Privateer ~ Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 33

"Not Alina. Nikolai, he won't stop bugging her."

Well of course Alina had bugged me a bit but I refrained from telling Oretsev that. "Yeah, when he wants something done he will stop at nothing for it." At that, he left me and zoomed towards them. I followed to make sure he wasn't about to go off.

"I didn't realize you'd be dining at the little palace, moi tsarevich," Mal said with jealousy in his voice. Nevertheless, he bowed swiftly to him but next he bowed to Alina.

"You don't have to do that," Alina said.

"Yes, he does." Nikolai cut in.

"You heard prince perfect," Mal interjected.

"You sure have got a lot of names for me but that one is the most accurate."

"And not Nikolai the spider squealer?" I mumbled. I thought I was quiet enough to not be heard but his eyes traveled to me. Somehow noticing me there for the first time.

He smiled and blushed at the same time. Nikolai Lantsov blushed. I guess he really hated that name.

"Don't you dare bring that back, Mia. I have plenty of embarrassing stories to flood this table with." He warned. "No bow for me?"

"Why should I bow for a liar?"

"That's fair." He nodded and sat down next to Alina at the table. Mal did the same and sat next to her. Now the only spot open was next to Nikolai. Or a spot across the room. Next to Nikolai, it was.

I sat down getting my food. My stomach was empty after throwing up everything. I shoved food down my throat like I'd never seen food in my life.

"How are you?" Nikolai whispered in my ear so no one else heard, "being back here. I can't imagine it's easy."

I finished the fruit I was chewing and answered, "I'm just fine."

"That's a lie. You know I've been listening around the palace. For traitors of course. But some things can't help but be overheard."

I dropped my food, "what did you hear?"

"Calm down. I heard you were sick."

"Oh, that." Did I blame Mal or Zoya for this? Could be either, or merely someone guarding had heard.

"Yes, that. It's not my brother, is it? He hasn't touched you?" His eyebrows furrowed and his hand tightened around his fork.

"No, he hasn't. It was nothing I swear."

"You can tell me, Mia. I am on your side."

"I swear I'm fine. Nothing happened, besides how could you help? He's the King to be."

"Not for long." He forced himself to stop being grumpy and turned to Alina. I guess our conversation was over.

"I've come to issue an invitation." He said to Mal.

"Is it to a ball? I do hope so," Mal said sarcastically leaning back.

"While I'm sure you dance a magnificent waltz, no. Boar have been spotted in the woods near Balakirev. There's a hunt leaving tomorrow, and I'd like you to go."