It hadn’t been easy to return to Ravka after the disaster that was Nikolai’s birthday. She remembered the suffocating panic that ensued when the Darkling showed his true colors and for what felt like an eternity; she thought she had lost Vasily.
No, he still drew breath, and she thanked the saints for it. He was safe and far away from the carnage of Ravka and Fjerda. He was in a place beyond crowns and agendas. Healing and learning how to live without the use of his arm.
Though, she longed to return to the haven she had built for herself and other like minded Grisha, she knew there were threads to cut and sever in Ravka. There was still danger and where there was still danger, then Vasily would never be truly safe.
Lark returned and took her place by Nikolai’s side. She didn’t know much when it came to politics, but she could fight, and that was good enough, she thought.
It was the early morning of the Coronation. Servants and guards alike were bustling about the palace in a quiet haste to finish the last of the preparations. Ravka would have a new king by the end of the day, and with him perhaps a brighter future.
She had to wonder if the thought weighted Nikolai’s shoulders. It surely seemed like it had from the way she watched him pace in his study. To and fro. He hadn’t stopped, and whatever thoughts that swirled relentlessly in his mind--well they wouldn’t stop until they had some sort of outlet. Lark recognized it all too well.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she gazed at Nikolai with a neutral expression.
“ Your highness.” she began as she watched him take another lap around the room.
“ You’re clearly nervous.” she went on as she rested her hand on the hilt of her blade. She took a step forward to bar his path.
“ You must show you’re ready when the time comes...and clearly you’re not.” Her words might’ve been direct but they weren’t the usual harsh tone that came with them.
“ Might I suggest a way to calm your nerves?” she continued. “ It’s proven to be quite effective, though you may wish to change into something more...flexible?” she suggested. She canted her head to the side and watched him expectantly with her unwavering stare.
