[ No one in Ravka eats pelmeni with a fork. It's on the tip of his tongue to inform her of this, but he follows suit, not taking his eyes off her as he pops another piece he's cut into his mouth.
When people don't follow tradition, it's an interesting exercise to learn why. Perhaps this is how she eats similar meals or all her meals. Maybe this is what she expects manners looks like in Ravka. ]
What secrets have you discovered? I might as well know and then tell you if they're worth taking with you. Some of my secrets are worth dirt.
[ Like that he knows intimately that there's a swamp west of the Grand Palace. His hot air balloon thing is an invention that someone would want to know more about and snipe. Who knows if he wishes to weaponise it? Perhaps it's a part of a new military fleet.
In that case, he'd have to have the tarp made of indestructible material. ]
Well, as I told you previously — your left earlobe trembles a bit when you knowingly lie.
[ Using his tells in this instance might be cheating. He's somehow both more and less guarded than anyone other person she's ever met. He's warm and gregarious, quick to be physically affectionate; but there's also a thick veneer of performance in his manner. She just isn't sure where that veneer begins or ends. ]
You also mirror the person you're with, I assume to make them feel more at ease. It's hard to say if that's a habit born out of innate friendliness or self-preservation. Perhaps it's both.
And you were slower to pick up your utensils for this course and tilted your head slightly the first time you saw me eat the... [ Ugh! She jabs her fork at the pelmeni to indicate where the term is absent. ] This. The گوشت خمیر. You needed a second to acclimate to my [ blunder ] method. You don't mask your body language nearly as well as you might think.
[ As soon as she's finished saying all that, she frowns and sets her fork and knife down across one another. A muscle twitches in her throat. ]
I apologise. I think your liquor is a bit stronger than what I'm used to. That was... longwinded and inappropriate.
[ Don't look at his mouth, Joddani. Don't fucking do it. ]
[ He regards her with amusement before he nods, widening his smile until he shows teeth. He chuckles lightly, inhaling deeply through his mouth, and shifts on his chair before he settles back against it all too comfortably.
Furrows his brows in amusement.]
Why are you apologising?
[ He knows why. Royals are so sensitive. None can take a lick of criticism in fear their fragility will finally shatter. But Nikolai's grown up without his title and crown, often treated like a nuisance than anything worth keeping around. It's why he always preferred Ketterdam. He could be himself, skin his knees, and know no one would think it a crime against the Ravkan crown.
Still, he smiles. ]
I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want the truth. And I must admit, not many people think to notice those little details about me. Not many people bother to look beyond the supposed heavy pockets and fluffy, golden hair.
[ He does have nice hair. ]
We eat… [ He tries to copy how she said "meat dough" in her language, but absolutely butchers "meat", so he settles for: ] pelmeni with our hands. But if you're more comfortable with a knife and fork, [ He gestures toward her utensils. ] then, by all means, eat that way. Perhaps there's something I'm missing out on by not doing so.
[ Briefly, Anahid looks at him as if he's grown two extra heads and one of them just said something very offensive about her parentage. And then she's picking her knife and fork back up, finishing off what remains of her pelmeni. Her tone is a bit less prim with indignation when she continues speaking. ]
It's interesting that the Ravkan people wouldn't consider their king worthy of observation. I would expect the most opportunistic among you to take any chance given to cling to your coattails.
[ That's all to say - ] They're missing the bigger picture if they fail to see you're much more than pockets and hair, sire.
[ ...
And with that painfully earnest moment hanging between them, Anahid decides to switch to water for the remainder of the meal. ]
[ Nikolai grins, chuckling low in amusement as he doesn't take his eyes off her. She's full of indignation, compliments, and stinging insults. While he's still learning where he should put his feet, he likes the fact he can tease her. ]
I won't tell anyone you ate with your hands and that you've been admiring my hair. [ He runs a hand through it. ] It's quite stylish if I say so myself.
I think you're mistaking me for your handheld mirror, Majesty.
[ Noticing the way his eyes linger, her back straightens - almost overcorrecting. But if he's posing his words as a challenge, it's one she won't back down from. ]
[ And it's not half as pretty, but Nikolai at least has some sense not to say that. He may come across as someone who says almost anything that comes to his mind, but he's not as reckless as many think him to be.
She's married. She also takes her marriage and properness seriously. Sometimes Nikolai respects that enough not to push it. ]
All it says is, 'Kolya, you're a devilishly handsome man'. I hear that every day. [ He shrugs. ] It starts to fall flat.
Perhaps you ought to encourage your mirror to find a personality trait aside from 'sycophantic'.
[ Like any good halfway-drunk person, she's already forgotten her decision to stick to water; and takes another sip of her wine. Did someone refill her glass when she wasn't paying attention? ]
'Contrary' would amuse you, I think. Everything you say to it, it vehemently argues.
[ He doesn't mean to turn on the charm or lay it on thick, but it's true. He's known Anahid for a short time—hardly long enough to get a good read on someone, but enough to make a decent impression—that he thinks her to be intentionally contrary… at least when it comes to him.
Nikolai likes it. He likes people who roll their eyes when he's being purposefully exasperating. He also likes people who tell him what he wants to hear: the truth.
Lifting his glass, he says against the rim, ] You're very contrary. Also, someone who I think loves to argue, even though she'll vehemently deny it.
[ Interestingly, it takes until just now for her to realise he's flirting with her... And that she's been flirting back for quite a while. Strange, that it took her mind becoming slightly cloudy with drink for her to gain any clarity. Maybe her sober self would never have considered the possibility.
Anahid will need to decide what she wants to do, won't she?
Not yet, though. A few minutes longer, she tells herself. This isn't going to go anywhere, of course; but she wants to know what it feels like before the coming weeks take it all away. That's why she doesn't do the responsible thing and excuse herself from dinner, even though all that's left on the table is some untouched fruit. ]
If I were to vehemently deny it, I would just prove your point. Creating an argument to demonstrate I don't like to argue? I'd be handing you a victory. [ Nikolai.
Okay but what if she, like, just said it? For no reason other than... because. ]
[ He smiles brightly as he plucks an apple from the table and slices it with his knife. Perhaps any other king would require someone else to do it for him, but Nikolai is particular about his apples. He likes them in particular slices. Today, it seems he's favouring the thin ones. ]
You're arguing with yourself. It's quite a fun thing to watch. Do you tire yourself out? Hand yourself the victory? Declare yourself the loser?
Leaning forward, he cocks his head toward the pear she eats with a knife and fork. ]
You can touch it with your hands. I promise this particular pear won't bite.
[ Surveying the fruit on the table that he'll most likely take to the horses later, he scrunches his nose slightly when he eyes the other pear sitting on its side. ]
[ Rather easily: ] Depends on what the favour happens to be.
[ Granted, she could ask him to ensure everyone ate with a knife and fork while in her presence and his opinion of her wouldn't change.
But saying as much is entirely too familiar, and Anahid, while not easily spooked by incredible intelligence and innovation, is still a big question mark. ]
[ It's hard not to hesitate. She's terribly embarrassed by the whole thing, including her own ignorance. She can't help but feel like she should have a stronger grasp on the situation than she does. This is a foreign country, yes, but it's rare she feels like a foreigner. ]
I had heard the royal library was open to the public. My friend and I had hoped to visit.
[ She had hoped to find some sort of reference for learning Kerch. And knowing Siyon, he'd wanted some forbidden, archaic tome that could teach him how turn a single pebble into a thousand full-sized elephants. ]
Your archivist turned us away, citing... sullied hands? [ Suli.
(This confusion would only work in English and they're not speaking English, let me MST3K mantra and live.) ]
He was concerned we would get the books dirty. I've no wish for further enmity, but if you could intervene on our behalf — [ A mix of shyness and mortification sinks her shoulders. ] I would be grateful.
[ While Nikolai starts off smiling, by the end of it, his mouth is pressed into a thin line that may curve upward, but all that ridiculous boyish delight is gone. All that's left is a tightness that betrays the annoyance he doesn't want her to read into.
Ah, yes. He should've expected that some of the remaining staff would carry his father's and brother's more offensive restrictions. ]
He said that, did he?
[ He doesn't need her to confirm. He knows Radomir. Always testing his limits like he's somewhat invincible. That's fine; perhaps he can remove him from his post and finally hire Kira. She's so much better and more fun. ]
It is open to the public, and to anyone. He must've gotten that confused when you asked.
[ Highly doubtful.
Nikolai pushes his chair out and stands, still holding his apple and knife. He's almost forgotten about them. ]
I'll remind him of that. You're welcome to come along or stay here and enjoy your pear, but you and your friend will be more than welcome to use the library, even outside of hours.
[ He winks then. He's a little excited; he's been waiting to rip Radomir a new one for some time. ]
[ No, she doesn't want to eat her pear alone! Not when she can watch an unpleasant gatekeeper be put in his place.
In truth, she hadn't meant right now - or anything more than a quiet word. And maybe she ought to keep out of it. A foreigner clinging to a king's reach in exchange for novelty is bound to get some tongues clucking. She hardly cares what people say about her, but Nikolai...
But she also isn't about to tell him what to do. ]
I'll come. Thank you.
[ The wink makes her heart do something abrupt and stupid.
And then she stands up; and realises how much she's had to drink (of a significantly more potent drink than anything served in Bezim) when she is forced to hold onto the edge of the table to keep from stumbling. Whoops! ]
[ Is it unkingly of him to say as much? Oh, well. He has a feeling she'll either brush it off or meet him tit for tat.
Nikolai doesn't rush off immediately, now taking into consideration she's much like a foal learning to walk after having a little too much to drink. Perhaps he should've gently encouraged her to caution herself with her intake, but… Anahid seems to know what she's capable of.
Besides, it's a little funny. ]
Who is your friend again? I admit I forgot his name; he was eyeing one of my father's displayed swords like he intended to steal it.
[ He walks, keeping his strides slow. He wants to storm into the library with dramatic flair, but that can always wait for another day. Radomir is bound to piss him off again soon. ]
[ You were more graceful never. Ha. So Anahid's drunken thoughts go. It's for the best that she's too disciplined to give them voice. She does come within an inch of bumping into a Ravkan countess going the other way, but manages to sidestep at the last possible moment, although with hilarious lack of subtlety. ]
Siyon.
[ None of Bezim's alchemists (nor their guests, including Anahid) would be here if Ravka's most talented Grisha hadn't felt the ripple of his actions from all the way across the world.
Talking about him, her voice warms in a way it never does when discussing her husband. ]
He's not nearly as opportunistic as he presents himself. He's just... blessed with a wandering eye. [ Beat. ] — But if you could inform me if he's popping up where he ought not to be, I would appreciate it.
[ And then she all but stumbles, trying to avoid a passing noble's very tiny leashed dog. ]
[ This time when she stumbles, Nikolai moves with her to rest a hand gently against the small of her back as though that's enough to stop her from stumbling like she's on the deck of a ship being rocked by tumultuous waters. ]
I will.
[ The warmth in her voice is quietly noted.
When they reach one of the large back doors, Nikolai takes advantage of being taller and takes a bigger step so he can be the one to open it for her. No one rushes to the ornate doors to try and open it for him. Nikolai's since banned that since becoming king. He has two hands; surely, he can open his own damn doors. ]
What were you wanting to look at the library, anyway? Most of my books that are published in gold are in my rooms.
[ His hand is warm on her back and it takes all her composure not to look at him. At her side, her fingers complete their journey of curling into loose fists for a moment, before relaxing. It's only slightly better when he opens the door for her. If anything, she should be grateful that the drafty palace is helping to sober her up a little; and that Nikolai gives her something to think about other than, well, Nikolai.
She's thought about him too much today as it is, and as those thoughts became progressively less sober, well...
Oh, right. He's asked her something. ]
I was hoping to teach myself the rudiments of Kerch. The library seemed like the most logical resource.
[ He tsks quietly, fondly, and shakes his head. Nikolai intends to take her to a shortcut to the library by leading them down a corridor off to the right rather than the left. Everyone else has to go the long way, but the king doesn't. He can take the servant corridors and the secret passageways he discovered as a child.
He nods at someone he passes by—a stout man who is nothing but polite, if a little loud, even when he tries to whisper. Nikolai doesn't remove his hand from her back. ]
I should see if my teacher is still in Ravka. She was great at teaching me Kerch before I had to learn the language in Ketterdam. There's nothing quite like experiencing it for yourself.
[ As they pass by the man, Anahid punctuates Nikolai's given nod with a smile of her own. The gentleman's eyebrows twitch a little, but he nods back and keeps walking without pause. ]
That's very kind of you, but I think I've reached the logical conclusion of your generosity.
[ (In the distant background, Nikolai might hear, "where do you think she's taking him?" — followed by, "it wouldn't be the king's first tryst, would it? Let him get it out of his sytem before he's wed," in reply.
Anahid doesn't hear any of this; and even if she did, the non-Os Alta regional accents might make the discreetly muttered Ravkan incomprehensible to her.) ]
[ Hm. Yes. His "generosity". One day, Nikolai will think before he acts and see how far the ripples go before tossing a stone into a pond.
Despite being tempted to glance over his shoulder to see if he can intimidate gossip from sparking with just a look, he knows from experience it'll only fuel it. Nikolai might have been oblivious to how Alexander III treated those around him, but he wasn't blind to how the rumours tended to circulate. He'll figure it all out later.
Saints, he misses Ketterdam.
Never mind that. Rather than continue straight along the never-ending corridor, he nudges the small of her back and makes a left. They're about to approach a dead end, but Nikolai stops and opens a door that looks like it hasn't been opened in a while. Glancing toward the end of the hallway to where they've come, he smirks and opens the door, gesturing for her to go inside.
It leads into a small linen closet with blankets and towels neatly lined on the shelves. Nikolai removes himself from her side as he approaches the back and pushes at the groaning, croaking wooden shelves to reveal a door that opens inward.
Looking back at her with a mischievous glint in his eye, ] I've always loved the rumours about castles that exaggerate the secret passageways. They were always my favourite to discover.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
When people don't follow tradition, it's an interesting exercise to learn why. Perhaps this is how she eats similar meals or all her meals. Maybe this is what she expects manners looks like in Ravka. ]
What secrets have you discovered? I might as well know and then tell you if they're worth taking with you. Some of my secrets are worth dirt.
[ Like that he knows intimately that there's a swamp west of the Grand Palace. His hot air balloon thing is an invention that someone would want to know more about and snipe. Who knows if he wishes to weaponise it? Perhaps it's a part of a new military fleet.
In that case, he'd have to have the tarp made of indestructible material. ]
no subject
Well, as I told you previously — your left earlobe trembles a bit when you knowingly lie.
[ Using his tells in this instance might be cheating. He's somehow both more and less guarded than anyone other person she's ever met. He's warm and gregarious, quick to be physically affectionate; but there's also a thick veneer of performance in his manner. She just isn't sure where that veneer begins or ends. ]
You also mirror the person you're with, I assume to make them feel more at ease. It's hard to say if that's a habit born out of innate friendliness or self-preservation. Perhaps it's both.
And you were slower to pick up your utensils for this course and tilted your head slightly the first time you saw me eat the... [ Ugh! She jabs her fork at the pelmeni to indicate where the term is absent. ] This. The گوشت خمیر. You needed a second to acclimate to my [ blunder ] method. You don't mask your body language nearly as well as you might think.
[ As soon as she's finished saying all that, she frowns and sets her fork and knife down across one another. A muscle twitches in her throat. ]
I apologise. I think your liquor is a bit stronger than what I'm used to. That was... longwinded and inappropriate.
[ Don't look at his mouth, Joddani. Don't fucking do it. ]
no subject
Furrows his brows in amusement.]
Why are you apologising?
[ He knows why. Royals are so sensitive. None can take a lick of criticism in fear their fragility will finally shatter. But Nikolai's grown up without his title and crown, often treated like a nuisance than anything worth keeping around. It's why he always preferred Ketterdam. He could be himself, skin his knees, and know no one would think it a crime against the Ravkan crown.
Still, he smiles. ]
I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want the truth. And I must admit, not many people think to notice those little details about me. Not many people bother to look beyond the supposed heavy pockets and fluffy, golden hair.
[ He does have nice hair. ]
We eat… [ He tries to copy how she said "meat dough" in her language, but absolutely butchers "meat", so he settles for: ] pelmeni with our hands. But if you're more comfortable with a knife and fork, [ He gestures toward her utensils. ] then, by all means, eat that way. Perhaps there's something I'm missing out on by not doing so.
no subject
[ Briefly, Anahid looks at him as if he's grown two extra heads and one of them just said something very offensive about her parentage. And then she's picking her knife and fork back up, finishing off what remains of her pelmeni. Her tone is a bit less prim with indignation when she continues speaking. ]
It's interesting that the Ravkan people wouldn't consider their king worthy of observation. I would expect the most opportunistic among you to take any chance given to cling to your coattails.
[ That's all to say - ] They're missing the bigger picture if they fail to see you're much more than pockets and hair, sire.
[ ...
And with that painfully earnest moment hanging between them, Anahid decides to switch to water for the remainder of the meal. ]
no subject
I won't tell anyone you ate with your hands and that you've been admiring my hair. [ He runs a hand through it. ] It's quite stylish if I say so myself.
no subject
[ Noticing the way his eyes linger, her back straightens - almost overcorrecting. But if he's posing his words as a challenge, it's one she won't back down from. ]
no subject
[ And it's not half as pretty, but Nikolai at least has some sense not to say that. He may come across as someone who says almost anything that comes to his mind, but he's not as reckless as many think him to be.
She's married. She also takes her marriage and properness seriously. Sometimes Nikolai respects that enough not to push it. ]
All it says is, 'Kolya, you're a devilishly handsome man'. I hear that every day. [ He shrugs. ] It starts to fall flat.
no subject
[ Like any good halfway-drunk person, she's already forgotten her decision to stick to water; and takes another sip of her wine. Did someone refill her glass when she wasn't paying attention? ]
'Contrary' would amuse you, I think. Everything you say to it, it vehemently argues.
no subject
[ He doesn't mean to turn on the charm or lay it on thick, but it's true. He's known Anahid for a short time—hardly long enough to get a good read on someone, but enough to make a decent impression—that he thinks her to be intentionally contrary… at least when it comes to him.
Nikolai likes it. He likes people who roll their eyes when he's being purposefully exasperating. He also likes people who tell him what he wants to hear: the truth.
Lifting his glass, he says against the rim, ] You're very contrary. Also, someone who I think loves to argue, even though she'll vehemently deny it.
no subject
Anahid will need to decide what she wants to do, won't she?
Not yet, though. A few minutes longer, she tells herself. This isn't going to go anywhere, of course; but she wants to know what it feels like before the coming weeks take it all away. That's why she doesn't do the responsible thing and excuse herself from dinner, even though all that's left on the table is some untouched fruit. ]
If I were to vehemently deny it, I would just prove your point. Creating an argument to demonstrate I don't like to argue? I'd be handing you a victory. [ Nikolai.
Okay but what if she, like, just said it? For no reason other than... because. ]
no subject
[ He smiles brightly as he plucks an apple from the table and slices it with his knife. Perhaps any other king would require someone else to do it for him, but Nikolai is particular about his apples. He likes them in particular slices. Today, it seems he's favouring the thin ones. ]
You're arguing with yourself. It's quite a fun thing to watch. Do you tire yourself out? Hand yourself the victory? Declare yourself the loser?
[ He bites into a slice and shrugs. ]
This is better than watching the nobles argue.
no subject
[ So there.
Picking up a fresh pear for herself, she... cuts it into dainty little squares, which she then eats, one at a time, with a fork. Yeah. ]
no subject
Leaning forward, he cocks his head toward the pear she eats with a knife and fork. ]
You can touch it with your hands. I promise this particular pear won't bite.
[ Surveying the fruit on the table that he'll most likely take to the horses later, he scrunches his nose slightly when he eyes the other pear sitting on its side. ]
That one will.
no subject
[ Although... As she considers her hands, laid flat on the table with fingers splayed, something occurs to her. Her expression sombers slightly. ]
Actually, would your opinion of me change if I begged a favour?
no subject
[ Granted, she could ask him to ensure everyone ate with a knife and fork while in her presence and his opinion of her wouldn't change.
But saying as much is entirely too familiar, and Anahid, while not easily spooked by incredible intelligence and innovation, is still a big question mark. ]
no subject
I had heard the royal library was open to the public. My friend and I had hoped to visit.
[ She had hoped to find some sort of reference for learning Kerch. And knowing Siyon, he'd wanted some forbidden, archaic tome that could teach him how turn a single pebble into a thousand full-sized elephants. ]
Your archivist turned us away, citing... sullied hands? [ Suli.
(This confusion would only work in English and they're not speaking English, let me MST3K mantra and live.) ]
He was concerned we would get the books dirty. I've no wish for further enmity, but if you could intervene on our behalf — [ A mix of shyness and mortification sinks her shoulders. ] I would be grateful.
no subject
Ah, yes. He should've expected that some of the remaining staff would carry his father's and brother's more offensive restrictions. ]
He said that, did he?
[ He doesn't need her to confirm. He knows Radomir. Always testing his limits like he's somewhat invincible. That's fine; perhaps he can remove him from his post and finally hire Kira. She's so much better and more fun. ]
It is open to the public, and to anyone. He must've gotten that confused when you asked.
[ Highly doubtful.
Nikolai pushes his chair out and stands, still holding his apple and knife. He's almost forgotten about them. ]
I'll remind him of that. You're welcome to come along or stay here and enjoy your pear, but you and your friend will be more than welcome to use the library, even outside of hours.
[ He winks then. He's a little excited; he's been waiting to rip Radomir a new one for some time. ]
no subject
In truth, she hadn't meant right now - or anything more than a quiet word. And maybe she ought to keep out of it. A foreigner clinging to a king's reach in exchange for novelty is bound to get some tongues clucking. She hardly cares what people say about her, but Nikolai...
But she also isn't about to tell him what to do. ]
I'll come. Thank you.
[ The wink makes her heart do something abrupt and stupid.
And then she stands up; and realises how much she's had to drink (of a significantly more potent drink than anything served in Bezim) when she is forced to hold onto the edge of the table to keep from stumbling. Whoops! ]
no subject
You were more graceful getting off the balloon.
[ Is it unkingly of him to say as much? Oh, well. He has a feeling she'll either brush it off or meet him tit for tat.
Nikolai doesn't rush off immediately, now taking into consideration she's much like a foal learning to walk after having a little too much to drink. Perhaps he should've gently encouraged her to caution herself with her intake, but… Anahid seems to know what she's capable of.
Besides, it's a little funny. ]
Who is your friend again? I admit I forgot his name; he was eyeing one of my father's displayed swords like he intended to steal it.
[ He walks, keeping his strides slow. He wants to storm into the library with dramatic flair, but that can always wait for another day. Radomir is bound to piss him off again soon. ]
no subject
Siyon.
[ None of Bezim's alchemists (nor their guests, including Anahid) would be here if Ravka's most talented Grisha hadn't felt the ripple of his actions from all the way across the world.
Talking about him, her voice warms in a way it never does when discussing her husband. ]
He's not nearly as opportunistic as he presents himself. He's just... blessed with a wandering eye. [ Beat. ] — But if you could inform me if he's popping up where he ought not to be, I would appreciate it.
[ And then she all but stumbles, trying to avoid a passing noble's very tiny leashed dog. ]
no subject
I will.
[ The warmth in her voice is quietly noted.
When they reach one of the large back doors, Nikolai takes advantage of being taller and takes a bigger step so he can be the one to open it for her. No one rushes to the ornate doors to try and open it for him. Nikolai's since banned that since becoming king. He has two hands; surely, he can open his own damn doors. ]
What were you wanting to look at the library, anyway? Most of my books that are published in gold are in my rooms.
[ Ha.
No, dumb joke. ]
no subject
She's thought about him too much today as it is, and as those thoughts became progressively less sober, well...
Oh, right. He's asked her something. ]
I was hoping to teach myself the rudiments of Kerch. The library seemed like the most logical resource.
no subject
[ He tsks quietly, fondly, and shakes his head. Nikolai intends to take her to a shortcut to the library by leading them down a corridor off to the right rather than the left. Everyone else has to go the long way, but the king doesn't. He can take the servant corridors and the secret passageways he discovered as a child.
He nods at someone he passes by—a stout man who is nothing but polite, if a little loud, even when he tries to whisper. Nikolai doesn't remove his hand from her back. ]
I should see if my teacher is still in Ravka. She was great at teaching me Kerch before I had to learn the language in Ketterdam. There's nothing quite like experiencing it for yourself.
no subject
That's very kind of you, but I think I've reached the logical conclusion of your generosity.
[ (In the distant background, Nikolai might hear, "where do you think she's taking him?" — followed by, "it wouldn't be the king's first tryst, would it? Let him get it out of his sytem before he's wed," in reply.
Anahid doesn't hear any of this; and even if she did, the non-Os Alta regional accents might make the discreetly muttered Ravkan incomprehensible to her.) ]
no subject
Despite being tempted to glance over his shoulder to see if he can intimidate gossip from sparking with just a look, he knows from experience it'll only fuel it. Nikolai might have been oblivious to how Alexander III treated those around him, but he wasn't blind to how the rumours tended to circulate. He'll figure it all out later.
Saints, he misses Ketterdam.
Never mind that. Rather than continue straight along the never-ending corridor, he nudges the small of her back and makes a left. They're about to approach a dead end, but Nikolai stops and opens a door that looks like it hasn't been opened in a while. Glancing toward the end of the hallway to where they've come, he smirks and opens the door, gesturing for her to go inside.
It leads into a small linen closet with blankets and towels neatly lined on the shelves. Nikolai removes himself from her side as he approaches the back and pushes at the groaning, croaking wooden shelves to reveal a door that opens inward.
Looking back at her with a mischievous glint in his eye, ] I've always loved the rumours about castles that exaggerate the secret passageways. They were always my favourite to discover.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)