I'm back! I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1! Please Review, Lovely Viewers! I'll try to update sooner, but you know, SCHOOL and stuff. Hope you are entertained by Chapter 2!

The next morning, I woke up to the full light of the sun shining directly into my eyes. I groaned and rolled over in my bed, burying myself in the blankets.

Genya's voice scolded above me, "I know the champagne isn't helping Alina, but the Darkling said you have to pack today, and if I were you, I wouldn't disobey a man who can cut people in half."

I groaned again. "The Darkling won't hurt me. I'm the Sun Summoner, remember?"

She put her hands on her slender hips, a sign of her impatience. "If you don't get out of that bed, you won't have to worry about the Darkling hurting you. I'm the one that helps you get ready, remember?"

"Fine," I grumbled. The sight of her satisfied smirk amused me though, and I couldn't help but smile. I got out of bed and walked toward her. "So," I said idly. "How did you spend the fete? I hardly saw you."

Her golden eyes cast downward. "Oh, the usual. I tried to mingle unsuccessfully, then drank a bottle of champagne and went to my quarters." She flushed. "I wish David had come. Perhaps it might not have been so dull. All the guests knew how to do was brag. And the Grisha ignored me. As always."

"Oh, Genya," I cried, then opened my arms to hug her. She accepted. "You should have tried to find me. I love talking to you."

Genya pulled back, and a mischievous grin curled her lips. "I tried to, Alina, but you didn't look like you wanted to be found."

I scowled. "What are you talking about?"

The smile grew wider. "Don't play around, Alina. I saw the Darkling holding your hand. You weren't exactly pulling away, mind you. Your hair and your kefta look a bit messy and I don't think it's just because of sleep, if you know what I mean."

I willed myself not to blush. "Just because someone holds your hand, it doesn't mean you have a relationship with them."

"It does when the someone holding your hand is the Darkling."

I waved my hand as if to let go the subject. "The Darkling's the most powerful Grisha in the world. Do you really believe he even has the time for romance?"

Genya shook her head, her beautiful red curls bobbing. "You are easier to read than a children's book, Alina."

I turned my head to the mess of garments spread out over the floor. "Let's just pack," I mumbled.

"Ha! I knew it! You are hot for the Darkling!" Her grin took up her entire face.

My back stiffened. I felt the blush spread through my entire body. "Please," I pleaded. "Don't ever phrase it like that ever again."

She sniffed. "What am I supposed to say? That you fancy him? Only portly old men and women say that anymore. Not that I can blame you for liking him. Anyone with half an eye would find him attractive."

"I thought you told me to be careful last night. So why are you excited?" I folded a pair of breeches.

Her lovely eyes grew serious. "Alina, you're the Sun Summoner, you're a lady, and the only person that's as powerful as the Darkling. You can't hide your emotions very well, but that's why he's drawn to you. Or at least one of the reasons. You always say what you think, whether anyone wants to hear it or not. That's power. Trust me, Alina, it's him that should be careful around you."

I shuddered. "I don't think so, Genya, I'm just a regular girl."

Her hands fiddled with one of my nightgowns. "That's exactly why he should be careful."

Once we had placed the last of my clothes in the suitcase, Genya poured a bottle's worth of kvas into champagne glasses she had managed to scavenge. She handed one to me, and we sat at our table.

"Now that I know that you and the Darkling did something last night, do you mind telling exactly what you did?" Genya circled the rim of the glass with her finger.

I glared. "I didn't say we did anything."

She cleared her throat. "'Even if your mouth tells a lie, your eyes will never cease to speak the truth.' as the great poet once wrote."

I rolled my eyes. "And which great poet was that my beloved uchitel', my dear techer?"

"Me, of course."

I exhaled dramatically.

"If you roll your eyes at me like that again, student, I will tell David to come in here. How would you like to hear a lecture on the schematics of building a giant mechanical cuckoo?"

"You know that he'll just grunt at me the entire time."

Genya cocked her head. "You have a point. He is very introverted." She crossed her long legs and shot me a look. "Don't try to change the subject, Alina. I see what you are up to, you naughty girl."

I raised my hands as a sign of surrender. "You are the one that brought up the topic of your poetical genius."

She clucked her tongue. "Very well, you can put your hands down; just answer my question, if you please."

My response was to play with the ends of my hair. "Genya, I don't want to tell you. I just…can't." Because I don't really understand it. I don't know my own feelings because they're all new. I unexpectedly understood something. What would have happened if I hadn't stopped him last night?

I had expected her to object and ask me to elaborate, but she only shrugged. "It is your own business. I shouldn't be prying." Genya took a swig.

I drank the barest of a sip but still gave a small cough. "Kvas this early in the morning?" I asked, throat dry. "Are you trying to make me have a hangover when I wake up tomorrow? If so, I'm not sure the Darkling will appreciate it."

"Don't worry; I'll get a hangover too. That way we can have headaches together when we leave tomorrow." Her red head tilted back, downing the last of her drink.

I ran the last sentence over in my mind. "Wait," I started, sitting upright in my chair. "Does that mean…you're coming to Ahmrat Jen too?"

She beamed. "Of course I am! Did you think I would leave you to the hands of some inexperienced maid?"

I ran over to her side of the table and nearly tackled her in a hug. Genya returned it enthusiastically, laughing. We both squealed in excitement.

Thank the Saints! My best friend was coming to Shu Han with me!

We skipped about the room in a ridiculous dance, giggling hysterically.

I stopped, and then looked up at Genya, grinning like an drunken idiot. "How did the Queen ever let you go?"

"She didn't," Genya chuckled. "After the King got asked to be present at the peace accords, he declined, as the survival of the country he governs holds no meaning for him. He quickly realized, though, that he if he didn't want to attend, someone else would have to take his place, so he turned to the Darkling.

"The King told him to bring you along, since you are an important figure in Ravkan politics. The Darkling suggested that since this would be your first time out of the country, I would have to accompany you, in the case that you got uncomfortable. He pointed out as well, that you would have to look your best in front of the Emperor and the others. And obviously, the King listened." She gulped in air, then continued. "The Queen was devastated. Who would erase her wrinkles? Who would watch after her bony feet? The other maids, of course. The King said as much, and she listened. But she wasn't happy." Genya gave an impish smile. "I feel so dirty that I'm happy the Queen will live without me for a month, maybe more. But I can deal with it. You have the Darkling to thank for the fact that I'm coming at all."

"I'll thank him when I have the chance." I was flattered that the Darkling would do that for me. He really does care, I thought, slightly surprised. I walked over to my bed and laid down.

"Good. Remember to give him a kiss for me."

I snorted. "If you say so."

"And Alina," Genya stammered.

"Yes?"

"David's coming as well," she said quietly.

I gasped and sat up immediately. "Are you excited?" I waggled my eyebrows.

One corner of her mouth went up in a half-smile. "Obviously, I am. But the trip won't change anything. David's job is to work with the Shu builders and form ideas. I won't see him at all." She sighed. "But that'll still be more than when I see him here. At least I can pretend to be lost."

I tried to cheer her up by saying, "A little is better than nothing, right?" I fretfully hugged a cushion to me.

Genya picked at a loose string on her kefta. "I suppose so." She took a seat on the bed beside me. "There are others coming too."

I raised an eyebrow. "Who else?"

She flinched. "Marie, Nadia, Sergei, Ivan, and…Zoya."

I stuffed my face against one of my pillows and moaned. "Why was I not expecting that?"

"Because you were so elated that I was coming with you in all of my gloriousness and you did not expect for such infortunes to follow." Genya elbowed me gently. "Do not focus on the negative, Alina. It causes wrinkles."

"My worst nightmare."

"Exactly."

"Well," I blew out. "You can't get worse than that." Ivan, I had expected. But Zoya? She had broken two of my ribs, and I didn't trust her not to break any of my other body parts.

Genya's lips moved like she was about to say something when a raucous knocking pounded at the door. "Starkov!" Ivan's sweet voice roared. "The Darkling wants you!"

"We know that already," Genya muttered under her breath.

I elbowed her in the stomach and she laughed.

I had quickly dressed in my blue and gold kefta and was now standing alone in the council room where I had been with the Darkling the night before. What is the problem? I speculated. Why am I here?

It turned out I didn't have to wait long because minutes later, the Darkling opened the doors and sat down at the chair placed at the head of the table. He gestured for me to sit beside him. "You must be wondering why I've called for you." His voice was smooth like glass.

I only nodded mutely and obeyed his command.

He tapped his finger against the even surface of the dark wood. "I assume Genya has told you she will be going with us to Ahmrat Jen?"

I nodded yes.

The Darkling let out a long breath. "I just got back from a meeting with the King, and he has informed me that you and I will be living inside the castle for the duration of our stay in Shu Han. Genya will be sleeping in a room adjacent to yours, so as to be available whenever you wish. My quarters will be on the same floor. The rest of the Grisha will be sharing two rooms. Ivan, my oprichniki, Sergei, and David will be in one. Marie, Nadia, and Zoya will stay in the other. Do you have any questions that I should know about?"

"No."

The Darkling placed his chin on his hand. "You don't have something you would like to say to me? Any questions?"

I gnawed at my lip. "Thank you." My voice was as quiet as the rustle of leaves. "For allowing Genya to accompany me."

I met his eyes. He was staring at me strangely, but before I could analyze it he stood up. "Please, come with me, Alina. I have something to show you."

My heart pounded. "All right."

The Darkling and I strolled by the lake, the evening light slowly melting away into stars and inky darkness. The lamps were turned on, one by one, and the shore was illuminated.

We were walking towards a shadow though.

When I reached Baghra's hut, I had to restrain a sob. Why did she have to commit treason?

As soon as we had walked up the stairs and closed the door, the Darkling took my hand and led me to Baghra's chair. He kneeled before me as I shivered. The fire was still alive and warm.

The tears slid down my face, and the Darkling wiped them away with his thumb. "What's going to happen to her?" I croaked.

"She committed treason, Alina. She has to pay the price."

My lower lip quivered. "She's your mother!" I bawled. "Can't you just let her run? I know what she did, but I didn't believe her! What can I do?"

The Darkling took my chin in his pale hands. "I'll let her run Alina, if that is what you wish."

"Just let her go, please."

He nodded. "I will."

I sighed with relief. Baghra wouldn't have to die. Her death wouldn't be on my conscience. "Good."

"It was my pleasure Alina, to permit Genya to come. You're welcome."

I smirked. "You're a bit late on that."

"Better than never," he drawled.

My conversation with Genya came to mind. Remember to give him a kiss for me.

I draped my arms around his neck hesitantly and kissed his perfect lips.

I sensed his surprise, but that soon melted into longing as the kiss grew deeper. He growled low. His hands carried me over to the tile counter and sat me down. He pressed his mouth harder against mine and murmured low words that I couldn't make out in this heated stupor. I burned intensely where he touched me.

The only sound was the crackle of the flames and our heavy breathing. I ran my hands over the lean, hard muscles of his arms. He bit lightly at my lip and I whimpered softly. The Darkling's muscles contracted.

He let his tongue flick over my lips, and it sent delightful shivers down my back. I opened my mouth to him. His mouth explored mine. My arms wrapped about his waist and pulled him closer.

Heat sizzled inside me deliciously. Then, a spike of panic cut through me. You're not ready yet, you fool, I said to myself. Why do you keep pushing it this far, if you're not?

I drew back, ashamed by my inability to make up my mind. The Darkling's lips were still parted and I wanted to kiss them. So badly it was like an ache in my bones. But I couldn't. And I won't.

"Thank you," I purred gently. "For letting Genya come. It means a lot to me."

His laugh was dark and musical. "I should grant you favors more often."

My cheeks went rosy.

"Alina," the Darkling said seriously. "I have to tell you something else."

It must be about the trip.

He took my hand. "Prince Vasily will be escorting us to Shu Han."

What the hell? "What? Who? Why?" I sputtered.

The Darkling stroked my palm, soothing me. "Vasily is coming with us tomorrow. I just found out before I saw you this afternoon. The King sent him to test his sense of responsibility. He is heir to the throne, after all."

"But—he's a terrible person!" I had personally confronted him a few times before…and I would have rather not do it again.

The corner of his mouth tugged up in a quarter-smile. "That might be true, but it should be as the King commands. I can't refuse him." He paused, then frowned. "Though I have a feeling that the purpose for Vasily's attendance is to keep a close eye on me. He's under the suspicion that you and I have been sharing a bed."

"WHAT?" I'll kill him.

"One of his officers must have gotten the notion that we were holed up together after the meeting last night. They probably chattered off to the King." The Darkling's jaw clenched.

I was utterly befuddled. "Why does everyone think that if a man and a woman are in a room alone, it means they're tumbling?"

He grimaced. "The King and his court think women in politics will bring any man to their bed in order to improve their status. Even if they're the Sun Summoner."

"That's ridiculous!" I burst out.

The Darkling brought his face close to mine. "The King excels in being ridiculous. It's his specialty."

I snickered, but it was forced.

"Do not let them shame you, Alina."

"Too late," I complained.

The Darkling kissed my cheek abruptly. "It is only a rumor, Alina. They are merely doing it to get a rise out of you."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Even if it was true, it's not any of their business."

His gaze noticeably darkened. "The court feeds off of gossip. They'll meddle in your private life even when they know it's not in their favor. I would not try to confront them about it. It'll just grow stronger. I've seen it happen."

I felt indignant. "But—" I started.

"Alina," the Darkling interrupted. "Please listen." He put his hands on my shoulders. "Don't provoke them. You will not like what transpires."

"Hmmph." Then I heaved a lengthy sigh. "I'll try to tolerate it. But not for long," I warned.

He smiled. "I'll take what I can get." Then, his expression grew determined. "For now."

After the Darkling and I parted ways—him to the Grand Palace and I to the Little Palace—I headed to my chambers to get to sleep early. On the way, I had the unfortunate luck to run into Zoya. Or rather, bump into.

Her cobalt eyes glowed with contempt as she glowered at me. "It turns out I'm accompanying you to Shu Han," she pointed out bleakly.

I lifted my nose in the air. "I was under the assumption that you were to go back to your regular post after the fete."

She rolled her eyes. "Obviously, that has changed. I'm eagerly waiting for tomorrow morning though. It has been a while since I've been there."

I remembered she talked to Botkin in Shu during lessons often. "Oh."

Her façade hardened. "Why don't you ask me what you really want to, Starkov? I know you yearn to."

"Not worth my time," I said indifferently.

Zoya gave a dismissive gesture. "You truly are a terrible liar. I don't know how you survive here. You are a clumsy, worthless peasant that fraternizes with whores. You may be able to summon light, but I promise you, that is the only thing you can do."

I didn't know whether to cry or slap her. Let her suffer from a broken rib or two. Instead, I looked her in the eye and chimed in, "And yet I'm the Darkling's favorite."

Zoya's face twisted into a snarl, but I sped into my room and closed the door before she could say anything.

I dressed hastily and jumped into my bed, finding comfort in the silk sheets like a cocoon. The adrenaline from the brief argument with Zoya still coursed through my veins. I hadn't heard a thing from outside my room, and was relieved that I could finally relax alone. I suddenly envisioned Ana Kuya's voice shouting at me, You stupid thing! Can't you do something besides sitting there without that lousy tracker? Even you have better things to be working on!

I bit my lip to hold back tears. All of my heart hoped Mal was well. I shouldn't have yelled at him like that.

I couldn't change anything though.

I squirmed in the blankets and brought my mind back to tomorrow. I hope I don't have to share the same coach with Zoya. That would be dreadful. The Darkling would be riding in a carriage with Ivan and Sergei. David, as the Darkling had informed me earlier, was going to ride on his own stagecoach so as to store his equipment along with Genya's. Genya had insisted on sharing her space. How kind of her, I thought drily.

The memory of the Darkling's lips on mine and the burning flames in the background caused tremors to vibrate throughout my body. My eyes grew heavy and I slowly fell asleep until my dreams seized me in their cold iron grip and didn't let go.

Sorry if this Chapter was kind of uuuhhhh. I wanted to focus on Alina and Genya's friendship and explain some details about the trip before they leave in the morning. I guarantee you they will journey to the Shu Han in the next chapter. I'm anticipating writing some drama and I will also be creating some new original characters and also writing the story from other character's POVs! I hope you love them! Please please Review! It gives me incentive to work on the next chapter and post it earlier ;) Let me know what you think! Do you have any requests?