[ Will Nikolai ever acclimate to the strangeness of his marriage? A lifetime of observing his mother, who could barely tolerate the company of the king? A whole court of people who were sometimes fond and most times distant?
And here is Alina, who he cannot get near enough to. Whose bed he would share. Whose life he will share in a way that he had never prepared himself to do.
He brings her hand to his mouth. Kisses her knuckles. Runs a thumb over the thin black line around her ring finger. ]
no subject
And here is Alina, who he cannot get near enough to. Whose bed he would share. Whose life he will share in a way that he had never prepared himself to do.
He brings her hand to his mouth. Kisses her knuckles. Runs a thumb over the thin black line around her ring finger. ]
Maybe, [ Nikolai agrees quietly. ] We could try.