The morning came quickly, and Alina stirred on the cot she had laid in all night. Kirigan's cloak still draped across her and the warmth from his body had kept her cosy all night. She had slept better than sleeping in the grounds of the permafrost, but she couldn't wait to return to the comfort of her bed in her suite.

The little palace

It dawned on Alina she would be returning there today, and she would be lying if she didn't feel as anxious the first time she arrived. She didn't know what the word was about her disappearance, and she wasn't sure whether to ask Kirigan or not. It seemed silly to her the reason for running off was so she could read some letters from her long-life best friend in the permafrost. What would Genya think about her little excursion?

Alina rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and exited the tent. The first thing she'd be doing was having a bath as soon as she got back to the little palace. Dirt was caked across her clothes and face and the smell was not at all pleasant. She was surprised Kirigan had even wanted to get close to her being in the condition she was in now. The cold air of the early morning hit her straight in the face and she shivered under the blue kefta she wore. Alina felt guilty for whoever had to pass on their own kefta for her safety and she thought back to the black kefta lying in the snow, soaked and destroyed.

Kirigan stood by his horse, giving it a gentle stroke on its nose while the Oprichniki and other Grisha readied themselves to leave. Kirigan caught sight of Alina walking towards the group, and he met her halfway.

"Good morning" he said softly, and Alina gave a small smile.

"Morning" she said.

"How did you sleep?" he asked, and Alina shrugged.

"Better but I wouldn't opt for that every day" she laughed nervously and Kirigan smiled.

"Well, we'll be leaving in a few minutes. When we return you can get some rest" rest was all she wanted right now. The nerves came back, and Alina sucked in a breath. She was more anxious about what the other Grisha were thinking about her and why she left. It would be hard for the other Grisha not to notice the sun summoner missing and the general and his best Grisha going on a rescue mission.

"Does everyone know I left" she squeaked and Kirigan gave a short nod.

"I would be lying if I said no. Word does travel around fast at the little palace. But it's nothing for you to worry about. The sooner we get back, the better" Alina nodded, and she held up his thick black cloak for him.

"Thank you, it defiantly kept me warm" Alina blushed a little. She still couldn't shake these feelings inside her and sleeping with his cloak on her all night, breathing in his intoxicating scent helped her to sleep, despite her anger towards him. Kirigan couldn't hide the smirk and he took it, throwing it over his shoulders and buckling it with ease. Even he made that look sexy.

"Come" he said and took Alina's hand, leading her to his horse. With a boost, Alina mounted the horse, settling on the saddle. Kirigan pulled himself up after, sitting behind her, her back to his chest and he reached around, grabbing the reins, his hands brushing hers. Alina felt the tingle inside her as his body was against hers and she wanted to lean back further, but she kept herself where she was. She was still so confused about what she should be doing. A good day's rest in her heaven of a bed would help her clear her mind.

The group travelled through the permafrost, Kirigan leading the way. Ivan was not so far behind on his own horse and the other Grisha followed with the Oprichniki at the back. They stopped at a small river for a break, allowing the horses to rest and graze to regain energy. Alina had stopped by the river side to gulp down the water flowing. She splashed the cold water onto her face, a breath a freshness waking her up further. It was tricky but Alina saw the faintness of her reflection in the water, and she grimaced. It reminded her the day of the Fjerdan attack. Kirigan had saved her life that day and from then, she had been thrusted into the world of Grisha.

The sound of reins jingling and horses whining alerted Alina she should get back. As she stood, she stared across the river, and something caught her eye. A figure. She squinted to get a better look, focusing on the bushes where she saw a flash of something… black. A twig snapped and Alina froze, her heart beating so fast that she was sure Ivan could hear it from where he was stood. She hadn't seen anyone else besides the group during their travel back to the little palace and for a moment, Alina thought that it could be an enemy. A Fjerdan? Someone from Shu Han?

Her hands instantly rose, ready to summon and defend. If the person lurking behind the bushes knew that Kirigan and his team were only a few feet away, it was unlikely they would try to attack or kidnap her. They wouldn't stand a chance against the black general or his Heartrender. It wasn't even worth the risk.

Alina waited a few more seconds, watching carefully to see if they would come out and when the riverbank fell silent, the only sound being the water trickling, she released her hands and her breath she was holding.

"Alina" Kirigan's voice called, and she slowly left the bank, the mysterious figure on her mind.

…

Mal hid behind the bushes, keeping his presence unknown. He planted his feet deep into the grass, holding himself back from pouncing out and scaring Alina. he couldn't believe his eyes when he had heard the group of horses galloping through the permafrost. He couldn't believe it when he saw Alina riding on the black stallion belonging to Kirigan, sitting in front of him, his arms trapping her. He couldn't believe it when he saw Alina on the other side of the riverbank.

Baghra would have murdered him if she knew he had left the stag unattended, but he was certain that it wasn't going nowhere. He had checked the makeshift leash and doubled knotted it, ensuring that the stag could not run off. Even if it did, Mal was the best tracker and he could certainty find it again, third time lucky.

But he knew straight away when he saw the black hair bouncing up and down, the thin legs and the small frame sitting on that horse that it was Alina. It had been so long since they had seen each other but he knew. He knew it was her. And he couldn't sit by and watch her ride away while he was there. He knew he had to be careful. Ivan was nearby and he could easily hear his heartbeat if he got close enough. Not to mention Kirigan. His guards would be on him in an instant if he caught sight of him.

Mal had ran as quickly as he could to hide behind the bushes but still be able to see Alina through the cracks. He worried for a moment that Alina saw him as he watched her stare directly at where he was hiding. His heart was pounding against his chest which was unusual for him since Alina was his best friend. But he was risking a lot at this moment in time. He wanted so bad to scream her name and drag himself across the riverbank to her, to hug her, to kiss her, to tell her everything.

But Baghra was right. God, she was always right. He couldn't risk being seen and end up in prison or worse… dead. Their mission was for Alina to take the stag and if he was to be found out, that would end in an instant.

And so, when Alina walked away at the sound of Kirigan's voice, anger and sorrow pained him inside and he sighed heavily, sinking to the wet and cold floor. He waited until they rode off before making his way back to the stag. It stared at Mal as he dragged himself back and he sunk to the floor, putting his head in his hands.

Hey so I hope you like it, what do you think will happen next, let me know in the reviews.