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#king nikolai
mortal-maebh · 1 year
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15 y/o me is going out of her mind right now
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tessxblxckthorn · 1 year
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- sankta neyar
SHADOW AND BONE | 2x06
very heavily inspired by this post by @sleepless-crows
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corpsebasil · 1 year
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nightmares and enemies
In which the King and Queen of Ravka realize they care about each other more than they thought.
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You two had always hated each other.
Ever since you’d been engaged, you hated him. He was arrogant—a cocky, peacock of a man—and the sight of him alone made your blood boil. He teased you, finding new and creative ways to constantly piss you off, and you gave it right back. He even went so far one time as to, when you were crouched next to a river washing your face, come up behind you and knock your ass in.
You’d grabbed his ankle and yanked him in after you, of course, but he still laughed about it for days.
Now, though.
The day Nikolai was crowned, the day blood bubbled from your mouth as the entire throne room collapsed under the power of a drugged Grisha, you could’ve sworn he’d been gasping your name beside you. You could’ve sworn he’d reached for your hand, though you’d only felt the tips of his fingers graze yours before you passed out.
And now.
You were married and didn’t even share the same rooms. But somehow he still heard you when you screamed, thrashing awake from a dream in which you were on that dais, your chest so tight you thought you’d never breathe again, but this time it was Nikolai beside you, unconscious, and you couldn’t drag your weak body a single inch towards his.
And then your husband was dead.
You were terrified. You woke with tears in your eyes, heart pounding, still feeling that tightness in your chest. Your bedroom door flew open so fast you screamed again, unsure if you were still dreaming, but the lamp turned on and there he was, rumpled and alarmed, a large knife in his hand. He looked around the room, checking the window and the open closet door, before turning back to face you.
Nikolai’s chest was heaving, his cheeks flushed, and you stared at him in open mouthed shock as he ran his hand over his tired face.
“I thought—“ he started, voice hoarse, and turned away, leaning an arm against the wall. He stayed quiet for a moment, catching his breath, before facing you again and slowly coming to sit on the edge of the bed. “I thought someone broke in.”
“I’m…” you were still staring. He looked as horrified as you had been. “I’m fine. I was—” You swallowed, mouth dry. “I was having a nightmare. I’m fine.”
He covered his mouth with one hand as he stared at you, then sighed, dropping his head down between his knees, the knife clattering to the floor. His voice was strained when he spoke again, shoulders tense.
“What were you dreaming about, Y/N?” He asked, quietly, and you tried to calm your racing heart. His abrupt entrance had startled you almost as much as the fact that he’d come so quickly when you woke up.
“You were—” your voice caught involuntarily and his head lifted, eyes pinning you with an intense stare. “—you were dead. You were…and I couldn’t—”
You couldn’t stop yourself as the tears welled back up and you looked away, forcing the image out of your mind. The blood—and he was just laying there and—
“Darling, please.” Nikolai’s words were thick with emotion as he moved over to you, sitting next to you against the pillows. He caught your strangled sob against his shoulder when he scooped you into his lap, pressing every inch of the two of you together.
You swayed together for a moment, his voice murmuring calming words against your ear as his hands ran soothing circles against your back and shoulders. You clutched him tightly, eyes squeezed shut, but after a few moments your heart slowed and you managed to take a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.” You whispered against him, and his fingers brushed your hair from your face as you pulled back to look at him.
Softly, so softly it broke your heart, he leaned in and kissed you, and for the first time it seemed real. There was no one around to watch, no courtiers or officials to please with a show of fake romance. It was just you and Nikolai, your Nikolai, and his mouth against yours was so gentle you felt your stomach twist and your chest tighten.
He pulled back barely an inch and ran his nose against yours, a soft smile on his handsome face. You reached up to run a thumb over his cheekbone, marveling over how soft his skin was, and marveled over the fact that he was even allowing you to touch him like this. More than that, that you allowed him to hold you like this, to kiss you like he…like he…
“I’m not going to leave you.” He promised, his eyes kind and tired. “I’m never going to die and leave you alone. I’ll fight the afterlife with my bare hands if I have to.”
A tear rolled its way down your cheek and he wiped it away, his brow furrowing.
“I thought you hated me.” You said, slipping your fingers into his hair, and he shook his head with a sad looking smile.
“You’re about as friendly as a hungry bear sometimes, you know that?” He asked, and you stiffened. “See? You treated me like an ass when we met, and when I messed with you…that was the only time you’d give me an inch of attention. I’ve always been yours. Always.”
“I’m—” You blinked at him, unsure of how you didn’t realize you two had been circling each other throughout your entire engagement, then marriage, coming closer and closer to this moment. “I’m sorry. I wanted to like you.”
“Do you like me now?” He teased, and you couldn’t stop yourself from kissing him again, holding him tightly against you. When you separated he looked dazed, and you felt a pang rush through you at the lovestruck expression on his face.
“I think I might love you, Nikolai.”
When you finally went to sleep, after several long minutes of kissing and reminiscing on the stupidest pranks you both had ever pulled on each other, you curled up next to one another in bed and slept, both of your dreams unplagued by death and horror.
For once, for the first time in a while, you both felt truly, truly loved.
THIS IS SO CHEESEBALLS BUT I AM EMOTIONAL?!/7/$
Remember to check out Tea and Spices on wattpad and send me requests!!
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jahayla-parker · 1 year
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Royal Comfort : Nikolai Lantsov x Reader
Description: 2.1k wc sick!reader fic where reader is Nikolai’s wife and becomes sick after not heeding advice to rest her voice.
Warnings: illness/sickness, mentions of eating and drinking/soup and tea, mentions of Nikolai being shirtless (just fluff though, I promise), Nikolai bring a protective!simp for reader. 🖤
Note: full disclosure this wasn’t a WIP but rather to help my little sis @ell0ra-br3kk3r feel better 💜
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“I thought you agreed to take it easy today” Nikolai sighed, walking into his office and seeing his wife y/n tidying up.
She turned to him with a guilty smile.
“How’s your throat?” He questioned, stepping to her.
“It’s gr-“ she coughed, “great”.
Nikolai gave her an incredulous look.
“Milaya, I heard you singing to yourself again” He informed her, reaching for her hand.
“Habit” she mumbled, shuffling her feet against the wood floor.
He grinned softly, “I know. And it’s precious, truly. But, you have to rest your voice”.
“Are you telling me to sh-“ She coughed again and groaned, “to shut up?”
Nikolai smirked, “If that’s what gets you to rest your throat, then, yes”.
She gave him a weak glare before spinning around to resume her cleaning.
“My beloved wife, we have people who can do that, you mustn’t fuss over it” He reminded her.
“You want them going through your documents?” She questioned softly, holding up one of his more confidential notes.
Nikolai hummed and took it from her, “Fair point Darling. I’ll handle this, you should see if Genya or someone can aid your throat”.
Y/n shook her head and took the paper back from Nikolai before setting it on the desk.
Nikolai watched her silently as she guided him to the lounge chair across the room.
She popped down and signaled for him to join her.
Once he sat down beside her, he moved to pull her to his chest and placed a tender kiss on the top of her head.
—— Time Skip 1 Day ——
“Darling” Nikolai scolded, arms crossed as he stared down his wife.
She winced slightly and covered her mouth.
He signed and walked to her before lowering her hand with his.
“I’m just worried you’ll make yourself worse” Nikolai explained.
She nodded, “I’m not trying to be difficult, it’s just so routine”.
Nikolai pulled her to him, resting his chin on her head, “perhaps you should stay in bed where you don’t have a reason to sing?”
Y/n looked around the room she’d been painting in and frowned.
As she turned back to Nikolai she shook her head with a pout.
He chuckled softly, “alright, but then the signing has to be put on hold hmm?”
She sighed but nodded reluctantly.
—— Time Skip 1 Day ——
“Your highness?” Sentinel Ivanov whispered, standing behind the King as Nikolai attended yet another boring meeting.
Nikolai nodded in response to his wife’s personal guard member, but respectfully kept his eyes on the meeting’s current speaker.
“It’s the Queen,” Sentinel Ivanov began, stepping back when Nikolai’s head whipped around instantly.
“What is it? Where is she?” Nikolai questioned, diregarding the meeting he was in.
“She’s fallen ill, she hasn’t left your shared chambers but has requested your-“ Sentinel Ivanov explained cautiously.
Nikolai stood from his seat and quickly walked to the exit.
“I have a family matter to attend to. General Nazyalensky will take over” he breathily rushed out before exiting the meeting room.
Nikolai ignored the way his staff in the hall turned to watch him speed down the hallway.
Upon reaching their bedroom door, he impatiently waited for the guards to part from their blocking of the entrance and then dashed inside.
Nikolai frowned so deeply his forehead wrinkled as he saw the state his wife was in.
Y/n lay there wrapped up in the comforter in the middle of their bed, tissues scattered across the sheets, head slightly hung, and sad eyes.
He nearly choked when she glanced over to give him a weak smile.
Her nose was red and stuffy and the smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Moya tsaritsa” he whined, rushing to her bedside.
She pointed wordlessly to her neck and frowned.
Nikolai sighed as he took her hand in his, “your sore throat worsened?”
She nodded and then paused as a shiver took over her body.
Nikolai felt her forehead with the back of his hand and let out a sigh of relief.
“No fever, let’s keep it that way, hmm?” He advised, scanning the room.
“It’s just a stuffy nose and re-“ y/N’s voice cracked, “really bad sore throat”.
Nikolai nodded and gently moved the pillows behind her before scooping her up in his arms.
He delicately placed her back down on the bed, closer to the head of it this time.
“Let me change and then we’ll cuddle and get some rest okay?” Nikolai offered.
“You could get sick Kolya” she whined followed by a small coughing fit.
He raised an accusatory eyebrow, “you expect me to care about that?! Especially when you’re ill?”
Y/n smiled softly at him but nodded.
Nikolai chuckled softly as he removed his uniform top.
“Your guard informed me that you requested my presence “ Nikolai grinned, although he was inferring that information as he hadn’t let Sentinel Ivanov finish before he rushed to come to her aid.
Y/n coughed loudly, making Nikolai’s head whip around to look over her.
As she lowered her arm from her mouth she sighed, “I’m okay”.
He shook his head and resumed changing his clothes.
“I didn’t think about it when I asked for you” she mumbled, “but I don’t want you to get-“
“Enough of that y/n,” he warned, “I won’t have it. You are my one true love and I’m not leaving your side until you’re well”.
“Bu-but you don’t have time to-“ she argued weakly.
Nikolai turned to her, his robe hanging open around his torso as he stared at her.
“Y/n/n, I always have time for you. I love you” he cooed as he made his way back to her.
“Even when I’m sick?” Y/n questioned, followed by another cough.
Nikolai pouted and softly pulled her arm away from her face after she finished coughing, “especially when you're sick. Sick people need even more love and time than usual, you know."
Y/n whimpered quietly as she reached to her husband, “…… I love you immensely”.
He smiled and slid into the bed beside her, his arms instantly closing around her frame.
“I love you too moya tsaritsa, now how can I help?” He questioned, kissing her forehead.
She shrugged, desperately clinging onto him, “don’t know. I’m fine”.
Nikolai sighed, moving one hand from her back to her chin and tilting her face upwards, “what’s the matter?”
“This is humiliating” she pouted, eyes darting anywhere but his face.
“There's nothing humiliating about needing help once in a while, my love” he promised, smiling tenderly at her.
She finally made eye contact with him and sniffled, “but you have more important-“.
“No” Nikolai stated, his hand placed over her mouth.
She gasped and then giggled against his hand, making him smile as he pulled his hand back.
“Don’t make me risk you having to cough because I had to cover your mouth. You’re not permitted to finish that sentence” Nikolai alerted her.
“Per-permitted?” She coughed and rose her eyebrow at him.
“You know I’d never restrict you milaya, but this is one exception. I will not stand for you insinuating that there’s anything in this world I would find more important than you” he affirmed, holding her closer to his bare chest.
Y/n laid her head against his torso with a smile on her lips.
“You’re sitting though” she teased quietly.
Nikolai chuckled loudly and tickled her sides.
As her laughter turned into coughs, he abruptly stopped and held her still as his eyes scanned her face.
“I’m terribly sorry love, that was a bad idea” he apologized frantically.
“Moi tsar, Moi Kolya, it isn’t y-your fault” y/n assured him, her voice cracking slightly.
Nikolai bent his head down to place a kiss to her stuffy nose.
“Shhh y/n/n, you don’t need to talk love” he advised, shifting so she could rest on his chest again.
A few calm moments passed before y/n pulled back to glance up at her husband again.
Nikolai smirked at her inability to stay still and nodded for her to explain what was on her mind.
“You’re not mad at me?” She questioned in a breathy whisper.
Nikolai’s eyes nearly crossed as he tried to figure out where she’d get such an idea from.
“Course not, why would I be?” He wondered, staring deeply into her eyes for an answer.
“I..” she sniffled and rubbed the tip of her swollen nose with the side of her palm, “I didn’t listen when you said to stop singing”.
Nikolai let out a gust of air as he broke into a smile, “it’s okay milaya, I love your singing. Just didn’t want you to hurt is all”.
“You love my singing?” She whispered.
He cupped her cheek and guided her head back to his chest, “I am in love with your singing, y/n”.
She hummed softly but stopped as she rubbed her throat in pain.
Nikolai pursed his lips before he began to slowly moving out from behind her so he could set her against the pillows.
“I’m going to get you some tea” he informed her when she frowned at his movement.
She pouted and shook her head as she tightened her grip on the edges of his robe to try and hold him down.
Despite the fact he could very easily escape her grip, he didn’t want to; and she clearly didn’t want him to either.
So, he placed a tender kiss to the top of his wife’s head.
“Sentinel Ivanov” Nikolai called out, his hands placed over y/n’s ears.
There was a firm knock on the doors of their bed chambers as Sentinel Ivanov responded, “Korol Lantsov?”
“You may enter” Nikolai confirmed, lowering his hands from his wife’s ears.
“Korol, Koroleva” Sentinel Ivanov bowed as he reached the end of the couple’s bed.
“Ilya, please rise” Nikolai said at the same time y/n said, “you don’t need to do bow”.
Ilya smiled and nodded at them as he waited to hear why he’d been called.
“Would you please have the kitchen fetch some warm tea, and perhaps honey if there’s any, for my loving wife?” Nikolai requested, rubbing y/n’s shoulder that wasn’t pressed against his chest.
“Of course moi tsar, anything else for Koroleva Lantsov?” Ilya replied with a nod.
Nikolai glanced down lovingly at his wife, “anything else you think will help, darling?”
She shook her head and then pulled her shirt over her nose as she coughed again.
Nikolai frowned, glancing between his wife and Sentinel Ivanov.
Ilya gave Nikolai a sympathetic look, knowing full well how much y/n’s discomfort was impacting the King.
“Has anyone brought her food today?” Nikolai questioned Ilya upon remembering it was nearly noon.
Ilya shook his head, “no one other than yourself has left nor entered these chambers today. Well, and now myself”.
Nikolai nodded, sighing as he looked back at his wife.
Y/n lifted her head to make eye contact with Nikolai as she felt his gaze.
“It hurts too much” she whispered.
Nikolai pressed his lips into a fine line as he thought of how to make sure she still ate.
“Perhaps there’s some soup or broth in the kitchen?” Nikolai asked as his eyes snapped to Ilya.
“I can certainly check sir” Ilya agreed.
Nikolai hummed and nodded, “that’ll be all. Thank you”.
—— Short Time Skip ——
“You must love me a lot” y/n croaked a Nikolai lowered the spoon back to the bowl of soup.
“Obviously, you idiot” Nikolai smirked, bringing up another spoonful of warm broth.
She squinted at him but sipped the broth from the spoon in his hand.
“Now you’re insulting a sick person?” Y/n huffed.
He chuckled, “only when you say such obvious things”.
She smiled and softly pushed his hand back down to the dish has he brought up another spoonful.
“You’re full?” He questioned warily.
She nodded and he grinned as she let out a yawn.
“Fair enough, but you’re going to have some more tea before we go to sleep” he ordered as he set the bowl on the bedside table.
—— Short Time Skip ——
“Don’t” y/n whispered, eyelids blinking slowly.
She yawned and snuggled into Nikolai’s embrace even more, “don’t stop.. your fingers…”
Nikolai hummed tenderly, his fingers still moving through her hair.
“Your fingers” she repeated lowly, “feel so nice in my hair”.
He smirked to himself before lowering his head to press a kiss to her head.
“So cozy Kolya” y/n mumbled, her eyelids closing.
Nikolai watched her closely until he saw the rise and fall of her chest.
Once he noticed her eyelids and facial features relaxed, he let out a satisfied sigh.
“Rest well my dear Koroleva” Nikolai hummed, letting his own eyes close.
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Nikolai Lantsov Navigation
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Tag list: @ell0ra-br3kk3r @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx @nikfigueiredo
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hyper-fixated-princess · 10 months
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*RULE OF WOLVES SPOILER*
Screaming, crying, kicking my feet right now is an understatement to describe my reaction to the Crows being in this book.
I had no idea they were even in the story. And like?? Not just a cameo but on a FUCKING HEIST???? Like full on Dirtyhands, Sharpshoooter and Demo Man at work??!!?
And don’t get me started in all the canon Wesper/Kanej content I’m being fed with rn. I don’t know what we did to deserve such a blessing, but Leigh Bardugo; THANK YOU.
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Can’t get enough
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*Not my GIF - also the GIF isn’t directly related to the story, but really who doesn’t need an excuse to look at those abs?
Here’s another thing I wrote. This one has even less plot than the last so, enjoy i guess!
Summary: Basically just shameless Nikolai x reader insert smut with a bit of fluff on the side.
Word count: 1.5K ish
Warnings: NSFW - 18+ only. Smut, fem!reader, mention of oral sex, marking, handjob, P in V sex, unprotected sex & ejaculation (but they are married if that makes it better)
“You’re far too good at that,” you murmured as you came down from your high. Nikolai chuckled, the vibration against your over sensitive flesh making you squirm. Burying your hands in his untamed hair, you tugged him upwards. The self-satisfied smirk on his face would have been unbearably smug if he hadn’t just brought you to orgasm for the third time that night. He raised himself up on his elbows and pressed his lips to yours in a lazy kiss, allowing you to taste yourself on his tongue. Then he flipped over onto his back and wrapped an arm around you, pulling you against his side. You snuggled in closer, throwing one leg over his as you ran your hand lightly across his chest and down, tracing absent patterns into his skin. He sighed contentedly, his eyes slipping closed. You studied his profile for a moment, wondering how you managed to get so lucky. Your mother had warned you that for women, sex was something to be endured rather than enjoyed. You were to allow your husband to take his pleasure as he wished, as was his right, and your role was only to provide him with a son and heir. Thankfully, the reality had turned out to be quite different and you had found Nikolai to be an attentive and unselfish lover. At first, you’d thought it was just a point of pride for him, a need to impress you when you were first married, but here you were years down the line and he was still as dedicated to your pleasure as he had been in the beginning, his own release always a secondary concern. In fact, you worried sometimes that perhaps he was neglecting his own needs in favor of satisfying yours, though of course he would never admit to it. Outside of the bedroom, he was just as thoughtful. As the newly crowned King of Ravka, his position was demanding, but he made a concentrated effort to put you first as much as he was able, and he rarely denied you anything that it was in his power to give. He could be a shameless flirt, but you knew without a doubt that he loved you, and you certainly loved him. You leaned up over him to press kisses to the tip of his nose, his eyelids, his cheek, the corner of his mouth, and his lips quirked up into a smile. He turned towards you, seeking a real kiss but you pulled back slightly so you could trail your lips down his throat instead and he hummed his approval, tipping his head back to give you better access. You nipped lightly at his Adam’s apple and bit down gently on the corded muscle at the juncture of his shoulder, drawing a gasp from him as you continued your wet, open mouthed path to his collarbone. Letting your hand drift lower, past his navel, you raked your nails gently across his pelvis while you sucked a bruise into his skin. His cock twitched in response, the muscles of his toned abdomen dancing under your hand. You tilted your head up to look at his face, ghosting your fingertips over his growing erection. “Recovered already?” He didn’t open his eyes, but he made an affirmative sound as you took him in hand, swiping your thumb over the head of his cock to gather the bead of pre-come already leaking there and spreading it as lubrication. You grasped him in a tight fist, jerking him roughly until he was panting, unable to stop himself from thrusting into your hand. When you added a twist of your wrist on the upstroke and ducked your head to swirl your tongue over one sensitive nipple, he groaned, his whole body shuddering. He rolled towards you without warning, eyes still closed, his mouth somehow finding yours and his weight pressing you into the mattress. You parted your legs for him, allowing him to position himself comfortably between your thighs as he kissed you, licking slowly into your mouth until you were both breathless. When you finally broke apart for air, he rested his forehead against yours, looking down at you through his lashes. You reached between your bodies to wrap your fingers around his cock again and you felt his breath hitch. “I need to be inside you,” he murmured as you resumed stroking him. You raised an eyebrow, surprised that he wanted to go another round so soon. “Again?” He dipped his head to nuzzle at the hollow of your throat, trailing his hand lightly down your side. “Mmhmm.” “You’re insatiable,” you teased. “Mmm,” he hummed in agreement, mouthing at the swell of your breast. He captured one dusky peak gently between his teeth at the same time as his fingers found your slick center and you gasped, arching into him, your body straining for more. “I can’t get enough of you,” he admitted. His tone was playful, but the look in his eyes was soft as they raised to meet yours. You lifted your free hand to tenderly card your fingers through his hair and he smiled, leaning into your touch, before he moved up to claim your mouth again. You pushed lightly at his shoulder, urging him onto his back and he went easily, his hands settling on your thighs as you straddled him. You raised yourself up on your knees, splaying one hand on his chest for balance and grasping his cock with the other, giving him several firm strokes as you lined him up with your entrance. His eyelids fluttered closed again and he inhaled sharply, his thumbs caressing your thighs as you sank down onto him, pausing only when your hips were flush with his. You couldn’t help the moan that escaped you at the feeling of fullness. You ground your hips against his experimentally, simultaneously clenching your inner muscles and he groaned loudly, hands tightening on your thighs, his fingertips digging into your flesh almost hard enough to bruise. You repeated the motion, the combination of his reaction and the added friction to your clit already enough to have you chasing release. You sat up straighter as you began to ride him, setting a hard, fast rhythm, lifting yourself up until only the head of his cock remained inside you and then dropping back down to take his entire length at once, your thigh muscles burning with the effort. Nikolai pushed himself up into a sitting position, bracing himself on one arm and tangling his free hand in your hair so that he could pull you in for a bruising kiss, swallowing your sounds of pleasure. You nipped at his bottom lip when he released you and his hands found your waist, helping rather than guiding as he began thrusting up to meet you, the deeper penetration sending you both hurtling towards release in just a matter of moments. He slipped his hand between your sweat slick bodies with practiced ease, determined as ever that you should reach your climax first but you had already decided that this would be for him alone and you would not be deterred. Lacing your fingers through his, you stopped him before he reached his destination and kissed him thoroughly to distract him from his goal. You moved your hips harder against him until his movements became frantic, losing all semblance of rhythm. “Come for me,” you commanded quietly and he did, the gentle caress of your voice in his ear exactly what he needed to send him over the edge. He cried out, his body taught as he spilled his seed inside of you. You clung to him as the wave of his orgasm crested and peaked, one hand in his hair and the other sweeping across his broad shoulders. You stayed that way, your bodies tangled together so intimately that it was hard to tell where you ended and he began, until your breathing calmed and the pounding of your hearts slowed to their usual steady rhythm.
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pepperonijem · 1 year
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be here with me || nikolai lantsov
Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x fem!reader Warnings: none Genre: fluff Word count: 788 Summary: it's been a long day, but it's okay because at seven you will be here with me
A/N: inspired by the song 7PM by BSS feat. Peder Elias. there are no thoughts, no lore, no plot. just fluff and nikolai. give the song a listen <3
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It wasn’t much of a stretch to say you were tired. The kind of tired that feels like it’s been building up for weeks – sneaking up on you like wavelets against the sand, growing and growing until you find yourself sinking under tsunami tides. 
Rebuilding a kingdom from ashes of a war was no simple task, even for the most seasoned of veterans. Too many things to do and never enough time. Too many people to please and never enough resources. Each day was a paradox, twenty-four hours dragging like molasses out of the mouth of a glass jar while you run on against the stream. Every rise of the moon was a welcome sight to you, a sign that although tomorrow would be its own battle, for a few hours you could enjoy the pale glow of the moon. 
Tonight, however, instead of retreating to your private rooms to enjoy time alone with your lover, you found yourself longing to be outside of the palace walls. You send a courier to deliver a message to the king, a short message of  “meet me at the river,” and make your way to the quiet banks of the indigo waters to wait for him. It doesn’t take long for him to find you – it never does – and with the sound of grass breaking, you feel warm arms wrap around you from behind. 
You don’t turn around until he calls your name — not the name used by the people to address you but rather the one kept secret for moments like this. “My love,” the dulcet tones of his voice harmonizing with the crickets and the river waters. You can tell he’s smiling as he calls for you, as he always does, and when you turn around it feels like falling into starlight. His disheveled hair after a day of frustrated ticks is ever so golden, glowing in the white light of the moon and his blue eyes catch the broken reflection of light against the water. It happens quicker than instinct that you reach a hand to rest against his cheek and for Nikolai to release a soft puff of air, as if only now can he finally find rest. 
“Come sit with me, darling,” you beckon to him and he quickly complies. He gently pries your hand from his cheek, opting instead to hold it in his as he fills the space beside you, close enough to feel your thighs touching and you loop your arm through his to fit yourself to lay in against his shoulder. This is home, you think to yourself. 
It isn’t long before the quietness is filled with stories about the day. Although you had spent most of the day in your husband’s company, it was never enough, with only fleeting glances across meeting tables and secret smiles shared in passing. In the daylight, he was Nikolai Lantsov, the people’s King of Ravka. But here with you… he was your Nikolai, dearest. Although your relationship was well-known among the people, it was moments like this that you indulged in like a delicious secret between the two of you. Once the silence comes to find its way between the two of you once again, Nikolai turns his head to press a kiss against the crown of your head. 
“What’s that for?” you lift your head up to smile at him. He shakes his head bashfully before giving you a soft smile and bringing your entwined hands to his lips.
“I just missed you,” he replies sincerely, his free hand coming up to push a hair back from your face pointlessly as a chilling breeze sweeps it back out of place. You let out a chuckle as Nikolai sighs in exasperation with a pout. However, when he notices the slightest shake of your shoulders in a shiver, he immediately stands and extends his hand out to help you up. “Come? Before the winds turn icy.”  
With a laugh, you slip your hand in his, leaning against his shoulder as he tucks your hand into the crook of his elbow. “Is the fearless king afraid of the cold?” You look to see him roll his eyes as he pulls you closer into his side.
“Never,” he replies with a scoff. “But I’d rather like to feel my wife’s skin under my fingers, and I can’t do that when they’re frozen numb.” As if to prove his point, he wiggles his fingers before poking you in the side teasingly. 
To his defense, you completely agree. But more than that, it didn’t matter where you were together, so long as you were together. Come storm or high hell, Nikolai was always your resting place as you were his.
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bladeinthedark · 1 year
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i want all Nikolai haters to shut up because Paddy Gibson just did such an amazing job and he really portrayed Nikolai in the perfect way. charming, dedicated, a leader and a friend.
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padsmoony04 · 8 months
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It doesn't matter how many times I watch Shadow and Bone season two, I'm always going to get excited each time Nikolai appears on screen.
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bey0nd-1he-stars · 7 months
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A line of beauty - Nikolai Lantsov
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Masterlist
Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader
Wordcount: 1942
Summary: Based on this request
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Warnings: none
A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't posted anything in FOREVER but I really haven't been able to. Also, I don't know how happy I am with this but it'll have to do. I hope you like it nevertheless <3
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Walking on the ship, Tolya led the three of you to the captain’s quarters. He knocked quickly three times and when a “come in” was heard from inside he pushed the door open and ushered you inside. You, Alina and Mal all stepped over the threshold and into the carefully decorated room. A mahogany desk stood in the middle of the room and behind it, lounging in an elegant throne-like chair, sat a young man. He raised his eyebrows at the three of you before taking a swig of whiskey from a carved crystal glass. 
“And what brings the sun summoner and her friends to my quarters?” he wondered from behind the glass in his hand. You raised your eyebrows at his knowledge of your company and he smirked at your reaction. Mal met your gaze through a side glance but looked away when Alina started speaking. 
“We need charter out of here immediately.” The captain nodded and threw a glance out the window and when you followed his gaze you saw the lights from the docks quickly getting further away. Nikolai noticed as you did your discovery and when you looked back at him he was already looking at you. You just gave him a nod and he smiled, standing up and walking past you with a promise to show you where you’d be able to sleep at night. Alina, Mal and you quickly went after him, letting Tolya close the door behind you. 
-
You’d been on the Volkvolny for almost three weeks now and you, Alina and Mal helped the crew out wherever you were needed and on this particular night you’d been asked to join the night’s watch. You were standing on deck, a shawl wrapped around your shoulders. It was a calm night. Warm winds swept across the sea, soft waves crashed against the sides of the boat, the smell of fresh sea air filled your nose and billions of stars covered the dark sky above you. They reflected in the water making it look like you were sailing in an endless sea of stars. It was breathtaking. You stood at the front, keeping watch forward and at the same time enjoying the view and the peace and quiet. 
The clinking sound of boots against the wooden floor pulled you out of your thoughts and when you turned around you were met by the now familiar sight of Nikolai in his teal coat making his way towards you. His steps were heavy and he had dark circles under his eyes, but tried to hide it away with his usual smirk, hoping it would make him look more awake and alert than he really felt like. 
“Everything okay up front?” he came to rest his arms on the railing beside you and you turned back towards the sea with him. A small nod told him everything was in order and he let out a breath of relief, letting his shoulders fall slightly. 
“Everything okay with you?” you spoke back with a hint of worry in your tone. Nikolai turned his head to meet your gaze, searching for something in your y/e/c eyes before giving you a stiff nod. With a gentle hand you pushed away a few strands of his hair from his eyes and his eyes fell close for a second, relishing in the gentle touch. 
“You sure?” you mumbled and pulled your hand away. His breath got stuck in his threat for a second when your warm touch left him, leaving him speechless for just a moment. He nodded. Neither of you said anything else that night but you both stayed there, at the front of the ship, shoulders pressed together as you watched the stars fade into the morning glow. 
-
Nikolai knew he’d fallen in love after you’d been a month and a half on the Volkvony. You had your hair in a braid tied up with a ribbon that day but the winds had been hard and when you had been wrapping up some lines of rope on the starboard side of the ship, a particularly hard wind tugged your ribbon away. You just barely missed it reaching out for it, watching as the silk slipped between your fingers. Nikolai saw it flying out to sea, carried away with the wind. He followed it with his gaze but when he blinked, he lost it. Instead he turned his gaze back to you and the sight took his breath away. Now your hair flowed freely, whipping around your face in the wind and dancing like wildfire. He couldn’t take his gaze away from you. 
Tamar walked past you and noticed the chaotic state of your hair and said something that made you laugh. You threw your head back, eyes glittering and your melodic laughter carried on the wind. Your beauty had bewitched him and he found himself not minding it a bit. 
-
“Welcome to the spinning wheel.” 
You’d traveled on horseback since you came back to Ravka and now you were standing in front of two massive stone doors in the mountain wall. The top of the mountain disappeared into the clouds but you could almost see the outlines of it. 
A few guards pulled a lever and the great doors opened themselves revealing a set of stairs carved out in the stone. You all jumped off the horses and walked inside with Nikolai in the front. He explained that this was one of his secret hideaways that he’d built when being Sturmhond. Now it was a grisha sanctuary and a secret base hidden away in the mountain and above the clouds. The only way to get inside would be by the mountain doors or flying. The air was his domain. 
When you reached the top of the stairs Nikolai pushed a heavy door open and light flooded in through the opening. You had to shield your eyes for a moment when you walked in, but when you’d gotten accustomed to the blinding light, the sight of the Spinning wheel took your breath away. The place was fabrikator made. The whole building was made entirely out of glass, except for the floors. It let the sunlight in from all directions and it let you see across the sea of clouds. Nikolai smiled at your reaction, pulling you with him to show you around. He showed you your room where you’d be sleeping, the war room, his office, the great balcony and he even had a garden up here. It was overflowing in greenery, trees rising along the wall of the building, flowers thriving in every direction. It was messy, the garden unkempt but the grass was cut neatly. It was so perfectly Nikolai and that made it even more beautiful. 
When Nikolai suggested having a ball it was the last thing you’d expected out of his mouth. You’d been prepared for a declaration of war against the Darkling or storming the little palace and taking it back. You’d been prepared for anything but a ball. That didn't mean you thought it a bad idea. All the people at the spinning wheel could probably use the distraction and a night of fun. So, a ball it was. Nikolai got some fabrikators to decorate the grand hall and a few of the grisha could assemble some kind of orchestra and fix the music. Everyone was invited so the only problem really was whatever were you going to wear? 
After moments of trying and retrying a few different dresses you settled for a lightweight gown that flowed like a waterfall around you. I moved smoothly whenever you walked and it shined in the light. A few flowers from the bouquet that Nikolai had placed in your room matched the color of your dress and you carefully picked a few of them out and placed them in your hair. When you were happy with your look you walked out and set off towards the ball. 
Nikolai had been mingling with Zoya, sipping lightly on a glass of champagne while making a bit of small talk, when the doors opened and you stepped through the door frame. If Nikolai hadn’t already fallen in love with you, he would’ve fallen then. You were breathtaking. The light from the chandelier made our eyes and dress sparkle and he found himself almost at a loss of words. Those who’d been dancing when you entered had slowed down to be able to take in the look of you. 
You moved with elegance and ease when you walked across the room, smiling at the festivities, ignoring all the looks she got. A slight blush dusted her cheeks when Nikolai caught her gaze. He set off towards her, meeting her halfway. 
“Well, you certainly know how to stop a party,” he smirked at her, offering you his arm, inviting you to dance. 
“What can I say? I like to make an impression,” you accepted his offer and he spun you around one time before gathering you up in his arms. His heat radiated off of him and it enveloped you in a feeling of comfort and love. He swayed you across the dance floor, the rest of the company were stunned by your beauty and grace. Nikolai smiled at that and chuckled softly. 
“That I believe, love.”
You spent the night mingling with the other guests, laughing, drinking, talking. When the clock was almost hitting midnight and the moon shined brightly upon the spinning wheel, you went outside to take a breather. The air was chilly but fresh, the bleak light from the moon lit up the whole of Nikolai’s little garden. It was beautiful. The sound of the door getting shut behind you made you turn around, smiling softly when your eyes found Nikolai’s. The sound of the music from inside slipped through the wall of glass, but it was muted greatly making the night quite peaceful outside. You’d slipped off your heels when stepping outside and Nikolai spared them a glance, grinning at the sight. 
Looking at you, Nikolai found he’d never set eyes on something so beautiful as you. You were swaying softly to the music from inside, the moonlight illuminating you and making your dress look like a waterfall of moonlight. For a moment, he was afraid you’d hear his heart skip a beat. Elegantly, you reached out a hand for him. In a few strides he was within your reach and he took your hand in his, pulling you in to meet him halfway. Wrapping you up in his arms, keeping you close and relishing in the feeling. A smile made its way to his lips. Your y/e/c eyes looked up into his, getting lost in the hazel that swirled in them. 
“You are astonishingly beautiful, Nikolai,” the words left your lips before you could stop them. Nikolai felt his breath hitch in throat. He swallowed hard, taking in the sincerity in your words and in your eyes. His words melted on his tongue and he couldn’t find anything to say in return. He hadn’t heard those words from someone he cared about and finally hearing them seemed to have stopped his body from functioning normally. You smirked at the reaction. 
“You don’t have to say anything back, Nik. I just wanted you to know that.” He only nodded and pressed a sweet kiss to your cheek before pulling you even closer to him. Finally he whispered out a quiet “thank you”, letting the words linger in the air along with the fog from his breath. It swirled up into the night, disappearing and fading into the clouds.
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myeur-n · 10 months
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Imagine that Sturmhond reveals himself as Prince Nikolai Lantsov, but you couldn't accept it
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Disclaimer:
This oneshot is purely based on the Netflix series, so some of the lore might be incorrect
y/n is a female Grisha
Angst/Fluff
"Captain, are you sure that the Saint is stable enough to cross the fold?" y/n approached the captain's table and crossed her arms before him. The Volkvolny was beginning to rumble from the calling of the Fold, and as a Materialki, you weren't really fond of how the wooden planks of the ship you had invented with your Captain begun to stir.
"Y/n, how many times have I asked you to address me by Sturmhond?" The blonde and blue-eyed privateer snickered at you, leaning back against his cushioned chair and crossing his legs. You remained silent and only had a concerned look crossing your features. "Come on, then. Call me by my name then I shall answer you," he added and began beckoning you toward him.
"Alright... Sturmhond. Now answer me," you rolled your eyes. "You know how terrified I am of the Fold. If I get caught by one of the Volcra in there, I'll be demanding that you pay for my health insurance even if I'm dead,".
"I would expect no less from you," he pulled a soft smile at your direction, which almost warmed your heart - almost. You shook your head as he stood up from his chair and stood next to you.
"It'll be alright, y/n. Alina's strong enough with her amplifier. You'll be safe, I can promise you that," he muttered, casting a soft smile at you before he climbed the stairs to the upper deck.
"No doubt he's about to show off the Hummingbird," you rolled your eyes and tailed him.
Before you knew it, you were suddenly up in the air and reaching the entrance of the Fold. You looked up at the abyssal storm, growling and calling before your very eyes. Quickly turning around, you saw that only a few of the Volkvolny crew, including yourself and your captain; the Saint herself and her lover were aboard the Hummingbird.
Alina Starkov looked back at the Fold with a determined glare, while Mal's eyes were clouded with his usual protectiveness. Before you could turn to look at Sturmhond, he had already crossed the ship's deck and stood by your side, linking your arms tightly with his.
"It's going to be alright. You don't have to be scared," he mumbled in a low voice, almost to himself. You could hear the slight tremble in his voice, and you knew you weren't alone in this consuming fear - he felt the same way too.
"Sturmhond," you turned your wrists so your palms could capture his. "I trust you," you nodded once before turning back at the starless sky as darkness consumed your surrounding.
Both of you gasped, but held each other tight. The Fold was pitch black and cold - colder than the sea breeze at night. Your mind suddenly travelled to what you could do as a Grisha. You were just a Materialki - a person who could manipulate earth and steel - but, what use is that when it comes to something as powerful as the darkness?
Suddenly, a blinding white light filled your eyes and it came from the Saint.
Sturmhond's blue eyes filled with marvel and wonder, and your heart ached to see them as you realised that he could never look at you the same way he looked at Alina's beautiful sunlight. You pursed your lips and slowly attempted to loosen your grip of his hand, but it won't move a muscle.
You closed your eyes and hoped that this would end soon.
As no light could pierce your eyelids, you thought that the worst is over, but only found that Alina was gasping for air and could not summon the sunlight anymore. Mal rushed to her side to protect her from the Darkness of the Fold, while Sturmhond quickly removed your hands from his and grabbed his pistol.
You rushed to the front of the Hummingbird and placed your hands on the engine of the ship, forcing the gears to work harder so everyone could get out of the Fold quickly. Some of the crew members screamt as they were grabbed by the Volcra and fell to their death.
You panicked as one of the Volcra almost snatched you into the air, but you had quickly picked up a crowbar and shifted it into a sword before slicing it into half.
"Now, that's my lady!" Sturmhond shouted from across the deck as he continued shooting the beasts. You rolled your eyes and with your last effort, you pushed the engines to their limit before they gave out one last revolution and ceased their turning.
And all of you were so close to getting out of the Fold.
"Brace! Brace for impact!" You shouted loud enough for everyone to hear as you shut your eyes hard and focused your abilities to the front of the ship, bending the round-edged wood to become sharp-edged, so that as they land on the ground, it would pierce the dirt and lessen the damage on the Hummingbird. Sturmhond wasn't going to let it go if she had let his precious invention turn into ruin.
The ship dug into the dirt of East Ravka and slid across the grass. Everyone let out a whelp as their knees collapsed from the impact. You exhaled a large breath and wiped a sweat from your forehead. It was definitely hard to use the small sciences without looking at what you're about to change.
Tamar and Tolya were the first to cheer, while Sturmhond quickly ran over to you.
"Are you alright? You seemed to be doing a lot of work there," he spoke - and for the first time, it seemed like it was out of concern.
"Yeah, and it's all because I had to save your damn ship from falling to pieces," you groaned at him, which only received a long chuckle from him.
Out of the blue, everyone heard the marching of more than a legion of soldiers.
"What's going on?" You muttered to yourself, but your eyes held Sturmhond's.
He avoided them and only shook his head.
"Identify yourself!" The captain of the soldier commanded. The Sun Summoner seemed clearly irritated while Sturmhond grasped her shoulder with his one arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"I'll handle this," he said and he began to undress himself off his long, ridiculous privateer coat and he seemed to behaving a conversation with the captain. You parted your lips to ask him "Wouldn't you end up naked?", but you quickly took your words back when your eyes perceived Sturmhond wearing a green uniform gilded in golden embroidery, a uniform almost similar to those Ravkan soldiers, but it carried a higher air of command.
"It can't be," the man named Ravski gasped.
"Yes, it is," Sturmhond responded. You unbuckled your knees to get a better view of what was happening.
"Moi Tsarevich," Ravski began to kneel. "My prince,".
You gasped, while Mal and Alina passed each other confused looks.
"I present Nikolai Lantsov, Major of the 22nd Regiment, Soldier of the King's Army, Grand Duke of Udova, and Second Son to his Most Royal Majesty - King Pyotr the Third - Ruler of the Double Eagle Throne!" The captain announced with a spirited voice, while Sturmhond - now Nikolai pulled a smug look across his face.
You couldn't believe your eyes that the man in which you had spent years with was in fact, the estranged Prince of Ravka himself. Your lips quivered as memories came flooding back to you, but you knew that you couldn't cause a scene.
The prince had already been enjoying himself too much.
~•~
Everyone had reached the Stronghold (or moreso like a base) where Grisha who opposed against the Darkling and survivors of East Ravka remained. You spotted Zoya, someone who had always taught you the meaning of hard life back at the Little Palace - greeting Alina Starkov like old friends.
You clenched your fists and held back your tears. Once again, you were a stranger to everyone around you. The only person that you could become yourself was now gone too.
"One week," you took a deep breath in your personal quarters, which was very much far away from Alina and Nikolai's - given your status as a Materialki Grisha. Even Tolya and Tamar's rooms were closer to the Prince's. "Hold on for one week and we shall see," you swallowed the fear in your throat.
Your y/e/c shifted to your modest bed and you laid yourself there - hoping that your memories won't haunt you at night. Everyone was in a meeting to discuss their next move against the Darkling, but you weren't included - as expected.
That night, you recalled the memories from a time long forgotten of you, your brothers and sisters which were called upon to the Little Palace and serve as the Second Army for the Tsar. You shared their excitement when all of you had found out that you were Grisha. Your twin sisters were prodigal Heartrenders like Tamar and Tolya, while your eldest brother was an Inferni and your younger brother was a Squaller. Everyone was suited for battle and talented - but not you.
You were just a plain Materialki - a Durast who was weak and could not bend swords or bullets quickly enough to save your life. And so, you were never ordered to Battle like your siblings since even the Darkling did not acknowledge your abilities.
One day, the Tsar ordered his princes to enter and cross the Fold for a diplomatic mission on west Ravka. Something happened when they were on their way back, and they had to kill as much Volcra as possible along with only a few of the Second Army Soldiers escorting them - with the Heartrenders being your own two sisters and ome of the squallers your younger brother. Almost none survived, with the exception of his princes, as it seemed.
You and your eldest brother grieved their death, and sent many personal letters to both the Darkling and the King, requesting for the return of the bodies of your fallen siblings. However, both of them rejected your requests, giving an excuse that their main priority was to search for the Second Prince - none other than Nikolai Lantsov, instead of bringing their bodies home.
You and your brother were devastated, and he was suddenly being called upon to fight at the Fjerdan borders. You had tried your best to make an armor for him, in which no bullet should be able to pass through - and it worked - only if it hadn't been for the Fjerdans to cut off his head when your brother was wounded.
Distressed, you crossed the the Fold from East to West Ravka by yourself with an invention you had so carelessly made, as an effort to hopefully let the Saints decide your fate in the abyss. And you could have died, if your wounded self wasn't discovered by Sturmhond.
You woke up silently with your eyes brimming in tears. Your siblings' lack of proper burial, Sturmhond's deceit, and your uselessness as a Durast was all too much for you. The very thought of being under the roof of the man which had both killed and saved your life was something your heart could not handle anymore.
You had to leave.
Its not like anyone would realise nor dread your absence.
Wiping the silent and hot tears pouring out of your eyes, you began to pack some clean clothes into your knapsack, a pair of daggers, a map of Ravka, money, food and water. There wasn't much to pack anyway. You put on a cloak and blew out your candle before you opened your door.
"Captain-!" You exclaimed as the blonde and blue-eyed man which had been by your side for years suddenly showed up in front of you with his hands up, and hand balled into a fist, as if he wanted to knock on your door.
"Y/n, you're awake!" He gasped and pulled a cheesy smile. "I guess you've been around me for too long until you could sense me from far away, then?" He chuckled. Slowly observing his formal attire, it was obvious that he had just finished his meeting.
"You're incredibly loud with everything you do, that's how I know," You pursed your lips and forced a smile.
He nodded and began to peek around your pitch black room, past your shoulders. "Your quarters are very dark now, aren't they?" He commented.
"I was sleeping, Capta-I mean, uhm, moi Tsarevich," and you kept a distance away from him as you recalled that the man before you was ranks higher above yours.
"You were asleep with your travelling cloak?" He raised a playful brow.
"You shouldn't be here. Just go to sleep, my prince. You look tired after the meeting,".
"About that," the prince pushed your arm which was blocking the way into your room and lit a match. He searched for your candle for a second and lit it up. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened... earlier," he muttered and his bright eyes searched your room.
"There's nothing to talk about-,".
"Saints, why did they give you such an empty room? There's barely anything in here!" He jumped and began going through your old cupboard. You sighed and closed your eyes, not knowing how to properly deal with the man.
"My prince, you're no longer Sturmhond. Its improper for you to act in this manner. I beg of you, please remove yourself from my quarters," your heart was beginning to ache, but he was seemingly avoiding your words as he continued rambling around.
"The only thing here as stuffed as the king is your-," and his eyes paused at your knapsack. "Why is it packed, y/n? Where are you going?".
"Its none of your concern, my prince," You could not brave yourself to look into his eyes.
"Saints, just call me Nikolai, y/n,".
"How can I just call you Nikolai Lantsov when you've been my Captain and Sturmhond to me?" You snapped as irritation overwhelmed you.
"You don't understand, Nikolai - you're a prince. I'm just a deserter of the Second Army and we're not equals anymore,".
"Come on, you know that I don't think of you that way-,".
"Either way, you can't stop me from leaving," your voice trembled.
Nikolai suddenly crossed his arms and he passed a stern glare at you, a look you had rarely seen him equip himself with. In that moment, you realised that he truly was a Prince - not just any foolish prince like his brother, but a man of command, a man who you could have followed anywhere, even to the edge of the world - if it hadn't been for yourself.
"You can't leave. I forbid you," he stated with his sudden cold blue eyes fixed upon you.
"You have no right to give orders to me," You took a few steps toward him, almost challenging his command.
"You can't leave," Nikolai breathed, voice softening as he slowly closed the distance between the two of you.
"I have no place here - by your side, as a soldier in this war you've involved yourself with. I'm a lesser Durast compared to the ones you've got here-,".
"No one's ever said that to you," Nikolai's hand reached your arm, almost grasping it to not let you go.
"No one needed to say it. I couldn't save my brother because of it. What makes you think that I could save you when you need my help?" your face went hot as you realised how close the both of you were to each other. That panicked heartbeat of yours thundered against your chest and you were worried if he could hear it.
"We made our ship together, y/n. You helped me with my inventions, made it ours and saved me, countless of times during our raids-," he pulled a bittersweet smile as he recalled his days together with you as a privateer.
"Nikolai," your hand instinctively reached his cheek, and he leaned into your touch - blue eyes glowing with a desperate blaze. "Those days are now over. You're a Ravkan Prince and you must let go of things that do not matter anymore - like me,".
He took in a sharp breath and refused to look into your eyes for the first time.
It was true that you had to leave him because there was no chance that the both of you could live peacefully together, sailing away with hopes of building a family together - free from any danger. That was your dream, and not his. Nikolai had always been ambitious, despite his foolhardy efforts to make him appear the opposite.
When he remained silent, you passed by his shoulder and grabbed your knapsack. You crossed your room and to your door, before hesistating to reach for the doorknob. Turning back to him one last time, you stretched a soft and genuine smile of fond farewell to Nikolai.
"Farewell, moi Sobachka. If the Saints would allow it, we'll meet again," you muttered and closed the door behind you as you left.
Nikolai stared at the still door, breathless and heart aching. His heart was heavy, but he understood why you had to leave. With his final breath within your presence, he breathed:
"I love you,".
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mortal-maebh · 1 year
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CAN YOU IMAGINE THIS NEXT TO ZOYA FUCKING NAZYALENSKY IS THERE ANYTHING HOTTER
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myhairpintrigger · 11 months
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Hello! Any chance of a one shot loosely based on that one chapter of KoS? Where reader is a noble/princess invited to the palace with other nobles/princesses so Nikolai can pick a bride and they meet and the day of the lake she is the one who fell so Nikolai dives right in and saves her and maybe they have a heartfelt convo and confess their feelings when they’re drying off by a fireplace?
im literally the worst because i haven’t read KoS yet… im a very slow reader, i will get there eventually one day i swear it. until then, i really hope this lives up to your expectations … regardless, i love u and thank u for your beautiful req. i appreciate all my reqs so dearly 🫶
warnings: none. just fluffy
word count: 2.8k
Falling (Nikolai Lantsov x fem!reader)
-
You had fallen for the King.
King Nikolai of Ravka.
How could you not, really? He was charming, boyishly handsome, kind, charismatic… the list could go on forever. And much to your surprise, he seemed to have taken quite the liking to you as well.
You were from one of the noble families in Ravka, and you’d been invited to come to the capital along with a group of other noblemen’s daughters. The idea was that King Nikolai would choose one of you to be his bride… or something like that. So far, though, it didn’t seem as if he wasn’t very pleased with this group of girls. Of course, he’d taken an obvious liking to you, but you never felt as if it was romantic. Sure, you’d fallen hard for the young king, but that didn’t mean he felt the same way. And it wasn’t like you were going to ask him about it, either.
It had been almost three months that you had been staying at Os Alta in the Grand Palace, and you stood with a few servants in your room while they put the finishing touches on your hair and face. You kept your eyes down on your pale green silk evening gown while you sat upon a stool and you hummed absentmindedly to yourself while the servants readied you for dinner. Tonight you and two other girls were to accompany Nikolai to have dinner at the vast, shimmering lake that was not too far from the palace. You knew he’s probably talk with you the most out of all of the other girls- they often gossiped about that behind your back. But it wasn’t like they needed to worry about you stealing him away from them. You and Nikolai’s conversations were fun; effortless. Friendly. Familiar.
“All done, Lady Y/n.” One of the servants said softly and you lifted your head up and looked in the mirror. You admired the way your hair had been intricately braided and you gave them all a little smile and nod through the mirror.
“Lovely, lovely work. Thank you very much, all of you.” You replied and they all smiled back at you and shuffled out of the room after ensuring that you didn’t need anything else.
You waited for them all to leave before you rose from your stool and slipped on your boots and laced them up. You stood in front of the floor length mirror near your bed and you smoothed down your dress carefully, smiling a bit at your reflection. A knock on the door startled you a bit and you tore your attention away from the mirror and made your way to the door.
You opened it with a polite smile only to find the King standing on the other side of the door, a crooked, boyish smile on his perfect lips.
Your heart did a little flip.
“Your Grace,” you greeted and bent your knee slightly, folding at the waist to curtsy for him, “What can I do for you?” You asked earnestly and straightened back up.
“No need for formalities. I’ve told you that Nikolai is much more preferable than anything else,” he began and you gave him a sheepish nod, “I don’t really need anything from you, but I’d like to escort you to dinner. Ride with me. I’ll be on my own horse but I just thought your company would be a great way to pass the time.” He explained and reached out to take your hand. He brought it up to his lips and placed a little kiss on your knuckles before he lowered your hand back to your side and let his fingers slide away from yours.
You stared at him for a moment, your cheeks warming up, “I mean, o-of course. I’d be delighted too.” You stammered.
His laugh made you bite the inside of your cheek nervously and he shook his head once, “You don’t seem very… delighted.” He pointed out, sensing your nerves.
Of course you were delighted. Anyone would’ve been delighted to ride on his horse with him.
“I am! You’ve just caught me off guard, that’s all.” You assured him and watched as he dragged a hand through his golden hair.
“Ah, good. Good. I was hoping you’d say you would. The ride isn’t very long, but I like your company. You keep a smile on my face.” He said sweetly, his cheek lifting with that very smile.
You offered him your arm and then nodded towards the hallway, “Alright then, Nikolai. Let’s just see if I can keep that smile on your face.”
He grinned.
“Brilliant.”
-
The ride to the lake was filled with playful banter and mirthful conversation, leaving not only him, but you as well, with a beaming grin.
“Alright. Then what’s your favorite flower?” Nikolai asked, going down a list of your favorite things.
You laid your hands over his wrists as he held the reins of the horse and you shuffled back against his chest just slightly.
“Hmm, I haven’t really thought of it before.” You answered after a moment.
“Every girl has a favorite flower.” He remarked.
“Well, maybe I don’t.”
“Well, it wouldn’t surprise me. You’re not every girl.”
You fell silent and tapped the backs of his hands, a coy smile forming on your lips, “Tulips.” You finally replied, turning your head back just a bit to catch his eye.
His eyes reflected the sunset that you were riding under and he flickered his gaze towards you briefly before he looked back ahead of the two of you.
“Alright. What color of tulip?” He asked after a moment, and you could hear the smile in his voice.
“All of them. Seriously, all of them. They’re all so pretty. We had a tulip garden when I was a little girl, before my father had it replaced with roses. It was my favorite thing to see, every spring.” You recalled and then let out a little sigh, “Never much cared for roses after that.”
“Well, I didn’t take you for a rose girl, anyway.” He stated as the two of you rode up towards the lake.
He stopped his horse as you approached a couple servants and he climbed off of the animal and held his hands out for you. You slid down off of the side of the horse into his hands and he gently lifted you to the ground. Once you were on the ground, Nikolai wrapped an arm around your waist and drew you into his side.
“Rose girls are boring, anyway.” He remarked wittily.
“I’m sure not all of them are boring, Your Grace.” You teased and he only shrugged in return.
There was a large dock that extended far out into the lake where a long table was set up with flickering candles adorning its surface. The other two girls were already seated at the table, as far as you could tell, and the closer you got, the easier it was to discern their glares. The King led you towards your seat and you sat down on the chair, allowing him to push you in a bit closer to the table. He gave you an almost apologetic smile as he walked around the table and grabbed the hands of the other two girls, one at a time, and kissed their knuckles, greeting them kindly.
You folded your hands in your lap as he went to take his own seat and he looked up at one of the few servants that stood near his chair.
“Would you do me a favor, please, and grab the wine?” He asked the servant and you cleared your throat.
“Your Grace? I can do it. I’m closest to the shore.” You said and pointed over your shoulder.
It was true. You were the closest. And you didn’t want to make the servants do more work than they absolutely had to do. Truthfully, their labor made you guilty.
Nikolai shook his head, “Lady Y/n, I wouldn’t dream of you lifting a finger.” He stated, but you had already taken this opportunity to rise from your chair.
“No, please! I insist. I really don’t mind.” You said, slowly backing away from the table.
“I insist you sit back down.” Nikolai countered, a broad grin forming on his face as he watched you in the bright orange sunset.
You rolled your eyes playfully and turned on your heel to walk up to shore to grab the wine from the other servants who were to be serving the food. You reached down and grabbed your silk skirt and gave it a sharp tug upwards to keep it from dragging on the ground, only to find it lodged underneath your foot.
You moved to take a step back to get the dress out from underneath your boot, but instead found yourself slipping on the silk of your gown. You gasped loudly and went tumbling backwards, over the edge of the dock and into the freezing water below. Your dress became heavy with water weight and you scrambled to paddle back up to the surface, but had no luck getting anywhere other than deeper down. Your lungs ached horribly for a breath and you felt your head begin to get fuzzy, as if it were packed full of cotton. You blinked a few times and looked up at the surface above you as it broke. The silhouette of a person dove towards you and grabbed onto your waist tightly when they reached you. Soon enough you were being yanked above water and you took a huge, loud gasp of air.
You looked down to see Nikolai’s golden hair slicked to his head with water, his eyes unreadable. He held you by your waist above water while he kicked his legs to keep himself afloat and he shook his head a few times.
“Are you okay?” He asked breathlessly and you blinked.
“I-I think so.” You replied, your skin breaking out in goosebumps. The goosebumps quickly became shivers and your teeth chattered together as you stared down at Nikolai.
“Saints, you scared me.” He breathed and then looked up at the guards that were swarming onto the dock above you two, “Here! Pull her up first!” He commanded, and lifted you a little bit higher.
You reached your hands over your head to grab onto the hands of a guard that was leaving far over the edge of the dock, and he pulled you up onto the wooden surface. You sat down on the dock and wrapped your arms around yourself, shivering violently. The guard that had pulled you up pulled Nikolai right up after you and the King was dropping to his knees in front of you not a second later.
“I need a cloak, a coat, something!” He ordered and reached out to grab your arms gently.
You looked up at him and felt your face flush ashamedly, “Your Grace, I-“
“Don’t. If you’re going to apologize, don’t.” He replied and you looked down at your lap.
A servant brought a thick cloak over and he draped it over your shoulders before he leaned towards you and gathered you in his arms. He lifted you off of the ground and he turned towards the other two girls and then nodded at his guards.
“Please see to it that these girls get back to the palace safely. I’m going to bring Lady Y/n back myself.” He instructed and wasted no time in walking the two of you back to his horse.
He carefully lifted you on first before he climbed on behind you and he kicked the animal in the side gently to get it moving.
You stayed quiet for a moment and kept your eyes down before you finally shook your head, “I am sorry, you know. I didn’t mean to ruin dinner. And Saints, I certainly didn’t mean to make you feel like you had to jump in after me.” You explained quietly.
Nikolai’s arm snaked around your waist carefully and he pulled you backwards a bit, and you settled yourself against him as comfortably as you could while shivering for your life.
“I don’t want you to be sorry. And I didn’t feel like I had to jump in. I wanted to. I wanted to help you.” He replied.
You watched as he moved one hand away from the reins and grabbed onto one of your hands, sliding his fingers gently in between yours, interlocking your fingers together.
-
Once you arrived back at the palace, Nikolai whisked you off of the horse and quickly hurried you inside, bringing you straight up to his room while he asked a few maids to light a fire in his room and draw a hot bath for you.
When the two of you had made it up to his room, he ushered you towards the blazing fireplace and you sunk down next to it, letting out an audible sound of relief. You closed your eyes and moved even closer to the fireplace before you felt a hand pull you back just slightly.
“As nice as I’m sure that feels, maybe don’t get that close to the fire. I’m afraid you might fall in.” Nikolai half-teased and you let out a dry chuckle in return.
“You are insufferable.” You remarked, but listened to him anyway.
The heat from the fire warmed your icy skin and made you feel much better. A hot bath would probably have brought you much more relief, especially with your soaked clothes, but you didn’t mind. Especially because Nikolai had taken a seat only inches away from you.
He reached out and wrapped an arm around your shoulders and pulled you against his side. Even though he was just as wet and as cold as you were, you couldn’t help but feel warm and fuzzy at the gesture. You closed your eyes and rested your cheek against his the wet fabric of his coat and you sighed contently.
“You know, this isn’t exactly how I thought I’d initially hold you by the fire.” He admitted, letting out a quiet laugh with his words.
You opened your eyes and you lifted your head up to look into his eyes. Your shock must have been rather evident, because the blonde haired king grinned so widely that you wondered if his cheeks must hurt.
“You seem surprised. Have I not been forward enough with you?” He asked and you blinked a few times.
“What on earth are you talking about, Nikolai?” You asked breathlessly and he reached up with one hand to brush a damp strand of hair away from your eyes. You leaned into his hand just slightly, and he didn’t move it away from your face. Instead he spread his fingers out and held the side of your face in his entire hand, smiling down at you affectionately.
“I’m talking about how hard I’ve fallen for you, you silly, silly girl.”
Your mouth fell open slightly and you had to will yourself to shut it. You shook your head a couple of times and let out a breathy chuckle.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I’d never kid about something as monumental as this.”
“And if you did?”
He thought for a moment after you asked your question and then he brushed his thumb soothingly across your cheekbone.
“I simply wouldn’t.” He replied finally.
The dim red and orange light of the fire lit up the King’s face beautifully, highlighting the sharp curve of his jawline and the prominent cheekbones that kept his face from looking too boyish.
“Why me?” You asked quietly and Nikolai laughed softly.
“Why not you?”
Your mouth shifted upwards a bit into a smile and you shook your head a couple of times, “I am head over heels for you.” You admitted with a shy laugh, “I just feel like… I mean… you’re the king, Nikolai.”
“So I’ve been told a few times.” He replied with a little wink, “but what does that have to do with it?”
“Nothing, I mean I just-“
“Don’t give me a spiel about how you’re just you and I’m the King. I’ve heard it far too many times. I’ve fallen for you and it cannot be reversed. Everything is so easy with you. You aren’t… like the other ones that came. They’re all so quiet and polite, too reserved to crack a joke. But you,” he chuckled and then reached out to rest his hand against the side of your face delicately, “You are amazing. Full of personality, full of life. Full of wonder. I would be very honored if you’d do me the honors of staying here. Let me get to know you even better.” He said softly.
You leaned into his hand and brought your own hand up to rest against the back of his, “I’d love to.” You breathed and then smiled widely up at him.
“Wonderful.” He breathed and mirrored your smile, and he sat in silence and admired your face the same way you admired his.
Until he finally leaned in and kissed you.
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jahayla-parker · 11 months
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I have a request for Nikolai
Basically, every summer since the prince and the princess were little their families would visit each other and stay until summer was over, each summer the twos hatred grew. When they are older and more beautiful the parents agree to a arranged marriage, Nikolai realised he’s falling in love with her when he first watched her dance ballet. After watching her secretly for weeks he finally joins in the dance and at the end they kiss
Mwhahaha really hope u can do this as ur my favourite writer <3
Announcement!!! Nikolai Series info!
Update: find series here
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Im turning this into a mini series! I’ve got a lot of it done so far, but will post the schedule once I’ve finished it & am onto the editing stage.
There will be a few things changed / added from the request, but it shows the general theme and prompt of enemies to lovers trope and ballet / royalty aesthetics!
Until then, please lmk if you want to be on this mini series Taglist 👑
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thecrowsx · 2 years
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This screams dirty hands.
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rorygilmoreclown · 1 year
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A start
Healer!reader x Nikolai Lanstov
Summary: The reader, who is a healer, was caught by drüskelle and then escaped their ship in a storm and then was rescued by Nikolai as Sturmhond and than slowly fall for each other and one day Nikolai sees reader hit on by someone else and gets jealous and sort of confesses. (I'm sorry I suck at summaries, also i changed the plot a bit so im sorry about that sorry sorry )
A/n: I took my sweet time, didn't I. Anyways, here it is, apologies for all the changes and this crappy writing. Might make a pt2, that's why the ending.
Warnings: None, except for this smirky smirky sunshine babygorl.
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As you rouse from your slumber, a jarring realisation dawns upon you: you are no longer on your mission’s base. The scent of salt and brine pervades your nostrils, and the rhythmic groans and creaks of timber assault your ears. It takes only a moment to recall why you are in this predicament, and an acrid churning stirs within your gut.
You are a prisoner aboard the drüskelle vessel, trussed and bound, being ferried to their fortress to face their uncompromising brand of justice. The harsh squawks of the drüskelle assault your ears, censuring you for your supposed offences, their eyes brimming with nothing but antipathy and scorn for your Grisha talents. You strive to maintain your composure, reminding yourself of your mettle, but their venomous invective feels like barbs upon your flesh.
As the tempest rages on, you sense the ship pitching and yawing, at the mercy of the storm's capricious whims. Then, a deafening crack reverberates throughout the vessel, and you are flung forward, your head colliding with the bars of your cell. You hear the splintering of wood and the screams of the drüskelle, but all you can focus on is the pulsating throb in your head.
But then, a fortuitous miracle transpires. The cell confining you snaps free from its moorings and is hurled into the tumultuous waters. You acted quickly to save yourself, your appendages flailing as you struggled to stay afloat amidst the mayhem. Somehow, you manage to make it to the shore, gasping for air and quivering from the chill.
As you survey your surroundings, a colossal ship looms in the distance, and optimism swells within you, and so does dread. You remember that you are still clad in your kefta, and it may be your sole chance at survival, or another reason for a capture. As the ship draws closer, you discern a figure emerging from it, and your heart braces itself for either a negotiation or a fight. His eyes widen in astonishment as he espies you, a solitary survivor on the shore. He strides towards you, his voice ringing out like a sunbeam amidst the tempest. 
Greetings madam, I am Sturmhond, the legendary privateer and captain of the vessel. 
Are you injured, we have a medik on our ship? He paused, as if he said something humorous as well as imprecatory. Apologies for asking that question, is it offensive to ask a healer if they require medical assistance? 
That was the first time you saw that stupid smirk followed by a loud yet comforting laughter. It sounded true, as if you weren’t on some abandoned island, about to ask for an abode from a stranger, and you feel a lump form in your throat as tears threaten to spill over. And that’s how you boarded the The Volkvolny. 
You stare at Sturmhond in disbelief as he proposes his deal. Safety in exchange of your healing help. The words are hard to process, and your heart feels like it's in your throat. The thought of being safe from the Ravkans and drüskelle fills you with relief, but the idea of being on a ship with a stranger is daunting.
You take a deep breath and consider his offer, recalling the events that led you to this point. The Ravkan court, a place that was supposed to be safe and secure, turned into a nightmare when you were assaulted by one of its members. The thought of staying there was unbearable, and none of the other court members did anything to help you. You had to escape, and now you are at the mercy of a privateer captain.
But there is something about Sturmhond that feels different. His eyes are kind and understanding, and you get the sense that he genuinely cares about your well-being. You decide to take a chance, and nod your head in agreement.
He smiles at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Excellent. You won't regret it, I promise. And just to be clear, you will be safe from any Ravkans or drüskelle on my ship. You have my word.
As the ship sets sail, you find yourself growing more and more comfortable in your new surroundings. You observe the crew, their different backgrounds and stories, and feel a sense of belonging that you haven't felt in a long time. You start to let your guard down around Sturmhond, telling him about your past and your hopes for the future. He listens to you with empathy and understanding, and you feel like you can truly be yourself around him.
As a part-Shu, you find yourself forming a close bond with Tamar and Tolya aboard Sturmhond's ship. Tolya is a flirt, and he often directs his playful advances towards you. Sturmhond notices and becomes increasingly snippy, trying to interrupt your conversations with Tolya. But Tolya persists, sometimes just to get a rise out of Sturmhond.
One day, as you're assisting the ship's healer with her duties, Tolya comes up beside you and leans in close. Are you a healer? he whispers. Because you just cured my loneliness. You can't help but laugh at his audacity, but you know it's all in good fun.
In another scene, you're practising some Grisha skills with Tamar when Tolya approaches. Are you a Corporalki? he asks, grinning. Because you just made my heart skip a beat. Tamar rolls her eyes at Tolya's antics, and you can't help but chuckle at his attempt at humour.
A few days later, as you and Tolya are chatting on the deck, he looks at you intently. Are you a healer like me? he asks. Because I'm feeling a strong connection between us. You can't help but feel a small flutter in your chest at his words, but you know it's just Tolya being Tolya.
As the journey goes on, you appreciate Tolya's sense of humour and his easy going nature. You come to see him as a good friend and confidant, and you value the bond you share. One night, as the two of you are sitting alone on the deck, Tolya looks at you with a tender expression. Are you a Bonesmith? he asks softly. Because you just mended my broken heart. You smile at his words, but you know that you don't feel anything more than friendship for him. Unfortunately, Sturmhond takes these positive affirmations as an indicator of your interest in Tolya. As Tolya departs to attend to some task, you're left feeling grateful for the friendship you share and the camaraderie of your journey aboard Sturmhond's ship. 
As time passes on, the tension between you and the captain grows, being very transparent for everyone but you two. The night was alive with laughter and music as Sturmhond's crew celebrated their latest successful mission. You were enjoying the festivities, chatting with Tamar and Tolya when a Ravkan nobleman approached you. He looked at you with a smirk on his lips, his eyes scanning your body. Well, well, well. What do we have here? A part-Shu healer? You must be quite the exotic beauty.
You felt uncomfortable under his gaze and tried to step back, but the nobleman grabbed your arm tightly. Tolya and Tamar shot him a sharp look, but he ignored them. Just as you were about to say something, Sturmhond appeared by your side, his arm wrapped around your waist possessively. There you are, my love. I've been searching for you everywhere.
The Ravkan nobleman's eyes widened in surprise at Sturmhond's sudden appearance. Oh, I didn't know you had a lover. Sturmhond gave a charming smile, his grip on your waist tightening ever so slightly. Yes, she's quite dear to me. Now, if you'll excuse us.
He guided you away from the nobleman, leading you to a quieter corner of the room. You could feel his eyes on you, watching your reaction to the incident. Are you all right? he asked, his tone laced with concern. You nodded, grateful for his intervention. Thank you, Sturmhond. I was getting a little uncomfortable there.
He gave you a small smile, his hand still resting on your waist. I won't let anyone make you feel uncomfortable. After a boyish smirk that broke on his face, indicating of his crooked humour slipping through this serious situation, you knew it was to make the mood lighter. Afterall, the deal was to protect you from the Ravkans.
As the night wore on, you found yourself drawn to Sturmhond's protectiveness, his easy charm making your heart race. And as the party came to an end, you couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was something more between the two of you. Although you were a little disappointed as he mentioned protecting you only due to the deal. 
After Sturmhond rescued you from the trespasser at the party, he dragged you to the higher part of the ship. Your heart was pounding with anticipation, wondering what he wanted to tell you. As he looked at you with his piercing blue eyes, you couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and safety in his presence. You couldn't help but notice how he kept looking at you with that intense gaze of his. Was he jealous of the other man who was flirting with you earlier? Did he really have feelings for you?
Suddenly, Sturmhond broke the silence with a joke, So, I'm guessing we're officially boyfriend and girlfriend now? You couldn't help but chuckle at his playful tone. He couldn't believe he had just made that joke. He had been wanting to confess his feelings to you for so long but was too afraid of rejection. Was he being too subtle? Did she even get the hint?
Feeling bold, you responded with a joke of your own, I don't know, Sturmhond. You'll have to take me on a proper date first. You couldn't resist teasing him a little. After all, he had been flirting with you all night. As you both laughed at your playful banter, Sturmhond reached out and gently took your hand in his. He held his breath as he waited for your response. Did he really just confess his love to you? Was he about to get his heart broken? You couldn't believe it. The person you had been crushing on for so long felt the same way. Was this really happening?
As Sturmhond leaned in for a kiss, you closed your eyes and let yourself be swept away in the moment. All of your doubts and worries faded away as you realised that you had found the person who made your heart feel whole. As he kissed you, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had finally told you how he felt, and you had reciprocated. This was the start of something new, and he couldn't wait to see where it would take them. 
Word Count: 1.8k 
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