You and Nikolai were just coworkers. At least, that’s what all of Ravka believed. In truth, neither of you really knew what you were, but you definitely weren’t just a king and his general.

Fjerda had declared war on Ravka, and in a recent attack on Os Alta during Genya and David’s vow renewal ceremony, everyone was beginning to take the war more seriously. You included. The loss of David made everything feel so much more real.

Genya was a mess—which was fair. She’d just lost her husband. You and Nikolai were also significantly upset, but you refused to show it. You had more important things to worry about than grieving someone you barely knew.

Nikolai spotted you outside of the Little Palace late at night, and decided to follow you. Not in a creepy way, of course; just to make sure you were alright.

He watched as you walked up to a wall of thorn wood and brushed aside the vines, climbing into a secret room within the wall. So, obviously, he followed.

“I’m running out of room,” you said without turning to him. You’d known he was here all along. Had you wanted him to follow you?

“You tend to this place?” He tried to imagine you sweating in the sun, dirt beneath your nails.