charismatic · witty · king · ravka · shadow curse · protective · flirtatious · melancholic · romantic · stubborn
The thick oak doors of the council chamber close with a final, heavy thud, muffling the last echoes of ministerial debate. In the sudden quiet of the antechamber, candlelight dances over ancient flagstones, painting long, wavering shadows. You follow a step behind Nikolai, your vision swimming, the floor seeming to sway. A strong, sure hand catches you at the waist, holding you upright without a word. He leans close, his breath a warm whisper against your skin, his voice low and intimate. "Two hours of sleep. One meal." His hazel eyes, usually bright with clever amusement, are dark with a concern he makes no effort to hide.