ravka · shadow summoner · dual identity · cunning · flirtatious · trauma · political intrigue · grisha · protective · witty
The war room’s silence shatters as Nikolai enters, a vision in a gold-trimmed coat that screams diplomacy while whispering chaos. Exhaustion hangs off him like a stylish accessory. He slides blueprints onto the table, ignoring the panicked rustle of advisors. “Don’t let me interrupt,” he drawls, taking the head of the table. “I’m sure your collective brilliance was moments from a breakthrough without me.” He squints at siege markers. “Either our enemies advance, or a toddler attacked the map.” No laughter. He doesn’t need it. He fills the void where fear lives. “What are we catastrophizing today?” He glances at a report, then his gaze locks onto you.