A.N. Apologies if you are seeing another update, it isn't. I ended up accidentally deleting the chapter while doing some changes. If you have read, no need to re-read.

Thank you.

Chapter 8

At the Darkling's command by nightfall the troop stopped to make a temporary camp. It was a much needed break. As the Grisha, guards and horses, all needed to eat and rest for sometime in order to continue on with the rest of the journey to their destination.

Tasks were divided into groups. While some went looking for food, others were putting up the tent and setting fire. Ivan discussed the watch shift with the guards. And the General, who surprisingly had nothing to do at the moment approached Annika.

The young Healer was hoovering over the mess, impatiently tapping her foot, trying to figure out how to setup her tent.

"Need some help…?" came the smooth voice from behind her.

Startled, she jumped on the spot before turning to face the person who seemed to have invaded her personal space, uninvited.

"Ah pardon me Moi Soverennyi, I didn't notice you. Was too distracted trying to figure out how to make this bloody tent." She responded pointing at her mess on the ground.

He followed her finger and chuckled.

"You could have come to me if you needed assistance."

Now it was her turn to laugh. Making him turn back to her confused.

"What are saying you sir? I cannot bother you about something so insignificant. Besides, I was waiting for Pavel to finish his so he could help me setup mine."

A flash of irritation went up his spine as he couldn't help the frown which etched itself onto his face. Why was she waiting for the Inferni, when she could have simply come to him? He can do a far better job!

"You don't need him. I will help you."

Annika blinked, shocked. "You know how to setup tent?"

"Watch me." He smirked, shrugging off his Kefta and handing it over to her to hold while he marched ahead and got started.

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"Oh my... I'm having a hard time deciding if I find this adorable or pathetic?" Polina was the first to open her mouth and break the silence with her snide remark. Definitely referring to the scene playing before them.

"I think it is adorable." Fedyor chimed in. "Look at him, he looks so relaxed. Wouldn't you say so Zoya...?" He looked at the Squaller who stood between him and the Inferni.

"Now I can't tell whether you are so naive or are you just purposely taunting her, Fedyor. What you are doing is basically showing a wife— her husband with his mistress."

"What does that mean?" The Heartrender's gaze moved from the Squaller to the Inferni. "What wife... what mistress... What exactly are you talking about Polina?"

"Stop it you two!" Zoya finally snapped.

The three of them returned with the group of Oprichniki after hunting couple of rabbits.

The Squaller was the first to freeze as they entered the campsite and stumbled upon the scene. The shock didn't only stay onto Zoya's face. Like those deadly contagious disease it rapidly spread onto the others as well. Even Fedyor wasn't spared. He was also struck speechless and blinked several times just to make sure his eyes weren't playing some tricks on him. But he chose to look at it with positive light unlike Polina who has been making a mockery out of it.

Then again she isn't truly at fault. Given that, not a single one of them had seen their leader being totally hands on before, as he was now; working on setting up their little Healer's tent.

While the Oprichiniki moved on to their task, the three Grisha remained, watching the General.

From the corner of her eyes Polina observed Zoya. The anger was apparent in her eyes. But she stayed quiet as she watched them standing close to each other, interacting in a flirtatious manner.

"He is working really hard. I suppose desperation do turn off shame at certain point." The Inferni continued with her derogatory comments.

"Mind your tongue Polina, don't forget who you are talking about." Zoya warned, hissing through gritted teeth. The hands resting at her side balled to fists, face crunching in bitterness.

"That is a rather mean way to put it. He is simply helping Annika, there is nothing wrong with that." Fedyor added, of course defending the General. Before following in the footsteps of the guards to prepare for dinner. Half the time he didn't take Polina's opinion seriously. In his opinion she always saw the negative in everything.

"Don't look at me like that." Said Polina, feeling Zoya's glare eyes on her form. "I'm simply stating what I'm seeing. We've travelled with General Kirigan plenty of times. When was the last time any of us had seen him setup his own tent…? And now, when little Zenik joined, suddenly he decided to grow a bigger heart and lend a helping hand!"

Their eyes met and the Inferni looked at her fellow Squaller sympathetically.

Not wanting anyone's sympathy Zoya quickly looked away and decided to join Fedyor, who was by the fire along with Pavel and some others, roasting the meat.

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Two separate fire were lit up, surrounded with thick logs. One taken by the Oprichniki and the other taken by the Grishas. Even here the Corporalki sat together and the Etherealki sat opposite to them.

Soon they were joined by the Shadow summoner, who took the seat beside the Healer, no less regally than in his own war room.

Annika and Fedyor paused their discussion about the upcoming Winter Fete to acknowledge the General. Whilst Ivan and the two Etherealki woman shared a look. Secretly judging the man's choice to sit on the small space beside the pretty Healer, by leaving the out the empty log that was placed solely for him.

Ignoring the others curious stares Kirigan handed Annika a thick strip of crisp meat. Which she immediately declined stating she doesn't eat meat. Disappointed, yet understanding he handed her a rye bread with some hard cheese.

For a moment Annika studied the items placed on her hand before her eyes narrowed and nose crunched in disgust.

"I'm sorry I can't eat this. It looks disgusting!"

The reaction on Kirigan face was priceless. He was so furious that he found himself speechless. No one has dared opposed him. Even if it was just about food. And here this cub was putting him in a challenging situation by refusing to eat.

Still, he opened his mouth to ask what she wanted to eat, but changed his mind half way. Realizing it would mean he is giving her too much of the special treatment. He maybe turning a blind eye, that doesn't mean he's actually blind. He has been observant of his fellow Grisha. Some of them— no most of them here haven't come to terms with the fact that he chose this student as the Healer. According to them, he is already being partial. Therefore he can't afford to make situation worse by showering additional favours upon her. She must learn to adapt with the situation and circumstances she's in. Otherwise she'll become spoiled.

"If everyone else can, then so can you! Don't act like a princess when you are just a soldier." He scolded.

"Now be a good girl and eat your food."

With that said he was about to do the same, take a bite of his own portion. But stopped when she said the following.

"I don't, I can't and I won't eat anything that looks so unappealing and disgusting!"

Someone gasped in the background, one of the Inferni twins. Zoya remained quiet on the outside at the same time was having quite the difficulty concealing her victorious smirk, because inside she was dancing in joy. The General will finally regret not listening to her.

"Then don't eat." Kirigan said after a moment of silence. Followed by taking a bite of his food.

Annika stared at him for sometime, looking like she would explode any moment. Then, without any proper notice she abruptly stood up on her feet. Tossed the food on her hand into the fire and stormed towards her tent.

Everyone including the Darkling quietly watched as she went. His obsidian eyes shining with various unreadable emotions.

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After dinner he set off on an adventure of his own.

Alone and all by himself Kirigan rummaged through the forest to gather whatever edible fruits he could find. That was how the Shadow Summoner ended up with pockets full of various kind of berries, cherries, plum.

Once the rage died down regret and disappointment seeped in. He personally took on her responsibility, promised to keep her safe. Yet on the first night she had to go to bed with empty stomach.

In his defence, it didn't quite occur to him that Annika would turn out to be such a picky eater. Since Nina was a food lover, he assumed Annika to be the same. Well… judging by the difference in their sizes he should have guessed it a lot earlier. That way it would have been easier to make the selection.

Then again, was he really thinking with the rational part of his brain when he decided to pick Annika as the Healer for this trip…?

No, he wasn't!

Truth be told, he cannot recall what prompted him to make such a dangerous choice.

Frustrated he ran a hand through his hair.

Although he hated to admit and would never do so openly; but Zoya was right. Annika is too inexperienced to handle the pressure of the world outside the walls of the Little Palace. And he brought her along without even giving her the basic survival training.

Not intending to keep his Healer hungry for long, he returned quickly and headed straight for her tent.

If only he knew of the surprise waiting for him…

The sound of laughter emerging from inside caught his attention as he closed in on her tent, making him stop on his track immediately. He was quick to figure out who was with her at this time of the night.

Pavel!

After the 'who' came 'why'.

Why is Pavel with her this late at night?

A sick feeling twisted in his stomach.

A part of him knew that he was possibly overthinking. Still, couldn't help it. His mind wouldn't calm down till it gets to the bottom of this.

For a moment he debated whether to barge in and intervene or observe from far for now. Before settling for the latter option.

Quietly and carefully he parted the flap of the tent and watched them converse while feasting on some pastries.

The sickening feeling in his stomach amplified instead of subsiding.

"Did you need something, sir?" A voice spoke lowly from the back, startling him.

But Kirigan didn't yelp or jump on the spot. Rather turned and faced Fedyor keeping his impassive face intact.

"What is he doing in there?" The Shadow Summoner demanded.

Fedyor didn't have to ask whom the General referring to. It was obvious.

"Apparently Pavel sneaked some pastries with him from the bakery for himself but decided to give them to Annika. How generous." Replied the Heartrender smiling to himself.

"I didn't ask for all that information, did I?" Irritated, Kirigan countered. Returning to his tent.

The last thing he needed to hear now was Pavel's praise. It was as if Feydor had a knack for bringing out the worst in him.

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Later that night after everyone was asleep Kirigan sneaked into her tent. With no ill intent of course; just to check if she slept alright.

Earlier he heard her ranting to one of the guards about not being able to sleep on the makeshift bed.

Interestingly though, in spite of all her earlier complains it didn't take too long for the girl to dose off. Perhaps not used to this kind of journey her body was exhausted. Therefore, soon as she hit the bed tiredness took over, making her pass out long before she knew it.

He placed himself on the bed beside her sleeping figure, without taking his gaze off of her for a single moment. She is a gorgeous sight no matter the time of the day or night. He could look at her forever and never get tired.

She mesmerizes him, always.

Unfortunately he isn't the only one, there are plenty of others who feel the same way. Grisha, Oprichniki, place staff. Multiple times he has caught handful of his guards ogling at her. Some were even bold enough to try and make a move. It is why he always assigns female guards anytime it has to do with her. Similarly, he is also paying the Apparat to keep her out of the King and the Crown Prince's sight. And so far that fraud is pretty good job.

The cold breeze passing through the flap of the tent made her tremble and spread goosebumps along her skin.

His eyes narrowed noticing she did not cover herself with the blanket properly. Most of it was pooled close to her feet and the bright red robe was doing quite the poor job at covering the exposed skin of her legs. Keeping them bare almost till mid-thighs.

Considering her height she had really long slender legs. With skin so fair... so smooth... so flawless. Just another addition to her already alluring features.

Unknowingly his hand reached out and grazed over her leg.

Her skin felt like butter.

There is no fire more damaging than the inferno that spreads beneath his skin every time they touch. It matters not who is doing the part of touching, whether it is him or her, the effects are always the same: he burns.

It's as if he is possessed by her, like she had engraved her name in every single cell and fiber of his body; marking him as her.

Those obsidian eyes moved again. This time to her chest and froze. Watching it rise and fall like like a starved animal that just found its meal.

His tongue darted out and chapped his drying lips. While his mind wondered off to a forbidden area. It peeked somewhere it shouldn't have, when he tried to picture how she would look… beneath him.

An electrifying shiver ran down his spine. Inside his chest, his heart rattled like a tin-can filled with stones.

Quickly, with a vigorous shake of the head he rid his mind off of the unholy thought and allowed the wiser side to kick in. He cursed himself under his breath for allowing his mind to travel into such dangerous territory.

Sighing he pulled the maroon blanket up her body and carefully tucked her underneath it. Then, just when he decided to leave there was a tug on one of his wrist. Before he could realize what was happening Kirigan was somehow dragged closer to her.

It took him a moment to register that she had turned to the other side taking his wrist into her arms.

All of a sudden the Darkling felt nervous. His breath was coming out shaky, body feeling unnaturally hot and those butterflies in the stomach made every nerve inside him tickle.

Then came the urge… the urge to…

He knew he had to get away from her before it was too late.

Taking a deep breath he carefully yet firmly snatched his arm back from her grasp. Fortunately it didn't wake up the sleeping girl. Even if it did, he had his shadows ready on the side to lull her back to sleep.

After that, without wasting a single moment there he stormed out of her tent with his remaining dignity.

He returned to his tent and frantically looked around in search of something to drink.

Luckily a bottle of Kvas stood at the corner of his table. Striding over he poured himself a glass and drank it in few long sips.

Once the thirst quenched, head calmed down, he was able to see the picture clearly.

Now it was certain, beyond doubt: He wanted her!

"The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak."

Right away his mother's most important lesson rang into his ear like a warning. Reminding him of all the dangerous consequences that will follow if he is to ever fall victim to weakness.

Sighing he put the chalice back down on the table and ran a hand through his hair.

Yes he knew very well that wanting makes an individual weak. He learned it first hand with Luda. Which is why he never wanted anyone after her. His life moved on, had many lovers but he never wanted them. In fact he never wanted anything aside from power... until now.

"The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak."

The words reeled in his mind once more.

And yet he couldn't help it. His darkness wanted her light.

Wait! What is he even thinking?

Her light...? Annika has no light! She's Healer not a Sun Summoner.

Chuckling, he proceeded to undress and headed for the bed once cladded in his sleeping robe.

If wanting Annika Zenik made him weak, then let it be. Over the years he has mastered the ability to conceal his weaknesses. Maybe it's time he put those abilities to use.

Moreover, the situation is vastly different now. What happened to Luda will not happen to Annika. He will make sure of it.

On the downside though, he will probably have to destroy many innocent lives in the process.

He already has done one.

And he is sure there will be more to come.

Meanwhile back at Os Alta, in the Grand Palace:

Genya walked in hurried footsteps to keep up with the maids that guided her to the last room in the east wing.

One of them pushed the door open and the redhead strode in.

Even though Genya was aware what she was walking into, yet, the moment her eyes landed on the person in the room, her heart dropped.

The girl is barely recognizable.

This isn't the Oksana she remembers. The once jolly Alkemi is nothing but a shell of her former self. Her radiant smile has been snatched from her and permanently replaced with the dead face.

The Tailor finally let out the breath she didn't know she was holding in all these time. She need not be told what happened with the other girl in the last couple months. Her state—the horrified eyes, the disheveled hair, marks of teeth and scratches all over the body spoke for themselves. Plus who better than Genya Safin knows what happens when that pervert lays his eyes on someone.

"The King is done with her, Miss Safin." One of the maids whispered into her ear. "She can be taken back to the Little Palace now."

Detecting hints of jealousy in the maids voice Genya rolled her eyes and decided it was best to get rid off then for now. So with a simple motion of her hand she shooed the shrews away. Patiently waiting on the side till the last one was out and the clicking sound of the door closing was heard in the background as confirmation.

Once that happened she cautiously approached the victim.

The poor girl was sitting on the floor, in a corner of the room curling up like a ball, pulling her knees to her chest.

Crouching down before her, Genya called the girl in the most tender voice she could master.

"Oksana?"

Although no response came from the other but Genya knew she was listening. The former proceeded to brush away the rusty blonde locks from the latter's face. But upon contact the Alkemi flinched. Making Genya immediately retracting her hand.

"Would you like me to fix you up before I take you back to your room."

This time however there was a response, but it came barely in the form of a nod of the head, which the redhead interpreted to be 'no'.

Next morning as they were about to set off Annika approached the General. Bouncing her way over to him, cheerful and all excited, the anger from last night completely forgotten. Requesting if she could ride on the horse instead of taking the coach with him.

While he appreciated her enthusiasm, he couldn't risk a fall by putting an inexperienced rider solo on a horse.

If he was riding then that's a different matter...

"You don't have experience riding, Annika." He reminded, before declining her request by simply stating, "I'm afraid what you are asking for cannot be granted. I cannot risk you suffering an injury. You are the only Healer I have brought."

"Nothing will happen." She guaranteed. Presenting the solution to his problem. "I'll ride with Pavel."

At once his heart jumped into his throat.

Pavel again!

The last thing he wanted to hear from her lips was that Inferni's name. His anger rose to a new height as the scene from last replayed before his eyes. First they eat pastries together and the very next morning she requests to ride with him.

It hit him like a hard slap across the face.

However, guided by the unhealthy desire to know, his distraught mind desperately tried to find reasons for his Healer's sudden closeness to the Inferni.

Were they friends? —Not possible. Pavel is too old to be her in her class. In that case, could he be one of those, trying to persue her? —Most probably. If so, then what could he do? Send him to the Fjerdan front. Maybe that will teach him a lesson; considering, he makes it out alive.

Lost in deep thought Kirigan failed to notice when his smile dropped lips turning his face stiff, jaws hard and the dark eyes even darker. There was a lot he wanted to say but chose to narrow down all his unsettling emotions and negative energies and have them channeled into one word— "No."

"No?!"

"No." He confirmed. "You will ride with me." The verdict was delivered smoothly. Having his enraged voice was concealed perfectly.

"But-but-but—" She tried to come up with something, only to be put down again.

"Like I said, I don't want to take any chances with your safety. You must remain by my side at all times." He said with a quick brush of his knuckles against her cheeks. The same hand then reached down to her arm and took hold of her elbow in a possessive grip.

"And Annika, just so you know..." Leaning down, he whispered into her ear. His lips almost caressing the shell of her ear. Sending odd sensations crawling down her back. "...next to me is the safest place for you to be."

Her eyes squinted, bewildered by his words.

And then when he was about to pull her towards the awaiting carriage, she stopped him.

"Long hours inside your dark coach gave me claustrophobia. At least let me be on the horse for the next few hours. ...Please sir." She added batting her lashes.

Oh the sound of her pleading voice... it sent shivers down his spine.

"Fine." He accepted defeat. But that only lasted a brief moment before a wicked smirk made it's way onto his lips. "But you are not riding with Pavel. It's either Zoya or Polina."

Her jaw dropped. "That's not fair! It's like you are asking me to choose between getting slapped by your right hand or left hand. Either way I still get slapped."

"Ivan then?"

"Now you're asking if I would prefer to be kicked in the ass instead of getting slapped across the face."

Throwing his head back Kirigan laughed at her reference.

"How about Fedyor?"

Satisfied at last, she smiled. Her hand reached for his and gave it a firm squeeze.

"Thank you, Moi Soverennyi."

No, thank you... Annika.

It's been few days since Oksana has been brought back to the Little Palace.

Even so she wasn't faring very well.

This palace has been her home since she was nine years old. But now, she doesn't know anymore.

At this point for her, everything is different. Her whole life turned upside down. All because the Darkling decided to use her as the bait, robbing everything off of her, while keeping the main party carefully concealed under his cloak like a rare treasure.

For days she remained cooped up in her room. Rethinking again and again why the General did this to her? Why destroy her life? What did she ever do to deserve such a fate?

She played no part in the fiasco and neither did Annika. However, that girl bore at least some degree of responsibility in that matter. As it was her biased-misleading behaviour that led to the unfortunate event and yet she, who had no connection to this at all had to pay the price.

How is this fair?

Oksana closed her eyes. Hands clutching the bedsheet under her, clawing the fabric. Rage she never knew to be in existence, pulsated through her nerves like ripples on the water.

Determined she reopened her eyes and left her bed. Walked to the closet, from where she grabbed her purple Kefta and wrapped it around herself before walking out her room for the first time in a while.

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Ignoring all stares and keeping her head straight, chin up Oksana walked into the training ground that morning. Eyes desperately searching for the Shu instructor. Whom she soon found, at the centre, speaking to a group of students.

She approached them bravely.

A Farbrikator in the training ground was rare. Which explains why all eyes were on her, watching curiously and also sympathetically since everyone already knew what happened with her.

Feeling her nearing Botkin turned.

"What is an Alkemi doing on the training ground?" He asked skeptically. After all it wasn't everyday that figures adorning purple Kefta marched the training grounds.

"Sir, I want you to teach me how to fight."

Everyone was taken aback by her request. Botkin included.

"Materialki's place is not on the training ground, it's in the workshop." Botkin reminded.

"I'm well aware sir. But I was hoping you would make an exception for me. I would like to learn how to fight. I need to… So that at in the future I can defend myself and the ones who are unable to defend themselves."

The former Shu mercenary found himself in a difficult situation. The Materialki are not meant for the field but here she was, standing with fire and determination in her eyes. Truth be told, Botkin didn't want to turn away a candidate with so much potential.

While the teacher appeared to be in deep thought the Heartrender standing close to him spoke up.

"Listen girl Botkin does have enough time to—"

"Enough Alexei!" He scolded the Heartrender for his insolence and sent him away.

All this time he was hesitating but this Heartrender's attitude towards the Alkemi helped him make up his mind.

"You start tomorrow..." He trialed off not knowing her name.

"Oksana, sir."

"Oksana," he repeated. "You start tomorrow."

"Thank you for giving me the chance sir. I promise, I won't let you down."

"I know you won't."

She managed to give out a smile. Her first smile in the last couple months.

A/N: Thank you for reading hope you enjoyed.

Reply to Julie: Well thankfully right now he has no idea and Genya is safe. The point is he might soon figure it out and if he does, then who knows what he will do to her.

Yes Annika is finally outside of the little Palace. Maybe she will gain some experience or at least learn something from this trip.

As for Zoya… in the show Alina chose to duel with her. Zoya was decent enough to give her the chance to back out. Let's see what happens in Annika's case. However, even if Zoya doesn't attack her, doesn't mean someone else won't.

Also, the reason why Zoya so openly opposed to the idea of bringing Annika is because she knows Annika isn't reliable. If you remember in the first chapter she left Zoya's without fully healing her after hearing Viktor has been injured. Plus some of her blunders were pointed out. Knowing all these who in their right mind would happily accept this decision. Even Annika herself wasn't happy to be chosen. She tried to evade. Too bad he didn't give her any such chances.

Lastly I'm glad to hear you found the opening scene funny. The purpose is to make Annika a reckless, unserious character until a certain time. Hope I succeeded.

Reply to guest: Yes she definitely is one.