Chapter Text
5 years later.
“Aleksander!” I called and the Darkling looked up from his desk, where he was pouring over papers.
“It is such a nice day out. Genya and David have invited us for a picnic.” I said.
He smiled. “You go. Perhaps I’ll join you, later.” He said.
I sighed. “Come with us. Ravka won’t fall apart because you took a break.” I laughed, tugging at his arm.
He smiled. In the 5 years since our “demonstration” Ravka had only known peace. The king was still king but it was truly the Darkling who ruled from his shadow throne. The Second Army has been disbanded, Grisha were free, finally. With the Darkling in control of the Shadow Fold, he kept out Fjerdans and Shu Han. Kerch had become an ally and they stopped using Grisha as indentured servants. The Darkling was working on a peace treaty with Shu Han and was hopeful they could come to an understanding. The Fjerdans would probably never come around but Ravkans had accepted that. Even so, there was no more war and no more Grisha deaths.
“Don’t you want to see baby Alya?” I asked. Genya and David had the cutest little baby girl, named after me.
“Alina.” He said, but there was no heat in his voice.
“Fine, fine.” I laughed. “Come out when you can,” I said, walking towards the door.
“Oh yes, I heard from Baghra, she’d like to see us soon,” I called behind me. It had truly been a shock when I learned that Baghra was the Darkling’s mother. She’d returned home to her cottage near Os Kervo. She’d known what would happen when the Darkling and I finally got together and knew I’d no longer needed her teachings.
The Darkling sighed. “My mother keeps asking if we’re going to be ‘adding to the family’,” he said. “So meddlesome.”
I laughed. “She means well,” I said.
“Yes, I know.” The Darkling said, looking down at his papers.
“I’ll see you later,” I said.
The Darkling stood up. “I guess I could be distracted for a little while.” He said.
“Thank you, your highness,” I said, slightly mockingly.
“What kind of shadow king would I be if I didn’t make my queen happy?” He said and kissed my smiling mouth.