prisoner (shadow & bone)

Chapter Four

THE SUN SUMMONER

It was now a few years later; a few years since a freshly-rescued Tatia had been taken to the Little Palace by General Kirigan, and she was happy.

She fit in with the other people well, and it was nice to be around other Grisha for a change. Though, the general didn't allow just anyone to approach her. They had to earn her presence, he made sure of it.

Genya was still her friend, her best friend even. The two women were practically never seen without the other (besides when Genya was doing her Tailor duties or when Tatia had lessons with the general).

Tatia had also made some new friends. There weren't many people that Kirigan allowed near her, but Fedyor, who was a well-respected Heartrender, had been able to acquire the privilege of being her friend. Kirigan had been very cautious in the beginning (and, let's face it, possessive), but the more Tatia began to like the man, the harder it became to say no when she requested to spend time with him.

She also met Ivan, Fedyor's partner, and even though he was a bit closed off at first, Tatia had been able to melt the ice that covered his heart.

Zoya had never spoken to her again after their first meeting, but if the murderous glances she sent her way were anything to go by, she still didn't like the girl. She was lucky that the Etherealki didn't approach her again, and she had the feeling that General Kirigan might have had something to do with that.

"When is Aleksander coming home, Genya?" Tatia sighed, staring out of her bedroom window as if hoping to see him outside, approaching the castle with his usual confidence.

The redhaired girl paused what she was doing and pressed her lips firmly together. She had watched how Tatia had become more and more dependent on the man every day, not just power wise. The two had gotten some sort of connection, which made it that much harder for the girl to be away from him for too long.

"He should be here soon," Genya spoke, in her most reassuring voice. The general never let Tatia alone for more than a day, but this time, it was different.

He had ventured out into East-Ravka, where a new Skiff was about to be sent off into the Fold, but he had to stay longer when there were whispers of a large streak of light erupting from the fold - the Sun Summoner's work.

"There he is!" Tatia exclaimed. She sat up straighter and watched the man clad in black, along with a girl, walk up to the Palace. "Let's go, Genya."

The girl was already out the door, and Genya had to try her best to keep up with her. Tatia descended the stairs as quickly as she could, lifting her white kafta in the process so as not to trip over it.

She met Kirigan at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes lighting up as they fell upon the girl.

"Tatia, my love," he muttered. The girl threw her arms around him and he held her tightly, reveling in her presence once more. Oh, how he had missed her, even in those few days he had gone away.

"You're back," she whispered, chuckling happily. "You were gone for so long."

"I apologise, darling," General Kirigan said softly, putting a strand of her hair behind her ear. "But I am here now. And I won't be leaving you for so long ever again."

Finally, Tatia put her attention on the girl who was with him. She had different features than most others here, but Tatia couldn't quite pinpoint where she was from. The girl didn't know what Shu (or part Shu) people looked like, for she had never met any.

She smiled politely and curtsied. "I'm Tatia, it's nice to meet you," she said warmly.

The girl seemed visibly relieved at Tatia's kindness. "Alina," she introduced herself.