"Leksi?"
Silence.
I ducked under the covers, praying that if I didn't say anything, perhaps they would go away.
I really could never catch a break.
"Leksi?"
Auburn locks.
"Genya?"
"Are you hiding under the covers?"
I poked my head out, getting a full view of the redhead.
"No," I responded sheepishly.
"Is that how you treat your friends?"
"I don't have friends."
"Shocker."
Ugh, rude.
"Oh, come now. Don't be like that. We have much to catch up on."
"Nothing you don't already know."
"I suppose. But the sun summoner..."
"Yes?"
"She's not what I expected."
"How so?"
"She's... refreshing.
"In what sense?"
"I..."
"Speechless, are we?" I smirked.
"She's so down to earth, kind... she'd make a good queen. Unlike that old bat..."
"Queen? What makes you think..."
The doors burst open. Saints, that seemed to be a habit around here.
"Mother?"
"Milay... Genya!" Mother beamed.
"Alina!"
They embraced like two long-lost friends.
"Uh... hello?"
"Not everything is about you," they answered in unison.
"Um, rude!" I said aloud this time.
Both women burst out laughing.
"You know you're the centre of attention around here, Leksi" Mother conceded, hugging me.
"So, it's true then?" Genya asked, "She's your daughter."
Mother nodded.
"I suppose I can see it."
"But?" I prompted. There was something else on her mind.
"Well, it's just so unnerving. You both - Alina doesn't look like a mother, and you don't look like a daughter."
Mother chuckled. "I'll take it."
But there was something else. I could sense it.
"I also never saw the Darkling as a family man. Ever."
There it was. This time we all laughed.
"That's fair," I agreed.
"He's just - "
"The Darkling?" Mother finished for her.
"Exactly."
"So, Genya, what brings you to my abode?" I said, leaning back in my bed.
"Well, I just wanted to see how my girl was doing."
"You mean, my girl," Mother grabbed me possessively.
Genya rolled her eyes.
"I think you've been spending too much time with Father, Mother."
"Ooh, yes. How was dinner?" Genya teased.
"It was nice."
"Nice? Just 'nice', seriously, what is up with the Starkov girls and one-word answers?"
Mother gave me a quizzical look which I answered with a shrug.
"She has a thing."
"Got it."
"Seriously, aren't either of you capable of more detail?"
"Saints, sorry. There isn't much to say. We just talked, mostly about this one," Mother explained, nodding to me, "and..."
Genya cut her off.
"Did he ask you to become his queen?"
"What? Genya!" Mother shrieked.
"Obviously, it happens," she said, nodding in my direction.
"How discreet," I commented, "But that's years from now. You do..."
"How many? After I'm gone? That would be a shame. What a wedding that would be! All the planning..."
Mother and I were reeling. Genya would truly be in her element with that task.
That's when a puzzled look appeared on Mother's face.
"Queen? What do you mean, Genya? The Darkling isn't even the tsar."
Oh no. That would not be a fun conversation. Especially once she found out about Genya's involvement. Saints, this was already getting so political. Thank goodness I would have never inherited the throne.
"Ladies!"
Thank the Saints. I never thought I'd be more relieved to hear his voice.
Father.
Immediately Genya rose to greet the General of the second army.
"Moi Soverenyi."
"Genya," he acknowledged, "How are my girls doing?"
"Fine," Mother answered, "We were just telling Leksi about the presentation."
Presentation?
"Ah, yes. The King is impatient to meet the Sun Summoner from his humble ranks."
I noticed he clenched his fist when mentioning the tsar. What was he planning?
"Speaking of which, Alina, you and Genya should be off for your fitting."
He gave the tailor a nod, indicating that it was time for them to take leave. Before I knew it, the words were already out of my mouth.
"Aw, must they go now?"
Father turned to me, surprised by my outburst.
"I'm afraid so, Leksi. The King..."
"Screw the King!" I saw Father's mouth twitch. Saints, I was acting like such a child.
"Can't he wait? Why does he even need this whole presentation, anyway?"
"Milaya..."
I knew there was one thing I could try. I walked right up to him, grabbing his hands in mine.
"Please, Father. Can't the fitting wait? Can't they stay just a little longer?"
"Leks..."
"Pleeeeeeeeee....."
Father was losing this battle. He relented.
"Fine. Alina can have the fitting tomorrow. They can stay."
"Thank you!"
I reached for him, squeezing him with every ounce of gratitude I could offer.
"How do you do this to me, Leksi?" he whispered into my hair.
I looked up at him and grinned. He couldn't help but return my smile.
"Moi Soverenyi," Genya's quiet voice interrupted, "What about the Queen?"
"I'll take care of it, Genya. Don't worry."
"Thank you."
He nodded.
"Well, girls. I won't keep you any longer."
And just like that, we all were off duty. Genya was gobsmacked.
"Perhaps the otkazat'sya were right when they called Grisha 'witches' because what in the sorcery did I just witness?"
"And only her," Mother chimed in.
I just smiled.
"Just enjoy the time off, ladies."
"But the Darkling... he doesn't... what have you done to him?"
"I have no idea, but I'm not complaining."
"I'll call for some tea," Mother decided.
This was nice. As much as I cherished my newfound relationship with Father, I really needed more girl time.
"So, Genya... what's happening between you and David?"
"Yes! I saw the way he was looking at you when he came to drop off my gloves."
"Come on, you have to tell us. Spill the tea!"
"Spill the tea?" Mother and Genya inquired in unison.
"Yeah, like... don't you say that?"
Both of them shook their heads.
"Saints, you're both archaic."
"Hey! You're the one that travelled to our time period!" Mother interjected.
"Spill the tea... who even came up with that..." Genya started.
"Hey! I'm not the one who came up with..."
We continued on like this for a while. Saints, it was so refreshing.
Happy New Year Everyone! First chapter of 2023!!🎉🥳 Hope you're all doing well and having a wonderful break. Sorry for the late post, but thank you so much for reading and making it this far. It really means the world to me. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think! Looking forward to name suggestions for this chapter. (And thank you, lovebeyondwords for naming the last chapter!)