The folk song the children sang in the last chapter was loosely based off a real Chinese folk song called "Molihua" or Jasmine. The other song was an old song that my chorus used to sing called "Fruitcake" I just replaced the word Christmas with my fake holiday. I don't own anything. What did you think about it? I hope you enjoyed the last chapter(s) and hope you continue to do so for the next few! There is MORE MAL in the next chapter, do not despair! Everything has a purpose here, don't worry. I appreciate all of you!
Alina Starkov
The five us strolled out the building calmly, the delightful yells of children ringing in our ears.
Maxim turned to Roza. "I should join your little choir."
Roza's eyes widened. "Umm…you already have other duties, so it wouldn't be fair if—"
"What she's trying to say," Liko interjected. "is that you have a terrible voice."
"I thought I sang wonderfully," Maxim said, cheerful.
"Oh, please." Liko rolled his eyes. "You sing and birds die."
I bit my lip to not laugh.
Maxim looked affronted. "My voice," he sniffed. "is a natural aphrodisiac."
Liko, Genya and me burst into laughter. Liko and I managed to cover our faces with both hands to hide our amusement. Genya though, bent over and nearly fell to the ground, her breaths coming in rattles as she tried to keep her hysteria at bay but failing miserably.
Roza slapped her shoulder. "Girl, breathe!"
Genya put a hand up, her face red. "I'm sorry," she gasped out.
"Forgive me, Maxim," Liko droned. "But the day your voice puts me in an amorous mood, is the day I will walk around the Imperial Palace naked and with a cape."
Genya spluttered. I repressed a smile.
"Then go forth and buy that indigo cape now, before you forget. And a feathered cap as well."
"You will be a vision of loveliness," Roza reassured.
Liko flipped his chin-length hair boldly. "I am always," he said in a husky tone. "a vision of loveliness." He swayed his hips.
Roza laughed. "Whatever makes you feel better, little budding flower." She called him by his name's meaning, and I giggled.
"See?" Maxim smirked, gesturing toward Liko. "That is the reason I reduce myself to seductive hand gestures."
We neared a peace garden and sat down on the bench. I closed my eyes and listened to the burbling of the carved stone fountains. Liko sat on my right and Genya on my left.
Genya faced Liko. "How is it like working for the Darkling?" she asked.
"I've only known him for four hours and worked for him one. But it's not bad at all. He's nice to look at."
"He is," Genya put in.
Roza sighed in exasperation. "That is the reason you like to serve him? Because he's handsome?"
Liko gave her a pointed look. "Being a servant is tough, strenuous work. You know that very well, Roza. I might as well have something pretty to stare at."
Roza raised a graceful brow. "Understandable."
"Unfortunately," he moped. "They won't let me assist him in the wardrobe department."
"How surprising," she snorted. "The royals won't let you help the Darkling take his clothes off. I wonder why."
Liko shrugged. "The reason eludes me."
"Most likely because you're a wicked little thing," Maxim answered.
Roza turned to me. "Remember this when you return to Ravka, Alina, Genya. We are a band of fools in palace of clowns that amused you with jokes of naked men in capes and seductive hand signals."
I smirked. "I don't think I can ever forget."
Genya clapped her hands together. "The image of Liko in a feathered headdress will never leave me."
We all snickered.
I made out a figure approaching us in the distance. Vasily. His blond hair fell across his eyes.
When he reached the bench, he bowed. "Alina." He deliberately ignored the others.
"Moi tsarevitch," I whispered.
My company rushed off after their bows and greetings. I was alone with the future king of Ravka.
He sat beside me, too close as usual. "Really, Alina. You may call me Vasily. There is no need for ridiculous formalities between you and me." He rested a hand on my knee.
I moved slightly away from him. "It's a bit informal, your highness."
"I assure you, it is not." He slid closer.
"If you don't mind my asking, why are you here?"
"To make sure you were adjusting well to your circumstances. You seem friendly with your servants." Vasily treated the word 'servant' the same as if he were saying 'filth'.
"Their company is enjoyable." I worked to keep the harshness out of my tone.
"You will find that I can be a pleasant companion at times." My eyes widened as he cradled my face with his right hand. He leaned forward and whispered, "You and me, we could bring Ravka together, unite it as no one ever will. Our bond can change history as we know it. You will be the symbol of Ravka."
I pulled away gradually and he glared. "I will see you this evening," he said tersely. "I hope you will get some sense."
Vasily got up and walked off into the fading sun, leaving me trembling, awed and afraid.
I ran inside the palace, overlooking the curious glances I was receiving from various maids and footmen.
I made my way around and searched for my room in the maze of corridors. By luck, I stumbled upon Roza, Maxim, and Genya chatting with Tamar and Tolya, laughing at something.
Genya saw me breathless and gasping and sauntered over, giving me a reassuring pat on my shoulder. "Let's get you ready for that dinner tonight."
After my bath—in a copper tub remarkably similar to the one at the Little Palace—Genya slid the chair out for me to sit on. Her kit was laid out on the vanity, and just as she was about to apply a pink rose petal to my lips, Roza exclaimed, "I do not mean to be rude, but the Empress has assigned me the business of seeing to Alina's cosmetics and wardrobe, so I have to fulfill it. I'd prefer not to frustrate royalty."
Genya raised herself straighter, suddenly defensive. "I usually fix up Alina, and cosmetics are too muddled and easy mussed. It's better that you leave me to my work."
Oh, Saints. A skirmish over a job. This is how fast politics can ruin friendships.
Roza wasn't fool to this though. "How about we make common ground? We can collaborate on ideas. Tonight is the first day of the Feasts of Qìngdiǎn. This is my specialty."
Genya cocked her head, thinking it over. At last, she nodded. "Good idea."
I thought out loud. "What is Qìngdiǎn?"
Maxim spoke. "It is a month-long festival in Shu Han in honor of its primeval history. The first week is always the Feast of Fools. The second to last day of the week though, is always the actual Feast. The other days are just a preparation for it. Or a recovery from it."
I crossed my arms. "What are the other weeks?"
Roza bent over to her own tools on the floor. "The second week is the Feast of Love. The third is the Feast of Snow and the final week is the Feast of Flame."
I raised my brows in confusion. Genya appeared to be intrigued.
The light from the window gleamed in Roza's green wimple and shone in her coffee eyes, the only feature of her face that was visible. "They are the four seasons of Life and they are the bridge to Death Eternal. The holiday is more of an ode to ancient times. No one really believes in it anymore."
"Do you?" I asked, curious.
Roza lifted her face to the sun, as if she could feel it through the silk. "I believe in life after death, and though I may be Ravkan, I don't think the Saints will lead us there."
Roza moved swiftly to lead me behind the silk dressing screen. I marveled at the orchids and birds painted delicately over the fabric. As I gawked, Roza took off my clothes in a bored routine.
She dressed me in a long, light blue robe, lined with tiny aquamarines at the hem and sleeves. Pale gold dragons flew across the chest, the arms. At my waist was a gold ribbon. The skirt seemed as if it reflected sunlight in its layers.
Roza brought me out to present myself to Maxim and Genya. Maxim winked and looked me over. Genya lifted a hand to her mouth. "You look absolutely stunning, Alina," she breathed. "It feels like I'm a hen mother admiring her baby chick."
I grinned broadly. "Pew pew pew." Tears pricked at my eyes.
The three of them chuckled.
Roza stood behind me while I sat. "Just you wait until we get through with her hair and accentuating her face. You will be crying rivers."
Genya wiped a tear from her cheek. "I don't doubt that for even a second."
"All right," Roza said to Genya and me. "I'm finished with her hair. You can look now." She spun the chair around and I opened my eyes. I gasped.
Roza had painted my lips a rose shade, a bit lighter than the bright pink of my cheeks. Genya had done my eyes, and they looked larger and darker. All of my hair was piled high on my head, and a golden comb encrusted with bits of pearl held it together. Delicate amber sandals graced my feet.
I looked completely different, but completely unchanged.
"You both work miracles," I laughed. When no response came, I shifted my head.
Genya was sniffling and Roza was hugging her calmly. "Oh, it's all right, Genya. Your little hatchling isn't all grown up just yet. Pull yourself together."
Genya put up her hands to cover her face. "I'm sorry; this is just…really emotional for me right now."
"Oh, Genya," I blubbered. I wrapped my arms around both of their necks.
Maxim joined us in our embrace. "It's like I'm a Maxim sandwich," he said.
Roza elbowed him in the gut. "And where are you supposed to be?"
Maxim blew me a kiss. "Wherever you want me."
Roza sighed. "I hope the Darkling cuts you in half. Though I'm sure he will eventually if you don't stop flirting with poor Alina and start working." She peeked at Genya and I still snuffling pitifully. "We have a dinner to go to, ladies. Enough with the tears. If we're late, I can tell you now, the Empress will give us something to cry about. She's already jealous that I'm seeing to you and not her."
I kept the tears back, careful not to ruin the cosmetics.
As we walked down the entrance hall, Tolya and Tamar close behind, Maxim offered his arm to me. "It is best not to risk your safety," he told me. "Protect yourself in any way you can." His white teeth flashed in a self-assured grin.
I rolled my eyes and snatched my hand away.
"Get used to it," Tolya grumbled.
Roza stopped at large double doors emblazoned with dragons, mermaids, wolves, and cherubs. She laid a hand on a dragon's snout. "Genya, tonight you will be eating with the other diplomats, but on most other circumstances, you are considered a maid. I just thought I should explain this to you."
Genya shrugged, a little melancholy. "It is nothing I haven't heard before."
Tamar nudged her. "Do not despair; we domestics have a ball of a time when the royals aren't looking. We can get wild."
Roza snorted. "Maxim and Liko after dark."
Then she opened the entrance.
The first thing I noticed was the broadness of the chamber. Its walls were pure alabaster, its floor marble. A long, black table stretched across it, but it wasn't near close enough to filling the room. The chamber was unbelievably wide. A stage was set on one side of the room, empty at the moment. On the other side of the table, a large throne stood, all scarlet and gold.
A figure sat on the command chair, a man that looked to be about sixty. His hair was a jumble of gray and black, same as his beard. The man's complexion was golden and clear, and a medal hung from his broad chest. He wore standard military dress, though in red and gold. The Emperor of Shu Han.
He was conversing quietly with the Darkling and Vasily, but they paused once they heard the doors shut. The Emperor's eyes flickered over me and Vasily smiled slightly as his gaze fell on my body.
The Darkling took me in slowly, from head to toe, seemingly unaware of my reddening face. He was wearing his black kefta, as was custom for him.
Zoya was in a corner of the room closest to the Darkling, glaring at me as if I had just ruined her day by merely existing. She wore a silken blue kefta, the light from the chandeliers glinting off the silver embroidery at her wrists. David was as far away from the group of people as possible, but he looked up bashfully when I entered.
It seemed I was the only one that gave the impression of looking drastically altered.
The Emperor grunted. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Sun Summoner. I have heard many things."
I curtsied. "Thank you, Emperor Tao."
He licked his thin lips. "If you may, would you mind showing me a demonstration? It would be greatly appreciated." His tone was polite, but I could feel the command in his words.
The Darkling met my stare and nodded. I breathed in slowly and reached for my power. It did not disappoint. Light cascaded through the chamber in a brilliant burst of sun. As it faded, I glimpsed Genya's delighted smile and Maxim and Roza's shocked but approving eyes. Tolya and Tamar remained stoic.
The Emperor clapped courteously. "Fantastic. Please sit, Alina Starkov." He waved his hand toward my assigned place, which was a three chairs distance away from him. The Darkling and Vasily took a seat on either side of me. Genya was seated across from me, Zoya on her left and David on her right. My guards took their places by the Emperor, and Maxim and Roza stood indifferent on the wall, waiting for orders. Irina, Ju, and Liko, exited frantically out a door that led to the kitchens and joined them.
"Forgive me for the distance," the Emperor said apologetically, giving a sheepish smile. "My sons and wife usually sit beside me. I invited you all here early so I could introduce myself. I am very flattered that you had the heart to arrive at the Palace first. This is a startlingly delicate situation, so I prefer to make allies in timely conditions." He bowed his head toward me. "My name is Tao Yul-Romo of Ahmrat Jen."
We all bowed our heads.
The Emperor lifted a finger. "Maxim, Roza, Liko, Ju, Irina, if you please, set out the plates and utensils for our lovely guests." They nodded and left. After what seemed like seconds, the five came back with stacks of plates, glasses, and metal utensils in their hands, careful not to cut their skin.
The doors opened, and the Fjerdan Queen stepped out with her sons and guards in tow. Her beauty was of the type that you'd normally see in china dolls: delicate, pale, and small. The Queen's hair was a silvery-blond, her eyes the palest blue, her skin a pearly complexion. No matter how pure she appeared to be though, her gaze was ice. A true Fjerdan.
Her sons and guards were her male equivalents, with identical features, but more masculine and taller. They were handsome young men, no doubt, but a bit monochromatic.
They presented themselves coldly and seated, but their gazes lingered on the Darkling and studied him. "How very pleasant to meet all of you for this event tonight," the Queen said dully. Her frosty stare landed on me. "My oldest son Akkim has seen you…perform. I hope to see it myself, in time." The broadest male of the group walked over and kissed my hand softly. I blushed.
"It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Alina Starkov." His voice was cool and deep.
I looked down at my lap. "The pleasure is all mine."
Vasily scowled. I caught sight of the Darkling's frown. Is he…jealous? I worked to hide the silly grin that pulled at the corners of my mouth.
Maxim was at my side instantly and reached over me to lay a glass on my placemat. He winked a green eye in my direction. The man winks so much, I'm worried that he has a permanent eye twitch. Maxim continued on, filling a wineglass before the Darkling, whose eyes were cold fire. I made sure not an eye was on me and grasped for his hand under the tablecloth.
He caught it and ran his thumb across the length of my palm. The flames in his eyes faded as the flames in my body grew. The Darkling squeezed my hand.
I lifted my head and saw Genya glancing about the room in wonder. She was rarely waited on hand and foot like this, and I nearly wept with joy. Zoya was uninterested as little Ju filled her glass with kvas. David was fidgeting and almost sobbed when an obscenely large steak knife was placed in front of him. He didn't even look strong enough to lift it. Genya's gaze kept coming back to him, almost absentmindedly.
All of a sudden, Vasily stood up straight and nodded to the Emperor. "With your permission, Emperor Tao, may I make an announcement before our dinner?" Food was already arriving, concealed by metal food covers. What is Vasily up to?
Tao ran a meaty hand through his hair. He glanced down the table at the Fjerdans. "Of course you may."
"Very good." He whirled on me, his wet lower lip glossy. "Alina, it truly has been an enjoyable experience getting to know you and your desires in life." What…the hell…is he…talking about? The low chatter died down at the sound of his voice. "I congratulate you on your budding power and status. It has been fulfilling to see you develop." I've only seen him two times before this pointless excursion.
Zoya pursed her lips. Genya sent me a befuddled look, but all of my attention was captured by Vasily, who said, "You are a symbol of Ravka, and we are all proud of your numerous achievements. The Shadow Fold will be a thing of the past because of you." Get on with it, man. "You are an accomplished, intelligent, and interesting young woman, as well as an alluring and dazzling beauty." I flushed at the compliment, despite the man who uttered it.
Vasily smiled, teeth and a bit of gum showing. "Because of this," He cupped my cheek. "Because of this, I have grown to admire you. So, my lovely Alina," he said softly, lifting my chin. "Will you take my hand in marriage?"
It happened all at once. Genya gasped and covered her mouth, her irises as big as the dishes on the table. Zoya paused in lifting her glass to her mouth, lips parted. I saw Irina drop a plate to the floor, food spilling out, sauce and all. The Emperor started coughing. Tolya slapped him on the back hard enough to make him wheeze, and a piece of potato popped out of his mouth. Maxim's forks fell with a clang. "Saints have mercy!" he cried. Roza froze, her brown eyes like a trapped deer. Liko's jaw was actually hanging open. The Darkling choked on his wine and slammed the glass on the table. His eyes blazed fury. Every person in the room gasped as one and stared at me.
I was mute, numb. "What?" I managed to squeak out.
Vasily seemed to be oblivious to the tension hanging heavy in the air. He got down on one knee. "Will you marry me, Alina? You are the greatest woman I've never known. There is not one like you in the world."
A million responses ran through my brain. You're just a pompous cully in blue and gold that doesn't know how to treat a woman.
The amount of whores you've slept with is more than the number of insects in Ravka.
I hardly know you and I don't want to get to know anymore.
Hell no.
I even thought to answer, Yes.
But my mouth wouldn't cooperate.
I imagined what would be expected of me if I became his queen. Heirs, definitely. I thought of Vasily's body bearing down on mine, his wet lip brushing my neck. I almost grimaced in repulsion.
I still didn't know what disputes I should choose. Everyone waited impatiently for my words. What will happen if I say no? Or yes?
My pulse was speeding up. Vasily pulled me up against him. In that brief second, I fainted.
You know the drill: Read & Review. :) If you can, message me! I'm sorry for the wait, and I apologize if I take a little longer than usual. School's getting faster and harder and I have to keep up with my responsibilities, however tedious they may be. I will try to devote my time to this. I hope you look forward to Chapter Six! You awesome people you! Thanks for viewin' and reviewin' and readin' and followin' and messagin'! Since I wasted all my g's, here they are: Grateful Girl blessed with Gorgeous Gracious Viewers.
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