Not long after Genya had left, Alina took her advice and decided to draw a shower. She felt dirty and needed a thorough washing. She turned the shower on in Kirigan's bathroom, the water coming out cold at first but soon heated up and steamed the whole room. Even though Alina was alone, she still felt like she had to cover herself up. Alina gently took off her kefta, hanging it on one of the hooks and removed her clothes one by one.

She shielded her body with her hands and stepped inside the shower, her feet diving in to the small pool of water at the bottom of the shower. She had come to love the warm showers and baths she had at the little palace. At the orphanage, the only hot water they ever had was from the kettle and even that was rare.

Alina stood under the shower, the hot water relaxing her body and she let the water trickle down her body, soaking her hair and she let out a deep breath. Her mind was clear now and Alina wanted to spend a few minutes not thinking about anything and just relax in the moment. She didn't want to think out Kirigan, she didn't want to think about Mal, she didn't want to think about Grisha and Ravka. All she wanted was pretend like none of those things existed and that she could just live her life as it was before… before she had become the sun summoner.

Alina hummed to herself, rubbing the water over her body, her hand passing over her mark which twitched and ached. She reached forward and took a few pumps of the shampoo bottle that belonged to Kirigan. It smelt fresh and clean and she scrubbed her nails into her scalp, massaging her head and falling into a drunk like state. She instantly felt cleaner and the soap drained down her body, falling to the bottom to create a soapy pool around Alina.

Next, she took the bar of soap and rubbed her hands in a lather, circling the bar along her body. The soap vanished all the dirt and grime, the water turning a little murky. Alina rubbed her neck to remove the kinks she had, cracking it side to side. She brushed over the stag's collar, feeling the bumps of the antlers underneath her skin. It had been a while since she thought about her collar, another eternal bond she had with Kirigan. As she moved to her stomach, a large hand gently cupped her neck, fingers inching onto her collar bone and brushing the collar as well. Another hand came creeping around her stomach, placing it in top of hers.

A soft intake a breath sounded next to her, a nose brushing her ear, lips tickling her jaw. Alina opened her eyes, glancing down at the hand around her. She didn't need to look to know who it was. she already knew by her mark giving her that release of pleasure.

Kirigan stood behind her, the water now running over his chest and down his arms as is splashed over the both of them. He ran his nose across her shoulder, placing a soft kiss on Alina's mark, his lips trailing over the skin and his other hand took hers. He circled her hand around her body, the bar of soap lathering up and cleaning her pale white skin.

Their bodies were warm against each other and Alina stared down at her body, watching his hand guide hers. Her eyes flickered to his arm, looking at the black mark like hers. She imagined it was doing the same to him as hers did. Alina took a deep breath in, her head rolling back onto his shoulder, exposing her neck. Kirigan moved his hand to cup her chin, pulling her further back and he placed a gentle kiss on her neck. Electric shocks sparked inside her and she relaxed into his hold.

If Kirigan had done this a few days ago, Alina would have thrown him off the second he touched her. But she didn't want to. Her mind was no longer clear and she thought back to her conversation with Genya.

You have to decide Alina

All of a sudden, her mind was confused and hazy again. So many conflicting thoughts swirled inside her little brain and she lost control again. Could Alina really spend the rest of her life with Kirigan, knowing he had this effect on her. Would she someday forget all about Mal. Would she actually be able to forgive Kirigan for everything he has done? Would she willingly sit on a throne beside him and rule Ravka?

She didn't know the answer to any of those questions and she wouldn't, not with Kirigan behind her right now. Genya had reminded her of Mal and she thought best not to bring him up to Kirigan, otherwise he would know that even though he removed the scar, she was still thinking of him. She needed a clear head, not one being persuaded with just the touch of his hands on her. The water rinsed of their bodies and Kirigan reached forward to shut off the shower, a sudden coldness attacking Alina's body.

Alina finally turned to face him, his jet black hair now dripping with water, falling in front of his forehead. His dark eyes looked with lust and his mouth had a soft smile.

"Did you get some rest" he said softly and Alina shook her head no silently. She decided to not mention that Genya had come to see her, not wanting to get her in trouble. Only then did Alina feel the effects of the long journey they had this morning and she now wanted to lie in a comfy bed and drift of to sleep.

Kirigan took her hand, leading her out of the shower and their feet slapped against the tile floor, leaving wet footprints. Kirigan handed her a black fluffy towel for her to dry herself.

"Thank you" she whispered and patted her body and hair dry. Kirigan did the same and when he glanced over his shoulder, he caught Alina staring at him and he smiled. Alina averted her eyes quickly and heard a soft chuckle escape from him. She felt like a nervous school girl around her crush. Once she was fully dry, Kirigan handed her a nightgown.

"Here" he said and Alina took it, the soft material gliding in her hands. It was a cream colour which surprised her as she thought it would be black. Alina slipped it over her body and it reached just above her knees. The thin straps rested over her shoulders and it was comfortable and light on her body. Alina turned to see Kirigan dressed in a set of black pyjamas himself, a long black t-shirt and shorts. It was strange to see him dressed so casual and out of his general attire.

"Come on" he said quietly and nodded for Alina to follow. She was curious and so she followed a few seconds later. Her mind was focused on Kirigan again, Mal completely out of the picture. He was intoxicating and Alina felt the pull of her mark. Kirigan pulled back the covers of his bed. It was night time now. Alina hadn't even had dinner and she hadn't realised the time had flown by.

Alina was hesitant to get into bed with him but then she thought back to last night. She had shared a bed with him already, what would another night do to her. Kirigan climbed inside, leaving a space open for Alina who stood by the edge of the bed, her hands fiddling with the cotton of the nightgown. She took a deep breath and stepped in the bed next to him.

The sheets were warm and cosy, the mattress sinking beneath as Alina put all her weight down. She had longed for a comfy bed and a soundless sleep. Alina turned on her side, her back towards Kirigan and pushed her head deep into the pillow. Kirigan shuffled behind her and once again Alina felt him wrap his arm around her, pulling her closer so their bodies were touching. His warm breath tickled her neck and he rested behind her, his lips pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Go to sleep" he whispered and Alina closed her eyes, snuggling into the bed and into Kirigan.

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