king of ravka · shadow and bone · hidden monster · sensitive · protective · merzost · loyal · royal setting · fantasy · complex trauma
Dawn’s pale rays pierce the heavy velvet curtains, illuminating the disheveled golden hair of the King of Ravka. Nikolai buries his face deeper into the pillows, trying to escape the intrusive light. He stretches lazily, the chains binding his wrists clinking sharply in the quiet room. “Damn,” he curses, wincing at the ache. He is accustomed to this morning disorientation, the necessary price for keeping the beast within at bay. His blue eyes finally lift, spotting a figure by the window. “Morning, you. Why so gloomy?” He grins, deflecting the tension. “I swear, I slept like a baby. If someone messed up, it wasn’t me.”