𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, so why did Genya feel like the world was about to collapse on her ? She’d spent the morning at David’s bedside despite the Healers attempting to shepherd her back into her room. His hand was cold in hers, a soul wrapping clammy fingers around whatever it could hold onto to stay grounded. The steady rise and fall of his chest was what reassured her. Hang on, love. I CAN’T DO THIS ALONE. Genya had only been pulled away when Nadia’s gentle touch found her shoulder. The girl looked as weary as Genya felt, but against all odds, she had donned the heavily embroidered kefta they all had for special occasions. She said something about Zoya asking for her, and Genya stood up reluctantly with a weak nod.
She instantly dreaded her selfishness when she was ushered into Zoya‘s new chambers. Today was her day, and Genya was supposed to be there for her closest friend. The casualties of a war were nothing to be dismissed, but THEY WERE SOLDIERS. They had been trained to bear the burden and continue marching. Even with no earlier preparation, Zoya was naturally breathtaking. Their 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐀 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍. The thought sparked hope in Genya and she closed the door behind her to clap her hands together. Newfound excitement trickled into her tired expression. She hadn’t had the heart to tailor away the bags under her eyes, it felt silly when her husband was battling for her life. ❝ Moya tsaritsa, ❞ She cooed, half-teasing half-adjusting to the title, with a deep bow.
Looking up through her lashes, there’s a glint in her eye. ❝ I’m told my help was requested. ❞ The formality with Zoya feels foreign and it dissolves as soon as she straightens up again. ❝ And Saints, do you need it. ❞ With her hands on Zoyas shoulder, she beams at her, holding her at an arm's length for a second. As if she’s soaking in Zoya of the SECOND ARMY, of the Triumvirate. As if it’s her last chance to see her before her crown. She’s quick to turn her and lead her to the seat before the mirror. ❝ Can you believe it ? This is it. ❞ This is the day Grisha had been fighting for for so long. Maybe Ravka wasn’t a 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄 just yet.
