[ 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.
[ The warmth of his touch lingers even after he moves his hand away. He's guided her to a linen cupboard, of all places; her chin begins to rise with suspicion, until he makes a show of opening the walls themselves for her. ]
That may be the least surprising thing I've ever learned about you.
[ Nikolai.
Nope, still can't bring herself to do it so casually. ]
Is it safe to — [ She gestures. Once he gives the go ahead, she'll sidle past him and into the passage. If the cobwebs decorating the corners are any indication, it's not utilised terribly often. ]
I found them when exploring. Sometimes, a friend and I would pretend we were explorers from the stories. Very rarely did my brother play with me and insist I hide. He never bothered to find me.
[ He shrugs. That sounds so pathetically depressing, but Nikolai knows now that Vasily never had a childish bone in his body. He was always so dry, even as a child. That time was spent exploring, pretending to be a pirate seeking buried treasure. It let Nikolai learn the ins and outs of the castle, and find things that he otherwise would never know about. Vasily did him a favour by being so unkind.
Nikolai ensures to walk behind her, ready to step in front if need be. The corridor's decorated with cobwebs, but it's lit well enough from the cracks in the stone and a sheet of light up ahead. ]
If you go left, it leads toward the grounds. We need to go right. I promise there are no skeletons ready to pounce at you at this end of the castle.
[ Every time he speaks, it's with a smile and his voice is twisted with amusement. If only he were a pirate. ]
[ Drawing in a breath, Anahid refuses to think about the small shadow she saw skittering high up on the passage walls, and starts to walk. The corridor is musty and cramped, although not to the point that their movement is restricted.
After a few seconds, she says, ]
It's... still strange to me that you have so much - فضای خالی, [ empty space, for all she still doesn't know what words to use in his language, ] you can fill it with hallways that no one uses. In Bezim, a narrow townhouse is considered a status symbol of great wealth.
[ Something brushes against her foot before scampering on. Anahid doesn't scream, of course, but she does stiffen briefly and reach, unthinking, for his hand. ]
[ Nikolai lets her take his hand, wrapping his fingers around her own in what he hopes is a touch of comfort.
He can understand what she couldn't translate into Ravkan from what she says. Despite Ravka being beyond bankruptcy, it's spacious. It's the one thing he always appreciated about his home; he likes wandering and finding himself somewhere new. Ketterdam, for its advantages, was cramped, with very little room to get lost within. There were so many dead ends, too. ]
My family has always valued holding more in their hands than they could manage.
[ It's the sign of wealth, in all honesty. Nikolai doesn't like it, but he can only focus on one big problem at a time. The empty coffers need to be filled before he can even think of how he can make Os Alta more hospitable and less wasteful.
The corridor is bright as the sun streaks across the large, uneven stones as they take the right. A row of thin grates line along the top of the opposite wall, letting the sunlight in. ]
Your house sounds lovely. I bet it feels more personal than this… and it doesn't have rats by the name of Anton running about like he owns the place.
If you truly named all the rats Anton, no wonder they're acting out. You've given them a crisis of identity.
[ She hadn't even fully realised she'd reached for him until she feels his solid, assuring grip; and although it might be unwise, she has no intention of letting go. It's fine here. No one but The Anton Rat Collective can see them. (Hopefully they don't get any ideas and try to organise into a bloody revolutionary coup. But what is the likelihood of that happening in Fantasy Russia Analogue?)
A few more steps, and they come to another fork. Despite a fleeting desire to continue right and see what happens, Anahid pauses to give him time to direct her. ]
[ At any other time, Nikolai would be tempted to encourage her to go right rather than left, but given Radomir's unkindness, he doesn't wish to delay giving him an earful if he can help it. ]
Left for the library.
[ He's gentle as he tugs her along. The corridor's wide enough to fit two people and a full burlap sack hanging over one's shoulder, but it's still a cramped space. ]
You know, when you entered these secret tunnels, you swore an unbreakable oath. You can't tell your friend about this.
Drawn and quartering. A horrible beheading. Having to listen to Tolya's poetry for twenty-four hours straight.
[ Anahid may not know Tolya well enough to know that being subjected to his poetry is the worst of the bunch. Perhaps he'll let her discover that on her own.
Following a bend, Nikolai makes no effort to hurry. The library's close by. The wind whips at the grates and there's loud noise as voices argue beyond one of the walls. He doesn't stop to press his ear against the stone, not like how he would when wishing to take a few moments to simply be Nikolai without his titles. ]
Only one is a punishment I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and the other two make for fun party entertainment.
You'll understand if I avoid his Majesty's parties, I find poetry dreadfully dull and can't abide blood on the rugs.
[ As more light shines in from outside, the library comes within reach. The musty smell of the half-abandoned passage changes to much more academic scents — paper halfway to ancient, leather bindings, and sandalwood. A few more steps and they'll be able to exit through a lightly wrought shelf, purposefully filled with periodicals and reference pamphlets rather than heavy books, and emerge mere feet away from the archivist's office.
Although she doesn't plan on it, Anahid finds herself slowing down. Nikolai will feel a tug at his hand as her altered pace pulls her arm taut. ]
Perhaps, um —
[ A breath, and then: ]
Perhaps I ought to just let this go.
[ A bit more sober now, and closer to the point of no return, she finds her courage wavering a bit. Does she really want to potentially make an enemy when she has at least six more weeks in Ravka? ]
[ Nikolai eventually stops and turns to face her. ]
You're welcome to let it go.
[ And she can if she wants to. Nikolai remembers that uncertainty in the face of seeing someone reprimanded for doing the wrong thing. One never knew how the cards would fall. He knows better than anyone that despite his status as a prince, his behaviour often overshadowed the little crown he wore on his head. It's taken some time for him to outgrow his fear of the wind blowing in the wrong direction.
But he's not a young prince anymore, scolded for his adventure and alleged misbehaving. He's the King of Ravka. He can set the rules. ]
But I won't. I don't tolerate such things. [ He shakes his head. ] Not in my country, and certainly not in my home. We can take the next exit that isn't to the library if you prefer, but I'll be having a word with Radomir about what makes hands unsullied in Os Alta.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ 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.
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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[ 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?
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[ 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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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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! ]
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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. ]
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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. ]
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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. ]
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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.
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[ 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.
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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.) ]
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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.
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That may be the least surprising thing I've ever learned about you.
[ Nikolai.
Nope, still can't bring herself to do it so casually. ]
Is it safe to — [ She gestures. Once he gives the go ahead, she'll sidle past him and into the passage. If the cobwebs decorating the corners are any indication, it's not utilised terribly often. ]
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[ He shrugs. That sounds so pathetically depressing, but Nikolai knows now that Vasily never had a childish bone in his body. He was always so dry, even as a child. That time was spent exploring, pretending to be a pirate seeking buried treasure. It let Nikolai learn the ins and outs of the castle, and find things that he otherwise would never know about. Vasily did him a favour by being so unkind.
Nikolai ensures to walk behind her, ready to step in front if need be. The corridor's decorated with cobwebs, but it's lit well enough from the cracks in the stone and a sheet of light up ahead. ]
If you go left, it leads toward the grounds. We need to go right. I promise there are no skeletons ready to pounce at you at this end of the castle.
[ Every time he speaks, it's with a smile and his voice is twisted with amusement. If only he were a pirate. ]
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After a few seconds, she says, ]
It's... still strange to me that you have so much - فضای خالی, [ empty space, for all she still doesn't know what words to use in his language, ] you can fill it with hallways that no one uses. In Bezim, a narrow townhouse is considered a status symbol of great wealth.
[ Something brushes against her foot before scampering on. Anahid doesn't scream, of course, but she does stiffen briefly and reach, unthinking, for his hand. ]
Mine has four floors and two whole guest suites.
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He can understand what she couldn't translate into Ravkan from what she says. Despite Ravka being beyond bankruptcy, it's spacious. It's the one thing he always appreciated about his home; he likes wandering and finding himself somewhere new. Ketterdam, for its advantages, was cramped, with very little room to get lost within. There were so many dead ends, too. ]
My family has always valued holding more in their hands than they could manage.
[ It's the sign of wealth, in all honesty. Nikolai doesn't like it, but he can only focus on one big problem at a time. The empty coffers need to be filled before he can even think of how he can make Os Alta more hospitable and less wasteful.
The corridor is bright as the sun streaks across the large, uneven stones as they take the right. A row of thin grates line along the top of the opposite wall, letting the sunlight in. ]
Your house sounds lovely. I bet it feels more personal than this… and it doesn't have rats by the name of Anton running about like he owns the place.
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[ She hadn't even fully realised she'd reached for him until she feels his solid, assuring grip; and although it might be unwise, she has no intention of letting go. It's fine here. No one but The Anton Rat Collective can see them. (Hopefully they don't get any ideas and try to organise into a bloody revolutionary coup. But what is the likelihood of that happening in Fantasy Russia Analogue?)
A few more steps, and they come to another fork. Despite a fleeting desire to continue right and see what happens, Anahid pauses to give him time to direct her. ]
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Left for the library.
[ He's gentle as he tugs her along. The corridor's wide enough to fit two people and a full burlap sack hanging over one's shoulder, but it's still a cramped space. ]
You know, when you entered these secret tunnels, you swore an unbreakable oath. You can't tell your friend about this.
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[ That sounds like the sort of thing Zagiri would have said to her when they were both girls — a perfect, impetuous mix of serious and silly. ]
What would be the punishment for breaking an unbreakable oath?
[ Eyes flicking down to their joined hands for a second, Anahid realises she can think of a few possibilities. ]
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[ Anahid may not know Tolya well enough to know that being subjected to his poetry is the worst of the bunch. Perhaps he'll let her discover that on her own.
Following a bend, Nikolai makes no effort to hurry. The library's close by. The wind whips at the grates and there's loud noise as voices argue beyond one of the walls. He doesn't stop to press his ear against the stone, not like how he would when wishing to take a few moments to simply be Nikolai without his titles. ]
Only one is a punishment I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, and the other two make for fun party entertainment.
no subject
[ As more light shines in from outside, the library comes within reach. The musty smell of the half-abandoned passage changes to much more academic scents — paper halfway to ancient, leather bindings, and sandalwood. A few more steps and they'll be able to exit through a lightly wrought shelf, purposefully filled with periodicals and reference pamphlets rather than heavy books, and emerge mere feet away from the archivist's office.
Although she doesn't plan on it, Anahid finds herself slowing down. Nikolai will feel a tug at his hand as her altered pace pulls her arm taut. ]
Perhaps, um —
[ A breath, and then: ]
Perhaps I ought to just let this go.
[ A bit more sober now, and closer to the point of no return, she finds her courage wavering a bit. Does she really want to potentially make an enemy when she has at least six more weeks in Ravka? ]
no subject
You're welcome to let it go.
[ And she can if she wants to. Nikolai remembers that uncertainty in the face of seeing someone reprimanded for doing the wrong thing. One never knew how the cards would fall. He knows better than anyone that despite his status as a prince, his behaviour often overshadowed the little crown he wore on his head. It's taken some time for him to outgrow his fear of the wind blowing in the wrong direction.
But he's not a young prince anymore, scolded for his adventure and alleged misbehaving. He's the King of Ravka. He can set the rules. ]
But I won't. I don't tolerate such things. [ He shakes his head. ] Not in my country, and certainly not in my home. We can take the next exit that isn't to the library if you prefer, but I'll be having a word with Radomir about what makes hands unsullied in Os Alta.
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