water in a small container before heading off to the West.

Currently, Genya, Zoya and I were riding in one coach whilst Nikolai was in the other. I constantly glance out of the small carriage and saw the outside pass us like flurries. A large patch of Greenland came into my view and I was quickly pulled back in by Zoya. So my head would no longer look out of the carriage window. It was very different to the Darkling's carriages, at least more comfortable and less irritating.

"Hey keep a cover Alina. If people find out your the sun summoner it would not be taken lightly." Zoya explained, a tint of anger In her voice. Oh, did I forget to mention. Zoya was apparently named as 'Diamond' around here. For reasons she does not want to discuss with anyone. The secrecy was not surprising. I apologised to her and sunk into my seat in the carriage. Genya was on the opposite side of us, reading a pamphlet. "Genya what are you reading?"

"Gossip. There are truly a lot of devious scandals that go on around these parks." She giggled slightly, turning the page. Her eyes went of the book, when she saw what was coming up outside. I looked in the direction as well, sticking my head out to see the giant building coming towards us.

"Wow!" I was breath taken by the lovely Manor coming towards us. It was a miracle I never saw this In Keramzin before. Though I guess it makes sense, almost several months ago I was with Mal at the orphanage here. Before we got kidnapped by Fjerdans, in a two week experience I do not remember.

"Woah, Zoya how did you get this place?" Genya asked flabbergasted. She rested her gossip pamphlets We both looked at Zoya. "I guess I'm just lucky."

We all felt the carriage stop and a coachman opened the door. He helped each of us get down. I was the last to step out of the carriage.

Seeing the thick, ivy plants dangle over the Manor was just a small distraction. It was in a light shade of pink, and a pale version of crimson red. The mix of colour was perfect.

"Welcome to Aubrey Hall!" Zoya declared, spreading her arms out wide. Taking in the deep, lilac scented fresh air. The gardens that surrounded the place were full of flowers and perfectly cut green lawns.

"Is that a smile I see upon your face?" A voice said making me jump. I turned to see Nikolai stood beside me, with his arms behind his back. My eyes wondered up to his hair and how it blew back in the breeze. The golden Prince.

"I am enjoying the view, till you ruined it." I remarked back, regaining my posture. "Sure I did." I heard him mumble as I glanced back at him, feeling a gust of wind lift a lock of my hair, pulling it towards him. Not realising I was smiling back at him. I heard Genya whistle. "Guys, are we going in or what?" She smirked slightly.

I cleared my throat and made way to follow her up the stone stairs, where Zoya was leading us in through the double oak doors. As we walked through the hallway, I observed the golden frescos carved near the roof and the spiral stairs that were on either side.

"Okay, so this place belonged to a dutchess here. I did a mission for her a while back and she repaid me in kindness." Zoya claimed.

"I have this place, and the staff to myself for a couple years. In fact it's where I was staying in that month following the fold."

"That answers one of my long time questions." I remarked behind her.

All the bags, and belongings we brought in by some of the coach men. Some of the servants took us to our private rooms. Genya was a couple doors down from mine.

Looking around, I realised it wasn't much different to my room in the palace. But it was cosy and made do for the while. So long as we came up with a plan and strategy to defeat the Darkling and get Nikolai on the throne. Or me on that throne.

I shook my head of the thoughts and decided to get changed, as dinner was coming up. The bathing rooms were very different. There was already a massive tub, that was in the ground. I saw the lavish soaps and ointments on either side. I rang for a servant and two came. Ready to strip me and hell me bathe in the soothing waters. Unlike a bath tub, I could swim in the waters and properly cleanse myself. Coming out more refreshed then I was. It was a two day journey getting here and my muscles ached heavily.

***
I descended down the stairs and made my way to the dining room. Genya, Zoya and Nikolai were already eating at the long oak, dining table. Servants held food trays around and offered them to my friends. "Aah, Alina. You look nice." Genya complemented, looking up from her meal. I wore an of the shoulder black dress with purple layers ending my dress. I must have looked like a walking nebula. Walking towards the table, the servant dragged out a chair for me and I sat eating between Genya and Nikolai. Zoya sat at the head of the table, like the strong woman that she is.

After eating, I decided to start planning. First it was about the passages in and around the Little Palace then Nikolai started to explain the hidden entrances in the Grand Palace.

We spent a couple of hours revising, going over different plans, different ideas but none would have worked. Eventually, when we went at each others throats, we decided to sleep it off and rest our exhausted minds.

I changed into a white night dress and tried to sleep the night away. But every time I slept, a disturbing nightmare of the Darkling came up. Some were about his rule. Some were about me chained to the floor, kneeling in my surrender before him. Others were more intimate, and was about the Darkling bedding me.

I woke up to hearing the rain showering outside, with the constant flashes of lightning blowing up the room–startling me.

Feeling disgusted with myself I climbed out of bed and wrapped myself in a red blanket as I held a candle and made my way through the halls.

Coming up to a private study area, I decided to do some late night reading. In hopes it takes me into a dreamless sleep. I put down the candle on the desk and let it light up some of the room. No summoning here. No connection.

The stress of it all was getting to me. Whether It was my friends, the Darkling, Westeros and my ancestry. A break from all of it would be nice. Sort of like a coma induced sleep, where I would be free to explore my mind palace in my sleep and not face any sort of reality. Where there were no expectations of being a Saint. Or an engagement pending. Not more battles with a villain who clearly only sees you as a power conduit.

My mind stopped wondering when I saw the door creek open and light rushing into the dimly lit room. I saw it was Nikolai. He had messy bed hair and wore a lose white top with black leggings. "Prince Nikolai."

"I did not mean to startle you." He exclaimed, seeing the tenseness through my shoulders.

"I saw a light and thought I may have left a candle lit."

I cleared my throat. "No, only me." I laid the book on the wooden desk nearby. Nikolai hesitated, as he walked through the door. Closing it behind him. "Could you not sleep?"

"If your lodgings were uncomfortable, then I am sure Zoya will–"

"No need to disturb her. The bedroom is perfectly adequate." I sensed he was waiting for me to say more, before he continued to respond. "My dreams of the Darkling were haunting me again and I find the storm unsettling. Brings me back dark memories." I explained, hearing another flash of lightning filling the room. It made me jump, I clutched the blanket around me. "I understand." He replied rather quietly. The showering of the rain decreased to a light trickle. "The thunder reminds me of the nights I spent on the seas. Sailing to new villages."

"Let me guess, living the good pirate life."

Nikolai walked towards me, to a point where I could see the candle lights shadow loom over his face. I vaguely saw the shadows of our bodies, dance on the crimson coloured walls from the corner of my eye. A strange thumping in my heart could be heard, my heartbeat could be heard in my eyes. A small strand of Nikolai's golden hair, fell over his face. I saw him ran a hand through his hair. His curls pushing away from his face. I barely understood this new connection between us. Me and the Darkling, I understood. Light and Shadow, right? The Dark one and the Sun Saint. But Nikolai was a Volcra right. Though wingless, he still was one. I believe a part of the Darkling's Shadow is in Nikolai. The Merzost. Perhaps that's the connection between us. I refuse to believe it was a three-way link.

He smiled, "You would have loved the sights around Novyi Zem. The fragrance, the food, the views. Perhaps I shall take you one day."

"Perhaps." I whispered. Imagining my life on the sea. The silence of the ocean, the reflection beneath us. The sounds of nature surrounding us.

I realised how close he was to my face. His soft lips were close to mine. The corners of his mouth slightly raised. His lips parted. I remembered the Darkling had the same expression before our intimacy during the fete.

Closing my eyes tightly I vanquished the memory, coming back to see my fiancé leaning closer. My breaths became shaky and wavered. Shutting my eyelids again, I started to tremble due to the sudden nerves and I was senseless as he gently pecked at my lips. Our lips grazed slightly. As they made contact, I felt a spark jolt between us, that made me jolt back almost instantly.

I saw Nikolai looked stunned for a minute. He then spoke, "Good night, love." He took my hand in his and I felt the strange tether between us rise once more as our skins made contact. The surety I felt with the Darkling, could be sensed between us. He gently kissed my hand and soon I left running back to my room. Where I steadied myself behind the doors. Trying to control my shaky breaths, was not easy as I replayed the images in my mind.

***
Published: 19:40pm 02/04/2022

Happy Ramadan ❤️