Chapter 6

She saw him raise his hand and immediately crunched her eyes shut. Both internally and externally wincing at the anticipation of the slap that was about to come her way.

Somehow… it never came.

What came instead was a warm hand that cupped her face tenderly.

Curious, she opened one eye just to make sure it wasn't some kind of a trick. Like the moment she would open her eyes, he would smack her across the face.

But no! Amused by her reaction, his lips were twitched up, making it seem like he was getting highly entertained. And soon that upward twitch of lips changed to full on grinning.

Is he not upset? Was the only thought running across Annika's mind.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to slap you." He said, like he just read her mind.

Of course, she wasn't buying it so easily. "What about chocking me with your shadows?"

"No."

"Use the cut?"

He rolled his eyes. "Definitely not!"

"Aren't you supposed to be upset with me?"

"I suppose I should be. But I am not— not anymore." He corrected. "Whatever little anger I felt, evaporated long ago."

Persuaded by his words Annika opened her other eye and let out a sigh of relief looking the other way.

"After how I abandoned you the other day I thought you would slice me into pieces and eat me for breakfast, lunch and dinner." She said chuckling. "If I were in your place I certainly would have done that."

"Noted."

Placing his other hand on the other side of her face he took her full face between his palms. And holding her like that gave him a strange sense of fulfilment. For a moment there, it felt as if he was holding his entire world between his two hands.

"Are you seriously considering the option of eating me?"

Something fluttered inside his stomach when she made full eye contact with him.

"Why not… you seem like someone who would taste delicious." He teased bringing his face closer. Close enough for him to feel her breath brushing over his face and vice-versa.

"Sir...?"

Her call alongside a knock on the door snapped him out of his trance. He was quick to notice how inappropriately close he has gotten and swiftly let go of her and backed away putting some decent distance between them, right before returning to his formal posture.

The sound of the door opening was heard in the background but Annika didn't bother look. Assuming it was going to be someone from his inner circle.

But that changed when the Darkling calmly ordered, turning his back on her. "Grab her."

Confused, the younger Grisha looked to her left and right and saw two female Oprichniki appearing at her sides. Panic seeped through her face when the pair grabbed hold off each of her arms tightly. It showed in the form of widening of her eyes and the brief tension along her jaws.

At this point she could only anticipate the worst.

"What are you doing?!" She demanded but the Darkling didn't answer. With his back still facing them, he instructed the stoic faced guards instead.

"Take Miss Zenik to Baghra and be stationed outside the door all throughout her session. Make sure she does not escape."

"Understood General."

"No! No! No! Moi Soverennyi! It's not fair!"

Annika struggled to break free but the Oprichniki pair dragging her away didn't even flinch.

Kirigan was about to return to his desk. Unbothered about the door that remained wide open and that was as when he heard something that momentarily stopped his world.

"Aleksander!"

His footsteps halted. Breath hitched and the heart made a huge jump inside his chest. Almost as if it was trying to break out of his ribcage.

Eyes widened and mind filled up with absolute shock as he tried to figure out how?

How did she know that name? His name! The one that was given to him after birth. Not a title he took for himself.

Never once he mentioned it to her. So how did she know?

"Aleksander!"

His heart gave out an uneasy throb.

There it was, a second call, confirming he had not misheard earlier.

By now the initial shock subsided and was replaced with the kind of joy he was unfamiliar with. A smile made it to his lips. Never had the sound of his name brought him so much delight.

"Aleksander help me!"

Soon as he heard the part 'help me' panic infiltrated his chest. Making his head snap at their direction to check if those guards were hurting her somehow.

But as he looked, he found Annika latching onto a boy of her age dressed in a Kefta exactly like her.

"Help me you moron! Don't let them take me to Baghra. Aleksander!"

"I'm trying Annika! I'm trying!"

"Back off boy!" One of the Oprichnik pushed him away.

From inside the war-room Kirigan watched the scene unfold, unblinking. His mind still unable process it.

But once it did, he couldn't hold back anymore. His feet gave away and walked him towards the door. He shut the door with so much force that it instantly quieted the chaotic scene outside. And placed his forehead against the door. Relaxing under the feel of the cool wood that felt like a soothing balm to his heated skin.

Truth be told he didn't know whether to be upset or angry.

Without having the slightest of idea she did something very cruel to him. She uttered his name and yet it was another whom she called…

How fucking twisted!

Annika huffed and puffed!

She couldn't believe the General sent her over to Baghra merely within a week after her disastrous first session. Considering how it went the first time, the young Grisha went in bracing herself for the worst.

It's not like the idea to flee once again didn't cross her mind. But the Darkling seemed to have learned his lesson. Which explains why he assigned a pair of Oprichniki to take her to the hut and be stationed outside the door till her session is finished.

What a heartless man!

Bhagra carefully observed.

Over the years she had seen plenty of ladies and some gentlemen included infatuated with the Darkling. Despite being scared, people tend to naturally gravitate towards him. One could say its due to the fact that he is a living amplifier that attracts all Grishas. Other factor being his good looks and charms.

With this particular child however, such wasn't the case. In fact the story was being written differently this time. It was happening the other way around. For the first time it was him, gravitating towards another.

And Baghra need not wonder why, because she could see it with her own eyes.

This girl possesses looks that is beyond comprehensible. It isn't just good looks, it might as well be compared to deadly weapon. Therefore if utilized well, maybe, the Darkling can be taken down using this weapon.

Under her scrutinizing gaze Annika moved uncomfortably before straightening up, goosebumps spreading all over her skin.

"Are you planning to stand in the corner all day, girl?"

Annika did not respond. Simply remained by the doorway, holding onto the handle, refusing to move from her spot.

"Listen girl, you may have a lot of time to waste," Baghra said, seemingly casual, "but I do not have patience to deal with your nonsense all day."

"I am not going anywhere near you, until you assure me that you wouldn't slaughter me the moment I take the seat."

"Fine, keep standing for all I care."

With that, Bhagra returned to the pile of books and started to dust them with an old duster then proceeded to arrange them according to order. After the books were put away she moved on to fixing the fireplace.

Minute turned to several minutes. The silence stretched out thin and Annika's legs were starting to hurt as she has been standing on the spot in that exact same position for closing to an hour now.

It left her with two options: she could either stand at the door for the rest of her session or she could take the seat and get started on her lesson.

Annika choose the latter option.

Although nothing was said in words, no verbal guarantee was given, but with her ignorance Baghra made it clear to that she means no harm. And that gave the Healer the courage to proceed with the second option.

To Annika's utmost surprise Bhagra didn't bring up her action from that day, like she had anticipated. In fact nothing about that day was mentioned. She simply pretended as if it was the first time they met and snapped at her like how she snapped at most of her other students. It led the Healer to reach her conclusion, which is— in her own way the woman normalized the situation.

Maybe people did exaggerate, because Baghra wasn't as bad as how some of her peers had described her to be.

From the corner of her eyes Bhagra observed the girl take her seat. She intended to ignore her for some more time but the child's overly gleeful face prompted her to turn.

"So, you are the other Zenik girl…"

Annika nodded her head excitedly. Her broad grin brightening up the dark dimly lit hut.

"…the useless one!"

Annika's smile dropped to a frown.

The woman's words strike a nerve. Whatever positive thought she had about her moments ago now flew out of the window.

"I'm not useless! If anything, I'm the most hardworking person in the entire Little Palace. I'm either in class or working for the General. Serving my sentence basically. I hardly get time to myself or time to relax for the matter… and it has costing me everything; Viktor included."

"Get your facts right girl! You don't work for the General. You entertain him. Learn the difference."

Annika wasn't sure what it was, but the more the woman spoke, the infuriated she became. So she began her next statement quite dramatically, punctuating every word in the sentence.

"I. Work. For. Him! Work! Everyday morning I wake up and dress myself in that disgusting White Kefta before stepping to the kitchen to make his tea…"

Baghra didn't interrupt, rather chose to listen to her rant.

"…Then, as he drinks his tea, I run him a bath. While he enjoys a warm bath I make his bed, clean the mess on his desk, table and arranged the bookshelf before heading to my class. Some evenings after class I have to go clean up the newer mess he made. And guess what, I do not even get paid for my service. It is all for free."

It was pathetically obvious that the girl was trying to gain sympathy by making herself appear to be the victim. If only she knew to what extent Baghra actually knew then she would definitely keep that little mouth of her shut and think twice before speaking.

Unbeknownst to Annika, Baghra is quite aware of everything. She had sent spies after her soon as the word spread about the General taking a student Healer under his wing.

Therefore she knows everything!

She knows that Annika has spat in the General's tea on multiple occasions. She knows that Annika once intentionally burned his special occasion silk Kefta and cloak by throwing it into the fireplace, after he prevented her from venturing into the town with her friends. Baghra also knows that the General follows her every time she steps outside of the Little Palace.

The oddity doesn't just end there. In the recent times the General has openly started to favour her. Multiple people have complained about her to him; Botkin included, but their leader simply put all those complaints through one ear and out of the other. But whenever she complains or accuses someone— oh it becomes a whole other matter.

So much for a man who had taken the responsibility to fix a brat! To say Baghra is disappointed in the General would be an understatement. She has mixed feelings about the whole situation and cannot bring herself to blame the child entirely. In her eyes the adult man is more at fault, as he is the one paving the way for her to be spoiled.

And after all he has done for her, this ungrateful brat continues to relentlessly bad mouth him! The man who has been turning a blind eye to all her wrong doings.

Fate surely has funny way of giving back.

"And you, you sound like one of those," Baghra spoke quickly, not taking the time to second guess her words. There was no to actually, she had already reached the conclusion. "…who spit on the same plate they eat from."

"Huh! What does that supposed to mean?" Annika felt the insult burn against her skin.

"Never mind." Baghra spat in her direction, deciding on to save this conversation for later, as enough time has been wasted already.

"Tell me girl, are you anything like your sister?"

"No, her specialty is Heartrending. I on the other hand am training to be a Healer. Besides, I've learned some tricks of tailoring from Genya Safin. So far I can only use it to style my hair; see…"

For demonstration, Annika moved a hand in circular motion over her hair and transformed her sleek straight hair to bouncy waves. With the next movement the waves changed to curls, and then tight curls before changing back to their original state.

"Do you work on that face as well?" Bhagra pointed her finger in an offensive manner.

"Of course not! I don't need tailoring. I was born like this."

Bhagra raised a brow, amused at the girl's confidence.

"What can you do, that is actually useful?" Annika noticed the woman hand as it grabbed her cane. "After all a country ridden in war doesn't have any use for a pretty girl who can do multiple hairstyle."

"Like I said, I'm training to be a Healer. And as for being useful, correct me if I'm wrong but aren't Healers one of the prominent figures in the battlefield? Without us, soldiers would succumbed to their injuries and perish."

"Let's see how much of Healing you can do, on your own." Baghra asked for another demonstration.

This time Annika made a small cut on her palm and healed it quickly to show how fast and efficient she is. But Baghra's face remained impassive. Upon closer look Annika understood the woman was quite unimpressed.

"What else can you do?"

Annika frowned. Baghra wasn't the only one unimpressed here, she was also on the same boat.

"What more are you expecting! On my first day I showed you two different kind of abilities when most people are too terrified to show you anything!"

"They do not waste time doing useless hairstyle. Unlike you, their intention isn't to seduce powerful men for survival."

"I'm not what you're implying I'm am!" Annika pointed out firmly, not hiding the fact that she took offence to her words.

Like Bhagra even cared.

"Is that so… then pray tell me, how do you have the General wrapped around your little finger?"

Oh! So this is what it's about. You're jealous. Annika concluded, then decided to break the misunderstanding.

"You've mistaken me for Zoya Nazyalensky, the Squaller. She the one who has the General wrapped around her finger. She's your true enemy, not me."

This girl! Baghra gritted her teeth. Annoyed at her own self for having to put up with the brat.

"Your sister, Nina Zenik, was one of the best Heartrender, who not only mastered the abilities of Healing and Tailoring but spoke six languages fluently. What can you do?"

It definitely wasn't what Annika intended to say, but the words slipped past her lips before she could put a second thought and reassess them.

"I don't need to do much, I'm prettier."

A crooked smile graced Bhagra's lips. The girl just presented her soft spot on golden platter.

Next time when Baghra opened her mouth

Annika face changed drastically.

She could take anything but not this! No one dares insult her appearance.

With clenched fist and tightened jaw she glared at Baghra. If looks could kill Baghra surely would have already been in her grave by now.

In the blink of an eye Annika was up on her feet. She turned on her heels ready to storm out but stopped, how could she leave without giving a fitting reply. Up until now no one has dared to comment on her looks. So who does this old hags in ratty clothes and unkempt hair thinks she is?

"Before criticizing my appearance, why don't you do yourself a favour and take a look in the mirror. It will certainly tell you a lot about your appearance. No wonder the General left you for Zoya!"

Baghra creased her brows, confused and wondering what the last part even supposed to mean. But Annika didn't stick around to explain. She walked out of the hut, slamming the door behind loudly.

She sat in front of her dresser watching her own reflection in the mirror. Her hand continued to carelessly run the comb through her hair, without paying much attention to the strands it was tearing in the process.

"Don't think so highly of yourself, just because a bunch of men are salivating around you like street dogs at all times…"

Baghra's word constantly replaying in her ear again and again. It refused to stop.

Her face crunched in bitterness. Never before has she experienced anger of this scale. It raged inside of her like a violent storm, tearing apart everything on its path.

"What do you have that is considered beauty?"

Annika felt like she was losing her mind. She thought she had gotten used to people throwing meaningless comments her away. It was usually done by bitter jealous people; woman that can't be her and men that can't have her.

Even then, no one dared comment on how she looked. Let alone blatantly point out she isn't good looking!

Never in her worst nightmare had the younger Zenik imagined that anyone would dare question her on being beautiful.

What made it more insulting was that it was a woman like Baghra.

"No womanly curves, just some skin covering the bones…"

What does she have?! Annika found herself asking. No wonder the General left her for Zoya.

Surely the man's taste in women drastically improved. Who would want to be with that old hag!

Or who knows maybe she put some potion in his system to seduce him in the first place and once it's effect wore off he left her.

"And a broken face that resembles a viper."

A viper huh! Very well then, it's time I show you what a viper can do.

With her mind made up Annika got up from the stool. She didn't bother wipe the tears that were trickling down her face.

Just ran out of her room in her nightgown and barefooted.

Zoya glanced down at the man with whom she was currently in the bathtub; lathering soap through his inky black hair.

Kirigan had his eyes closed, face calm, muscles relaxed and head partially tilted back. Throughly enjoying her ministration. However, there was one small detail on the face— the furrowed brows that showed he was in deep thought.

The Squaller had wondered for a while now what he was thinking about so deeply in such state?

Her most probable guess was the ongoing war. After all, his mind is constantly planning new strategy and tactics.

What she had not known was that he wasn't just thinking about the war. There were many things running inside the complex mind of the Darkling. Including the thoughts of a certain Grisha student.

But Zoya didn't know that. Which is why she felt bad, pitied him for not being able to relax even in such intimate moment.

However, the Suli beauty planned to change that tonight. Like she had done many, many, many other times.

With that she took the initiative. Dipping her head she gave his earlobe a soft nibble, already aware of the smirk that was making it's way onto his lips. His hands wrapping around her waist in a firm grip was proof they would go way beyond just bathing. Whether it would happen in the bathtub or move to the bedroom for practical purposes that is to be seen.

For Zoya either options worked.

Pulling back, she looked at him with adoring eyes for one last time before capturing his face between her palms and kissing him deeply.

.

.

.

They were in the midst of an intense, steamy and wild session of coupling.

The moment became so heated that neither had the capacity to break apart, even for the purpose of moving them to the bed.

But that lasted until a small voice called out from the war room.

"Moi Soverennyi…?"

Both froze instantly.

"Sir... are you awake?"

Kirigan was the first to pull away. His body tensed, as a look of nervousness settled within his face.

On the other hand, Zoya's face twisted in anger. And the look on the General's face only added fuel to her fire. He looked terrified, like a cheating husband who's about to be caught by his wife.

"What is she doing here at this hour?! Let me go shoo her awa—"

"No!" He stopped her. Only to climb out of the tub himself.

"You remain here. I will go deal with this." He said throwing a long black bathrobe around his body.

As he was about to exit the bathroom, he noticed was Zoya following him, her nude body now covered with a large towel.

"What are you doing!" He snapped looking over his shoulder.

"Um—"

"Did you not hear me earlier?" He cut her off before she could even begin. His face completely changed. Eyes wide and nose crunching with rage as he whispered aggressively. "You are to remain here. Until this situation is dealt with." He repeated his instruction from earlier, this time pointing with a finger between them before exiting the bathroom and securely closing the door behind him.

The shock on Zoya's face converted to full blown anger as she figured out he is trying to hide their rendezvous from Annika.

"Annika."

He didn't fully step into the war-room just stood at the doorway of his bedroom and from there acknowledged her.

The idea was to make it as quick as possible and from as far as possible.

To be completely honest he did not intend to go near the girl. Forcefully pulling himself out of Zoya has left his body and mind in an incomplete, uncomfortable, deprived state.

That aside, he didn't want her to know what he was doing, or rather who!

But as she turned revealing those red puffy, tear filled eyes everything changed. His previous concerns flew out of the window. He did not expect to find her in such vulnerable state.

"What happened, why are you crying?"

She said nothing. Just stared at him blankly for a moment before suddenly running across from the other side of the room straight into his arms.

It was an unexpected action that caught the Darkling off guard. He wasn't used to situations where someone simply ran into his arms and threw their arms around him, burying their face into his chest. His black eyes widened before he could disguise his shock, which soon turned to excitement... without even him realizing.

And under the influence of the excitement he returned the embrace, by pulling her tightly to him and closing every possible gap between their bodies.

Closing his eyes, he exhaled heavily. Suddenly, finding himself consumed with uncontrollable longing and need. His heart beating rapidly and loudly. Mind unable to slow down even for a moment.

As he reopened his eyes, his gaze absently moved over to his bed.

The empty bed… waiting…

A shiver ran down his spine. Something inside him stirred, a beast in the process of awakening.

It was the sound of her sob that shook him awake and brought him back to his senses. He remembered once again that she has been crying.

"At least tell me what happened, otherwise how would I know."

He casually rested his chin over her head. Stroking his large palm up and down her back in a soothing pattern. She didn't utter a word just continued to sob into his chest.

"Has Baghra hurt you?" He asked, suddenly remembering he had forcibly sent her there this morning. Was he guilty for his action? No, not really. But...

Annika nodded her head affirmatively.

Right away he tensed, muscles becoming hard and stiff.

"Did she hit you?"

"No." She mumbled sniffling. "But she crushed my spirit brutally."

He raised a brow, amused. But relaxed, sighing in relief.

"Ah I see... Would your injured spirit receive some sustenance if I were to assure you that I will speak to Baghra?"

Annika pulled back to assess whether he meant what he just said.

"You would do that for me?" It quite sounded like she didn't believe him.

"I would do anything for yo—" He quickly realized his mistake and clearing his throat attempted to correct it. "...for the Healers!" Only to realize again that it didn't make much sense. So he attempted a retry. "I meant for the Grishas. All Grishas! I would do anything for the Grishas!"

"Thank you so much sir. Your words mean a lot to me."

He smiled, embracing the butterflies in his stomach.

Once again pulling Annika closer, he wiped away her tears using both his thumbs.

"Now go, take rest. You have to wake up very early tomorrow as I'll be leaving for a week, and I want to ride out at the brake of dawn."

"Very well sir, I'll be here with your tea right before sunrise."

With that she bid him 'good night' and turned around to leave. But abruptly stopped after going halfway.

"What happened?"

His voice made Annika spin around. A sweet smile playing around her lips.

Before the Darkling could make out what that smile represents she sprinted back to him and pulled him for a quick kiss!

...on the cheek.

The moment was so fleeting. All it took was a blink of an eye for it to be all over. She was moving away, turning around, then running towards and out of the door. While he remained frozen to the floor shocked, baffled, puzzled, confounded and completely thrown off.

Without knowing, his own hand reached up to feel the spot her lips caressed moments ago.

She maybe gone but her essence stayed with him.

He felt the warm feeling spreading his chest and fully surrendered to it.

There it was... a weakness.

Many strange thoughts passed around her mind while she remained inside the large bathroom. Pacing around from one end to another. Occasionally stopping by the dark ornate mirror to look at her own reflection. Only to have it look back at her with… pity.

When minutes passed with no sign of his return, Zoya decides to peek, dropping whatever amount of patience was left inside her.

Little did she know she would see way more than what she had anticipated.

Their tight embrace…

His ridiculous flirting…

Her unexpected kiss…

She had seen it all. Turning the hands resting on her sides into tight fist as anger surged inside her and started to boil her blood.

Before her anger could get out of hand and make her do something she'd regret later, Zoya quickly pulled herself away from the door and backed herself against the sink.

A heavy broken, shaky breath left her body. She covered her mouth with her hand, in an effort to muffle the screams before they could even be formed.

Kirigan returned few minutes later with an unreadable face. Zoya briefly noticed the storm circulating deep within his black eyes before she lowered her gaze and focused them on his bare feet.

"Did you finally come to your senses and realize that the fruit you're so desperately trying to eat isn't ripe yet…?"

"No..." He said inching closer. "Which is why I've come to eat the fruit that is already ripe."

Zoya had barely blinked as Kirigan pulled her up and placed her on the sink countertop before claiming her lips in a searing kiss. She gasped, opening her mouth in the process that allowed him better access. Her hands that were gripping his clothed shoulder slid down his chest reaching for the belt of the robe and untied it. She wanted to show him that a General like him needed a solider like her! Not a pretty faced frail child that can be picked up with one hand thrown far away.

He pulled back slightly only to shrug the fabric off of his body. And once disrobed, their activity resumed from where it was left off.

Baghra woke up with a startled gasp and almost choked on her own spit upon noticing the Darkling quietly standing in corner.

It was quite uncharacteristic of her to look frightened. Then again, never has she been in a situation when she woke up with an uneasy feeling and found him watching her like a hunter waiting with a rifle aimed at an unknowing doe.

She presumed he'd come but didn't assume it to be so soon.

How long has he been in here for? Baghra briefly wondered before sitting up in straight posture and putting her composed mask on.

"For what do I owe this pleasure, Moi Soverennyi?"

"I thought I made myself clear— she's not to be harmed." Thus, he proceeded…slowly, much like a predator savoring his prey.

Baghra glared.

Like always he ignored her glare and scooted closer, dragging a chair with him. The chair was placed close to the makeshift bed where he sat down and crossed his legs.

"And yet on the first day you have made her a crying mess."

"So... she sent her hound to attack. Impressive." She stated flatly. Sounding far from impressed.

"Relax, don't get fooled by the look on my face. I'm not here to punish you." The Darkling said slightly leaning in, a cold smile curving his lips.

"On the contrary you've made me quite happy… mother."

A look of uneasiness took over Baghra's features. Now she has slight clue on what this is about. But unsure on how she feels about it. Because it is standing at a point where the situation could turn either way.

"Have you ever been put in a situation where you didn't know whether to punish the culprits or reward them?" His voice pulled Baghra out of her train of thought.

"You are making no sense boy! How many bottles of Kvas have you emptied?"

"This is exactly how I l feel about you at the moment, Baghra." He continued, brushing away her comment like it was dirt on his clothes.

"On one hand I'm furious that you made her shed tears. On the other hand, your actions also brought her into my arms. And holding her like that gave me a feeling... A warm feeling, which I haven't felt in a long time."

He smiled fondly, recalling the moment.

"Hence why you have my permission, mother, to crush her spirit..." Baghra's eyes narrowed. "...crush her spirit so brutally that she has no one but me to turn to!"

Under his intense gaze Baghra straightened up, tossing her shoulders back. Fear crawling up her spine, making the hair at the nape of her neck stand.

Still she didn't cower. Successfully kept up the brave upfront.

"Stop salivating, General. Your fruit isn't ripe yet."

He let out a hollow laughter. "Funny, you're the second person telling me this tonight."

Baghra turned her gaze to the burning fireplace. Deep thought and concern cooking up at the depth of her mind. She could already see where this was heading. The boy couldn't help himself. His gums were aching to take a bite out of this forbidden fruit. It appeared as though he could already tell how addictive, exciting, exhilarating she would taste!

Few days later…

Genya Safin walked through the hallway that led to the students dormitory.

Her we destination— Annika's room.

The Tailor hasn't been able to come to the Little Palace in while. With the King dedicating his evenings to abusing the new pet, the Queen has been growing restless. Lack of attention from her husband and loneliness is driving her insane, making her thirsty. And she is successfully taking out the frustration on her Tailor by making absurd demands and lashing out at her for little to nothing. Tonight Genya was able to sneak out because of the sleeping potion she mixed in her evening tea.

She made a quick knock on the door. But when no response came from inside, grabbing the handle she opened the door and waltz in there like it was her own room... Only to find it empty.

Annika was nowhere in sight.

She quickly remembered, the Healer mentioned about her upcoming exams and instantly knew where she would find her.

Thus, she headed there.

.

.

.

Finding Annika in the library is a rare sight. Finding Annika in the library studying is a rarer sight. But finding Annika in the library, fast asleep and drooling over the open book was a heart melting sight. It was the only time her innocent childlike side truly showed.

The redhead reached out to brush away the hair curtaining the younger girl's face and in the process felt the unnaturally cold skin against her fingers.

You poor thing! You're freezing. Genya thought, smiling. Before quickly leaving the library to fetch a blanket. While she may not be able to physically move Annika back into her room, the least she could do is bring her a warm blanket.

.

.

.

When Genya returned to the library Annika was no longer there. Otherwise everything remained as it was. Even the book she was sleeping over was still open.

The redhead furrowed her brows, wondering where the girl could have disappeared off to this late at night. Before concluding, perhaps she woke up and returned to her room.

Tossing the blanket she brought along onto one of the table, Genya turned on her heels and marched back to the direction of the students dormitory.

On her way back she encountered General Kirigan in the hallway. Coming from the opposite direction.

The Tailor paused to give a small bow in his direction as he passed her. He returned the gesture with a nod of acknowledgment before disappearing into the darkness of the night. While she continued on towards her destination without sparing a single thought as to what he was doing here, at the students dormitory, this late at night.

Unbidden, it all changed, when Genya Safin for the second time this evening entered Annika Zenik's room; and found the latter's sleeping figure on the bed, covered with... the Darkling's Kefta!

A.N. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed.

Reply to Julie: The flower scene described where it will be headed. Allow me to clarify that its not there yet. More is to unfold before it goes to that stage. I prefer to explain how things would go into such territory, after all such emotions and feelings aren't born overnight nor does someone wake up with them one sudden morning. It happens over time if you know what I mean.

And it is absolutely natural to feel bothered (even I am bothered), she's very young. There will be a time skip but keep in mind it wouldn't be a massive one, just couple years. To further clarify— I don't think Annika would be older than Alina, if anything the former would be younger. It's definitely not a Darkling x OC romance that gets demolished when the Sun Summoner arrives. Annika's situation us different from canon. Doesn't mean I'm entirely diverting from canon. I'm sure it will be more clear once it gets to that age.

Zoya is smart. She's understanding where the situation is going. She has seen him as he watched Annika from far. But she neither do nor say anything to him. However, Annika is someone on whom she can vent her frustration. As for looking after Annika for Nina's sake— well she's not going to look out for a friend's baby sister at the cost if her own happiness/pride.

No it's definitely not a reincarnation story. It's a coincidence. It's precisely why Kirigan didn't call her by her first name for the first couple chapters. If you remember.

Now, to be honest I really don't know whether Annika will fall for him. According to her, the Darkling is below her league (then again, the person she loves Viktor, he's an average looking guy).

She's at a stage where she's not ready to be a fighter or fight for her country. Although she doesn't say it out loud but she wants to live her life like the Queen. Frankly I'm still trying to figure out Annika's character and which direction she will head.

As for the Darkling getting manipulated, observe Annika's actions you'll notice the girl is learning how to pull his strings. For example: Think back on their conversation from chapter 3. Or how she changed her behaviour instantly to get the Darkling to accompany her to Bhagra's hut.

However, these are possible for her because she's immensely good looking.

The reason I'm bluntly mentioning her good looks because— do you think Annika would be any relevant if not for her looks. What use would she be to the Darkling. Keep in mind the reason she caught his eyes in the first place was because of her looks. He saw the power of her looks. And how in the future she might be able to use it to weaken all his soldiers.

Reply to guest#1: Darkling and Annika power couple! To be honest I never thought about it. So far to me me Annika doesn't seem like someone who's ready to lead nation type yet. But you never know what happens in the future. However, let me clarify one thing— Annika wouldn't be that old during the canon timeline. She'll most likely be younger than Alina in case you're wondering.

As for Dimitri and Viktor, I don't have much big plans for them. Frankly one of them might be out of the picture pretty soon.

And like everyone Annika also like to put the blame others. In her case she puts the blame on the Darkling behind his back.

Reply to guest#2: Actually I'm not looking forward to anything specific as I'm still trying to figure out what kind of dynamics they'll have. And as for becoming comfortable around the Darkling… um… he doesn't give her reasons to be completely comfortable. Regardless, Annika's trying her best to put up a brave upfront (or so I think).

Reply to guest#3: Welcome new reader. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed. I see you're curious about the show timeline, it will be a while until we get there. As for who should you picture Dimitri as... to be honest I never thought about it. But from the way his character has been described I guess he relates more to Dorian Grey than Caspian but in the recent chapters he's become more of a Caspian. Ugh... I wish I knew. Sorry!