Privateer ~ Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 31

Entering the Grand Palace there were two doors of the throne room waiting to be opened to reveal an old king and queen.

I studied Nikolai and his idiotic, stupid, beautiful face. I missed the crooked nose and green eyes. The dark red hair Sturmhond had. Less perfect, more human.

Suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts, the throne room doors were yanked open by guards. "Tsesarevich Vasily Lantsov and Grand Duke Nikolai Lantsov."

The three of us followed Vasily and Nikolai into the room hesitantly.

As we grew closer I noticed the King. He looked worse than I thought. His eyes drooped low as did his mustache. But what surprised me most was seeing the Queen's appearance. Without Genya her wrinkles were shown greatly, her blue eyes had faded lightly.

When we reached them Nikolai bowed, "Moi tsar, Moya tsaritsa."

The King judged him carefully. But the Queen squealed and jumped up, "Nikolai!" She hugged him like there was no tomorrow.

"Madraya," he smiled into the hug.

The Queen teared up as the crowd in the throne room applauded the interaction. The King grumpily got off his arse and lumped over to Nikolai.

The King stopped walking because he was too weak, "Nikolai, come. Come."

Nikolai put his elbow out to help his father while the Queen was still attached to the other arm.

Without Acknowledging Alina, Mal, and I they left together. As did Vasily walking slowly behind them, looking like an awkward lonely child.

We didn't know what to do next so we stood there waiting for them to come back. I got so tired Alina grabbed my hand and put her head on my shoulder. I laid my head on hers. We both almost fell asleep standing up until we heard a ruckus from the other room.

They opened the doors, the King was gleaming, and the Queen was pale. And Vasily looked livid. What the saints did Nikolai do?

Nikolai looked more at ease. He regained the swagger he had obtained as Sturmhond and Walked in smirking and prideful.

Wait- they know. They know he was Sturmhond. That explains it all.

The King and Queen sat themselves down on their thrones. Vasily stood behind the king as his eyes trailed across the room finding mine. I didn't look back at him and stood tall.

Nikolai stood behind his mother as she put a hand on her shoulder to reach for Niks. He gladly held her hand which made her look happier than she did walking in here.

"You're very young to lead the second army," The King addressed Alina.

"Yes Moi Tsar," she bowed.

"I'm tempted to put you to death immediately."

My eyes widened in fear. But then the King kept talking, "But my son says that will only make you a martyr."

"He trusts you. I'm not so sure we can. Your escape from the Darkling seems a very unlikely story, but I cannot deny that Ravka does have need of your services."

"It would be my honor Moi Tsar."

"Very well, as of now, you will be the leader and commander of the Grisha."

"And you," he turned to me glaring like there was no tomorrow, "yes, Ms. Safin, you worked for me for years. But what did you do when I sent you to him? You obeyed him, did you not?"

"I only obeyed him until I knew he was evil, moi Tsar," I bowed deeply.

"I want to put you to death too, it would be my greatest relief," he was talking about my sister, he would let it out on me. His wrath.

"I have done nothing to threaten this country or you, Moi Tsar."

"But you have done things. Helped your Sister escape!" He got loud now and I took a step back. The King began to cough.

"Father let me help you, sit down, sit down," Vasily was at his side in a quick second.

"My son testifies for you, that you didn't do it, that you were being held by the Darkling at that time. I chose to trust him as of now. But things can change. And my other son, Vasily, he also testified for you, he said you would do no such thing. It's a good thing you were my son's whore or you'd be dead."

Nikolai got up quickly speaking louder than usual, "Father don't you dare talk to her like that, you know she knows better than to betray you, you know she was my best friend since I was a mere child."

"Oh, who cares!? Listen, everyone." The king shouted, "As of now you are free, Ms. Safin. As guard and protector of Alina and most importantly my son. If I find any evidence that any of you are fomenting action against me or that you have had any contact with the apostate, I will have you hanged without plea or trial." His voice rose to a querulous wail. "The people say you are a Saint, Alina, but I think you are just another ragged refugee. And you Amelia, they say you're a gift an angel in disguise, but you are not you dwell on making my life miserable. Do you both understand?"

"Yes, Moi Tsar," Alina and I bowed.

Quiet. Only the wheezing of the King was heard. The room was silent for quite a long time.

"Father," Nikolai said, " the tracker."

"Hmm? The...? uh yes. You have deserted your post and directly disobeyed the orders of a commanding officer. That is a hanging offense." The King spoke to Mal now. The King was in a yelling mood.

Mal bounced forward ready to get his talking to done. He bowed, "Moi Tsar.

Nikolai cut in, "Forgive me, but the tracker did aid the Sun Summoner in evading what would have been certain capture by an enemy of the Crown."

"If she was ever really in any danger."

"I saw him take up arms against the Darkling myself. He is a trusted friend, and I believe he acted in Ravka's best interest." The King's lower lip jutted out, but Nikolai pressed on. "I would feel better knowing that he is at the Little Palace."

"Very well last. What's one more viper in the nest? You will be dishonorably discharged."

"Dishonorably?" I blurted.

Mal just bowed and said, "Thank you, moi tsar."

The King lifted his hand in a lazy wave. "Go," he said petulantly.

We walked out of the throne room, I was so close to going back to strangle the life out of the King. Nikolai had tried to save us all. He did what he could. And I'm going to do what I can.

A/n: sorry for the delay and boring chapter :/ my motivation to write has been well... not here. lmao. but don't worry i'm not giving up at all i'm just slower on the updates.

thank you so so sooo much for reading, commenting, and voting!!!