Chapter 13: Days in the little palace
As the days went by, I found myself spending more time at the Little Palace, adjusting to my new life as a member of 2nd army..but being that I was ranked Lieutenant General under him that was another story...and this growing connection we had as soulmates and being each others intendeds. I became close to two grisha soliders Nadia Zhabin and Marie..
Aleksander had done everything he could to keep me close, he had my room close to his..he made sure I got dinner. He was keeping me at every point somewhat close but he was also trying to let me make my own choices. Marie and Nadia kept reminding me that I was in a good position, I was under the General..I was his betrothed..yet I still wanted to go home but that was not an option.
One day when I was able to walk alone without being followed by his heartrenders, I was heading for the gardens. People didn't need to know that I was avoiding them. I wasn't some soldier, I wasn't going to be Ravka's savior...and the King didn't need updated on my work so that was fine. I just wanted to get things done.
Zoya, unfortunately showed up and had her fan boys make me go to combat practice grounds. Botkin hadn't met me since I never went on the training grounds and I did meet up with Baghra for practice lessons that she held. "Ah, the Lieutenant General, Amira Silina..also known as the Dual Summoner. Do you know how to fight?" Botkin asked as I knew that Aleksander was clear he wanted me kept out of the fights.
"I know how to fight, I know how to protect myself. I was able to escape the General when he found me a year ago..I had the protection of my family who trained me as I grew up." I said as I knew that they wanted to test me. "Your General was clear, he does not want me out here. He does not want me practicing with people." I wasn't used to being surrounded like this but this was going to be hard.
"Can you provide proof?" Botkin asked as I knew that he was asking me to prove I could handle myself. "Your General, the night I arrived tried to get me to let my guard down..he put his hand around my neck. I kicked him hard off my bed without a second thought and he knows his place that if he tries to do that again I will kick him off the bed again." I said as they all gasped. I knew that they looked at the General as one of them, the strongest but I was strong too..Aleksander knew I was strong.
I walked away before they could do anything and then met with Baghra who was helping me with getting stronger. Pushing my limits and getting things going so I could work on things but when I was heading back, I felt someone pull me to them and I looked up meeting Aleksander's eyes. "Aleksander.." I said as he placed a hand on my cheek and I leaned into his touch while looking at him. "Amira.." He said as he leaned in and I felt like I couldn't pull away.
Our lips met in a kiss and I closed my eyes as I surrendered to the feeling of his lips against mine. I knew that there was no going back, our connection was strong but at the same time I was scared to fully give in to how I felt..what I wanted most at the moment.
Aleksander picked me up taking me to his private quarters. We were both tired, him from his work and me from Baghra's training..he may not have wanted me to be Ravka's savior but he wanted me to get stronger. To be his equal, to be his balance..but there was an undeniable tension between us. One that still scared me and yet intrigued me, I could feel his eyes on me, studying me intently as I looked up to meet his gaze. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.
"I.." I said softly as I had desires but I also didn't want to be one of those girls.. "Aleksander, I..", my heart pounding in my chest as I was nervous to even say it. "I don't know what I really want..I've never.."
Aleksander held me closer, one of his hand gently brushing against my cheek. "Amira, I don't do anything I don't want to do and in time you will realize that you will do the same." he said, his voice low and husky. "I want you, and I can't deny how much I've come to care for you."
His words sent shivers down my spine, and before I could say anything else, he leaned in and kissed me, his lips soft and warm against mine. I melted into the kiss, feeling a rush of emotions that I had never experienced before. Despite my initial hesitation, I couldn't deny the pull between us. I was falling deeper in love with my soulmate before I'd even realized it..so much had changed within a year.