Alina POV:

"Alina! I know you're somewhere in here! You have two options! Show yourself now or get tortured painfully!" Aleksander's voice yells as he enters the stables.

I am hiding in an empty stable, crouched on the ground trying to hold my laughter. I'm currently hiding from Aleksander, Ivan and Genya.

I heard Aleksander and I are going to sit on the throne chair all afternoon again, to hear civilians problems and concerns, from one of the servants. So I decided to hide from them.

I am hiding because we did it yesterday and my butt hurt so much from sitting, it's worst than riding a horse. Not only that, being six months pregnant, takes all your energy. Yes you heard me right, I am six months pregnant now. I have to see a healer every week to check up on the baby. The baby is doing pretty well, healthy and small, but my belly is huge at the moment.

It has been three months since we arrived at Os Alta, after the engagement party of Prince Marco and Laura.

The King and Queen aren't happy about what Aleksander and I did, but they followed what Aleksander said, they are allowing Prince Marco to marry his lover, who happens to be a grisha stationed in Shu Han.

Her name is Myile, and she is a Squaller.

"Alina, I am going to say this one more time. Come out where ever you are or get tortured. You're choice." Aleksander yells.

I chuckle at him and reply back, "I get tortured either way!"

I see his shadow pass the stall I am hiding in and see his back facing me. He is looking around for the source of my voice.

"I didn't hear what you said. Say it again."

I sneak up behind him and hug him from behind. He chuckles and turns so he is facing me.

I am still hugging him, my face resting on his chest.

"There you are. It took Genya and Ivan almost the whole morning to find you. They are getting worried." He says.

I chuckled. "Do I still get tortured?"

"Of course! But not so much." Aleksander says and pulls out of my hug.

I didn't hesitate and try to run out of the stable.

As I reach the stable doors, a strong pair of arms pull me into their chest and when I turn around, Aleksander starts tickling me.

"Please! No!" I say laughing and backing away each time Aleksander tickles me.

He stops to my surprise and wraps his arms around my waist.

"How are you feeling, darling?" Aleksander whispers into my ear and kisses under it.

My breathing hitched at his gesture, sending good kind of shivers down my spine as he trails soft kisses down my neck and collarbone.

"A-Aleksander.." I stuttered.

"Hmm..." He is kissing my jaw line and leaves small kisses till he reaches the side of my lips.

I closed my eyes, waiting to feel his lips on mine, but all I felt was the rumble of his chest on my round belly.

I opened my eyes immediately and Aleksander carries me bridal style.

He is laughing now. I glare at him.

"You tease!" I pout at him and he chuckles at me.

He kisses my cheek. "I told you I would torture you."

"Well you did a good job." I mumbled.

"Sorry darling. Royal duties, remember. Do you really want me, your husband, to be all alone on that throne chair?" Aleksander says.

I puff. "If you put it that way. Why do we need to do this? Couldn't they write letters instead?"

"Then it would be a total chaos. Besides, it is a tradition for royals. The past Ravkan kings never listened to their people, and I plan on listening to them and giving them my feedback." Aleksander says and enters the throne room, with me in his arms.

I looked over his shoulders and thank the guards who opened the throne room doors for us. They smiled back and nodded their heads.

I cupped Aleksander's cheeks and pecked his lips. "You're a great king."

He sits me down on my throne and places his hand on my belly, before he sits down.

Ivan came up to me and ruffles my hair. I swatted his hand away and fixed my hair.

Ivan chuckles. "Where were you hiding?"

"What makes me want to tell you? It's my secret hiding place." I smiled at him.

Ivan quirks his eyebrow at me and smirks.

"In one of the empty stalls in the stables." Aleksander says like it is nothing.

I hit Aleksander's arm and cross my arms over my belly. "How dare you?"

Aleksander and Ivan chuckles at me. "Sorry Darling, I don't want to be the one who has to get you when your best friend and my second in command can't find you." Aleksander says and kisses my cheek.

Ivan ruffles my hair again and I swat his hand away, giving him a glare.

"Ivan, she is going to meet civilians, stop ruining Alina's hair. Better yet, don't touch my wife." Aleksander says to Ivan.

Ivan chuckles. "She is like a sister to me now. I have grown fond of her, but in a sibling way."

Before Aleksander could reply, the throne room door opened and in came an angry, scratch that, furious looking Genya.

"Alina Starkov! You had me worrying and tired! What do you have to say for yourself?" Genya says and stand next to me.

I shrugged and gave her an innocent smile. "If I die on this throne chair of boredom, you can have my old room and clothes?"

"Does that include shoes?" Genya arched an eyebrow.

I chuckled. "Every pair."

Aleksander and Ivan were laughing at us, and Genya gave Ivan a glare, while I took Aleksander's hand in mine, smiling at him.

He is letting loose around Genya and Ivan now, but only when we are alone. If it is with others, Aleksander is the dangerous and ruthless Darkling and King. He still frightens Ivan and Genya, but we are like family now. Just the four of us and soon the baby.

Ivan and Genya are always messing with me, but they know their boundaries around Aleksander and they don't know his real name.

"Moi Tsar... Moya Tsaritsa. They are ready when you are." A corporalki guard says.

Aleksander nods his head at him, putting his emotionless and 'don't mess with me' face on.

Ivan stands next to Aleksander, and Genya sits on a chair near me.

The throne room doors open and a family walks in. A middle aged red haired man and black haired woman. They are walking up to us, holding hands with a little girl, no older than seven.

They bow at us and the little girl looks up at me and gives me a toothless smile. I smile back and waved at her. She giggled at my action.

"What may be your concern?" Ivan asks.

The man looks up at Aleksander and I. "Nichevo'ya your highnesses."

I felt Aleksander tense. He hates it when people talk about his nichevo'ya army, or them period. He won't get rid of them.

"Go on..." I said, not wanting Aleksander to talk and get mad at them.

The man cleared his throat. "The villagers were wondering if you could add more of them around our village."

This caught me and Aleksander by surprise. Nichevo'yas are ruthless, cruel, merciless and very scary looking.

Everyone is terrified of them. Genya, Ivan and I have gotten used to them, since they are always around Aleksander and I, but we still don't wanna mess with them. Like nobody wants to mess with Aleksander.

"Why is that?" Aleksander asks, sounding interested.

The woman was the one to talk now. "We are worried for our children. We read about the rebellions. We want to keep our children away from the rebels and their influences."

"Don't get us wrong, we are terrified of your nichevo'yas, but we understand they are to make sure everyone follows the rules and regulations." The man adds.

Aleksander nods at them. "Very well, I will add more security for your village and other villages everywhere. Before you leave, give my surrogate your village name and I will make sure security will be there as soon as possible. Dismissed."

"Thank you Moi Tsar and Moya Tsaritsa. We are very happy you are our king and queen, and congratulations. We can't wait to meet our prince or princess soon." The man says and they all bow before they leave.

Ivan guides them out so he can get the village name.

A man comes after them and a few seconds later Ivan enters the room, standing next to Aleksander.

The man is quite young, probably around his twenties. He bows and addresses us.

"What may be your concern?" Genya asks this time.

The man smirks at Genya and winks at me before he talks. Aleksander looked annoyed by his gesture towards me. "There is a couple of rebels in Chernast. They are looking for people who might be interested in the rebellion. I heard, people who are not interested will be killed immediately, after the whole speech and who wants to join."

"How do you know this?" Aleksander asks.

The man became still and panic was evident in his eyes. "I was in the rebellion but I left. My father forced me into it, but I didn't do anything that went against the law. I was only in the rebellion because of my father. He threatened me if I didn't join."

"What if you are still part of the rebellion and want to get in our good side, better yet you are a spy, who is going to tell Nikolai everything that is happening here." Aleksander says.

"I will do anything to prove otherwise. I can be your spy and tell you where some of the rebel posts are."

Aleksander thought for a while. "When is this meeting?"

"Tomorrow evening." The man says.

"Ivan." Aleksander calls and Ivan gets closer to him. "Prepare some guards and I will prepare some nichevo'ya for our trip tomorrow morning. We leave at dawn, and I want you to give the man..."

Aleksaneder looks at the man in front of him. "What's your name?"

"Sean." The man says and Aleksander faces Ivan again.

"I want you to put Sean in one of the guest rooms and station four corporalki guards in front of his door. He is not to leave till dawn tomorrow with us. Have a servant give him food too." Aleksander says to Ivan.

Aleksander faces Sean again. "We leave tomorrow at dawn. We are going to surprise them, but we attack only when they are going to kill the people who are loyal to me and my queen. The rest who are not, will suffer the consequences. My surrogate will show you to your room and tell you what is needed. Dismissed."

Sean bows and Ivan walks to him. "Thank you Moi Tsar, I will not disappoint you." Sean says before he leaves.

I face Aleksander now. "Your leaving?!"

"Darling, I will be back as soon as possible." Aleksander says and takes my hand, and kisses it.

I shake my head. "What if the rebels are going to attack you? What if he is luring you to them?"

"I am bringing twenty nichevo'yas and guards. I won't get hurt, it will be them who will, if they planned on attacking me." Aleksander says.

I take a deep breath. "I just don't want you getting hurt."

"Don't worry about me darling, I can handle myself, and stressing is not good for the baby." Aleksander smiles at me.

I sighed. "You better be back unharmed."

Aleksander kisses my cheek and asks to bring the rest of the civilians in.

The rest of the civilians, were either here to see their king and queen to congratulate us on my pregnancy, they asked about the rebels and complained about farms and other things.

When sunset came I was so happy. I stood up and stretched, no more having to sit. Aleksander just stood up and went to the middle of the room.

"Honey, what are you doing?" I ask from the dais. Genya and Ivan stood on either side of me.

Aleksander turns to face me. "Just stay where you are and don't move darling. Same goes to you, Ivan and Genya."

He just had to say that. Now I'm scared and curious.

Aleksander clapped his hands together, making a loud BOOM, and darkness surrounded us all.

I felt Ivan stiffen next to me and Genya leaned close to me. I think I am the only one who isn't scared of Aleksander and his power.

"What's happening?" Genya whispers to me.

Before I could answer her, I don't know, I heard clicking noises. Oh No. This is going to take all of Aleksander's strength!

"He is creating nichevo'yas." I whispered back to Genya.

"Honey are you done?" I yelled.

There was no answer and after a few minutes Aleksander says, "Alright Darling."

I stretched my arms out and let my light soar through. Once I saw the room was all lit, I put my arms down.

My eyes widened at the number of Nichevo'yas in front of us. There are hundreds! The whole room is filled.

I saw Aleksander wobble to me. Oh No...

I picked up my skirts and ran to him. Just as he was falling, I dropped to the ground and caught him, placing his head on my lap.

I stroked his hair. "Just rest for a while." I turned to Genya. "Can you please get a glass of water?"

Genya nodded and left, bumping her way through the nichevo'yas.

Aleksander turned his head towards the nichevo'yas. "To your stations!"

When he said that, the nichevo'yas left in a flash.

"How do they know where their station is?" I asked him.

Aleksander chuckles. "I created them and I can communicate to them. I stationed all of them at the front of the palace for tomorrow."

"Close your eyes and rest." I whispered to him and he did.

Genya came through the doors minutes later and handed me the glass. Aleksander sat up, and I helped him drink the water.

"Better?" I asked him.

Aleksander shook his head. "No." He says.

I was going to ask him what will make him feel better, but he leaned into me and kissed me passionately and rough.

When he pulled back, I was out of breath and I knew he was too, because he was panting.

Aleksander placed his hand on my belly. "Now, I'm better."

I giggled at him. "You are so... Never do that again! You could kill yourself!"

"Stop stressing, darling. Baby remember?" Aleksander chuckles and kisses my cheek.

I stand up and help him up.

The Darkling POV:

It is almost dawn and I carefully unwrapped my arms from Alina's waist and put her head that was on my chest on the pillow. I slowly go out of bed not wanting to wake her up.

She looks so beautiful. I showered and changed into my black kefta, not wearing my crown today. Before I left the room, I kissed Alina's forehead and her belly.

"I will be back as soon as possible to hold you in my arms." I whispered to Alina and left the room. I turned to the two nichevo'ya who always watches and guards Alina, standing in front of our chamber door.

I don't want anyone laying a finger on the Queen while I'm gone. Genya is the only one who has permission too. I told them and continued down the hall.

I saw a servant and called him over.

"Moi Tsar." The servant bowed.

"Tell Genya, that Moya Tsaritsa is free the whole day and to not wake her up." I told him.

The servant bowed again. "I will send her the message now." He said and walked away.

I walked to the front of the palace and was glad to see everyone was there. Sean, ten corporalki guards and twenty nichevo'ya.

"Ivan!" I called. "We're taking horseback."

Ivan bows and goes to a servant. I turn to Sean. "Try any funny business and I won't hesitate to slice you in half."

Sean bows to me and stutters. "I-I wouldn't want to mess with my k-k-king."

I mentally smiled to myself. I like making people frightened, it makes me aware that I still have the same effect and the rumours hasn't changed about me.

The Darkling and now the king, ruthless, merciless, cruel and powerful.

Ivan handed me the reigns of a black horse. I happily mounted the horse and led the way to Chernast, with four nichevo'yas next to me and in front of me.

Ivan is riding next to Sean and two corporalki guards are beside them.

I want to end this rebellion as soon as possible. I want my future child to be safe. I don't want to worry about assassinations against the love of my life and my child.

It is sunset and we just arrived in Chernast. Ivan and I are preparing for our attack that will happen soon.

Apparently their meeting is being held in a warn out pub.

"Sean, you will have to go in there and act normal. Don't say anything. Understand?" I ask him.

He nods his head.

"Understand?!" I ask him more sternly. I hate it when I ask a serious question and people nod or shake their head for a reply. They have a mouth, for crying out loud.

"Y-Yes Moi Tsar." Sean stutters.

"Moi Tsar, how will he signal us?" Ivan asks me.

"You see the window next to the front door? I want Sean to break it when the time comes. Do you understand Sean, or are you lost?" I ask Sean.

"I understand. I break the window when the time comes." Sean replies.

I watch him carefully. "Go through the plan again." I asked Sean.

"Your guards and nichevo'yas will be surrounding the pub. I go in and act normal, by not talking, and the people who are loyal to you, I will place a red cross on their back. I break the window next to the front door when they are getting ready to leave and when they are going to kill the innocent civilians." Sean says.

"Correct, you better get going."I say and take my spot near the pub, behind a big tree. The sun is going down and the meeting is starting soon. It is just Ivan and I now with some nichevo'ya.

I take a deep breath. I miss Alina in my arms and seeing her wake up. I didn't get to do that this morning because of this pathetic group. I can't wait till I have Nikolai's throat in my hands.

"Moi Tsar, thinking about Alina or the rebellion?" Ivan asks smiling at me.

I smile and shake my head. "Both actually. When Alina and I's baby is born, I want this rebellion done. I want our child to grow up safe and happy. I don't want people attempting assassination on both my child and my wife."

"That's understandable. But I know for sure that the little prince or princess will be happy and powerful in this world. I won't be surprised if the baby gets Alina's stubbornness and your competence. I think your child will handle themselves pretty well in this world." Ivan says and I couldn't help but chuckle at his statement. Ivan's right.

I just realised it is dark already. "We better get ready." I said and stood near the pub entrance.

We waited for about thirty minutes till we heard the window smash. I didn't hesitate and walked straight for the front door.

One of the nichevo'ya knocked the door down and I entered.

I looked around the room and smirked. Everyone had shock, fear and horror written on their faces. Ivan was next to me and gave a low whistle and shook his head. "You're all up for it now." He whispered to them.

"Who is the leader here and who hosted this meeting?" I asked looking around the room.

A middle aged man stood on a chair. "I am and we are not scared of you. We will fight you!"

"Well, well, well. Going behind your king's back and gathering rebels. There is only one punishment for that I am afraid...it's death." I said and clapped my hands together, creating darkness. I heard people panicking and breathing heavily.

The man standing on the chair is mine, leave him but kill the people who have no red crosses on their backs. I told the nichevo'yas.

I heard people scream in pain and call for help or mercy. I decided to end the darkness.

When I took the darkness out, I saw blood everywhere and a couple of people standing and shaking in a corner. Pieces of bodies were all around the room. The man on the chair saw everything and was gasping at the sight before him.

"You see... I don't like it when people go behind my back and plan a rebellion. I despise it. Did you really think you could get away with this?" I asked the man.

The man shook his head. "You're a cruel king. I would never serve a king like you. Your queen doesn't deserve you!"

He shouldn't have brought Alina into this! I felt Ivan shaking of anger, he put his hand out in front of him and was squeezing his hands to fists.

I heard the rebel cough and cling to his chest. Ivan is snatching the air from his lungs.

"Ivan, enough." I tell Ivan and he stops.

"Don't you dare bring my wife into this! One of your pathetic rebels almost killed her and you say such a thing?! Did you know you were betrayed? I found out about this meeting from a traitor of your rebellion." I told the man.

The man frowned and before he could ask who, Sean came in front of me. "Me, father. Moi Tsar and his queen have done a lot of great things in this country and you can't see that because you want to serve the prince."

"How dare you! You are no son of mine!" The man was running towards Sean, but before he could get his hands on him I used the cut.

The man went wide eyed and he was cut in half in front of Sean.

I tuned to the people who are loyal to me. "I heard you serve me and my queen, and I am thankful for that. You are free to go, but I want you to spread the word about what happened here. I hope you stay loyal to my rule, or else that man..." I pointed to Sean's father's body. "Will become you one day."

They all bowed to me. "We serve you Moi Tsar and we are thankful."

I exited the pub and mounted on my horse. "Sean! You are free to go, but I want to know where those rebel posts are. Do you mind seeing Ivan tomorrow?"

"No, Moi Tsar. I will meet him at the palace tomorrow." Sean replies.

"Very well." I say and ride my way to the palace with Ivan and the corporalki guards and the nichevo'yas.

Alina POV:

Can't sleep... I shouldn't worry, like Aleksander says, it is bad for the baby. Where is he now? I am used to sleeping with his arms around me, and at the moment, lying in our bed, I miss his presence.

Don't worry Alina, he is on his way without a scratch on him. I tell myself.

I hate this empty feeling when he is away.

I heard the chamber door open. Probably Genya trying to get me to try on dresses again, for the fifth time today. "I'm not getting out of this bed to try on dresses with you!"

"That's too bad... I heard blue brings out my eyes. I was hoping I could try on one of your blue dresses." A familiar masculine voice says.

I immediately sat up with a grin on my face. Aleksander is leaning on the door frame, smirking at me.

I got out of bed and ran to him, giving him a hug. He lifted me up and placed me on the bed.

Aleksander was on top of me, careful not to squish my belly. He stroked my cheek and looked lovingly into my eyes.

"Why aren't you asleep yet, darling? It is almost dawn." He whispers. "You weren't worrying, were you?"

I put my arms around his neck. "I was missing you... and I couldn't help worrying." I told him. "Are you hurt?"

"Not a single scratch." Aleksander answers and kisses me rough and wanting on my lips.

I smiled against the kiss and pulled him closer. He pulled away and kissed my neck. He kissed my soft spot and I gave a small moan.

Aleksander smiled against my neck and kissed me on my lips again.

He pulled away. "You better sleep. I really want to make love, but your pregnant and if we keep going, I will have a hard time controlling myself."

I sighed. "Okay." I said and pecked his lips.

I laid down in Aleksander's arms and cuddled into his chest. "Goodnight Aleksander."

"I love you, Alina." Aleksander kisses the top of my head.

I smiled. "I love you too."

"Do I still get to try your dress on tomorrow?" Aleksander asks.

I giggled at his silliness. "Of course!"

"Alina! Darling, I am your husband! Imagine how hideous I would look like in a dress. I am not going to try it on. You were suppose to say, 'No Aleksander, you are a king. Dresses are for Queens.'"

I was full on laughing now. "You asked! Don't blame me. Besides, you said blue brings your eyes out. I think you would look really pretty."

"Are you really going to make me wear a dress?! I am a man!" Aleksander laughs with me now.

I kissed his cheek."I would never let you humiliate yourself like that. Plus, Genya would kill me if I let you ruin one of the gowns."

Aleksander chuckle. "I love hearing you laugh."