With the Darkling's death, we all returned back to the Palace where we were planning to throw a party tonight, maybe just to all of us. The fact that we are all celebrating his death and the fact we're all alive too. But there was a matter of solving the crisis of the throne and dealing with any of the Darkling's followers who would likely try to kill me or Nikolai.

Nikolai took my hand and reassured me that there was nothing to worry about. But I was the sun queen and Khaleesi wasn't I? There was always something to worry about. However Nikolai was right, tonight was about celebrating the Darkling's death. But I feared his return, he did once before however I doubt he would be able to do it again.

The strange connection between us fell too, as the antler collar fell down into pieces on one of Sturmhond's ships. We threw the collar overboard and thanked the saints for it not being on me again. I did wonder about what that woman told me in the Crystal Labyrinth, I had to check in with Baghra on her. I prayed the Darkling had kept her alive, he had too right? She was his mother, he wouldn't be that cruel. Perhaps he only punished her with something horrifying and left her to suffer with the trauma, something he was an expert at.

Zoya was someone we found imprisoned at the palace, the Darkling had her in solitude, without any food, water, proper means to sleep or even see the sun light through the iron bars of her cell. She was pretty shaken up when we got her out of there, she was strong. She could make it past that without thinking twice on it. Something I wish I could do too.

Everyone and everything returned, new teachers from Keramzin and Novyi Zem, had agreed to teach the students at the Little Palace whilst me, Nikolai and the rest of our pack of friends, rested at the Grand Palace. It was hell to say the least, with the constant fights, heated arguments, intimate nights and constant sleepovers. I even kicked Nikolai out of the Royal Chambers because I felt playful. Genya and Zoya now occupied my Chambers along with me, with the occasional sleepovers with Tamar and Nadia. I didn't mind it. Riya was taking up more lessons and practice with Genya, who was also head of my spies.

Zoya became General of the United Armies, something I ordered. Bringing both the first and second armies together. Tolya spent time guarding us and helping within the schools of the Grisha children. Tamar helped with self defense classes for the girls in the schools. Something Genya and I requested, all the girls between ages 7-18 should be taught how to defend themselves, Grisha or not. Something Nikolai was quick to agree too.

Nikolai and I spent more time together, however we weren't officially crowned King and Queen yet. Not sure I wanted to be Queen of Ravka entirely. We did not discuss it more as we were to enjoy ourselves tonight, rather than weeks of working ourselves to the bone. Bash was always around too. I enjoyed his company, whether we were trading stories or discussing why he followed the Darkling in the first place, even though he had other intentions.

***
"Genya, how long?" Zoya complained, as Genya spent nearly twenty minutes, simply brushing out her thick black hair. "Yeah, calm down, do you think it's easy brushing through this grove of hair." Genya retorted, holding five pins in her mouth as her brows furrowed from irritation. "So my hair is the problem?" Zoya accused as she pushed away Genya's hand from her head. "Well, it clearly isn't mine!"

"Here we go!" Me and Tamar said at the same time as Genya and Zoya were about to fight again. I couldn't follow their pointless argument as their voices overlapped each other unsynchronised. "If you'd stop spending so much time on Alina, who by the way looks beautiful." Zoya paused, to look at me. I smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. "hehe." I turned my eyes to Tamar who had a glass of wine in her hand. "Here, enjoy the show." She gave me the glass. "Thank you." I took a small sip. "Oh my saints, what is in this?" I questioned.

"Bourbon!"

"That's disgusting!" I commented, she just shrugged.

Turning back to Zoya and Genya, who looked like they were about to pull each other's hair out. "Do you know how hard it is to tailor everyone, I don't see you doing it!" Genya exclaimed, raging. Zoya rolled her eyes as her arms were folded across her figure. "Because you look like a hot mess!" She said, rather sarcastically. Genya was the most gorgeous woman in the palace, possibly the country.

"Well fine. Do your own hair!" Genya slammed her tailoring kit shut and stormed out of my bedroom. Zoya took the brush from the vanity and sat down infuriated. She brushed her hair hastily as she was pulling out more hair in the brush then she could tangle free. Tamar put her drink glass down, and looked at me, "You get Zoya?"

"You get Genya!"

Tamar headed out of the room, as she knew where to find Genya. In one of the fitting rooms left of mine. Whilst I was left to talk to Zoya and try to get her to patch stuff up with Genya.

"I know your mad at Genya but can you not take it out on your beautiful hair." I decided to start of with a complement.

Zoya huffed, and held out the hair brush. I smiled, and walked up behind her taking the brush from her soft hands. Gently, taking all her hair from the back, I began combing out her black locks. We both had dark hair, it was easy to get confused who was who, though my eyes were pretty self explanatory. I laughed to myself. "What's so funny?" Zoya asked, slumping into the chair, as she looked at me in the mirror. "Nothing." I shook my head, as I brushed out her hair. Taking out the tangles from the bottom lengths of her hair and slowly reaching the mid lengths then combing it all down with a thin comb. Just as Genya taught me.

Instead of leaving it wavy and out, I braided the side of her hair and pulled out to the crown of her head where I secured it with a silver pin. "You know, you should make amends with Genya." I conversed. Zoya shot me a death glare, I shrugged it off. "You two fight over stupid reasons."

"I see you and Tamar enjoying it."

"All of our friends enjoy it. Apparently Tamar has some sort of bet going with Nikolai." I pursed my lips, shaking my head in delight over these childishly fun times. Moments I once dreamed as a child to have. With my family of friends and petty disagreements solved quick with ease till another disagreement starts. I'm sure everyone dreams of this. Or maybe it's just me.

"Well she needs to understand I don't have time to get my hair done all the time, unlike the walking perfection she is," She paused then pointed to the mirror to my reflection. "Or the amount of time she wastes on you." I rose a brow, ignoring the fact she said "wastes" instead of "spends".

"Zee, don't be like that. You know all the pain and abuse she endured in the Grand Palace. The strength it takes for a woman to get past that and still be able to smile every day and be positive." I took a strand of her hair back, "You know it's not easy!" I said, remembering Genya's words, her scared eyes, her traumatised language.

Zoya glanced down in thought as she unfolded her arms and sat up straighter. She wasn't that much of a grouch at the moment. "Maybe." She whispered, some sort of regret or guilt laced her voice.

"Do you regret it?"

"Regret what?" She asked confused.

"You two had to have been in the Palace around the same time. Do you regret not helping her? Or providing some sort of friendship between the two of you?" I asked, ultimately curious of life in the palace and how it was before I arrived. "I never really thought about it, she was always in the grand Palace, I was in the Little one. So I can't be sure."

"Many Grisha like me resented her for all the privileges she had, even though we suspected what the king was doing but never acted on it. For fear of what he might do to us or the Darkling." Zoya admitted, I had thought the same thing too and remembered when Nadia and Marie told me something similar.

"But yes I regret it. You're right I should apologise to her for snapping at her." Zoya exclaimed, clutching the Ruby pendant she wore. I knew that was my necklace.

"I told you before Zoya, your cold hearted and mean at times but really your the most sensitive out of all of us."

Zoya bit her lip, then scoffed. I saw a near tear coming out of her eyes. "Don't get in over your head." We started at each other for a couple long moments. "Really?" She whispered.

I nodded, kneeling down to grasp her shoulders and lean into her neck, looking into the mirror. "You are amazing Zoya."

"I know."

"There she is." I patted her bare shoulder. "But you know I love her right." I referred to Genya. Zoya thinned her lips, a flare glow in her eyes. "Don't worry I love you too." I whispered, Zoya kissed the side of my cheek. "I do to, " She paused, "Some times." She said, in a way that definitely suited her ego.

***
We entered the party a little late, Nikolai introduced me and took my hand. Which I happily accepted as he introduced me to some nobels and friends of his. I saw Genya and Zoya hug again.

"Did they fight?" Nikolai looked where I did and whispered in my ear. "I'm sure Tamar told you everything."

I grasped his hand, "Maybe she did."

"She owes me two favours!"

"Favours?" I asked, thinking the bet was for money.

"Yes, we bet to get favours off each other, we call them in whenever we want too."

"What's the tie?" I asked. "3-2. I'm on a roll."

"Wait if you got two, wouldn't that mean she's winning by three?" I put together, in a cheeky tone. Nikolai's face stilled, "I hate it when your smart!" He stated taking a sip of wine. I gave him a glance, raising my eyebrow. Trying to get the truth out of him. "I kid Darling, I like it when you outsmart me, just don't tell anyone I said that." Nikolai said, his pride ruining the moment. I laughed, kissing his cheek, which he whistled over.

"I'm on top of the world."

I rolled my eyes, "Keep it up Nikolai and you won't be floating much longer!" I lightly threatened. He put a hand to his heart, dramatically.

"Aww, your killing me, Princess Alina."

"Only in your dreams!"

He came forward and gently whispered into my ear, "I do have dreams of you, some particular ones." He said, circling my back. I blushed furiously, knowing what he meant. "Nik, not now." I whispered to him as I gently hit him in the arm. "Fine, tonight throne room, it would be empty." He whispered.

"Fine." I shrugged my shoulder agreeing. He pulled me into a thirsty kiss, where I could taste the smell of tequila, radiating off him.

***

Published: 18:00pm 27/07/2022