Chapter Text
Nikolai was walking one of the many corridors of the Little Palace, when suddenly one of the grisha jumped out from behind a pillar and dragged him to a small room, covering his mouth.
“I’m really sorry but I need your help” she said. Nikolai recognized her as Alex Ek-Gard.
“Was this really the only way to ask for help?” Nikolai asked. Alex ignored him and continued:
“ I overheard you and Zoya talking about needing to send a message to Kaz Brekker, and I really want to be the one that delivers it”.
“We have messengers, Alex”. She looked to be on the verge of tears, so Nikolai shut up.
“I really need to be the one to go there. Grisha service is mandatory and I want to get out of Os Alta. Moi Tsar, I’m sorry, but I will get out of here one way or another and I might as well do something useful.” She blurted out.
“I am not the Tsar anymore, Alex.” The grisha’s face turned serious and she looked him in the eye.
“You will always be my king, no matter who officially sits on the throne”.
“Are you saying you don’t accept Zoya as your queen?”
“I do, but I don’t respect her as much as I do you”
Nikolai smiled charmingly
“ I can understand why”
Alex rolled her eyes. Nikolai was silent for a few moments, then said:
“Zoya won’t approve this and I can’t overrule her.”
“That’s why Zoya won’t know. You’ll say you sent a messenger”.
“She will find out in a matter of days”.
“I’ll be long gone and there will be no point in trying to bring me back”.
Nikolai sighed. He took out a letter from his coat pocket. It was sealed with the royal stamp.
“Give this to Kaz Brekker. Follow all the instructions within”.
“I’ll be gone before nightfall”.