When morning came I laid there in my new bed as I knew there wasn't a point in going down to breakfast. I couldn't wear that kefta and I had to stay away from the others until I had my new one. I knew Genya would be here soon and I just had to accept that this was my thing for now or so I thought. I wanted to close my eyes and think this was all a dream up until she walked in with a bag. I sat up interested and excited to see what she had for me as I saw her assistants bring me breakfast and sat it down.
"what's that?" I asked
"Your new Kefta fabricators worked on it last night under the darklings orders." Genya said
I started to eat as I watched her unzip it and reveal the Kefta as I looked in shock. I almost choked on what I was eating seeing the color. I had to have a drink so I would be able to say something as she seemed to be excited. I picked up the cloth seeing it was black, the thought had crossed my mind back when Nadia and Marie said.
"Black" I said
"Let's have you try it on." Genya said
I finished up my breakfast before I let her help me into it as I looked at myself in the mirror seeing the sun summoner design around the collar part of the kefta and on my sleeves were the tidemaker design. Genya looked at me in the mirror with the kefta on and she smiled. I wondered what was going on and why the rush when he said a day or two.
"You're not going out to train still." Genya said
"I'm not?" I asked
"No, you are going horse riding with the general. He seems to want to show you some things." Genya said, "Still, let's get you ready."
Once again she had her bag and I realized I may not be doing any training with the other summoners until I was presented to the King and Queen. The idea annoyed me but I would have to deal with it over time and get used to the idea. Partly I wondered if he was trying to claim me with this Kefta being his color.
"You look good by the way." She said as she did my makeup again, nothing over the top just settled on makeup like I had on yesterday. "Most Grisha have to wear the normal color of blue in your group."
"It feels like he's putting a claim on me." I said
"Well, if he is then you are taking Zoya's place. You deserve to be happy and let yourself be happy while you're here." Genya said as she finished "all done. Now go on to the front of the little palace."
I looked over at myself once more and I had to admit Genya was right; this looked great on me. I knew I was supposed to head to the front of the little palace but I ran to find Nadia and Marie first. Luckily I was able to catch them before they had gone out.
"Nadia. Marie" I said
Nadia and Marie both looked at me and they seemed shocked to see what I was wearing. Still a little self conscious of it myself I had to be strong. Marie and Nadia walked around me examining the kefta. I think they were more shocked to see that it was the darklings color, black.
"It is a black kefta like we thought it would be." Marie said
"You look good but when you go out there Zoya will be irritated." Nadia said
"Sorry, I can't go out there today. Genya says I have to go horseback riding with the general." I said
"Sounds romantic. Happy riding." Marie said as she walked to the training area
"Good luck." Nadia said as she also walked away
I sighed a bit knowing this was it. I was going to be alone with the darkling, General Kirigan himself, who knows where on a horse. As I walked I kept going until I made it to the front of the little palace. Getting away from the Grand palace sounded better and better with every second that he could stall.
"Amira." Kirigan said as he had the horses while looking at me "Black looks good on you."
I walked over as he let me have the reins of one of the horses and I got up on the horse around the time he did on the other one. I knew I needed to be nice. He was helping me out but what more did he want for me? My life before the little palace was almost a blur to me anymore except my parents and I knew there wasn't much else.
"Thank you." were the only words I could say "I feel honored you would allow your color."
"You are the dual summoner, you should stand out as I do. There are no others like us here at the little palace." Kirigan said
As we were heading out on the horses I had mine follow him as were going. It wasn't far and the horses were walking as they were now side by side. "thank you General." I said
"I think that's a bit formal, when it is just us Amira. Call me Aleksander." Kirigan said
"Aleksander?" I asked surprised by his words on what he wanted me to call him.
"I think with everything you already know about me, you have earned it. I had no idea you had studied about me all this time but it is my name." Aleksander said
I still didn't get his intentions but I knew he was interested in me for my light. I was unsure what his plan for this horse hide was but I had to enjoy the fact I could get away from the little palace. It was refreshing and I knew I had to be appreciative when he had us stop and we both got down. I walked over with him seeing the well with the story of the black heretic, his story and I looked at him.
"Is the story true?" I asked
"Partially, I won a war for him and out of fear he turned on Grisha." Aleksander said "I was taught to kill with the shadows by my mother."
"Your mother?" I asked looking at him
"You know her, she is quite fond of you." Aleksander said as he looked over the story and I looked back at the story as I thought about it. Then the answer came to me quickly like I had known the whole time. "Baghra." I said
"I could not have found you a better teacher but yes." Aleksander said
"So Kirigan isn't your name at all?" I asked
"No, my mother gave me the idea of lying low and using a nobleman name." Aleksander said
I was in shock and knew that she could have just told me the truth instead of lying about this. She had given me a half truth when she was asked if she was related to him and that is when I realized there was another shadow summoner. I still had some doubts but I looked over the carvings of the fold and I got closer as I looked at the carvings.
"Did you crave power?" I asked
"Limitless power comes with fear." Aleksander said "You might find that out one day for yourself."
"I won't misuse my power, and if the fold can't be destroyed then I'm useless." I said
When I stood up I saw his hands on either side of me on the fountain as I turned to look at him. Again here we were face to face so close that I hesitated while he looked at me. I knew that he must feel lonely with how Baghra talked with him and the story of the black heretic as his past. He moved one hand to place it on my cheek as I looked at him still and once again he leaned in close.
"I never told anyone that truth." He said "You can't tell anyone what you know or I could be harmed. The Grisha look up to me as I want to make things right for them once again."
I put a hand over his and closed my eyes knowing what it was like to feel lonely. I felt so lonely for nine years when I had to stay hidden and now I didn't have to anymore. Somehow he had this way of making me feel like I wasn't alone anymore even with knowing about Baghra's truth.
"You must have felt lonely." I said
"Did you not feel lonely while hiding?" Aleksander asked and I opened my eyes to look at him. "I did, I cried when I was off alone. I don't see how sun summoners keep this hidden."
"You are not alone anymore Amira." Aleksander said and before I knew it he pressed his lips to mine in a kiss. I was surprised but in my moment of feeling safe around him I kissed him back, but it was merely for a few seconds as he pulled away. "Sorry, maybe that should be for another time." Aleksander said
I realized that he was right just because we were drawn to each other. There was nothing here between us..Sun and Shadow was all we were at the moment but it still felt comforting.
"I got word from the royals asking when they could see you. I told them you were not wanting an audience but they insisted you come within the next 48 hours. So I rushed the order on your kefta." Aleksander said
"I see.." I said as I let his hand go and he removed it from my cheek "After being presented to the King and Queen. I have some business in the north to tend to."
I wondered why he was telling me all this when he looked very serious while looking at me. "I want you to come with me to the north, forget Baghra and your friends for a little while." Aleksander said
"Is this an order or a choice?" I asked
"An order." Aleksander said as his features softened "I think you may find some enjoyment out of the little palace a little farther at this. A chance to see the first army."
I knew there was no way I was going to be able to resist an order from him but he seemed concerned about something that I couldn't even bring myself to say anything. I just merely nodded in understanding as we stayed there. He handed me a coin and I heard about making a wish on a coin you toss in the fountain and so I did.
I want this to work out somehow, I would like to figure out my own feelings. I thought
