[ Ivan knows better than to inquire, or even breathe a word. But he's been General Kirigan's right hand long enough that he doesn't have to; the Darkling can hear the unspoken questions right on the tip of the Heartrender's tongue. To Ivan's credit, it isn't brought up until after a hot bath, early morning tea, the first dispatches of the day sent off to the front, and it's perhaps ten minutes before the breakfast bell that Kirigan finally gives in. ]
--ask before you choke on it.
[ Ivan pauses, blinks, then pales. ]
"Ask what, sir?"
[ Kirigan gives him a look. Ivan tries to be stalwart under that Black gaze, but flushes, hurriedly dropping his eyes. ]
"It's...it's not necessary. Sir."
[ One of the Darkling's eyebrows slowly arches. The Corporalnik blushes harder. Hurriedly stuffs the orders into the mail pouch. At last, Kirigan takes an ounce of pity on his Second, and speaks again. ]
In an effort to curtail the rumor mill that will, no doubt, be spinning by luncheon, Miss Starkov was unable to sleep, and as I suffered the same affliction, we spent the night reading in my study.
[ He pauses, promise of his wrath heavy as an anchor. ]
Understood?
[ Ivan snaps to perfect attention, ducking his chin once in a sharp nod. ]
"Perfectly, sir. Crystal clear."
[ Kirigan's expression flattens and he waves the Heartrender off. ] Very well. Dismissed. I'll be taking breakfast in the Dining Hall.
[ Ivan lets himself out of the Darkling's office, and Aleksander himself pauses before the mirror over the fireplace, adjusting his kefta to its immaculate perfection before heading off to the dining hall to have a meal with his Grisha. ]
Edited (missed a word pft) Date: 2023-07-02 02:22 am (UTC)
[ Alina returns to her quarters without issue. She's just been inside for a few minutes before Genya is bursting in to get her ready for the day. She doesn't comment on the dreamy smile that her charge can't keep off her face though she does raise a brow at it. There's no denying that the little Sun Summoner is in a remarkable good mood. ]
"Sleep well?"
[ Her tone is amused but curious. She's just finished braiding back some of Alina's hair when she asks. Alina gives a soft laugh and shrugs as she gets up to take her arm to go to the dining hall. ]
I suppose so. I've been having trouble sleeping, and I finally got some good sleep.
[ Never mind the fact that it'd been with the General. They walk arm in arm until join the other Grisha already taking their seats for breakfast. Nadia and Marie are already there already. They wave for them to come join at their table, but Alina's eyes are searching for the Black. When he steps in, she straightens and feels her breath catch in her throat. She's immediately reminded of their kiss, turning her cheeks rosy. Genya catches it. She sees exactly where she's looking. A look of understanding dawns on her. ]
[ In earlier months, it wasn't unusual to find the Darkling moving through the corridors of the Little Palace. But as the war drags on, tensions continually rise, and more and more demands pour in, he has little time to even leave his War Room, let along ghost among his people.
So when the Black General slowly steps into the Dining Hall, every seat at the long tables taken, save for the ornate chair at its head, the voices and the clatter of silverware and dishes abruptly cease. The entire room seems as if it's suddenly dropped down a well.
Satisfying, in a way. Kirigan's customary stern expression glints, a corner of his mouth quirks.
He steps further into the Hall, striding to his chair with casual grace - one of the servers quickly pulls it back for him. Before he sits, he waves an absent hand. ]
Carry on.
[ Taking his seat, he waits patiently for the tea to be poured, but he isn't at all ignorant of the eyes on him, one gaze in particular. He'd noticed her the moment he'd stepped into the Hall, seated with Nadia and Marie. Which was good. Having her seated at his right hand would kickstart the gossip and that they could all live without. ]
[ There's a deep longing to go sit with him. She's not very good at hiding the way her gaze keeps going towards his table intermittently. Playing it cool is apparently not one of her strong suits. She wants him to look back at her and meet her gaze, but then she doesn't know what she'll do if he does. Marie chatters on next to her. It must have been a question because there's a lull and eyes are on her.
Alina turns back towards them with a guilty expression. ]
I'm sorry. I'm a little distracted this morning. [ She feels terrible and resolves to spend the rest of breakfast giving her friends the attention they deserve. She eats her breakfast and falls back into their normal routine even while the insistent thought of Aleksander's lips on hers keeps trying to push to the forefront of her mind.
Genya sips her tea nonchalantly. She has a glint in her eyes that makes Alina squirm. ]
"You should greet the General on your way out of breakfast. It's only polite."
[ The Heads of the three Grisha Orders grace his right and left hands. Conversation, of course, veers towards Grisha business, and the food is exquisite, but the Darkling's attention is hardly focused on the discussion or the fare in front of him. It's also a bit disconcerting, he comes to realize, frowning at his teacup and fiddling absently with a fork, just how distracted he's allowed himself to become, and all because of a simple, innocent kiss.
Saints above.
Yet, every sense is acutely tuned to the lovely woman two tables down, and it's a damned challenge to sit here and pretend to be listening to Piotr drone on about his newest combustible creation. A moment or so later, he realizes that the three of them are looking at him, clearly expecting a response. Kirigan straightens in his chair, takes a sip of scalding hot tea, and gives a succinct nod. ]
[ Breakfast passes both agonizingly slow and all too fast. She wants it to end, so she can go by and say something before the day separates them. Once they're done though, they likely will not get the chance to see one another again until the evening. Her training kept her busy just as the war does to him. There's so much that requires his attention.
All too soon, breakfast is finished. She drinks the last of her tea and rises with Nadia and Marie. Genya must take her leave to return to the Grand Palace and attend to the queen. The three Etherealaki begin to make their exit to attend combat training with Master Botkin. They respectfully stop at the head table to greet the General. Nadia and Marie are courteous and warm, but Alina feels like her tongue has grown thick in her mouth.
Looking at him now, all she can think of is the way it felt to be wrapped up in his arms while she slept. Waking up next to him had been wonderful. She craves it again. She gives a nod. ]
[ All of the commotion in the Hall seems to fall into slow motion when he notices the three Etherealki rise form their chairs. Yet he knows he cannot watch their progress directly; Piotr has finished his pitch and now it's Marcella's turn, her slightly nasal voice grating in his ears like a rake over gravel. It's irksome.
The three ladies pause, all of them giving their commander polite nods and appropriate greetings, which the Darkling returns as expected. And he spares a small personal word to both Nadia and Marie; they are good girls, talented Grisha, and are deserving of his attention here and there.
Yet when Aleksander's dark gaze meets Alina's, the only thing that flashes across his mind is how her lips felt against his, and by all the Saints ever spawned, he can still taste her on his mouth. But at the breakfast table is no place to revisit that beautiful memory, so with considerable effort he stifles it, and forces himself to return her polite greeting.
Which he does, with a cordial nod and the barest curve of a smile. ]
Good morning, Miss Starkov. [ A beat, then he hears himself say: ] I trust you're well?
[ He's perfectly polite. Courteous even. He gives her the same greeting as he did Nadia and Marie, but she catches the hint of a smile that's threatening to tug at his lips. She's not imagining it, is she? She finds some of that brazen courage again. Unlike the General, her smile is free and open and unabashed. ]
Very well. I had a good night of sleep last night. It does wonders.
[ Her tone is casual. The words are perfectly normal, but she knows Aleksander will understand. She licks her lips almost unconsciously and gives a nod to him and the others seated with him. ]
Master Botkin awaits us. I hope you have a lovely day v
[ No, she's not imagining it. It's slight, so very thin, but the smile on his lips is just for her, and her alone. It does, however, widen just a bit at her response. ]
It does, indeed. [ He gives her a cordial nod, one Grisha to another. ] And I am glad to hear it.
[ The Darkling is acutely aware of every eye in the room aimed at them, some obvious, others not. But he knows beyond a doubt that everyone is watching and listening, because his people are eternal children and they thrive on this sort of drama.
By the bloody Saints.
But he'll give them nothing overt to whisper about, not here. Alina deserves better than that. ]
[ Everyone is staring and watching. They're not even trying to be discreet. Everyone had their own thoughts and opinions about their new Sun Summoner and the Darkling. Nadia and Marie are getting a front row seat to it all, and they're only barely managing to contain themselves. Their eyes dart back and forth between them until they close out their greeting.
Alina gives him one last smile before she steps out of the dining hall. It's only a a few seconds before the two girls descend on her with giggles and question. She only barely manages to keep a straight face as they head out for training.
The rest of the day goes as expected. Alina is doing well with her combat training. She's devouring all the books given to her on strategy and policy and warfare. Her last lesson of the day is spent with Baghra. The woman is unrelenting despite the progress she's made. She's stronger and refining her control, but Baghra always expects more. She insists that her large show of power is pointless if she can refine her control on a minuscule level and grow from there. It takes a remarkable amount of control to do so. It's also exhausting because of the level of concentration it takes.
It doesn't help that she's distracted. Her mind keeps wandering to Aleksander which makes her control falter. Each time it does, Baghra snaps at her and threatens her with the cane. She comes close to using it on her, but Alina flares brightly, nearly threatening to blind her if she continues on that path. Baghra lowers the cane and scoffs. ]
"Get out of here, girl. Come back when you actually want to destroy the Fold. You're of no used to me if you'd rather be a besotted fool with stars in her eyes."
[ The words sting. Alina leaves the hut smarting as she really had been struck by her cane. She doesn't have much appetite because she feels a terrible pit in her stomach after that interaction. Baghra has a way of insidiously getting into her head. It makes her doubt herself. She feels like she needs to prove Baghra wrong and chooses to spend the dinner hour in her quarters, working on her own lessons.
She's been playing with bending light in different ways. She's exploring how it affects the area around it. She's noticed she can change how color appears, but even more, she can use it to hide something in plain sight. That takes just as much control as Baghra's lessons. She's so focused on her training that she doesn't realize the time that passes by. ]
[ The Sun Summoner isn't the only one distracted. The Darkling has been inattentive, moody, and snappish all the day long, actually exiting the demanded audience with the Lantsov prince well before its end, garnering open mouths and wide eyes from the rest of the nobility present.
But honestly, if he'd had to sit through five more minutes of Vasily Lantsov extolling his own (questionable) virtues, he wouldn't have been able to keep a leash on his increasingly volatile temper.
Back in his War Room, the General orders everyone else out, commands Ivan to restrict access to his office until further notice, and he then retires to his study, in the calm, cool quiet, to stare unseeing out of the window and brood.
And his thoughts were as black as his mood.
Always one with a plan, and four contingencies in place, the Darkling hadn't expected to be presented with his own idiotic sensibilities when it came to Alina Starkov. Yes, she's a pretty girl. Yes, she's innocent, pure, and sweet. Yes, she's trying her hardest to harness her power. Yes, she's...captivating.
That shoots him up from his chair with a snarl, silently berating himself for even having the fucking thought. Falling into pacing, Kirigan reminds himself that he is not some moon-eyed adolescent to quibble over a milkmaid each time that she bats her lashes in his direction. This irksome infatuation has to stop. Oh, he needs it on her end, to be sure. It's all part of his grand master plan, but Saints be damned before he allows himself to be caught in his own fucking web.
No. No, no, no. It has to stop. He has to put the memory of her smile, her laugh, her gentle touch, and her sweet kisses out of his head.
A darker snarl precedes him through his War Room to the double doors that lead into his quarters. They burst open, revealing the Darkling in all of his magnificent fury, and Ivan nearly stumbles in abrupt surprise. From the look on the General's face, something's happened, and from the force of his glower, it's bad, thus Ivan dares inquire: ]
"...sir...?"
[ And is rewarded with another dark, menacing growl, along with the sharp, biting command of: ]
[ There's a sudden knock on her door. It's abrupt and sharp. It startles her concentration. Her hand, which had been momentarily invisible, comes back into sight. Rising from her bed, she opens the door curiously. She finds Ivan standing there with a deeper scowl than normal. ]
"The General has summoned you."
[ There's a moment of surprise and excitement at that, but it's fleeting because Ivan takes her hand and all but drags her along since she's not moving fast enough. She asks Ivan what's going on, but he only stares straight ahead. He walks swiftly with a longer stride than her own. He doesn't speak word until they step through the doors of the War Room, and he presents her to General Kirigan. ]
"The Sun Sunmoner as requested, sir."
[ Alina is still confused by what exactly is going on, but the moment she sees Aleksander, her entire expression lights up. Her eyes a bright with a smile. Their demeanors are like day and night. It takes a beat for her to realize the tension radiating off of him. She's immediately filled with concern. ]
[ After slamming the doors in Ivan's startled face, he falls back to pacing. Swearing foul curses under his breath. Scowling hard enough to shrink the very foundations of all Creation. Shadows seethe along the walls, responding to his frustrated ire.
It actually doesn't take Ivan very long to return, though for Kirigan it seems an eternity, and he pauses when the doors open, still frowning to see Alina all but dragged into his quarters. Ivan deposits her in front of him, salutes, then disappears without having to be dismissed. A blessing, because the Darkling has eyes only for the woman in front of him.
And he'd have to be the biggest fool in the entire history of the world to miss how her lovely face brightens when she sees him, or how her smile curves her lips just by being in his presence. Oh, Saints, he's already done for...
Gone is the discussion he'd so meticulously planned, vanished to the winds, and he can no more stop himself than he can destroy the Fold.
In two long strides, he crosses the room, takes her beautiful face in his hands and captures her mouth with his, kissing her as if his next breath depended on making her swoon. This time, he isn't exactly gentle, but he is brief, lifting his head only to rest his forehead to hers, gently stroking the arches of her cheeks with his thumbs. ]
...forgive me...I-- [ He bites the words back, shaking his head slightly. ] Nothing's wrong. But yes, I--yes, I wanted...to see you. My Alina.
[ She thinks there's something wrong. She doesn't see any other reason why she's been brought here so unceremoniously. Ivan had been overly Ivan. When it's only her and Aleksander, she takes a slight step forward. Her eyes are studying him, trying to find the cause of his displeasure as if it's something he wears upon him. Maybe it's foolish of her to think she can read him so easily, but she still tries anyway.
He meets her the rest of the way. Suddenly, he's standing before her and cupping her face for a kiss. Alina sighs and melts against him. She cups the back of his neck, pressing herself flush against his chest. It's not long enough, but she's smiling again when he rests his forehead against hers. She pulls back and traces her fingertips along his cheek. She gazes up at him with a softness in her eyes. ]
[ Letting her go is harder work than his hands can handle just now, therefore he doesn't. Because she's smiling up at him and touching his cheek and it terrifies him that he wants to just...fall into her and never return.
Saints, this woman!
But his subconscious apparently knows better, for Aleksander finds himself leaning for another kiss, considerably slower, deeper, and longer, coaxing her lips apart only to groan when her unique flavor meets his tongue. His hands leave her face only to wind long arms around her, pulling her into his strong embrace.
Where she belongs.
This is what he wants. Her affection, her surrender. For all of his cold calculation, never had he anticipated the want. But right now he's its willing prisoner, because he cannot think, plot, or plan while their lips are pressed together. ]
[ They have time now. The day is pulling them apart in separate directions. She's not afraid of how a kiss might be taken. They have time and each other. Baghra and her words can go hang. This-- whatever this is will only make her strong. She's sure of it.
She doesn't second guess when he kisses her again. Alina only wants to melt into him. She wants to learn everything about him. All of his likes and dislikes and the noises he makes if she does this or that or something else. Her lips part eagerly for him. Her tongue is a soft, tentative touch that explores his taste.
Aleksander might be calculating everything and trying to actively win something from her, but she's asking for everything and more in return without realizing it. A moan bubbles in her throat. She pressed against him insistently. All the layers they wear and their sturdy keftas feel like barriers. She can't get enough.
Her fingers tangle in his hair, ruining it from the perfect style he's had since the morning. She runs her tongue along his bottom lip and nibbles at it. ]
[ The silky slide of her tongue over his lip does him in. He actually has to lean against the map table to keep his knees from buckling, damn her. Giving a soft grunt of effort, the Darkling sweeps the Sun Summoner from her feet to the table, unerringly situating his long frame between her knees so he can keep them close. Close.
Doing so also puts them at a more even height, the better for him to gaze into her lovely eyes and kiss her again, and again, finally lifting his head to breathe against her wet mouth: ]
...and I you.
[ A small chuckle comes between them, along with his slightly crooked grin. ]
--I actually walked of a palace meeting earlier because I couldn't stop thinking about you.
[ And there'd be ramifications for that, to be sure, but when he has her nestled close, his arms around her waist and hers about his neck, and they are breathing together, sharing eager kisses and his ragged nerves are soothed by just her presence...the Black General simply cannot give a damn. ]
[ She laughs brightly in surprise when he picks her up with such ease. She finds herself perched on the table where he keeps his map and all the movements throughout the war. Her legs part of their own accord, leaving him plenty of room to stand between them. It sends a spark of heat curling in her belly.
She rakes her nails along his scalp in a gentle, massaging motion. She slides them down to the back of his neck and relishes this intimacy between them. She's thrilled to know he's missed her too, but she pulls back with a gasp that he walked out of palace meeting because of her. ]
Sasha!
[ She's laughing as she says it, but she's genuinely shocked. It's not like him. Her hand trails down his back to rub up and down his spine. She finds that she cannot get enough of touching him. ]
Baghra is furious with me because I couldn't concentrate.
[ No, it isn't like him. Although he wishes he could have seen the look on the brat prince's face as he left the council chamber... ah, well. But having her hands on him is worth it. He can't stop a small shudder, burying his nose in the slope of Alina's neck when she slides her nails over his skin, the tingle electrifying.
And while he's immensely proud of designing and implementing the kefta for all Grisha to wear, right now it's a bloody cumbersome irritant, denying him access to everything his greedy hands desire. Thankfully, it's only a barrier for perhaps five seconds, because in no time at all Aleksander is hastily pushing the heavy coat off of Alina's slim shoulders, all too eager to thread his arms back around her to again pull her flush.
Her skin is divine beneath his mouth, and he's starving for the taste of her on his tongue. Soft lips and his rough chin score warm flesh, and he gives a low moan beneath her ear, inhaling her sweet, sweet scent, heady with rising desire. Her comment about his matron, however, earns a mild little snort. ]
Trust me, there's no pleasing her. [ He'd know. Then large warm hands slowly run down the Summoner's sides until they grip her hips, urging her forward to slot against his, yes perfect. ] --why weren't you able to concentrate?
[ She grins as he undos her kefta and helps him slip it off her. Her hands go to his own because she gives and takes in equal measure. She skims up his chest to push it off his shoulders until it falls to the ground. Aleksander coaxes another breathy laugh out of her. His eagerness to touch and explore her is exhilarating. She feels so utterly wanted. She wants him too. Saints, she wants him too. She hasn't wanted anything this badly in so long. ]
You know why.
[ His moan makes her shudder just as much as his mouth. The scrape of his beard feels too good. It's doubtlessly leaving red marks on her tender skin, but the idea of him leaving his mark behind on her only fans the flames hotter. Turning her head, she catches his lips for another searing kiss. Her legs wrap around his hips until they're crossed at the ankles behind him. She draws him closer to her with a little gasp.
Much of her thoughts have been dominated by him today. By this. What else would he do to her if they only had more time? She's fantasized kissing him all over and being devoured by him. Only this is so much better than her imagination. ]
[ It's a testament to how far he's done that he doesn't deter the Black kefta slithering from his shoulders to a heap on the floor. The white silk shirt beneath it is immaculate, of course, and without his distinctive symbol of office he seems more man than icon.
A man driven by desire, a burning need for the woman in his arms, tormenting him with her inherent goodness, her natural sweetness. Saints, how he craves her.
And she's coiled around him, mouth open and willing beneath his, lithe legs trapping him exactly where he wants to be. She's spinning him out of control, making him dizzy with her returned passion. He kisses her hard, unable to keep those small, needy noises in his throat, and the fog in his head thickens, as does the bulge beneath those immaculately fitted black trousers.
The sharp sudden spike of eager need that lances through him when Alina shifts just right is enough to bring up his head, breath already coming a little harshly. His gaze is black with heat, desire, and he cups her cheek gently before letting his hand trail over her throat, shoulder, and side, heel of his hand just pressing against the swell of a breast. ]
Do I? [ His voice is rough, graveled. But low and so very sinful. ] Tell me. [ Aleksander shifts between her thighs, hissing as the friction between them courses up his spine. He leans over her, mouth hovering just above hers. ]
[ The air suddenly becomes more charged. Something shifts, but it doesn't frighten her. She pulls his silk shirt from his trousers, sliding a hand beneath to touch his skin along his abdomen. He's so warm and soft against her. She wants more. She's become incredibly greedy since her time here at the Little Palace.
She knows she's inexperienced. She's relying on instinct and what feels right. Alina hopes that he doesn't fault her for it. She's never taken a lover before, but she knows what this is all building up to. A loud moan escapes her when he shifts between her legs. The stiffness in his pants insistently rubs against her where she's sensitive and quickly growing damp even through the fabric. Her hands grip his shoulders tight as if trying to steady herself.
She shivers at the timbre of his voice and the way he looks at her. His dark eyes are impossibly even darker. She bites her bottom lip. It's one thing to imagine it and act upon it. It's another to speak it aloud. Her cheeks feel too warm with shyness. ]
Kissing you. Touching you. [ She swallows a little and toys with the hem of his shirt. She rubs the silk between her fingers. ] I wondered what it would be like to be touched by you. Or how your mouth would feel on my skin.
[ The touch of her hand on his bare skin actually makes him gasp. As do the words that fall from her lips, but the gasp quickly devolves to a low, rumbled growl of approval as he sinks into her mouth again, giving her her wish.
There's so much heat that he's dangerously dizzy. Her scent, her touch, the tiny sounds she made... Coherent thought has fled, leaving him to realize that his bedroom is only a few doors away. And terribly convenient.
But, before he can act on that - milliseconds before - a completely unwanted sound reaches his ear and he freezes, frustrated wrath already beginning to rise from the depths of his very being.
--there's a knock at the door.
Biting back curses, it actually takes him several moments to untangle himself from his lovely Sun Summoner and straighten, automatically retrieving his Black kefta and shrugging back into it, making sure that it's buttoned all the way down. He drops a light kiss to Alina's lips before stepping away. ]
I'll be right back.
[ Just as soon as he's done throttling the unfortunate irritant that dares disturb him right now! ]
[ She feels so close to him and yet, still not close enough. Her lips part to welcome him. He is the lord of shadows, but she feels like he's feeding a growing heat in her. She rocks against him experimentally to find more of that delicious friction. The knock barely registers to her ears. She gives a low whine of protest when he breaks the kiss. Her legs try and keep him trapped against her to prevent him from pulling away. ]
Sasha.
[ Saints, she's actually pouting. She lets him go because she knows it could be important despite what she feels. The kiss is barely enough to mollify her, but she watches him go.
The only one brave enough to interrupt the General is Ivan. He stands ramrod straight as he awaits for the door to open. He's quick to speak to keep the General from waiting. ]
[ There's murder in the Darkling's eyes when the eclipses part, but to his credit, Ivan doesn't falter. He gives his report, and for a solid ten seconds the Black General just...stares at him, nonplussed.
Then Kirigan's brain finally catches up with the rest of him and he blinks, frowning as if abruptly being woken from a deep, dreamless sleep. ]
--oh. The tracker. Good.
[ Impeccable timing. ]
Give me...ten minutes.
[ He closes the door to Ivan's nod and returns to his lovely Alina, her cheeks still flushed and her lips still becomingly swollen from their torrid kisses. And it is with deep regret that he takes her face in his hands once more, lowering his head to capture those sweet lips, kissing her thoroughly. Oh, how he wants her. ]
...I have to go. [ Damn the words. ] It's very important, otherwise...otherwise I'd take you to bed here and now. [ He cards long fingers through her dark hair. ] But, I will see you at supper? --and perhaps after?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sarken
midnight texting -- cont.
Date: 2023-07-02 02:03 am (UTC)--ask before you choke on it.
[ Ivan pauses, blinks, then pales. ]
"Ask what, sir?"
[ Kirigan gives him a look. Ivan tries to be stalwart under that Black gaze, but flushes, hurriedly dropping his eyes. ]
"It's...it's not necessary. Sir."
[ One of the Darkling's eyebrows slowly arches. The Corporalnik blushes harder. Hurriedly stuffs the orders into the mail pouch. At last, Kirigan takes an ounce of pity on his Second, and speaks again. ]
In an effort to curtail the rumor mill that will, no doubt, be spinning by luncheon, Miss Starkov was unable to sleep, and as I suffered the same affliction, we spent the night reading in my study.
[ He pauses, promise of his wrath heavy as an anchor. ]
Understood?
[ Ivan snaps to perfect attention, ducking his chin once in a sharp nod. ]
"Perfectly, sir. Crystal clear."
[ Kirigan's expression flattens and he waves the Heartrender off. ] Very well. Dismissed. I'll be taking breakfast in the Dining Hall.
[ Ivan lets himself out of the Darkling's office, and Aleksander himself pauses before the mirror over the fireplace, adjusting his kefta to its immaculate perfection before heading off to the dining hall to have a meal with his Grisha. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 02:33 am (UTC)"Sleep well?"
[ Her tone is amused but curious. She's just finished braiding back some of Alina's hair when she asks. Alina gives a soft laugh and shrugs as she gets up to take her arm to go to the dining hall. ]
I suppose so. I've been having trouble sleeping, and I finally got some good sleep.
[ Never mind the fact that it'd been with the General. They walk arm in arm until join the other Grisha already taking their seats for breakfast. Nadia and Marie are already there already. They wave for them to come join at their table, but Alina's eyes are searching for the Black. When he steps in, she straightens and feels her breath catch in her throat. She's immediately reminded of their kiss, turning her cheeks rosy. Genya catches it. She sees exactly where she's looking. A look of understanding dawns on her. ]
"Ah, slept very well then."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 02:48 am (UTC)So when the Black General slowly steps into the Dining Hall, every seat at the long tables taken, save for the ornate chair at its head, the voices and the clatter of silverware and dishes abruptly cease. The entire room seems as if it's suddenly dropped down a well.
Satisfying, in a way. Kirigan's customary stern expression glints, a corner of his mouth quirks.
He steps further into the Hall, striding to his chair with casual grace - one of the servers quickly pulls it back for him. Before he sits, he waves an absent hand. ]
Carry on.
[ Taking his seat, he waits patiently for the tea to be poured, but he isn't at all ignorant of the eyes on him, one gaze in particular. He'd noticed her the moment he'd stepped into the Hall, seated with Nadia and Marie. Which was good. Having her seated at his right hand would kickstart the gossip and that they could all live without. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 03:44 am (UTC)Alina turns back towards them with a guilty expression. ]
I'm sorry. I'm a little distracted this morning. [ She feels terrible and resolves to spend the rest of breakfast giving her friends the attention they deserve. She eats her breakfast and falls back into their normal routine even while the insistent thought of Aleksander's lips on hers keeps trying to push to the forefront of her mind.
Genya sips her tea nonchalantly. She has a glint in her eyes that makes Alina squirm. ]
"You should greet the General on your way out of breakfast. It's only polite."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 04:04 am (UTC)Saints above.
Yet, every sense is acutely tuned to the lovely woman two tables down, and it's a damned challenge to sit here and pretend to be listening to Piotr drone on about his newest combustible creation. A moment or so later, he realizes that the three of them are looking at him, clearly expecting a response. Kirigan straightens in his chair, takes a sip of scalding hot tea, and gives a succinct nod. ]
Ahem. Yes. Do carry on, Piotr.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 04:35 am (UTC)All too soon, breakfast is finished. She drinks the last of her tea and rises with Nadia and Marie. Genya must take her leave to return to the Grand Palace and attend to the queen. The three Etherealaki begin to make their exit to attend combat training with Master Botkin. They respectfully stop at the head table to greet the General. Nadia and Marie are courteous and warm, but Alina feels like her tongue has grown thick in her mouth.
Looking at him now, all she can think of is the way it felt to be wrapped up in his arms while she slept. Waking up next to him had been wonderful. She craves it again. She gives a nod. ]
Good morning, General.
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Date: 2023-07-02 04:58 am (UTC)The three ladies pause, all of them giving their commander polite nods and appropriate greetings, which the Darkling returns as expected. And he spares a small personal word to both Nadia and Marie; they are good girls, talented Grisha, and are deserving of his attention here and there.
Yet when Aleksander's dark gaze meets Alina's, the only thing that flashes across his mind is how her lips felt against his, and by all the Saints ever spawned, he can still taste her on his mouth. But at the breakfast table is no place to revisit that beautiful memory, so with considerable effort he stifles it, and forces himself to return her polite greeting.
Which he does, with a cordial nod and the barest curve of a smile. ]
Good morning, Miss Starkov. [ A beat, then he hears himself say: ] I trust you're well?
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Date: 2023-07-02 03:53 pm (UTC)Very well. I had a good night of sleep last night. It does wonders.
[ Her tone is casual. The words are perfectly normal, but she knows Aleksander will understand. She licks her lips almost unconsciously and gives a nod to him and the others seated with him. ]
Master Botkin awaits us. I hope you have a lovely day v
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Date: 2023-07-02 04:30 pm (UTC)It does, indeed. [ He gives her a cordial nod, one Grisha to another. ] And I am glad to hear it.
[ The Darkling is acutely aware of every eye in the room aimed at them, some obvious, others not. But he knows beyond a doubt that everyone is watching and listening, because his people are eternal children and they thrive on this sort of drama.
By the bloody Saints.
But he'll give them nothing overt to whisper about, not here. Alina deserves better than that. ]
Thank you, Miss Starkov. Please, carry on.
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Date: 2023-07-02 05:22 pm (UTC)Alina gives him one last smile before she steps out of the dining hall. It's only a a few seconds before the two girls descend on her with giggles and question. She only barely manages to keep a straight face as they head out for training.
The rest of the day goes as expected. Alina is doing well with her combat training. She's devouring all the books given to her on strategy and policy and warfare. Her last lesson of the day is spent with Baghra. The woman is unrelenting despite the progress she's made. She's stronger and refining her control, but Baghra always expects more. She insists that her large show of power is pointless if she can refine her control on a minuscule level and grow from there. It takes a remarkable amount of control to do so. It's also exhausting because of the level of concentration it takes.
It doesn't help that she's distracted. Her mind keeps wandering to Aleksander which makes her control falter. Each time it does, Baghra snaps at her and threatens her with the cane. She comes close to using it on her, but Alina flares brightly, nearly threatening to blind her if she continues on that path. Baghra lowers the cane and scoffs. ]
"Get out of here, girl. Come back when you actually want to destroy the Fold. You're of no used to me if you'd rather be a besotted fool with stars in her eyes."
[ The words sting. Alina leaves the hut smarting as she really had been struck by her cane. She doesn't have much appetite because she feels a terrible pit in her stomach after that interaction. Baghra has a way of insidiously getting into her head. It makes her doubt herself. She feels like she needs to prove Baghra wrong and chooses to spend the dinner hour in her quarters, working on her own lessons.
She's been playing with bending light in different ways. She's exploring how it affects the area around it. She's noticed she can change how color appears, but even more, she can use it to hide something in plain sight. That takes just as much control as Baghra's lessons. She's so focused on her training that she doesn't realize the time that passes by. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 09:48 pm (UTC)But honestly, if he'd had to sit through five more minutes of Vasily Lantsov extolling his own (questionable) virtues, he wouldn't have been able to keep a leash on his increasingly volatile temper.
Back in his War Room, the General orders everyone else out, commands Ivan to restrict access to his office until further notice, and he then retires to his study, in the calm, cool quiet, to stare unseeing out of the window and brood.
And his thoughts were as black as his mood.
Always one with a plan, and four contingencies in place, the Darkling hadn't expected to be presented with his own idiotic sensibilities when it came to Alina Starkov. Yes, she's a pretty girl. Yes, she's innocent, pure, and sweet. Yes, she's trying her hardest to harness her power. Yes, she's...captivating.
That shoots him up from his chair with a snarl, silently berating himself for even having the fucking thought. Falling into pacing, Kirigan reminds himself that he is not some moon-eyed adolescent to quibble over a milkmaid each time that she bats her lashes in his direction. This irksome infatuation has to stop. Oh, he needs it on her end, to be sure. It's all part of his grand master plan, but Saints be damned before he allows himself to be caught in his own fucking web.
No. No, no, no. It has to stop. He has to put the memory of her smile, her laugh, her gentle touch, and her sweet kisses out of his head.
A darker snarl precedes him through his War Room to the double doors that lead into his quarters. They burst open, revealing the Darkling in all of his magnificent fury, and Ivan nearly stumbles in abrupt surprise. From the look on the General's face, something's happened, and from the force of his glower, it's bad, thus Ivan dares inquire: ]
"...sir...?"
[ And is rewarded with another dark, menacing growl, along with the sharp, biting command of: ]
--bring me my Sun Summoner. Now.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 10:46 pm (UTC)"The General has summoned you."
[ There's a moment of surprise and excitement at that, but it's fleeting because Ivan takes her hand and all but drags her along since she's not moving fast enough. She asks Ivan what's going on, but he only stares straight ahead. He walks swiftly with a longer stride than her own. He doesn't speak word until they step through the doors of the War Room, and he presents her to General Kirigan. ]
"The Sun Sunmoner as requested, sir."
[ Alina is still confused by what exactly is going on, but the moment she sees Aleksander, her entire expression lights up. Her eyes a bright with a smile. Their demeanors are like day and night. It takes a beat for her to realize the tension radiating off of him. She's immediately filled with concern. ]
You wanted to see me?
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Date: 2023-07-02 11:09 pm (UTC)It actually doesn't take Ivan very long to return, though for Kirigan it seems an eternity, and he pauses when the doors open, still frowning to see Alina all but dragged into his quarters. Ivan deposits her in front of him, salutes, then disappears without having to be dismissed. A blessing, because the Darkling has eyes only for the woman in front of him.
And he'd have to be the biggest fool in the entire history of the world to miss how her lovely face brightens when she sees him, or how her smile curves her lips just by being in his presence. Oh, Saints, he's already done for...
Gone is the discussion he'd so meticulously planned, vanished to the winds, and he can no more stop himself than he can destroy the Fold.
In two long strides, he crosses the room, takes her beautiful face in his hands and captures her mouth with his, kissing her as if his next breath depended on making her swoon. This time, he isn't exactly gentle, but he is brief, lifting his head only to rest his forehead to hers, gently stroking the arches of her cheeks with his thumbs. ]
...forgive me...I-- [ He bites the words back, shaking his head slightly. ] Nothing's wrong. But yes, I--yes, I wanted...to see you. My Alina.
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Date: 2023-07-02 11:21 pm (UTC)He meets her the rest of the way. Suddenly, he's standing before her and cupping her face for a kiss. Alina sighs and melts against him. She cups the back of his neck, pressing herself flush against his chest. It's not long enough, but she's smiling again when he rests his forehead against hers. She pulls back and traces her fingertips along his cheek. She gazes up at him with a softness in her eyes. ]
I'm here, Sasha.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-02 11:34 pm (UTC)Saints, this woman!
But his subconscious apparently knows better, for Aleksander finds himself leaning for another kiss, considerably slower, deeper, and longer, coaxing her lips apart only to groan when her unique flavor meets his tongue. His hands leave her face only to wind long arms around her, pulling her into his strong embrace.
Where she belongs.
This is what he wants. Her affection, her surrender. For all of his cold calculation, never had he anticipated the want. But right now he's its willing prisoner, because he cannot think, plot, or plan while their lips are pressed together. ]
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Date: 2023-07-02 11:45 pm (UTC)She doesn't second guess when he kisses her again. Alina only wants to melt into him. She wants to learn everything about him. All of his likes and dislikes and the noises he makes if she does this or that or something else. Her lips part eagerly for him. Her tongue is a soft, tentative touch that explores his taste.
Aleksander might be calculating everything and trying to actively win something from her, but she's asking for everything and more in return without realizing it. A moan bubbles in her throat. She pressed against him insistently. All the layers they wear and their sturdy keftas feel like barriers. She can't get enough.
Her fingers tangle in his hair, ruining it from the perfect style he's had since the morning. She runs her tongue along his bottom lip and nibbles at it. ]
I missed you today.
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Date: 2023-07-02 11:59 pm (UTC)Doing so also puts them at a more even height, the better for him to gaze into her lovely eyes and kiss her again, and again, finally lifting his head to breathe against her wet mouth: ]
...and I you.
[ A small chuckle comes between them, along with his slightly crooked grin. ]
--I actually walked of a palace meeting earlier because I couldn't stop thinking about you.
[ And there'd be ramifications for that, to be sure, but when he has her nestled close, his arms around her waist and hers about his neck, and they are breathing together, sharing eager kisses and his ragged nerves are soothed by just her presence...the Black General simply cannot give a damn. ]
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Date: 2023-07-03 12:21 am (UTC)She rakes her nails along his scalp in a gentle, massaging motion. She slides them down to the back of his neck and relishes this intimacy between them. She's thrilled to know he's missed her too, but she pulls back with a gasp that he walked out of palace meeting because of her. ]
Sasha!
[ She's laughing as she says it, but she's genuinely shocked. It's not like him. Her hand trails down his back to rub up and down his spine. She finds that she cannot get enough of touching him. ]
Baghra is furious with me because I couldn't concentrate.
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Date: 2023-07-03 12:33 am (UTC)And while he's immensely proud of designing and implementing the kefta for all Grisha to wear, right now it's a bloody cumbersome irritant, denying him access to everything his greedy hands desire. Thankfully, it's only a barrier for perhaps five seconds, because in no time at all Aleksander is hastily pushing the heavy coat off of Alina's slim shoulders, all too eager to thread his arms back around her to again pull her flush.
Her skin is divine beneath his mouth, and he's starving for the taste of her on his tongue. Soft lips and his rough chin score warm flesh, and he gives a low moan beneath her ear, inhaling her sweet, sweet scent, heady with rising desire. Her comment about his matron, however, earns a mild little snort. ]
Trust me, there's no pleasing her. [ He'd know. Then large warm hands slowly run down the Summoner's sides until they grip her hips, urging her forward to slot against his, yes perfect. ] --why weren't you able to concentrate?
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Date: 2023-07-03 12:40 am (UTC)You know why.
[ His moan makes her shudder just as much as his mouth. The scrape of his beard feels too good. It's doubtlessly leaving red marks on her tender skin, but the idea of him leaving his mark behind on her only fans the flames hotter. Turning her head, she catches his lips for another searing kiss. Her legs wrap around his hips until they're crossed at the ankles behind him. She draws him closer to her with a little gasp.
Much of her thoughts have been dominated by him today. By this. What else would he do to her if they only had more time? She's fantasized kissing him all over and being devoured by him. Only this is so much better than her imagination. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 01:01 am (UTC)A man driven by desire, a burning need for the woman in his arms, tormenting him with her inherent goodness, her natural sweetness. Saints, how he craves her.
And she's coiled around him, mouth open and willing beneath his, lithe legs trapping him exactly where he wants to be. She's spinning him out of control, making him dizzy with her returned passion. He kisses her hard, unable to keep those small, needy noises in his throat, and the fog in his head thickens, as does the bulge beneath those immaculately fitted black trousers.
The sharp sudden spike of eager need that lances through him when Alina shifts just right is enough to bring up his head, breath already coming a little harshly. His gaze is black with heat, desire, and he cups her cheek gently before letting his hand trail over her throat, shoulder, and side, heel of his hand just pressing against the swell of a breast. ]
Do I? [ His voice is rough, graveled. But low and so very sinful. ] Tell me. [ Aleksander shifts between her thighs, hissing as the friction between them courses up his spine. He leans over her, mouth hovering just above hers. ]
...tell me...
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Date: 2023-07-03 01:09 am (UTC)She knows she's inexperienced. She's relying on instinct and what feels right. Alina hopes that he doesn't fault her for it. She's never taken a lover before, but she knows what this is all building up to. A loud moan escapes her when he shifts between her legs. The stiffness in his pants insistently rubs against her where she's sensitive and quickly growing damp even through the fabric. Her hands grip his shoulders tight as if trying to steady herself.
She shivers at the timbre of his voice and the way he looks at her. His dark eyes are impossibly even darker. She bites her bottom lip. It's one thing to imagine it and act upon it. It's another to speak it aloud. Her cheeks feel too warm with shyness. ]
Kissing you. Touching you. [ She swallows a little and toys with the hem of his shirt. She rubs the silk between her fingers. ] I wondered what it would be like to be touched by you. Or how your mouth would feel on my skin.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 01:45 am (UTC)There's so much heat that he's dangerously dizzy. Her scent, her touch, the tiny sounds she made... Coherent thought has fled, leaving him to realize that his bedroom is only a few doors away. And terribly convenient.
But, before he can act on that - milliseconds before - a completely unwanted sound reaches his ear and he freezes, frustrated wrath already beginning to rise from the depths of his very being.
--there's a knock at the door.
Biting back curses, it actually takes him several moments to untangle himself from his lovely Sun Summoner and straighten, automatically retrieving his Black kefta and shrugging back into it, making sure that it's buttoned all the way down. He drops a light kiss to Alina's lips before stepping away. ]
I'll be right back.
[ Just as soon as he's done throttling the unfortunate irritant that dares disturb him right now! ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 01:54 am (UTC)Sasha.
[ Saints, she's actually pouting. She lets him go because she knows it could be important despite what she feels. The kiss is barely enough to mollify her, but she watches him go.
The only one brave enough to interrupt the General is Ivan. He stands ramrod straight as he awaits for the door to open. He's quick to speak to keep the General from waiting. ]
"The tracker has arrived, sir."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 02:15 am (UTC)Then Kirigan's brain finally catches up with the rest of him and he blinks, frowning as if abruptly being woken from a deep, dreamless sleep. ]
--oh. The tracker. Good.
[ Impeccable timing. ]
Give me...ten minutes.
[ He closes the door to Ivan's nod and returns to his lovely Alina, her cheeks still flushed and her lips still becomingly swollen from their torrid kisses. And it is with deep regret that he takes her face in his hands once more, lowering his head to capture those sweet lips, kissing her thoroughly. Oh, how he wants her. ]
...I have to go. [ Damn the words. ] It's very important, otherwise...otherwise I'd take you to bed here and now. [ He cards long fingers through her dark hair. ] But, I will see you at supper? --and perhaps after?
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