Chapter 7

Just as the sound of door opening reached his ear, his heart skipped a beat. He took a sharp deep breath, taking in the aroma of jasmine emanating off of her. Air! He needed air and couldn't seem to drag enough of it into his lungs. Utterly overwhelmed by the feeling of excitement raging like fire within him, that he cannot extinguish.

He hardly slept last night. Anticipation kept him awake and waiting for this moment to arrive, eagerly.

However, all that pent up excitement turned to confusion making his smile drop and brows furrow when Annika entered the war room appearing absolutely normal and casual. Only holding a cup of tea in hand. His Kefta— missing!

He studied her carefully. By looking at her it didn't seem like she was at all bothered to have woken up covered with his Kefta. That would certainly be impossible! No one would be exempted from having a reaction.

Besides… Where is his Kefta and why is it not with her? The thought ran across his mind as he continued to stare her down curiously.

"Good morning Moi Soverennyi." She was the first to greet, breaking the silence, grinning widely.

"Good morning Annika." He greeted back matching her enthusiasm. "You sound quite cheerful this morning, what is the matter?"

He had to know, had to find out.

"Nothing actually. This is my well rested face." She said going around his desk and placing the cup on its usual spot.

"Is that all... you have nothing interesting to share." He pushed. Head rising up to see her from up close. Unknowingly he swallowed, suddenly feeling his throat go dry.

She is so beautiful… so, so, so beautiful!

"Well... I dreamt of something beautiful. I can tell you about it if you are interested."

"Go on..." To no surprise of him, a vividly rosy blush spread across her cheeks. Making her look even more appealing.

Overlooking the way the Shadow Summoner was watching her, the Healer proceeded to elaborate her dream.

"I was getting married. Dressed in the most beautiful white dress, made up of fancy laces and expensive silk, with stonework all over it..."

Unexpectedly he rose to his feet, towering over her petite form. But she didn't cower nor broke their eye contact.

"Who were you getting married to?" He meant to ask something else, instead, this nonsense slipped from his lips.

"I don't know! Before I could reach the alter, a bird started chirping on my window and I woke up." She said rolling those lilac eyes. The frustration in them was genuine. "Ugh! That bird was lucky that I'm no Inferni. Otherwise it would have been roasted and served for breakfast." She ranted.

None of those information were relevant, yet he listened, grinning foolishly like a young boy, letting her go on uninterrupted until she finished.

Only then he asked, "What about after you woke up, did you discover anything interesting then?"

"Yes!" She exclaimed. His dark eyes lit up, hopes shining in them once again. "The ugly bird that was singing, sitting on my window." Only for it to be crushed like a bug under the foot.

Sighing, he decided to get straight to the point. Instead of beating around the bush.

"Where is my Kefta, Annika?"

"Huh!" Her face crunched as she thought for a moment before responding. "How would I know! Probably somewhere in your closet—" and then she suddenly remembered where she saw it last. "Oh wait, I know where it is…"

With that, she sprinted out of the door and returned with his Kefta few minutes later.

They moved towards each other, meeting at the centre of the war room. She helped him slip into the Kefta while he studied her carefully. Something didn't seem right. This definitely shouldn't be her reaction if she woke up covered with...

"Annika?"

"Yes sir…"

"Where did you get the Kefta from?"

"The laundry room. That's where I found it hanging, when I went to grab fresh towels this morning."

The laundry room!

His heart stopped for a second before it started to hammer against his ribcage trying to break out. Once the shock subsided, the rage settled in. His eyes narrowed, frown deepened and jaws clenched as raw anger pulsated through his nerves.

It was in the laundry room! How did it get there?The Kefta didn't suddenly grow legs and walked itself there. Someone was bold enough to remove it from Annika's body on purpose and had it taken to the laundry.

This someone dared defy him!

Now the question is… who is this someone?

Several days later…

Baghra sighed and turned to look at the fireplace. From the corner of her eyes she quietly observes Annika, sitting on the floor healing the unconscious rabbit that were laid flat before her.

Two done, three more to go.

Their session today was off to a wonderful start. As a matter of fact their interaction has become smoother since… Baghra found her mind thinking back to what the Darkling had said, when he intruded into her hut that night, drunk (something quite uncharacteristic of him).

"...crush her spirit so brutally that she has no one but me to turn to!"

To be honest she was not surprised when she learned this girl went to the Darkling to complain. What actually surprised her was how he acted afterwards.

Gossipers have long started to whisper about the General's growing infatuation with his errand girl. When those gossip reached Baghra's ear, at first, she expected it to be some sort of a crush. A grown man's crush on a younger woman. But now, it appears to have gone past the stage of a normal crush. If nothing is done soon it will be something deep and from there it will descend towards …obsession.

Baghra truly hoped it wouldn't come to that. The man is already obsessed with obtaining power. He doesn't need a little girl added to that list as well. Whose personality is also very questionable.

"Almost done! Just the last one left."

Baghra came back to the present with a snap as Annika intruded on her thoughts with a well timed barb.

"Would you say I have improved in terms of speed compared to the last couple of days?"

She turned back to the girl on the floor, with a cold hard gaze and said. "No girl, you're still too slow."

The dimpled smile disappeared and a childish pout took its place.

"I don't understand, what would it take to satisfy you…?"

"Don't focus on satisfying me. Work on improving your speed."

"Are you ever nice to anyon—" Before Annika could finish, the door to the hut abruptly opened and a pair of female Oprichniki strode in.

Baghra's cold gaze was the first to move to the intruders direction. Annika's followed suit.

"The General has summoned Miss Zenik." One of the guards in grey uniform announced.

"Don't you see I'm in the midst of my lesson." Annika told them off. But they stood their ground, like they always do.

"The matter is urgent, Miss Zenik."

Annika turned to Baghra for suggestion.

Irritated, the older woman made a motion with her hand, gesturing her to leave immediately and faced her burning fireplace again. Not knowing how long it will take Annika decided to quickly heal the last remaining unconscious rabbit before getting up on her feet and following the Oprichniki.

"I'll be back soon." She told Baghra before stepping out of her door.

"Better you don't comeback at all." The older woman retorted with a grunt, without taking her eyes off of the burning fireplace.

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.

.

This time the walk to the Darkling's quarter was short. Annika wasn't sure whether it was because of the speed at which they were covering the distance or did the Oprichniki opted to take a different route than what she usually did.

Smiling, Annika strode through the set of door that the guards held open for her.

For once the room wasn't empty. They were all gathered around the map table. The Darkling stood at the centre, alone. On his left stood the Corporaki— lvan and Fedyor. On his right were the Etherealki— Zoya, Polina and Pavel.

As she was summoned during her off duty hours, Annika also showed up in her signature red Kefta. Therefore she joined her fellow Corporalki and stood on the empty space beside Fedyor. Her eyes briefly met with the male Inferni, who stood across from her. Pavel flashed her a small smile followed by a careful wink before Annika quickly looked away and focused on the General who had his gaze lingering on her from the moment she stepped inside.

"Now that we have our Healer amongst us, let us begin..." He begun, smiling.

Soon as Kirigan made the revelation, the faces of the people around him changed instantly.

With the exception of Fedyor and Pavel, not a single one appeared excited. Annika included! Her mouth parted in shock, clearly indicating how unprepared she was for this news. Ivan's frowned deepened in dissatisfaction. Polina's jaw clenched when she noticed her brother's increasing excitement. And Zoya didn't bother hold back, she downright protested. To hell with manners! Somebody needed to tell the man he was making a big mistake.

"You cannot be serious! Out of all the highly skilled Healers available here at the Palace you picked her!" She pointed her finger at Annika offensively. "Neither is she a fully qualified Healer, nor is she a skilled fighter. She doesn't have an ounce of combat training. She is absolutely unfit to be put on the field. Taking her along would be equivalent to taking on huge liability. We'll all have to take turns to babysit her."

Kirigan was about to speak but Fedyor beat him to it.

"Come on Zoya, you're exaggerating. Annika isn't that weak." The Heartrender spoke up for the person beside him. But the feisty Suli put him on his place right then and there.

"Just look at her, I bet you she's already planning her escape."

"I must say, Zoya has a point." Polina came in support of Zoya.

"All I'm saying we need to give Annika a fair chance to prove herself." Fedyor refused to step down as well.

"Chances are meant for those who deserve it or at the very least want them. Look at her, does she look like she want one?"

"I have exams starting next week." Annika mumbled softly but it went unheard. As the rest were too focused on Zoya and Fedyor's argument.

"Need I remind you Zoya, that the very first time you travelled with the General, you were only thirteen."

"You cannot compare Nazyalensky to the little Zenik." Ivan spoke up and Polina joined him.

"Zoya has always been a skilled fighter."

"My intention is not to put Annika down. I'm just stating the truth and trying to save us all from additional trouble. We may not be going towards the Fyerdan border but the Shu border is no paradise. Our enemies on that side are getting sneakier than ever."

"I'm sure Annika can manage on her own. If not I could guide her through." Pavel also joined but he was against majority.

"Will you shut up!" Polina fixed him with a glare.

"Enough!" The General, who has been silent all these time put an instant end to the ongoing heated argument just using one word.

"Miss Zenik will be joining us as the Healer and that's final. As for her safety, she will be under my care. So, none of you need to take turns to watch over her. And you Zoya," he turned to the Squaller, cold unfiltered rage shining in his obsidian eyes, "one more word and I will find another Squaller."

Following the end of his speech a moment of silence passed between them. All eyes turned to the General and his favourite Squaller whilst their eyes continued to clash in a heated glare.

"Sir…?" Finally, after a long time the silence in the room was broken, by a timid voice.

That was all the Darkling needed to snap out and turn. "Yes... Miss Zenik."

"As much as I appreciate your offer I'm afraid I must decline; I have exams starting next week."

Some in the crowd started to snickers. With the exception of Zoya, of course. She only glared.

"Quiet." Once again just with a use of simple word the Darkling silenced everyone.

"I'm afraid you misunderstood my words Miss Zenik. It was not an offer, it's an order, that you are bound to obey."

"But my exams—"

"Not to worry, I have already taken care of that. You shall be sitting for your exams early… starting tomorrow."

"What?!" Annika exclaimed, in a voice louder than usual and was met with two sets of glaring eyes.

The decision was made. There was no going back from this point onwards.

The meeting finally began with a very stressed out General and bunch of upset soldiers.

Marie and Nadia joined a small group of female Etherealki students that stood outside the library, occupying the hallway. Amongst them a Squaller with red curly hair spoke in a whispering voice.

"Have you heard…"

"Heard what?" Asked another Squaller, a blonde with blue eyes.

Here in the Little Palace, gossip travels faster than the wind the Squallers manipulate and with added layer of words becomes hotter than an Inferni's fire.

"So I'm told, next week Annika Zenik is travelling with the General and his unit, to the Southern border."

"He is taking her! But she is still a student." Exclaimed Marie, surprised.

Beside her Nadia inquired in a slightly lower voice. "Is she that good at her job?"

Marie and Nadia were couple years senior to this group but age doesn't matter when it comes to gossiping. Their gossipy nature gives them easy access to every age group.

"She's not bad at her job, but her arrogance…" It was a Tidemaker that spoke, shrugging her shoulder in rage, "…it goes above the sky."

"Tell us more." Marie urged the Tidemaker to continue.

"Last month when I broke my ribs during training, she was the Healer who tended to me. And all throughout she was throwing me a disgusted glare like I am not worth her time. Then, before leaving advised me to bathe twice a day with lemon water. Who says something like that!"

"Saints!" Someone in the group cursed.

At that very moment Annika and her friend Irina walked past the group of gossipers and entered the library. While Annika paid them no heed, her friend glanced at them and flinched at the way they stared back. Even though the stare was meant for Annika it actually affected her mild natured friend.

"Why are Marie and Nadia with them?" Irina wondered in a low voice so only Annika could hear. But the latter completely disregarded her friend's concern like it's no big of a deal.

"So, who cares!"

Irina made an astonished face. "Those girls, Taisiya and her friends, they don't like you."

"Rina tell me something I don't know."

"I was just wondering what's Marie and Nadia doing with them. I thought they were your sister's friend."

"I was under the same impression..." Annika said, her tone suddenly changing to a grim one "..until I overheard them shaming Nina for her weight behind her back."

"It means now they talk about you as well. How does that not bother you?"

"They do that with everyone, just behind their back. Moreover, everyone talks about me, I have gotten used to it by now." Annika responded unbothered. "Ironically they always tend to come from ladies that cannot compete with me or men that cannot have me. And I don't think it will ever change, unless…" she trailed off thinking.

"Unless…?" Irina repeated.

"Unless, they suddenly find the mythical Sun Summoner. Now if you are done worrying can we please study. My exams starts tomorrow, not next week like you all."

With that, the two girls went on the collect the books and sit down to study.

.

.

.

Annika mumbled under her breath, another curse leaving her lips for the General.

She couldn't believe he did this to her! What was he thinking? How can she sit for her exams tomorrow? She hasn't even finished half the syllabus.

If she fails, it would definitely be his fault! The Darkling, hell bent on darkening her future.

From time to time the other Healer glanced at her friend, admiring her, while she studied seriously.

Yes, Irina quite admired Annika.

Some people just never learn!

It was the conclusion Polina came down to after catching her twin eyeing the younger Zenik girl for umpteenth time. Ever since General Kirigan declared she would be the Healer in their next trip to the southern border, he has gone from bad to worse. His excitement has reached the sky.

By now Polina has gotten tired of reminding him whose little sister that girl is.

Between Nina and Pavel it started off as simple tumbling. Neither were serious. Then again relationships between a Corporalnik and a Etherealki were uncommon. The most that happened between the two groups were a night of fun. Just like that, from time to time they tumbled. But as time passed somehow a connection was formed and Pavel stopped seeing straight. No matter where he looked, Nina was all he saw. Eventually the love between them staled and they went separate ways and moved on with their lives. Polina liked to think it happened from the Corporalnik's side, thanks to her own interference.

But for some reason ghost from the past don't seem to leave so easily. Because now Pavel is looking at Nina's little sister in the very same fashion.

Disgusting!

Pausing in his task David looked up to meet the expecting gaze of the girl in front of him.

"What can I do for you little Annika?" He asked smiling. Happy to see her at the workshop. It has been a while since she last visited.

"I'm sure you've already heard by now…"

For David, it was hard to read through the emotion in her voice. He studied her for a good long moment, yet couldn't tell if she was grateful for the opportunity or was she upset.

"Yes, I have. Congratulations on earning a position in the Second Army at such a young age."

"Thank you. But I'm sure this would just be a onetime thing."

"So have you come here to bid farewell to Viktor?" David asked returning to his pending task.

"Actually, I came for a different purpose." Annika said fidgeting her fingers. "As you already know the South is known for its warm humid weather…"

David looked at her again, this time with raised a brow, trying to figure out where she was taking this.

"…I was hoping you could make me a special moisturizing soap for the hair that would help retain its shine and silky texture and not make it dry and frizzy."

"When do you need it?"

"We depart in three days…"

He thought for a moment, doing a mental calculation, then simply stated. "It can be done."

"Thank you so much David! You are the best of the best Fabrikator to exist." Bending down she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before running out of the workshop all excited.

Once the door closed behind Annika's retreating figure, Viktor came out of hiding. He stood beside his brother and declared,

"I will make that soap for her."

Hearing his brother say that David turned and made a face.

"I need some relaxers. May I borrow couple pieces from your kit?" Annika approached Genya, when she ran into the Tailor in one of the hallways of the Little Palace the very next day.

"Why, what happened to your face?"

"Take a look," Annika pointed a finger at herself haughtily "does it look like something happened to my face."

"Then why are you asking for my kit? Not like you know how to use half the stuff in there." The redhead crossed her arms across her chest.

"I'll be taking them as a precautionary measure. I have even asked David to make me a moisturizing soap for the hair. Just incase the hot-humid air turns my hair horrendous."

Frowning, Genya asked. "Where exactly are you going?" A bad feeling cooking up inside her gut, but she did her best to conceal it.

"To the Southern border."

"With who?"

"Genya! Have you been living in the cave? The entire palace knows by now and you except me to believe you don't know."

"You're going with the General." She muttered in disbelief.

Annika nodded her head, "And his unit."

Fear crawled up the Tailor's spine. That was all the information she needed in order to panic and panic she did.

"Saints! It doesn't make sense. How did you qualify when you're still a student!"

"Why don't you ask him." Annika pointed her finger out of the window towards the man in Black Kefta, who was on the courtyard, walking back to the Little Palace from the Grand Palace with Ivan in tow.

"He made the decision, not me. You think I'd ever set my foot on a land that might ruin my hair." She said bitterly and vowed. "If something happens to my hair, I swear by the name of every Saints that exist— although I'm a nonbeliever, I will turn him bald permanently."

An emotion consisting of displeasure and fear flashed across Genya's face. She paid little to no attention to Annika's ranting. The girl was focusing her energy on somewhere that is completely irrelevant. When she should be focusing on the important aspects; such as why the General has chosen her or how can she skip it.

"Did you tell him that you don't want to go?"

"Of course I did! I told him I have exams. Turned out, he already had the matter handled from before. As a result I had to sit for the exams a week early."

"Did you mention that you aren't fit for the field?" Genya asked, almost demanding.

"Zoya did. Screaming at the top of her lungs she pointed out all my deficiencies. But the General didn't listen."

"Annika…" The redhead grabbed the black haired girl by the arms tightly and looked her right in the eyes to convey the seriousness of her words.

"Listen to me, don't go! For your betterment don't go."

Annika sighed. Now it was her turn to be frustrated.

"You're making it sound so easy. Have you forgotten that he is the General, he commands and we listen. Not the other way around! And for the record, I'm still serving my punishment for blowing up the Fabrikators workshop months ago. Do you think I stand on a position to rebel? ...I don't!"

"You have to understand I've seen things that put me in the position to question his motives about—"

Annika didn't let her finish.

"You may have seen things Genya but I experienced. I experienced things that I don't wish to re-experience. No! I don't want to be hoisted up on the table…" Realizing what she was about to say, Annika stopped. Her face turned completely pale, eyes wide like plates. Something akin to deep fear reflected on them.

"Annika… are you okay?"

"Please excuse me."

Quickly freeing herself out of Genya's vice like grip Annika left, not wanting to explain or hear another repetition of other's meaningless warning.

Her last exam finished on the evening before her departure. Leaving Annika only the remainder of the night to herself, which she was forced to spend with her handful of friends; as they refused to leave her alone.

Although Annika couldn't understand why. She's going away for couple of weeks only, not leaving the Little Palace for good. So what was even the point of making such a big deal out of it. Or could it be that they have already assumed she would never return.

Shaking free from those silly thoughts Annika focused on listening to Olga, her classmate who was updating her on all the gossip she overheard on the training ground this morning.

Later that night, after dinner, Dimitri joined Annika in her room to help her out with last minute packing. Tomorrow, after sunrise, she would head out with the Darkling and his entourage.

Irina and Olga were also supposed to join them. But Dimitri paid one his Heartrender peer to put the other two Healers to sleep for the night, so he could have Annika all to himself for tonight. For what they know this could possibly be her last night in the Little Palace.

Behind closed doors a lot of people, Dimitri included, were still questioning the General's decision— what was he thinking?

The only time he had someone so young join him was Zoya Nazyalensky. At tender age of thirteen Zoya accompanied the General and several older Grisha on a trip to Tsibeya to search for the white tigers of Ilmisk, where an amplifier was suspected to be located.

However, there can be no comparison between Zoya and Annika. Even at such a young age Zoya was highly skilled Squaller and an exceptional fighter. Whereas Annika is nothing! She maybe a Healer, but definitely not an exceptional one. In fact she has some really bad records. Twice she sealed off wound from the top without healing it from the inside properly. On one particular occasion she closed off a bullet wound without taking out the bullet first and caused the patient severe infections. These are facts known by all. Definitely Kirigan is aware. If not, Dimitri is pretty sure the senior Healers warned him when he made the decision and yet he chose to go against all odds.

But why? …What is his motive? …Perhaps he has some other agenda.

Shaking his head free of the thoughts Dimitri tried to focus on the task Annika had assigned him, which is— to neatly fold all of her nightgowns.

"Do you trust him?" Asked Dimitri once he finally gathered the courage to do so.

Slowly, Annika's lilac eyes looked up and clashed with his black ones. She did not say a thing, so the boy decided to elaborate what he meant.

"It wouldn't be the first time an older man tried his luck with you. It has been months that you are working under him. People with little amount of intellect can see this sham of punishment is just an excuse for him to keep you close."

Something dark flashed within her eyes. She stopped mid task and wordlessly sat down beside him. Dimitri had no intention of pressuring her to speak. However he had witnessed couple of interaction between her and the General which are calls for concern.

The very first time the Inferni found himself questioning the General's motive was when he witnessed the man watching Annika walk away—his gaze lower than where it is considered appropriate. In all honesty as a man he understood the General in that position. He wasn't totally at fault. Despite being a borderline skeleton, the girl knew how to sway her hips to a perfect rhythm. It's a tempting sight, which can be quite difficult to look away from. Truth be told, many others including Dimitri himself fell victim to such allure of Annika many-many times.

Second time was when they were in the garden and the General was describing her differences between the flowers or something of that sort. Dimitri stood very far away, therefore he didn't hear much of their conversation. But he did not miss a second of the action going on between their hands. The General had held her wrist in a tight grip. Annika took four attempts to pull her wrist free but each one of those attempts only led to further tightening of his grasp. It reached a point where Dimitri feared whether the man fractured her wrist-bone.

Since then the arose suspicion in his mind changed to confirmation.

From then onwards the more he observed the more he noticed the Shadow Summoner's unnecessary means of touching Annika. Whether it was petting the head, caressing the face or playing with the strands of her hair. It maybe subtle and looked innocent but the fact of the matter is— his hand is always reaching out for her even when there is no need.

"You didn't answer me… yet." Dimitri said sternly, his eyes gliding over to the pair of candles flickering on the stand beside the bed.

"…No… I—" The eruptions of an unexpected knock on the door cut her off.

Groaning, Dimitri got up to answer the door.

He was slightly surprised and to some extent disappointed to find Viktor on the other side. He was hoping to spend the time with Annika alone. Nonetheless invited the Alkemi in.

Once Dimitri moved away Viktor awkwardly strode in. His eyes glistening once it landed on the owner of the room. The look on Annika's face explained that she wasn't expecting the Alkemi. His appearance was a surprise for her, regardless it a pleasant one.

"I've brought you, your soap." Viktor told her.

"I thought David was…" Realizing what has actually happened, the Healer stopped and thanked him after accepting the package from his hand.

Viktor smiled, awkwardly. Currently his connection with Annika wasn't as smooth as it used to be. The two of them haven't even spoken for months. But when the news spread of her supposedly travelling to south with General's unit, it all changed. Viktor knew right away that he had to see her before she left. If possible make things right.

So when she showed up at the workshop the other day requesting David to make her a special hair soap, Viktor decided to take the task upon himself. It was the only excuse he could use to see her before she left.

Not sure what to exactly do, Viktor extended a hand and pet her on the head. But Annika had a totally different reaction. Instantly she pounced on him, pulling him in for a tight hug.

Dimitri's stare dropped to the floor. Feeling left out while the duo remained in tight embrace made his heart throb painfully. Yet he chose not to intervene and simply let them be, deciding to bide his time for now.

It can be changed after she returns.

And that is precisely what he will do.

Following their altercation, the atmosphere between Genya and Annika had been rather tense. The two did their best to not cross path. Genya avoided going to the Little Palace and Annika did not seek her out either.

Being reminded that Annika would leave soon, changed the point of view from Genya's side. She wanted to put an end to whatever tension has built up between them.

Sadly time didn't sit idle, it flew rapidly while the Tailor contemplated on how to clear up their misunderstanding prior to the other's departure.

At last, the departure time arrived before Genya could manage to come up with something.

A flash of regret passed over Genya's face as she watched through one of the many windows of the Grand Palace.

The group gathered at the courtyard. They stood circling the General who appeared to be giving out last minute instructions. Annika was also amongst them, playing with her long braid, looking unquestionably confused. After the General finished, they split into two groups— The General and Annika being one, and the rest being another. While the latter group mounted on their respective horses alongside the Oprichniki, the former group boarded the ebony coach.

Genya's brows furrowed and her gaze narrowed down watching the Darkling's hand move down to touch the young girl at the small of her back as he assisted her climb into the coach.

A part of her wished she could have done something to prevent this. Although realistically speaking there was nothing Genya Safin, the Queen's Tailor could have done to stop the Darkling from taking his Healer with him.

The coach set off and Genya took a step back from the window. At this point like everyone else she too couldn't wrap her mind around the General's motives. What did he want from Annika? He is definitely trying to get something. The likes of him are always after something. But what is it? What could an unserious reckless child possibly have to offer him?

In addition to that, came the situation involving his Kefta.

Naturally Genya was struck by thunder when she initially stumbled upon the scene. Anyone in her place would have reacted the same way, if not worse. Afterwards, when she replayed the scenario in a calm-cool head, multiple questions regarding this situation came racing back to her mind.

Such as: Why leave his Kefta behind even when he carried her back to her bedchamber. It would have made sense to cover her up with a blanket. Kefta's are not meant to be shared, especially not his. Nobody has ever worn his colour, let alone his Kefta!

Does this mean he was trying to convey a message.

If so, then to whom— Annika? Probably.

And what hint was the Healer supposed to take from this— that he was marking her as his territory. …Perhaps.

If that was his plan…

A smile curved up the Tailor's lips. The supposed success swelled up her chest with pride.

…then it indisputably failed. Because she removed the Kefta and took it to the laundry room long before Annika opened her eyes.

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

Reply to Rosebud: I'm glad you enjoyed. Hope you'll enjoy the new chapter as well.

Reply to darkling simp: Oh she's definitely too young. Way too young. And I'm glad to hear you liked it. Hopefully you'll like something in this chapter too.

Reply to Julie: Darklika… lol. It took me a while to figure that out. Sorry.

Well… the only thing to feel for General right now is concern. No, sorry that should be saved for Annika.

Here's what I think in terms of what's happening in his headspace (correct me if I'm wrong)— when you live for that long it's very easy for the mental imbalance to invade in. So…

As for Alina to arrive, that's not until at least 5 to 8 chapters. It's kind of a long way to go. I haven't thought about it so far whether Annika will be there when they discover the Sun Summoner or waiting at the palace. Wait a minute— waiting for who?! Darkling and the sun summoner to arrive? Frankly I wish I had insight into what would happened then, but I don't, yet. However, I don't think Annika would be roaming around Alina, unless she's punished to do so. Let's see where her situation would be then.

As for the black kefta situation… here's what I think happened— he probably put the kefta on her first. Then realized, leaving in the library covered with his kefta isn't a good idea. So he took her back to the room. And probably, he didn't bother taking it back just so he could see how she reacts.

Reply to guest#2: In the book Alina was 17. Not sure about the tv show. Depending on the time skip Annika would be around 16.

With Zoya situation… doesn't everyone react that way when power starts to slip away from their fingers. Well… if he is thinking about her in that situation then it's definitely disturbing and DISGUSTING!

Reply to guest#1: Annika is those parasites of the society who thinks good looks can get you everything. And the reason for her such mentality is because she has everything coming to her easily. Of course this good look is completely useless in the battlefield. But she had no idea about it. Actually she has no idea about the world outside the walls of the palace or the war that's tearing apart their country. So far, she lives in her own life bubble. She is yet to see the harsh reality of life.

And I totally agree with you, these are the people who learn their lesson in the most harsh manner. Let's hope Annika wake up before that.

Then Baghra, no one ever criticized her looks not even the Darkling. Baghra was the only person who blatantly criticized her looks. So you can imagine how much it infuriated her. Hence why she didn't even think twice before snitching.