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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

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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aesthetic--mood · 5 months

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Aleksander Morozova "The Darkling" Aesthetic

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thesettingsun · 1 year

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my nikolai girls, do not apologize for the person you'll become when he's finally on screen. why apologize for having impeccable taste and good eyesight?

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ocean-thoughts-feelings · 1 year

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Nikolai Lantsov is so affectionate and genuine to everyone. He puts on a facade, narcissistic and also “pretentious” at some point, especially when he was Sturmhond. But when he is himself, and as the season goes, we see him showing affection and detailed feelings of concerns and worries for his friends. Maybe that isn’t the most charming traits of Nikolai (I haven’t get to know book!Nikolai yet) but I really liked the depth of his character in the show (as little as there are now, hopefully we get a season 3 and his story gets further explored), that all the indifference in the beginning were all acts.

Spoilers ahead!

• Offering a union with Alina but respected both Mal and Alina’s decision through his understanding of their relationship.

• Him giving the compass to Alina.

• Him attending to the dead ones slaughtered by Darkling at the Spinning Wheel.

• When Mal went missing and upon knowing that Mal was kidnapped, he showed that he was relieved when Mal returns.

• Him condemning Genya but immediately changed his perspective once he knew what happened to her. His apologies to Genya despite doing nothing wrong.

• His conversation with his mother. There was so much love. He understood the position she was in, and how difficult it is for her as Queen. Then telling her there is no justification to her choices. Despite saying that, there was so much love in his words.

• Him consoling Alina when she found out about Mal being the Firebird.

• Him listening to Mal talks about freedom and comforting Mal, telling him he’s glad he was able to give Mal a taste of it before his end.

• Dominik’s death scene - where he cried but held in shortly after because they were at war.

• Him hugging Tamar when they reunited.

• Him thanking Alina for making him less alone and making sure his appreciation was heard and understood.

• Him naming Mal Sturmhond, giving him the compass - giving Mal a vessel (literally) and a temporary identity to find himself again.

He was so genuine through it all. So kind and was so generous in showing that he cares.

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oph3liatlou · 5 months

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— WHITE ORCHIDS

pairing(s) - prince!nikolai lantsov x sarcastic!f reader

word count - 920

warnings - none, just pure fluff.

proofread? - yes

note from author - totally not based off nikolai and zoya 🫣

summary - nikolai is looking for a queen, for ravka - he knows what’s best for the country yet, he can’t stop thinking about you.

Nikolai was forced to pick a Queen for the Ravkan court - and quite soon. He sighed gently looking over possible suitors for himself.

He had always been a man of business but, he also tended to follow his heart - which, made options practically impossible. He thought of the perfect person for himself.

“Hello?” You asked, pulling him out of his day dream. You didn’t care that he was the future king, nor did you care about labels like moi tsarevich. Regardless, you liked to believe Nikolai thought of you as a friend. “Are you even listening to me?” You snapped, in your usual blunt way.

“Huh?” He asked looking up from his idle staring, now looking at you. Your beauty radiated, warming his otherwise dullened heart.

“Sorry…yes, yes - I’m listening.” He says, smiling softly as he gazes back at her through his green eyes. “What were you saying again?”

You rolled your eyes at him in annoyance. “If you were listening, you would have known what I said." You grumbled, as you flipped through a stack of papers. Nikolai had asked you to help him narrow down the suitors for a Queen - he said you had great judgement.

Nikolai ignored the fact that you were obviously irritated with him. “Well, let’s see…” He looked over your shoulder at the papers you were reading. “Do you have any favourites for me? Any names that stick out at first glance?” His voice had his usual arrogance and charm to it.

You shook your head in disgust. “All of these people are-“ You went to say an inappropriate insult, but decided against it. “-unqualified.”

Nikolai laughed. “Well, that’s quite…frank, isn’t it?” He chuckled again in amusement. “We do have some time, I can arrange for some new suitors after all. Perhaps we can also consider other countries?” He suggested.

This brought a small chuckle out of you - even though it was still sarcastic. “Like any Fejerdan or Shu Han would marry you…”

“I don’t see how that’s so far-fetched. Plus, we could make an alliance out of it.” Nikolai said, slightly annoyed at your comment. “I’m the future of Ravka - also handsome and intelligent…who wouldn’t want to marry me?”

You raised another eyebrow at him, looking up at him from your papers. “Was that a rhetorical question or - should I answer you?” You smiled sarcastically.

Nikolai smirked at you shaking his head. “I do enjoy your…remarks - it’s amusing.” He said playfully. “So go ahead - who wouldn’t want to marry me?”

“Lots of people.” You scoffed.

He gave you another smile. “You are quite the wit.” He said, “Does my status alone, not make me desirable?”

You sighed. “Ravka is poor now, since the Darkling destroyed it. Your status doesn’t matter anymore.” You paused before continuing. “You should change the currency into gold, that way we’d profit more with the ports and the ships.” You trailed off flipping through more papers.

Nikolai thought on your solution for a moment. He knew you were right. “Doing that would also make Ravka more desirable for the other countries - not that I really want to marry into them.” He muttered the last sentence under his breath.

But you heard him anyway. “Why not?”

He wasn’t sure if he needed to explain himself or not. “The Shu Han have their strict cultural rules, the Fejerdans have their…obsession with blood.” He said carefully. “I doubt they’d want to make an alliance with Ravka - and I doubt I fit their criteria.”

He had a point. “Well, then what do you want?” You continued. “Because I hate to break it to you but, these women are all useless.” You grumbled pointing to the papers again and walking towards the window.

Nikolai sighed. “I know these candidates are not…good choices. Which is why I had asked for your help.” He paused thinking and then speaking again. “I have…a personal preference, you know?”

You laughed turning back towards him. “You’re seriously an idiot if you marry one of them-“

Nikolai was getting a little annoyed at your statements. “You’re saying I should ignore the expectations and rules of the monarchy and instead, marry someone I desire?” He asked in a teasing voice. “Because, I already have someone in mind I’d want to be my wife.” He said charmingly.

You knew what he was getting at, you had known all along but - you were also too stubborn. “Good for you,” You paused. “I guess you don’t need my help anymore then.” You also, didn’t want to make the situation more awkward.

He was your best friend. And admitting it, would make it all too real.

Plus the fact that he was a prince and you, we’re just a simple Grisha.

Nikolai chuckled, he knew you knew. It was all just unspoken words. “Who’s to say she’d want to marry me anyway…” He stated.

“She wouldn’t.” You admitted. “Not yet anyway.”

“You sound quite confident about that.” He said teasingly. “Are you suggesting that I need to win her over?” He asked with a smirk.

You smiled at your banter. “I’m sure she’d appreciate some flowers.”

Nikolai rolled his eyes at your suggestion with a smile. “You seem to know a lot about her.”

You smiled with a nod before turning to leave the room. You paused for a moment. “I prefer white orchids.”

Nikolai was at a loss for words for a moment as his eyes followed you walking into the hall.

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milosupremacy · 1 year

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Darkling: I was protecting Alina. I will always protect Alina

Darkling (after Alina escaped): I’m on my way to murder Alina.

#nina zenik #shadow and bone #the dregs #alina x aleksander #alina x darkling #team darkling #the darkling #alina starvok #ravka #zoya the dragon queen of ravka #king of ravka #nikolai lantsov #siege and storm #season 2 #six of crows #mal oretsev #baghra morozova

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rainbow-vals · 1 year

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HE’S NIKOLAI LANSTOV MAJOR OF THE TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT SOLDIER OF THE KING’S ARMY GRAND DUKE OF UDOVA AND SECOND SON TO HIS MOST ROYAL MAJESTY KING ALEXANDER THE THIRD BUT HE’S ALSO BEEN KNOWN TO ANSWER TO SWEETHEART OR HANDSOME AND HE’S A PRIVATEER NAMED STURMHOND.

#shadow and bone #six of crows #patrick gibson #sturmhond #nikolai lantsov #nikolai #ravka #shadow and bone netflix #shadow and bone cast #king of ravka #crooked kingdom #leigh bardugo

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barbarianbookhoe · 9 months

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I just finished King of Scars and bitches😭

My brain was trying to get used to the mood swings between chapters, like:

I'm going to read Rule of Wolves tomorrow, but I'm shitting rocks

#nikolai lantsov #nikolai lanstov imagine #zoyalai #queen zoya #nikolai x zoya #nina zenik #king of scars #grishaverse #nikolai lantsov x reader #genya safin #tolya and tamar #david kostyk #king of ravka #shadow and bone fanfiction #shadow and bone #six of crows #leigh bardugo

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natscarpenter · 1 year

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okay but in all honesty, what tf are they doing with nikolai & alina bc in my opinion i don’t like what they’re doing. like i know they’re setting up for KoS bc you see a bee land on zoya in the last episode & they’re obviously setting up for zoyalai (hopefully) bc of the whole “i could fix him.” thing, but how are they gonna do that bc they ended the season with alina as queen so im extremely confused and a little worried abt what next season is gonna look like

#shadow and bone #shadow and bone netflix #grishaverse #zoya nabri #zoyalai #sab #zoya nazyalensky #nikolai lantsov #nikolai x zoya #zoya x nikolai #alina starkov #sankta alina #nikolai and alina #can you tell that i need zoyalai so badly #ravka #king of ravka

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daria1611 · 1 year

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Zoyalai. PERIODT. i AM on my knees

#netflix #leigh bargudo #shadow and bone #siege and storm #ruin and rising #crooked kingdom #nikolai lantsov #zoya nazyalensky #squaller #king of ravka #privateer #zoyalai #nikolai x zoya #queen of ravka #sturmhond #paddy gibson #sujaya dasgupta #grishaverse

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smithshistorian · 11 months

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-`♡´-Nikolai Lantsov-`♡´-

❥･•Zoya Nazyalensky❥･•

top left corner art: kolarpem 🎨

since we're getting zoyalai content on saturday here's a little moodboard aesthetic to commemorate our triumph 🥹🤌🏻🩷🌷

#nikolai lantsov #zoya nazyanelsky #queen zoya #king of ravka #shadow and bone #grishaverse #zoyalai #sujaya dasgupta #paddy gibson

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simplydifficultme · 1 year

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King Nikolai Handsome of Ravka.

Guys, I can draw smth that is not Wepser, insane I know, please give a round of applause xD

#nikolai lantsov #nikolai teaser #shadow and bone #sab s2 #netlfix shadow and bone #grishaverse #king of scars #rule of wolves #ravka #king of ravka #my art

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lissa-edem · 1 year

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I decided to add something (the beginning isn't mine)⬇️

Inej: we all have our demons.

Zoya, pointing at Kaz and Nikolai: precisely they're ours.

Inej: and we love them.

Zoya: and we.. wait!

Inej, rolling her eyes: you love your husband, Zoya.

Zoya: no. I mean yes, I do. but you? love Brekker?

Inej: he has no manners, but I love him.

Nikolai and Kaz, both breathless: she loves me.

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bey0nd-1he-stars · 2 years

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Mistakes - Nikolai Lantsov

Masterlist

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader

Wordcount: 1413

Warnings: anxiety, crying (not much), mentions of death, I think that’s it.

Summary: After Nikolai helped to reach a solution regarding the allegations made towards each other by the king and Genya, Nikolai doubts himself, wondering if he did the right thing.

The grand walls of The spinning wheel stood proud around you. Your shoes made a clinking sound with each step you took. With hurried steps you steered yourself towards the room where you knew the king would be confronting Genya about her treason. Nikolai had told you that he would be there too, but you had a bit paperwork that needed to be done. But now when you had finished you decided to walk down stairs to see how things where holding up.

Down the stairs you met the king and the queen. Neither of them seemed very pleased with the outcome of the meeting, but gave you a respectful nod as you stopped by and gave them a quick courtesy.

“Miss y/l/n,” the king greeted politely, voice strained and with a rather irritated expression resting upon his features.

“Moi tsar,” you greeted, then locked eyes with the queen,”moya tsaritsa.” The queen gave you a short nod but kept quiet.

“Is everything alright, moi tsar,” you asked, shifting on your heels. The king snorted and spit out his answer, “go talk some sense in that boy. You’re probably the only one he’ll listen too.” You raised your eyebrows, silently asking what had happened, but the king didn’t seem to catch the meaning behind the gesture. You sighted and looked away, shifting your gaze to Alina, Genya and David who slipped out of the room behind the king and the queen. You caught a glimpse of Nikolai before the doors shut, slumped back on his drafting table and with his head in his hands. You sighted softly, then turned you eyes back to the king.

“I’ll talk to him. But I can’t promise that the outcome of it will be any different,” you gave him a short nod and walked past them. Alina, Genya and David were the next ones you met up with. David had his arm wrapped around Genya’s waist and she was slightly leaning against him. But her eyes were focused on Alina as she talked quietly.

“How’d it go?” You asked and threw a glance over you shoulder towards the king and the queen,”those two didn’t seem overjoyed.”

Genya sighted but gave you a small smile,”I’ll face my charges when this war is over and Nikolai will determine if I’m pardoned or not. And the king is resigning and leaving the country.” The chock that went through your body was milder than you thought it would be. Instead, worry struck you. That’s why Nikolai had looked so miserable sitting at the table in that room; he doubted his choices and he doubted if he’d done the right thing.

“Sounds good enough,” you gave Genya a smile and she nodded along with you. “But I do have to check up on Nikolai, I’ll talk to you three later,” you excused yourself and set off towards the door behind them. They waved shortly and set off towards the stairs.

Carefully you opened the door and stepped inside. The door shut close behind you without making a sound. Nikolai sat slumped back on the table, his back bent and his head in his hands. All the signs of that strong, confident leader was gone for the moment and left was just… Nikolai. With careful steps you made your way towards him. He didn’t look up, but you knew he noticed your presence and he knew that it was you. When you reached him you carefully pulled a hand though his soft, blond mop of hair and he let out a breath and fell against you, burying his head against your neck. His nose rested just above your collarbones and his arms snaked around your waist. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders and one hand came to rest in his hair, tugging softly at it.

“Tell me about it,” you said softly. Nikolai let out a shaky breath and tightened his hold on you.

“I told my father to leave. Leave the throne. The spinning wheel. The country. To leave for the colonies. Or he would face trial and if he were found guilty, which I know he would’ve, I would see him hang. But now, I can’t help but wonder if I just made one of the biggest mistake of my life,” his voice was muffled and quiet, unsure and questioning, and his tone changed when he spoke up again,”am I… a horrible person, Y/N?” You pressed a kiss at his hairline and your hand made comforting strokes over his back. Your lips lingered at his forehead and Nikolai closed his eyes, letting himself fall into your comforting embrace.

“No, you’re just wonderful, Nikolai,” you reassured him and pressed another kiss against his forehead. Nikolai let out a shaky breath, the hot air fanning over your neck.

“Are you.. are you sure? I feel as if I’m awful. Father even said it out loud, that I’m horrible, in front of everyone,” he almost complained and his voice was broken. His breathing was uneven and his hands fidgeted with your hair that fell down your back. Anxiety flooded through his body, spreading as if it was carried by the blood.

“Oh Nik…” you softly mumbled, slightly rocking back and forth in an attempt in comforting him further. “You’re not a horrible person. You’re just wonderful. You’re always thinking about what’s best for everybody else. You’re never letting anyone down. So please, don’t let yourself down because you’re prioritising everybody else,” your voice was just a whisper but Nikolai heard the words clear as a day.

“But what if did it all wrong? I basically forced my father to resign and leave. And what’s next? I’m to be king,” he breathed out, eyes looking up at you, worry covering his features. “Do you think I can do that. Do you think I’ll be a good king?” the question sounded like it would come from a teenager but Nikolai wasn’t much older. And his anxiety made him question everything.

“I know that you’ll be absolutely wonderful as king, my love,” you reassured him and gave him a soft smile. His worry seamed to fade a bit and he leant back into your arms.

“I may still have made a huge mistake… what if I did it wrong?” he sounded defeated and a few tears had gathered in his hazel eyes.

“Then that its. It’s not the mistake that matters, my love. It’s what you do with it afterwards and what you learn from it,” the words were just whispers but Nikolai took them to heart. His arms tightened around your waist and he pressed a soft kiss to your neck, a few tears rolled down his cheeks, but he let them. They fell down on your shirt but you didn’t mind.

”Will you be there?” he asked softly, looking up to meet your eyes. An almost begging smile on his lips. You let out a soft chuckle, “where?” you could guess the answer to that question but you wanted to hear it from Nikolai.

“When I become king. Will you be there?” his voice was still broken and it was just whispers,”will you be my queen?” it wasn’t much of a proposal, you standing there with Nikolai in your arms in an empty room, comforting him through his waves of anxiety. But it was your Nikolai. Your Nikolai who you loved endlessly, he was trusting you with the ravkan dubble eagle crown. He was trusting you to take care of his beloved country, like you always took care of him. And how could you say no to him. So you smiled and nodded,”of course I’ll be there. I’ll be there for as long as you’ll have me.” A real smile broke out on his lips and he took your face in his hands and pressed a gentle but passionate kiss to your lips. When you two broke away, lips swollen and out of breath, happiness shined in his eyes just as it did in yours.

“Choosing you certainly isn’t a mistake,” Nikolai laughed softly. Adoration in his eyes, his gentle gaze resting upon your features. “Thank you,” he breathed out. You nodded in return, pulling a hand through his curls and messing them up a bit, giving him a more relaxed look.

“Of course, love,” you replied with a soft smile,”and for the record, I don’t think sending your father away was a mistake either. You’ll be a great king. And I’m honored to be your queen.”

#grishaverse #shadow and bone #shadow and bone imagine #nikolai lantsov x you #nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai lantsov #nikolai my beloved #ruin and rising #siege and storm #the spinning wheel #patrick gibson #marrige #king of ravka #queen of ravka #david x genya #genya safin #david kostyk #alina starkov #y/n

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