Chapter 12

The two female Corporalki were on their way to class, when in one of the hallways they crossed path with an Alkemi coming from the opposite direction.

The approaching Grisha clad in purple Kefta smiled at Annika. The Corporalnik in turn greeted her back with a grin that couldn't get any broader.

"Good morning beautiful." Annika greeted Oksana. Fully ignoring the judging glance from her friend beside her.

The Alkemi smiled. "Morning Annika. Are you going to class?"

"Yes."

"Very well then, I shall see you around."

"Why don't you drop by my room in the evening. I was planning on staying in for dinner tonight. Join me." Annika invited.

Irina frowned deeply. Her face went rigid in concern. First off Annika wasn't planning on staying in for dinner. So why lie and invite the other? Why was she so desperate to please this person recently? It made no sense, nor did it settle well with the other Healer. But she chose to keep those opinions to herself till the Fabrikator was out of earshot.

"What was that, Annika?!" Irina hissed, glaring down her friend like a disappointed mother. Hoping those frightening big eyes would knock some sense into the girl, who was being absolutely foolish at the moment.

"What was what?" Annika asked flatly, shooting back a bewildered look.

"You're friends with that Alkemi now?!" Irina couldn't be bothered with how rude and arrogant her tone came off. Her main focus was to make Annika understand— whatever it is she's trying to do is probably a mistake. A big mistake!

"Yes I am, is there a problem?"

"Even after she beat you up like a dog in front of everyone."

"Stop being so dramatic Rina! You're making it sound like she assaulted me. We were sparring, and Oksana won fair and square." She in fact defended the Alkemi, acting like her friend's concern was utterly pointless and there was nothing to worry about.

"I don't get a good vibe from her. I think it's best you keep your distance." It was an advise from a concerned friend. Something that should have been taken seriously. But instead Annika made a face and brushed it off like it was nothing.

"I'm serious. Something about her seems off."

This time Annika rolled her eyes. Honestly, at the moment she wasn't in the mood to entertain Irina's conspiracy theories. That aside, Oksana is a kind person. Plus friendship with her came with bonus— day to day information on Viktor. And Annika would have to be a fool to pass on an opportunity like that.

Bickering like an old married couple the two girls entered the classroom and soon enough Oksana was a forgotten topic.

Later that day, inside the library:

Annika cursed herself as she struggled to reach the top shelf.

To get a breather, often she volunteered to run such chores. And it's just so that, fetching books from library happened to be her most favourite one. Here she was able to take as long as she needed, as excuse to cover why she was long gone was easy. Plus she'd get to see some familiar faces on her way to the library and back. In addition to that, she had the option to take the longer route to pass by the Fabrikators workshop and catch a quick glance of Viktor at work.

She jumped again, hoping to make it far enough to just grasp the targeted book. But the task was proving to be impossible at this point due to differences in height. Annika wasn't exactly short, the shelves in here were too high. As a result making it difficult for her to reach.

'I'll need the ladder.' The thought crossed the Healer's mind as she braced herself for the last jump she'd make. If this doesn't work, she'll have go on the hunt for the ladder, which is probably laying somewhere unattended in this vast library.

Standing up on her toes, she extended her height and suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up.

Quickly she grabbed the book and thanked the person who lent her the helping hand after she was put down.

"Thanks Shasha! You're a life saver."

"I thought we decided on Vladamir. However, I'm glad you decided to stick to my original name." The deep voice whispered close to her ears, his lips suggestively tracing her earlobe.

"Moi Soverenyyi...?"

Colour drained from Annika's face instantly. She turned, whatever previous expression she had, was replaced with fear. Her pulses begin to quicken. Tension in the body escalating rapidly. His eyes roving over her body felt almost like a physical caress, which Annika did not appreciate. But was too scared to say anything.

Also, the reason why she took that name was because, she assumed it was her classmate Aleksander, who often assisted her with such difficulties. Little did she know, it would turn out to be the Aleksander she was least expecting.

"Did you not like your present?" On his part, in order to help her out of unease, Kirigan kept the conversation going. He took the book from her and placed it atop the pile she had made on the table in front of them.

Annika further stiffed, going absolutely rigid at the mention of it. Honestly, what could she even say...? That not only was she not impressed, but the whole thing left her terrified, rather than being impressed.

"That doll… how… where did you find it?" She finally asked, glancing around worried. Making sure nobody was around listening.

He turned, looking at her with amused eyes.

"Does it matter how I took possession of it?"Smiling, he cupped her face.

"What I want to understand is, how did you come to know about the doll?!" She found courage, voice becoming firmer towards the end.

His smile widened, thumb carefully tracing over her bottom lip. Tongue unknowingly darted out and chapped his own lips.

"There's a lot I know about you, Annika…" His hand moved, from her face to her hair, twirling with the tresses for a moment before tucking a thick lock behind her ear. "…I'm sure you understand that, don't you?"

Of course she did! Who wouldn't, after all his letter made his intention pretty clear.

"Pardon me sir, I should get going. My presence is required at the infirmary." She pulled back, picked up the book pile from the table and scurried out of the library.

Leaving the Darkling gazing at her retreating form longingly.

Little did either of them know there was another presence in the library, hidden behind a tall shelf far away, who had witnessed the entire interaction between the General and the young Grisha student.

Their dinner wasn't going so well. The two girls sat and ate quietly. Well, only one of them was actually eating, the other kept playing with her fork absently.

"Are you okay?" Oksana asked, breaking the tensed silence.

"Perfectly fine." Annika lied. It was written all over her face.

One would have to be a complete fool to believe the pretty Healer was telling the truth. Oksana certainly wasn't one. Hence why she found herself wondering, why the other invited her, in spite of not being in the right mindset to entertain her guest.

"You know… we could have done this some other time. It doesn't seem like you have the mindset to enjoy my company tonight. Or any company for a matter of fact."

"Oh no no no it's nothing like that!" Annika attempted to defend, but the look Oksana threw her made her shut up immediately.

"What's wrong Annika? You don't look alright."

"I—um…" She opened her mouth with the intention to say something but ultimately closed it off, after not finding the right words.

"You look terrified. What happened?" It was pointed out by Oksana, giving the other an encouraging push to speak further.

"It's just that somebody is bothering me."

"Who?"

The Healer thought for a long moment before replying. "A guard." An excuse she just came up with.

"A guard you say... that's strange…" the blonde pondered, furrowing her brows. "…they're not supposed to bother the Grisha."

"Maybe he's new and not familiar with rules."

Oksana threw Annika a look, suppressing the urge to laugh. Seriously was the girl that dumb? Didn't she have any knowledge on how the Oprichniki worked here?

"Highly unlikely, because they are instructed and trained not to bother the Grisha. Someone who feels negatively about the Grisha wouldn't even make it this far. They'll be eliminated from the initial stage of training."

Annika swallowed hard, finding herself running out of excuse. Oksana seems to have words readily sitting at the tip of her tongue to tackle everything she'd say. Still, she added. "Maybe he's one of the rouge, who doesn't take the rules and regulations seriously."

"Probably…" Oksana chuckled, bringing the glass to her lips to take a sip of water. A perfect idea just entered her mind. "But don't lose your sleep over this small matter, Annika. You have nothing to worry about. If this guard bothers you so much, why not complain to the General."

Annika— who just put a spoonful of food into her mouth, chocked.

"Careful there!" Oksana quickly passed her the glass of water. "Here, drink this."

Once the water finished, Annika put the glass down and muttered a soft thanks. But kept her gaze down, finding herself unable look at the other female.

"As I was saying, why not report it to the General?You have close ties with him after all."

Frustrated, Annika bit the inside of her mouth. She was hoping for the General's topic to be diverted, but alas! Oksana had to bring it back.

"I have no ties with the General." She straight up denied. "While it's true that I worked for him for sometime, doesn't mean I have connection with him. I doubt he even remembers my name."

"Oh! I see…" Oksana's face remained impassive. Unlike Annika's, who was heavily struggling to hold up the brave upfront.She already predicted Annika would lie. Therefore the denial didn't surprise her.

But if Annika thought she would be able to getaway by denying, the foolish child was in for a rude awakening.

"Don't take it the wrong way, I don't mean to intrude. It's just that I've overheard a group of girls gossiping on my way here. Apparently, one of them claiming to have seen you and the General getting too comfortable in the library this afternoon."

"That's a lie!" Annika protested instantly, slamming her hands on the table. She was literally shaking. "I never left the infirmary today."

Oksana smirked, victoriously.

"Why are you getting so worked up Annika? I believe you. Trust me I do… but that doesn't mean everybody else will." She comforted, taking hold of the agitated girl's hands and squeezing them.

Truth is, despite not being a Heartrender, Oksana knew she was lying. After all, she was the one who had seen their interaction in the library.

But, Annika need not know that.

Thus another day goes as fast as it came.

Kirigan just returned from his trip to the neighbouring town and stepped into the threshold of the Little Palace with the image of an undeniably beautiful sunset at his back. However, he doesn't get time to admire the breathtaking view of the beautiful late afternoon, because a view far better in comparison to the one behind, has appeared before him.

Annika, no— His Annika! Strolling the garden with a small basket in hand.

"Good afternoon Miss Zenik." He greeted her, approaching. There's no way he would simply let an opportunity such as this pass. "I see you're collecting flowers. Who are they for?"

"Moi soverennyi." She acknowledged unenthusiastically, glancing over to see him closing in before refocusing on the flowers she was collecting and explained. "They're for a friend of mine, she will make medicine with these, which will help heal the most difficult and complicated wounds faster. In case a healer falls in the battlefield, these medications could be used an as alternative. They will be far more advanced than the ones used by the first army medics."

Gotten used to it by now he remained unfazed, nor did he feel the slightest bit of discouragement by her lack of interest. She wanted to ignore him, fine... he'd let her do that. Truth be told, he has come to terms with the fact that he is dancing alone in these feelings… for now.

It was obvious nothing was happening around her side. Whereas with him, even the smallest of glance at her made him feel all the more: aroused but lonely, desperate but uneasy, and thirsty in ways he couldn't possibly explain. Kirigan didn't know how to handle such wide range of not to mention wild emotions. And to have them experience solo was difficult and to some extent humiliating.

But he's adamant on changing that. It wouldn't be one sided for long.

He stood close, closer than what was considered appropriate. Without sparing her anything more than a glance. Rather kept his eyes glued on the setting sun, over the horizon.

"I was told your expected return was sometime next week." Annika asked out of the blue.

"It was," he admitted, without looking. "but I chose to come back early."

"Why?"

"For you…" She turned, with an arched brow. He started back with double the intensity. "…I wanted to see you, Annika."

Chewing her bottom lip the girl hummed. No further desire to entertain this conversation. Quietly, she proceeded to pluck her flowers and put them into basket. Taking mental preparation to flee the spot soon as the basket becomes full.

Closing his eyes Kirigan inhaled, clearly aroused by her scent that just invaded his system through the nose.

The part of him that longs for her is greedy. It wants her all to himself, at all times. It's a terrible thing to think, to let your mind wander to places so dark, yet he couldn't help but picture how he would make love to her on his large bed, every night when he lay there absently starting at the canopy. What would it be like just to have her with him. Her blinding smile, gentle touches and sometimes spicy mouth. And above all her Healer abilities, which are improving impressively every passing day.

"I've brought something for you." He informed. "They're waiting for you, in your room."

"I'm sorry— what?!" Why would he be giving her gift again, when there is no occasion. She didn't understand and faced him again, this time with confusion laced face.

"Why are you giving me presents for no reason?" She demanded, unable to help it. "Did you by chance find the King's hidden treasure and now you don't know how to spend all that money?"

Obsidian eyes locked with lilac ones. One softly gazing, other glaring. He grinned, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips to softly kiss it.

"Rest assured Miss Zenik, if such was the case… you are the only person in this world with whom I'd share that treasure." He quipped, playing with her fingers. Then suddenly his tone turned serious. "With you I'd share anything and everything, Annika."

"Why are you doing this, sir?!" The word 'sir' was emphasized.

With her so close Kirigan's heart started to race once more. And it was something which caught the Corporalnik's attention right away.

"Why are you asking when you already know the answer. Go read my letter if you have forgotten." He said, freeing her hand from his grasp.

Taking couple of steps back, Annika turned her back on him. Giving him the freedom to interpret the meaning of her action.

A silence fell between them which Kirigan didn't bother break.

The temperature continued to drop and the breeze around them turned chillier. Annika immediately regretted not wearing her Kefta, as it effected badly, making her wrap her arms around her body to keep herself warm.

Noticing her do that, Kirigan quickly shrug off his Kefta (since he wasn't wearing the cloak) and gently draped it over her shoulders.

"What are doing?! It's your Kefta!" Annika exclaimed. Eyes going wide like it would pop out any moment.

"Like I said, with you I would share anything and everything." He reminded.

"Sir… but it's inappropriate!"

"Let it be."

"Sir I—"

"Ssshhh…" He put a glove covered finger to her lip and silenced her.

A shiver ran down her spine. The sudden intensity of his gaze overwhelmed her.

"I wouldn't be here for long, so please let me enjoy the brief moment of peace... with you." He pleaded, retuning to watch the setting sun. But kept a firm grip on her hand. Leaving her with only one choice…

...to comply.

Zoya watched the scene playing out in the garden, hidden behind one of the windows of the Little Palace. Her eyes wide with never before seen shock.

Then again who wouldn't be? The General, who doesn't permit anyone to wear his colour, Black, just draped his Kefta on the girl as if it was a random blanket.

Clearly, the man was no longer hiding that he was seduce the younger Zenik. While he didn't intend to do so openly, her reluctance left him with no other choice.

From what Zoya knew, Kirigan did everything for a reason. And that reason happen to be creating a world where his Grisha would be safe. So what role does Annika play here? What kind of contribution could she possibly make? After all, he didn't just drape his Kefta over her for nothing! The reason has to be far deeper than it appears to the eyes.

Despite remaining lost in deep thought, her eyes unintentionally picked up a detail that made the Squaller snap back to reality— just like her, another person was also watching them, a Fabrikator, fuming in rage.

The set of dark brows furrowed.

The worrying factor was Zoya has seen Annika and this individual interact a lot recently.

The next seven to eight weeks went by so fast, that to Annika most of it was blurry. She was busy preparing for her exams, training at the infirmary and stuffing all the gifts she was receiving from the General under her bed; which for some reason wouldn't stop coming.

Even this morning Ivan showed up with a basket full of red apple. Annika accepted them without argument, but following the Heartrender's exit she simply shoved the basket under her bed.

So far he had sent her jewelleries, mostly consisting of earrings. Then there were hair accessories such as clips and pins, a comb set made with mahogany wood. With the addition of luxurious oil, soaps and fragrances for body and hair separately. And of course small bouquet of flowers would be dropped off frequently.

It would be a lie to say the thought of sending them back never crossed Annika's mind, she prepared herself too. But because they were sent with Ivan's hands, she failed to implement it. Too frightened by the straight face the Heartrender always came bearing.

Soon the Heartrender's recurring visit was getting noticed by the other students. Despite all of Annika's efforts to hide, they were becoming knowledgeable.

It also didn't help when the General himself was starting to act slightly outside of his usual character. One evening to everyone's shock he showed up at the dining hall to eat with his Grishas. Then two weeks later, he casually dropped by the academy to check on the students progress (something he had never done before). As much as these gesture were appreciated, it led to the biggest gossip in the palace.

He also called on her from time to time by stabbing his palm with a letter opener. It repeated so many times that it became tiring.

Then one day, losing patience, Annika suggested him to come up with something more creative. A smile crept up to her lips as she gave him the piece of advice. It was that smile of her, which gave him light of hope. In turn he promised that in the near future he'd definitely surprise her.

And he kept his words.

Next time Annika was summoned, it was to treat him for a chest injury— he carved out her name in old Ravkan, over his heart with a dagger. Although she was able to heal the wound but since the cut was engraved so deeply, the marks remained. She was about to fetch Genya to finish off the task but he prevented. As a result her name remained, sitting proudly on his chest as if it was a colourless tattoo.

On the bright side, a new friendship was blooming between them. For now Kirigan was content with that. Sadly, this little bit of happiness was only applicable on his side. Annika's situation on the other hand was becoming increasingly difficult. Aside from Oksana's nosy ass trying to constantly ask around about the General, Zoya's glare and Genya advise/lectures on powerful men were driving her nuts.

Right when she thought it couldn't get any worse, came Polina.

Besides practicing her skills in healing, Annika also worked hard at mastering hiding and walking away to avoid nosy people. Polina of course happened to be at the front line of that.

"Not everyone gets the privilege to be the Darkling's Darling! Enjoy and take advantage of it while it lasts." Polina made the comment, eyes throwing a look of disgust in Annika's direction as the latter bumped onto her while running to class one morning.

Darkling's what?! Annika looked at her astonished. Wondering how the woman even came up with this name. But of course Polina wouldn't explain.

Darkling's Darling— a cruel nickname that Polina first uttered and her peers adapted later. As much as Annika attempted to brush it off, it did bother her when people called herthat. She absolutely despised it.

Sometimes a girl's beauty becomes her biggest enemy. For Annika Zenik it was that time. For she and the Darkling were engaged in an invisible battle, wherein she was using all her strength to keep away from him. He was using all advantages and opportunities to show her how special she was to him.

It was an unfair battle, which he was winning unquestionably.

Oksana tried asking again, but it was another let down.

Annika denied it all, as usual.

That aside, recently she has been taking drastic measures to hide whatever it was going on between them. But Oksana was determined to find out. Hence why she took the huge risk and followed them when the General started taking her out for ride.

Back to back three times she pulled the stunt. First time— he took her to the lakeside and watched the sunset. At a certain point he became comfortable enough to let his guard down and lay down resting his head on her lap. Second time— it was by the well. There, they practiced. The General would inflict various kind of injuries upon himself and make her heal him from a distance. Third time— Annika was crying into the General's chest, complaining about someone named Daniel. In about two days time a Corpiralnik by that name was sent to the Fjerdan border.

After all these Annika still had the audacity to deny. To say Oksana was surprised, would be a massive understatement. She wasn't just surprised, she was outraged. But she never let Annika or anyone understand that.

Initially they used to take two horses, each ride their own. Then one of the days Annika returned injured, badly bleeding from one of the legs. Various sources claimed to have seen the General carry her back to her room and privately summon the head Healer to treat her. Genya showed up afterwards to fix that ugly bruise Annika was left with on her leg. Despite all these top class efforts, the younger Zenik still limped for the next couple of days.

Of course Oksana asked what happened, like any concerned friends would do. Even here Annika lied! Claiming she had missed a step and fell down the stairs. The latter's choice to lie left a bitter taste in the former's mouth.

Following this incident, they stopped going for rides for a long time. When the tradition began once more, they'd take only one horse— the General's horse.

Few days later:

"Annika…?"

Oksana knocked on the door but received no response.

"Are you in there… Annika?!" She knocked again, louder this time.

Still no response.

She was about to knock again when someone from behind informed.

"Annika left for the infirmary a moment ago. She's scheduled for the overnight shift tonight."

Thanking the passerby who just gave her the information, Oksana was about to leave… Only to realize halfway— Annika isn't in the room, nor will she return until dawn.

Therefore… it is her only chance.

Her footsteps reached an abrupt halt. Turning back on her heels, the Alkemi headed back the way she came.

Looking left and right carefully, she opened the door and stepped inside. Then, without wasting a moment jumped into a frantic search. And searched everywhere! On the bed, bedside tables, study table, dresser, cupboard and even the bathroom; but found nothing!

Disappointed, she thought to leave, but remembered right when she was about to open the door that she hasn't checked under the bed. As she clearly recalls having a glimpse of the Healer shoving a box under the bed.

So she checked, with eyes going wide and jaw dropping to the ground, she was left speechless.

After the shock subsided, Oksana opened each and every one of the boxes, examined all the presents. Read all his letters and then just sat there thinking…

Annika could complain all she wanted. When in reality the girl is sitting on an advantageous position beyond comprehensible. Living the oblivious life while being showered in head to toe presents from the most powerful man in all of Ravka. Without even having to as much as lift a finger, she has become important. And yet she wasn't satisfied and ranted about her phoney struggles. Whilst people with real suffering (just like her) are left behind, nor are they granted a chance to come forward.

How ironic… How unfair…

Someone needs to change this, perhaps she can do it.

A.N. Thank you all for reading. Hope you enjoyed. If you do notice any mistake, please feel free to point out.

Reply to guest: I hope the chapter answered your questions.