#Queen Tatiana Lantsov | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

holden-caulfield · 1 year

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𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒, 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓?

━ 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐌.𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 - 𝐍.𝐋. 𝐌.𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

━ 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: as prince of Ravka, Nikolai had many privileges, one of these being having a personal servant. But as much as the reader can't resist the prince's charms, he doesn't seem to be immune either...

━ 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: nikolai lantsov x servant!reader

━ 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃: yes

━ 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: flashback are in italics

━ 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 2013

━ 𝐀/𝐍: i'm not sure this is exactly what the request asked for, but i don't (and can't for the life of me) write smut so i hope this is okay anyway :')

Queen Tatiana had been very kind, for her standards, gifting Nikolai one of his numerous servants. She had one for every single step of her routine and she liked to change them once she learned their names a little too well. Once a servant was done working for the queen, they usually stayed in the palace, taking care of what needed to be taken care of.

It wasn't all the times that the queen personally decided to assign one of her old servants to their new job, and it was even rarer that said job was to be the prince's personal servant. But you couldn't complain.

You weren't too sad to be leaving the queen's side and experiencing more of the palace, especially if it was to work right beside the prince. You found your new job to be even better once you realized the prince didn't have as many needs as the queen: he liked company, mostly. Someone to join him wherever he needed to go, someone that would bear his constant banter; and you didn't mind it.

You made sure to greet him in the morning when he woke up, follow him throughout the day unless told differently, and greet him goodnight so that you could finally sleep too. It was easier than following every single one of the queen's instructions, and it was much more entertaining too. Not to talk about the prince, lighting every room he walked into with the simplest of smiles.

"Good morning, your highness." You greeted the prince as he opened the door of his rooms, meeting you already up and waiting. "Any plans for today?"

"I was thinking breakfast to start," he said with all the seriousness of a war strategist.

"Excellent choice, your highness, but i believe the cooks already had such a brilliant idea."

The two of you started walking together towards the kitchens, side by side, like you always did. It wasn't common for servants to walk as freely as you did, but Nikolai had requested it and you couldn't go against the prince's orders.

"These cooks, they're getting better and better every day," he said, still serious. "If i were king, they'd be on the first line beside the first and second army."

"And i would agree," you said, matching his tone. "I would never mess with a cook, especially around noon."

He let a chuckle escape. A brief look down at you, which you couldn't acknowledge or you would have become redder than an inferni's coat.

The conversation died there but it didn't feel uneasy, it didn't feel uncomfortable; silence with Nikolai felt relieving. As if in those moments he could hear all the words you weren't saying, all the feelings you couldn't externalize. You hoped he actually didn't, or you would have been in great trouble: falling in love with a member of the royal family was embarrassing other than stupid.

A cliché, really. The servant falling in love with the prince. You swore you'd read some book about it and yet it didn't stop you from dreaming about the possibility of it all. And yet that was exactly what it was; a possibility.

The day went by like it always did: you followed Nikolai around, even when he had no particular event to attend to. You talked freely around him, making comments about certain situations like how unappealing the tie his brother had chosen that day looked. And he would answer, a whisper so as to not be heard, that he was pretty sure his brother had decided to dress by himself, 'like a big boy', that day and that it was an unfortunate decision for everyone that had to see him.

You would have never dared such a topic with the queen, but Nikolai made it easy. He had established since the first day that he didn't want a servant, rather a friend.

"I can perfectly dress by myself and, even if it might not always look like it, comb my hair all alone," he said letting his hand run through his blonde hair, as to prove a point. "I don't need that and i have no interest in that."

He started roaming the room while you remained at the center of it, composed and looking down, because that's what a servant is supposed to do when a royal member is speaking.

"I want something more... genuine," he continued. "A friend, a funny one if possible but i can always make up for both if that were not the case."

You didn't say anything, confused about the whole conversation. The idea that it was all a test of the queen roamed your mind so you preferred to not say anything.

You heard his footsteps approaching you until he was right in front of you. He lifted your chin so that you were looking at him and found him with his eyebrows corrugated, a small smile on his lips. "That's exactly what i don't want. I like talking to people and if the people only listen and don't answer, my ego just gets too big." He paused a moment, his smile widening. "And that's a problem, some would say."

You still didn't utter a word but at least now you were looking at him. He let a sigh escape his lips as he distanced himself from you and you finally felt like you could breathe again.

You grasped every ounce of courage you had and hoped it was not a test. "I was just wondering how desperate one must be to want a servant to be their friend."

You immediately regretted your words, but Nikolai seemed to love it. He turned around with the biggest grin on his face, running towards you to grasp your shoulders and shake you, maybe a little too vigorously. "She speaks! And she's funny! Not more than me, but she's funny!"

Since then, you and Nikolai had been more friends, as he wanted, than prince and personal servant and yet you wanted more. It was already unreal to be so close to him despite your social status and yet you wanted more.

But you couldn't have that, and so you settled with what you had: a dubious friendship with the most handsome prince you'd ever seen.

It was getting late and, as always, you left your room to bid the prince goodnight. Normally, the queen would have at least a dozen more things for you to do before bed but Nikolai never asked anything of you if not to have a good night and wake up a little later than usual. You never did: you had to be there when he woke up because, after all, it was your job.

You closed the door behind you and went up to Nikolai's, knocking twice. It took slightly longer than usual for him to open it, which never happened, but the state in which he was in solved all your doubts: in front of you was your prince, an immaculate bathrobe the only thing separating you from seeing what you hadn't already peeked at.

You immediately averted your eyes, looking down, but the image was engraved in your mind: his blond hair slightly wet and clinging to his forehead, beads of water stubbornly stuck to his skin, running down to meet the white fabric and end their run. In all the time you'd worked for Nikolai, you'd never seen him in that divine state and now you didn't know how to act.

Words escaped you, leaving you a mess in front of the prince, not even able to look him in the eye. You couldn't tell if it was respect because you'd already seen too much or shame because you would have loved to see more.

"You caught me in the middle of a shower, Y/n," he said, so non-chalantly, as if he hadn't just destroyed your ability to speak normally ever again. "Hope i don't look too handsome for you."

You opened your mouth to speak, even just a word to show him and yourself that you could, in fact, still formulate a sentence, but nothing. It wasn't until he let out a small chuckle that you found the strength to talk back, only to just shut his mouth and tone down his ego. "Don't worry about that, i was just coming to ask if you needed anything, before i go to bed."

"As always, you can go," he spoke. "Actually, there is one thing."

You couldn't resist anymore and lifted your head to look him in the eyes, letting your own scan his half covered body once more. You nodded your head, only once, brief and quick because you didn't trust your voice that much.

"I was wondering that maybe," he trailed off, looking away. It wasn't like Nikolai to look so vulnerable when speaking, to look almost afraid to finish the sentence. He was always too eager, if anything. "Forget it, it's late, i should let you go to sleep."

"No!" You responded, a little too fervently. "Anything i can help with."

He looked right into your eyes, so honest you'd never seen him like that. You swore that if only you'd wanted you could have read his entire soul right then and there, but it felt too personal, too intimate to look at him like that. To have him look at you like that.

"I was just thinking that maybe you could come inside."

Your eyes must have doubled in size because he immediately felt the need to explain himself further. "I don't know if you've noticed, but a servant is the last thing that i wanted and from the moment i met you i knew a friendship would've been impossible too."

"Why?" Was the only thing you managed to ask. You couldn't believe your eyes, your ears, your whole body. You couldn't believe Nikolai, your prince, was telling you exactly what you'd wanted to hear in such a long time.

"Because i found out it can be quite challenging to be just friends with someone you love." He declared and you knew he was honest: no mockery was concealed in his tone. He flashed you an infamous Nikolai smile. "That is if you love me too because if you don't, forget about it. Just forget i just declared my love to you with a bathrobe on my threshold. That would be ridiculous, right?"

"Right," you said, letting a giggle escape your lips. You looked down a brief moment then back up at him, resolution settled in your body. "Nikolai, i-"

You stopped, your face darkening. What would have everyone thought? What would happen if people, if the queen saw the two of you together? You looked down again. "Moi tsarevich, that would be unprofessional, what would the queen think and-"

He closed the distance between the two of you, gently wrapping his hand around your neck and pulling you in for a kiss. You could have stopped him at any moment. Anyone could have seen you as you let yourself melt into his embrace, as you let your fingers spread on the plain of his chest, as you let his tongue roam past your lips. You could have told him you wanted to change positions, to work for the queen again, to change job completely.

But you didn't. All you wanted was Nikolai's lips, Nikolai's embrace, Nikolai's hands all over your body. All you wanted and always wanted was him.

The queen and all the opinions people could have formed about you disappeared as he brought you closer to him, inside his room.

He grasped the door but before he could close it, he interrupted the kiss, holding your chin in his hand as he locked eyes with you. "I promise you one thing, lovely: you will never be just a servant again."

He kissed you again, this once soft. A kiss that contained a thousand words and even more emotions, and yet he chose to voice what was already clear from his lips: "I will make you my wife."

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#nikolai lantsov #nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai lantsov x you #nikolai lantsov x y/n #nikolai x reader #nikolai x y/n #nikolai x you #grishaverse #shadow and bone #fanfiction #fanfic #fluff

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thebadgerclan · 11 months

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Hatred

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader

Summary: A visit from the Dowager Queen...

Tatiana Lantsov had never liked you. You were too bold, too outspoken, too independent; a woman with a mind of her own, a woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. A woman who was not worthy of her precious Nikolai, you’d heard her say that yourself. But Nikolai didn’t care, he saw a beautiful, independent, fierce woman whose affection he was lucky to have earned.

The former Queen fought your marriage at every turn, going so far as to feign hysterics when Nikolai proposed. Tatiana would have objected at the wedding too if Nikolai hadn’t threatened to revoke her invitation. What made it worse was that you tried so hard to earn her approval, but to no avail. You dressed in her preferred style, you attended salons with her ladies, you were quiet, demure, only speaking when spoken to. But you might as well have done nothing, as Tatiana still despised you.

When she was sent away towards the end of the war, you were secretly giddy. It was a tumultuous time; your husband being crowned, both of you figuring out your new roles as King and Queen, stitching Ravka back together–your mother-in-law’s criticism was the last thing you needed. But all good things must come to an end.

“Darling,” Nikolai entered your study, lacking his usually buoyant attitude. “This just arrived. I wanted you to see it first.” Your husband handed you a letter which bore the Lantsov Royal Seal, and you cocked your head as you unfolded it. My darling Sobachka, it read. I must confess disappointment; I thought you would have invited me to the Palace for a visit by now. I understand the initial months of your reign were busy, but you’ve settled into the Crown now, surely you can set aside some time for your Mother?

I won’t harp on it, though. I write to tell you that I will be arriving at the Palace just after the feast of Sankta Neyar. I wanted my visit to be a surprise, but I believe Y/N could use some time to prepare. I have been keeping up with the goings on in Os Alta, Nikolai, and I must say, I am impressed. Your Y/N has done well, especially for a girl of near-common blood. But…she could benefit from my knowledge. Her summit with the wives of the Kerch merchant council? A disaster!

I miss you, my son. Two years with nothing more than letters. You would not believe the conditions here! But I digress, I won’t bore you with the lack of accommodations. If the post is swift, I shall see you a week after you receive this letter. I love you, Nikolai. -Madraya. You set down the paper, anger flickering in your eyes. “I could ‘benefit from her knowledge’?” you said, rising from your desk. “She’s impressed? Nikolai, I–” “I know, love, I know. We can’t turn her away, and she’s likely already departed.”

Your husband knew of his mother’s dislike for you, and while you were courting, he’d done everything he could to shield you from her cold words. Nikolai had spoken to her at length about the issue; how you were a wonderful girl, how in love with you he was, how she was being unnecessarily harsh. But Tatiana persisted. Her treatment of you had been part of his decision to send her away–of course he cared for his mother’s safety, and of course he loved her. But Nikolai loved you more, and if she would cause you distress, he would do whatever he could to prevent it.

You sighed, your head in your hands. “Nikolai, I know she’s your mother, and I know you love her, but she hates me! I can only imagine what she’ll find to nit-pick at when she’s here!” Your husband rounded your desk and knelt before you, taking your hands in his. “She will do no such thing, because I won’t let her. Y/N, my love, you are a perfect Queen, I don’t care what anyone else says. The people adore you, I adore you, and I will remind you every single day of how wonderfully you’re doing.”

“Was my summit with the merchers’ wives that bad?” Your husband scoffed. “No, my love, it went off without a hitch, She’s just being critical, unjustly so. Y/N, sweetheart, look at me.” You did, seeing only love and adoration in his eyes. “You are the Queen I chose, you are the woman I chose, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone make you feel less than that.” “Even your mother?” Nikolai nodded, kissing your knuckles. “Especially my mother. And when she arrives, you will be exactly who and what you are: My perfect, beautiful, beloved Queen.”

***

Nerves consumed you the morning of the Dowager Queen’s arrival, and Nikolai did his best to soothe and comfort you. “She won’t say anything,” he said, kissing your hand as the two of you entered the parlor where you’d be receiving her. “I’ll make sure of it.” You tried not to pace, but only a few minutes after you entered the parlor, an attendant opened the door. “Announcing Her Royal Highness, the Dowager Queen, Tatiana Lantsov.”

She swept in, her train of blue silk trailing behind her. “Nikolai!” she cried, hurrying to her son and embracing him. Despite your history, you couldn’t begrudge her this: she was his mother, a mother who missed her son. “And Y/N. You look…well.” Your wardrobe had been selected intentionally: purple silk and tulle, a color formerly reserved for royalty; a crown of amethyst–the second rarest gemstone in Ravka to the emerald–atop your head. White silk gloves adorned your hands, your wedding and engagement rings on your left hand, the Lantsov Emerald on your right.

The message was clear: you were the Queen, not Tatiana, your position commanded respect. “Thank you, Tatiana,” you replied coolly. “I must say, we were not expecting you to visit.” The Dowager sat, breaking a dozen protocols in the process. “Yes, well, when I didn’t receive an invitation from Nikolai, I took matters into my own hands. Oh, before I forget, Nikolai, you must have your footmen review proper titles. All day they’re been calling me ‘Your Royal Highness’!”

“Because that is your title,” you said. “You are a Dowager Queen, not the wife of the current monarch. ‘Your Most Royal Majesty’ is reserved for the monarch and their spouse.” Tatiana bristled. “Nikolai, are you going to allow her to–” “I don’t allow Y/N to do anything,” he interjected. “She does as she pleases. And she is correct.” You could feel the irritation rolling off of her, but she let the topic drop.

Conversation turned to lighter subjects: legislation being passed, the latest court gossip, Nikolai’s inventions. It was painfully obvious that Tatiana became irritated by your contributions to the conversation, and Nikolai noticed. He kept your hands in his, squeezing gently when she rolled her eyes or muttered under her breath. You could do this, you could endure her for another few hours. Or so you thought.

“...And I’ll be hosting a charity dinner next month benefitting children orphaned by the war.” “Oh, that’s wonderful, dear!” Tatiana responded, not a hint of irritation in her voice. “I’d be more than happy to come back to help you plan!” “There’s no need for that,” you said. “I assure you I have everything under control, but I appreciate your offer.” “After the fiasco with the Kerch?” she muttered, just loud enough for you to hear. “I don’t think so.”

You were just about to retort, to let your temp fly, when Nikolai stood. “That is enough!” he shouted, stunning both you and Tatiana into silence. “I will not tolerate you berating and disrespecting my wife anymore.” “Nikolai,” his mother said, her tone that of one soothing a petulant child. “Surely this is–” “No, Mother! From the very first, you have had something against Y/N. First she was too low-born, then she was too outspoken, then she was too independent, then her gowns were ‘whorishly scandalous’. You’ve never liked her, and I cannot piece together why, but I’m beyond caring. It ends now.”

Tatiana rose as well. “Nikolai, please! I have only ever wanted what’s best for you, and what’s best for the Crown! You could have had anyone! A duke’s daughter, an heiress to a ruby mine! But you chose this?” “Yes, Mother! I chose Y/N! I chose the woman I love, the woman who never made me feel like I was less than because I was a second son!” “You deserve more! Deserve better!”

Nikolai was seething with rage, and he felt the demon writhing within him. “She loves me! I love her! Why is that not enough? Why has my happiness never been enough for you?” You watched with a shocked expression: you’d never seen your husband so upset, so angry, and despite the tension of the situation, your heart fluttered to know he would go to such lengths to defend you.

“Of course your happiness is important to me!” Tatiana replied. “But when you insisted on courting her, I had to question your long term plan! I had made peace with it, you know? You marrying the daughter of a low-born baronet. You were never meant for the throne! But then your father was murdered….and Vasily, and suddenly she was Queen. The girl had no training, her manners were unfit for a Queen, she–”

“Enough!” Nikolai’s shout made Tatiana fall silent. “You forget your place.” “I forget–” “Y/N is not only my wife, but she is your Queen, and I will not stand for you disrespecting her in either capacity. I have never cared about Y/N’s status, never cared about her manners, I care about her! And for years, you have tormented her, made her feel unworthy, and I won’t stand for it any longer.

“Either change your attitude, start treating Y/N with respect, or get out.” Tatiana looked scandalized. “You would kick me out of my own home?” “This is not your home! It’s ours, mine and Y/N’s. I don’t expect you to love her, I don’t even expect you to like her. But this treatment needs to stop, and it needs to stop now.” The Dowager Queen remained silent, and Nikolai took it as an answer enough. “Guards!”

Four Palace guards entered, on edge after overhearing the argument. “Escort my mother from the grounds. She is not to return unless explicitly invited.” Tatiana blanched. “Nikolai, you can’t–” “Can’t I? No, you’re right, this shouldn’t be my decision…” Nikolai turned to you, taking your hand in his. “My love? Do you want her gone?” His voice was so gentle, a stark contrast to moments ago.

You stood, straightening the skirts of your gown. “I do.” You then addressed the guards. “As King Nikolai said, she is not to return unless invited. Which I feel may not be for quite some time.” When the guards hesitated, Nikolai snapped, “You heard your Queen!” Tatiana was dragged from the room, and as soon as the doors were shut behind her, Nikolai gathered you into his arms, holding you tightly.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N,” he whispered, kissing your head. “I can’t…I never thought she’d….fuck, I’m sorry.” You lifted your head to look at him, to find that he was crying. “It’s not like it’s a surprise that she hates me,” you said. “But it hurt, hearing her say it.” Your husband held you tighter, sniffling softly. “I love you,” he said. “I love you so much, Y/N. I’ve never cared about all the stuff she said, I care about you. And that she hurt you….Saints, can you forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive, Nikolai,” you said, wiping his tears away with a gloved hand. “Her hatred for me is not your fault. And I love you too, more than anything else.” He kissed you, soft and sweet, wishing he could erase all the hateful things his mother had said to him. “I don’t want you to cut ties with her,” you said when the kiss broke. “She’s your mother, and you love her. I don’t want me to come between you.”

Nikolai shook his head, guiding you to the settee where he pulled you onto his lap. “I know, darling. But right now…I can’t even think about her without wanting to break something.” You cupped his cheek, guiding him into a kiss. “Thank you for defending me,” you said, and Nikolai wrapped his arms around you, keeping you close to him. “I will always defend you. Be it on the battlefield or from my mother.”

You laughed, and he smiled. “There’s my girl,” Nikolai said, kissing you again. For several minutes, the two of you sat in silence, enjoying the other’s embrace, before you spoke. “If this drives a wedge between you two, I don’t think I could forgive myself.” “Hey, don’t think like that. If there’s a wedge, it was driven from the first time she rolled her eyes at you. She’s my mother, yes, and I love her. But you, Y/N, I love you so much more.”

#nikolai lantsov x reader #shadow and bone fanfiction #nikolai lantsov x you #shadow and bone reader insert

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bey0nd-1he-stars · 1 year

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Impossible love - Nikolai Lantsov

Masterlist

Part 2

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader, Vasily Lantsov x reader

Wordcount: 1467

Warnings: implied smut, implied sexual assault, crying, heartbreaking ending (sorry not sorry)

Summary: You're getting married to Vasily, but your heart belongs to Nikolai. Based on this request:

The chapel was filled with people from all over the world. Councilmen from Kerch, the royal family of both Novy Zem and Shu han, the Suli princesses and almost every one of the dukes of Ravka and their families, a few Fjerdan delegates, they all occupied the benches in the chapel. The king’s advisors, the Grisha from the little palace and the royal family occupied the front rows. Vasily and you stood at the altar, he was wearing an elegant white suit, medals pinned to the front of his jacket and his dark curls slicked back. Your white wedding dress complimented you well and your hair was put together and decorated with silk bands in the light blue color that represented the Lantsov family.

You finished your vows with a shaky voice. Your eyes wanted to wander the room, to find anything to look at that wasn’t Vasily, or Saints forbid, Nikolai. You knew that if your eyes found his hazel ones you’d never get the words out. You gave a short nod when the last word was uttered and the apparat declared your marriage sealed. Vasily was smiling like a maniac and he hastily grabbed your waist, pulling you against him and pressing a messy kiss to your lips. The action caught you by surprise and you gasped for air in the middle of the kiss. With a low voice so no one would hear him over the applause, Vasily growled against your lips, “kiss me back, you fool.”

Not wanting to mess something up, you carefully wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back. It was your wedding, for saints sake, you should be happy. You should be crying tears of happiness and kissing your now husband like there was no tomorrow. But all you could think about was how it was all so wrong. This reception felt wrong, the dress felt wrong, the ring on your finger felt wrong, the kiss felt wrong. When you opened your eyes and got once again reminded who was standing in front of you, your heart broke. With a subtle glance to the side, you found Nikolai’s gaze telling you that he felt the exact same.

The gardens had been decorated and rows and rows of tables and elegant chairs had been placed out for the guests. A table for the royal family stood in the front. Servants ran around placing out different dishes and drinks for the guests. King Alexander and Queen Tatiana sat to Vasily’s right, you to his left and to your left sat Nikolai. The closeness of him made your heart pound and break at the same time. Vasily’s hand grasped yours then he placed your intertwined ones on top of the table. A gift table stood at the far end of the table. It was covered in presents, each and every one of them reminding you that you’d actually married Vasily. A political move, all show, but Vasily still seemed to find pleasure in it. After all, he loved to take things his brother loved out of his reach, and you were the grandest price he’d ever get to take, the one thing that would break Nikolai’s heart for real.

The feast for you and Vasily lasted the whole day. The summer nights brought late sunsets and the world bathed in the sun’s last beams right now. Your feet hurt from walking in heels the whole day and the dress was heavy on your shoulders. When the feast was over and you all started to make your way inside the grand palace to get some well earned rest. You feared for the night to come, knowing you probably wouldn’t get much sleep. Vasily had other plans, and even though he hadn’t voiced them to you, you knew what he wanted.

Nikolai took your hand and pulled you aside from the crowd, hiding away behind the bushes and trees. He glanced around to see if anyone was in sight, and when he saw that no one had followed you, he quickly wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest and pressing you into him. The warmth from his body radiated off of him and spread to yours. You let yourself fall into him, taking the comfort he offered. If it was the feelings inside of you or the tiredness of today’s events that did it, you didn’t know, but you burst down in tears the second Nikolai pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. Your makeup got ruined and it would probably stain his clothes, but neither of you cared. Nikolai gently pulled away to look you in the eyes.

“It’ll be okay. Whatever happens, I’ll be by your side,” he promised with a soft voice and another kiss to your temple. You pulled away from his embrace and whipped your tears away, shaking your head in protest.

“No, you won't. I’ll be stuck beside Vasily and you’ll just be out of reach, watching.”

Nikolai’s heart broke and shattered at your words. You both knew it was true, but not until today had it seemed like it would actually happen. Not until today did he believe that you would ever belong to anyone else than him. But you both needed to stay hopeful. Maybe one day, it would solve itself and you would once again be by Nikolai’s side. The thought was in your prayers every night and day.

“You’ll survive this,” he said gently, taking your hands in his again, needing to have you close, if just for a few mere seconds until you’d have to return to the palace, to Vasily. The thought made him sick to the stomach of what his brother might do to you on your wedding night. “We’ll survive this,” he vowed and closed his eyes, trying his hardest to prevent the tears from falling from his eyes. You just stood there, watching as Nikolai’s hope slowly faded from his heart. You both knew that what you two had wasn’t possible anymore, and nothing had ever broken your heart more. The love of your life was standing in front of you, your hands in his, his beautiful hazel eyes filled with tears and his heart breaking into pieces. You both knew that there was nothing that could save you now, and the knowledge only made it hurt more. You drew a shaky breath and gave his hands a gentle squeeze before uttering the words that you’d dreaded since the day you were informed that you’d be married off to Vasily.

“I’m married to your brother,” your voice cracked and you drew a hasty, uneven breath. Your tears and breath were stuck in your throat and your hands shook. “I can’t be yours anymore and I never will be.” Nikolai let go of your hands and turned around, not bearing to look at you anymore. Your beautiful wedding dress and a white veil in your hair. A grand wedding ring on your finger. Nikolai had dreamt many times about the day you’d get married, and that day was here. It had passed and it left you both with broken hearts. You watched as Nikolai carefully sat down on the ground, his knees giving out under him. You knew that if you stayed any longer you would never be able to walk away but you couldn’t bring yourself to move. Carefully you placed a hand on Nikolai’s shoulder, and he broke down. He gasped for breath, his face buried in his hands and his whole body shook under your hand. His blond hair was messy now and the suit he was wearing had gotten small stains all over. But he was beautiful. He was perfect. He was a prince. He was perfectly beautiful Nikolai, but he wasn’t yours. You drew a shaky breath, breaking your own heart in the process, then you let your broken voice carry out the words, your last words, before you knew you had to go.

“I don’t wanna go,” you whispered, your voice not strong enough to speak any louder. “I don’t wanna go, but I love you too much to stay.” With that you slowly let your hand fall from his shoulder, resting your fingertips on the silk fabric for as long as you could. When your hand returned to your side, you gasped for breath, not believing that you’d let him go.

“Go,” Nikolai rasped out,”leave. Please,” he begged in a desperate whisper. You nodded, even though he couldn’t see you. He heard as your steps carried you away towards a night that would leave you bruised and broken. He looked up and watched the moment the sun slipped beneath the horizon, and the only thing he could think of was that it was way too beautiful.

Part 2

Part 2 has a happy ending, I promise

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greywolfheirs · 1 year

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malkolai + mal meeting madraya and mal a nervous mess

Send me Malkolai prompts!

Today I present another fic of questionable quality. Tomorrow? Who knows! (Also, I love your prompts, so don't feel bad about sending them!)

Anyway yeah I never read the Shadow and Bone series so I don't know much about madraya but I hope this still manages to fit in canon? If not, consider it an AU lol.

***

“Are you absolutely sure this is a good idea?” Mal asked, his thousandth question in so many hours.

For the thousandth time, Nikolai responded with a reassuring smile. “Yes, Mal, I’m sure.”

“I just want to remind you that I have no real family titles and I’m not even the Firebird anymore,” Mal pointed out, adjusting his collar nervously. “I’m a nobody.”

Nikolai stepped forward and fixed the collar. “And I’d just like to remind you that you’re a hero to the world. But even if you weren’t, you’re the one I chose to spend the rest of my life with, which means you’re not a nobody for long. You’re definitely someone to me.”

Leaning forward more, Nikolai captured Mal’s lips in a soft kiss. His shoulders relaxed, as if that one act reassured him more than any words had. It sent a thrill through Nikolai, knowing that he brought comfort to his boyfriend.

No, fiancé, he reminded himself.

That was the whole point of this: announcing Nikolai’s engagement to the queen mother. Mal had proposed to Nikolai on the deck of the Volkvony weeks earlier. It could never be an official marriage, of course, with Nikolai needing alliances more than air, but it was the one that mattered. Still, Nikolai felt it important that his mother know, lest she have a more public reaction later on. She hadn’t spoken to Mal more than in passing, so it was also an opportunity for Mal to meet her. Hence the nerves.

Less than an hour later, they were at a small dining table. The former queen was at the head, with Nikolai and Mal on either side of the table. Although stiff, Mal had gotten through introductions and it was going smoothly.

“Madraya,” Nikolai said as they began their second course, “I’m afraid I wasn’t entirely honest about my reasons for introducing you to Mal.”

The man in question stiffened more, and avoided Tatiana’s eyes as she replied, “Do tell dear.”

Nikolai cleared his throat. “The truth is, he and I have gotten closer than ever these past few months, and…and we’ve decided to marry.”

Tatiana blinked, fork poised midair. “Oh.”

“It’ll be a small ceremony, not announced to the public,” Nikolai rushed to clarify. “It’s just—well, to be frank, he’s the love of my life and I couldn’t bear to be with anyone else.”

Mal relaxed fractionally at that, directing a small smile towards Nikolai, who easily returned it.

“I didn’t realize—well I suppose congratulations are in order.” Tatiana said awkwardly.

“Thank you, mother,” Nikolai said, relaxing entirely. But it was a little early for relief.

“Of course, you’ll have to find heirs,” the queen mother added conversationally. “Although it’s good you can’t produce one together.”

“Sorry, why’s that?” Nikolai asked.

“Well not only is he a commoner,” Tatiana began, causing Nikolai’s heart to sink, “but he’s got Morozova blood in him.”

“Well, yes, but it’s not like it means anything anymore,” Mal clarified before Nikolai could respond.

“Well, it might mean something down the line,” Tatiana corrected. “Especially since it would taint the Lantsov bloodline.”

“Taint?” Mal asked, echoing Nikolai’s thoughts. “Morozova’s been dead for ages—and one man’s actions don’t define his ancestors.”

“Well, yes, of course,” Tatiana reassured him. “But he’s got Grisha in the family.”

“Madraya—” Nikolai began, but Mal was already reacting. Fuck, this wasn’t ending well, was it?

“I’m sorry, are you still caught up on Grisha?” he demanded. “After all they’ve done for you?”

“Mal,” Nikolai warned.

“Well, it’s not as if everything they’ve done has helped,” Tatiana said with a laugh. “The only reason we needed the Sun Summoner was because another Grisha caused problems.”

“And the actions of the few tell us about the Grisha as a whole?” Mal was getting angry now, instigated by the mention of Alina.

“Of course not but your ancestors are a part of that few aren’t they?”

“Mother, may I remind you—” Nikolai’s voice was entirely ignored.

“Did my sacrifice not make up for those mistakes? Or would you prefer it stay permanent?”

“Why, that is an utterly outlandish question to ask! Of course I appreciate your actions for our country and that you managed to survive them.”

“Yet you still speak against Grisha as if their lives are worth—”

“Alright!” Nikolai shouted, slamming his fist on the table to get their attention. “I think that’s enough debate for the night. Shall we move on to lighter topics? Or will both of you manage to behave?”

Tatiana sniffed and went back to eating. Mal looked sheepish despite the fire still blazing in his eyes.

The dinner finished just as awkwardly, although the atmosphere was entirely changed. Mal managed to give the queen mother a formal goodbye without instigating anymore argument but Nikolai could tell he was still enraged by the set of his shoulders on the way back to their quarters.

“God, that woman,” Mal muttered once the door was closed and he began to undress. “Can’t believe I ever cared what she thought.”

“You cared what she thought?” Nikolai asked, surprised.

“Yeah, she is your family,” Mal pointed out. “Suppose I didn’t make for a good impression.”

Nikolai hummed. “Suppose not.”

“Sorry about that,” Mal said, settling his arms around Nikolai’s waist.

Nikolai shook his head. “You were right to be angry. She was acting ridiculous.”

Mal looked relieved at that, and leaned in to press a quick kiss to Nikolai’s lips. When they pulled away, Nikolai couldn’t help himself.

“Now how about we try our damndest to make an heir with a ruined bloodline?” he said.

Mal rolled his eyes and huffed a laugh. “You could just ask me to take you to bed like a normal person.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Nikolai responded cheekily.

Mal’s response was to push him until he fell into the bed. It was probably supposed to be insulting, except that the follow-up was some very delightful kisses and a wonderful night together. So Nikolai let it go.

#malkolai #shadow and bone

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czernyss · 2 years

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THE NIGHT HOURS 🫀

→ ilia lantsov

“She was born to die, and resurrected again, the Corpse Princess with a shadow in her stead.”

The youngest heir to the Ravkan Royal Family, Ilia Lantsov should have had all the luxuries afforded to a royal child. With her eldest brother Vasily first in line for the throne, both her and her favourite brother Nikolai were allowed to do as they pleased, to live life as they so choosed. Nikolai did as he wanted, denouncing all responsibilities, sometimes gone from the palace months at a time. In her dreams, Ilia went with him, travelling the world with nothing but adventure and adrenaline at her side.

But fate had other plans. Ilia Lantsov, precious daughter to the Queen Consort, was born a Grisha.

Showing signs even before she was tested, it was announced early on that the Princess was Corporalki, a Healer, and tensions soon rose over whether she would be kept in the Little Palace with the others, or stay as Princess. Little was done to quell the rumours soon spreading across the land, and it seemed the King and Queen themselves were not sure what to do with their daughter.

All that came to an end on her 10th birthday, when Ilia escaped the confines of the palace for a stroll in the woods. There she was set upon by a horde of Drüskelle. Beaten within an inch of her life, Ilia was saved by the leader of the Second Army himself, General Kirigan, and brought back to the palace. Her limp body was presented to her parents, blood coating so much of her it was hard to tell whether she still had a face.

That day, in the throne room surrounded by nobles and Grisha alike, Ilia Lantsov died.

But in their grief, the Royal Family refused to believe that was their child’s fate. One storming night, the Queen arrived on the Darklings doorstep, and pleaded that he bring back her precious daughter. The General warned Tatiana of what could come of such darkness, that Ilia might never return, and if she did, she would not be the same. But the Queen did not care, and so Kirigan set about resurrecting her child.

For three days the Darkling stayed with the corpse of Ilia Lantsov, and for three days all of Ravka seemed to hold it’s breath. On the fifth day the General emerged, his clothes sweat through, blood pumping from his nose. Inside the room, shadows seemed to dance, and a foul stench pooled at the edges of what was real and what was delusion. But there in the centre, on a bed of the deepest crimson, the Princess was reborn.

#fyeahgrishaverseocs #allaboutocs #ocappreciation #ochub #ocs #ilia lantsov #the night hours #SURPRISE!!!#not what i expected to publish today but i can’t get her out of my mind #she’s my little traumatized baby gorl #you’re going to love her!!

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doyouknowthis-grishaverse · 4 months

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stromuprisahat · 1 year

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When darkling was giving genya to the queen's household did he truly know what were king's intentions or was that a miscalculation on his part? He knew genya would be in danger but didn't see THAT coming at all.

I'll answer in the simplest way:

The Darkling is no clairvoyant, otherwise he'd be ruling Ravka by now.

I've wrote or reblogged a lot on this particular topic, for more you can just go through my Genya tag, or here are some specific posts: x, x, x, x, x.

Most of it boils down to three points:

Genya should've been safe under the Queen's protection.

Servants are something akin to furniture. Invisible as human beings. Why would the King want to fuck that, when he can have every single one of those perfumed, carefully maintained, soft-handed ladies of the Court? Or an actress! Opera singer! That's where royal mistresses usually come from. But no, this one doesn't want that, he likes defenceless, young, pretty mattresses to stick his cock into.

When it comes to it, not even the Darkling could refuse the King, should he pay him a visit at night. It's not about physical power, but political influence and the King has only Saints to answer to.

#reply #Genya Safin #The Darkling #Queen Tatiana Lantsov #King Alexander III Lantsov #Grishaverse #Shadow and Bone #grishanalyticritical

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grishatube-gossip · 2 years

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Disgraced Queen of Ravka Dies in Exile

Tatiana Lantsov, mother of the infamous King of Ravka, has been pronounced dead by Southern Colonies officials. The Ex-Queen was sent into exile several years ago, along with her husband, allowing her son to place himself on the throne.

Little is known about the former Queen’s life before and after her royal title was bestowed on her, and the foggy circumstances surrounding her death have the public thinking that something smells fishy— could the violent riots in the Colonies have been the demise of the disgraced royal? Or maybe an enemy from her time as Queen wanted her gone once and for all…

Just as murky as her death is the birth of Tatiana’s son— Nikolai Lantsov, King of Ravka— rumours regarding Nikolai’s parentage have arisen once more, even more vicious than before Tatiana’s death. These rumours, which perhaps have more truth to them than the Lantsovs would care to admit, have only fuelled the public’s distrust of their King, and who he really is.

The death of Tatiana Lantsov marks the end of an era for those in Ravka who can remember her reign, but the former royal has left some burning questions in her wake. Will we ever discover the secrets of the ex-Queen of Ravka? Or will they be buried with her?

#lady hummington #ravkan politics #tatiana lantsov

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thebadgerclan · 9 months

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Someday

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x reader

Requested by Anonymous

Summary: Someday, you will be his...

For as long as you could remember, you and Prince Nikolai had been the closest of friends. You were the daughter of a nobleman, your position at court placing you close to the younger Prince from birth. Your connection was innate and instant, your friendship growing fast. And as you aged into a young lady and he into a young man, your friendship remained intact, the one sure thing in the chaos that was life in Ravka.

Then you’d enlisted, surprising everyone in your family. Nikolai had pulled some strings to put you in the same unit as him, and for the next five years, you served at his side. You were there when he took his first bullet, and when your feelings for your dearest friend began twisting into something more. But he was a Prince, and you were…you. He would wed for alliance, and you would wed for your family’s strength. Love didn’t factor into the equation for either of you; it didn’t matter that you had fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with Prince Nikolai Lantsov.

***

Life had been turned on its axis. The Darkling was in open revolt, the Grisha were fractured, and the Sun Summoner had returned to Ravka. Prince Nikolai had returned to the Spinning Wheel with Alina Starkov in tow, both of whom were clearly ready for a fight. You’d only had a few moments to reunite with your closest friend before all residents of the Spinning Wheel were summoned for a dinner, to celebrate the Prince’s return, as Queen Tatiana said.

As Nikolai’s lieutenant, you were seated at the Head Table, Alina to his left, and you to her left. The meal had barely begun when Vasily made a comment about the Grisha, to which Alina quipped, “We are all Ravkan here.” Nikolai rolled his eyes. “It doesn’t need to be us versus them.” The tension could be sliced with a dull knife, Alina stating that she would lead the Second Army if they needed a leader loyal to the Crown.

“Why should I believe you have any loyalty to my family?” Vasily asked, and Nikolai and Alina shared a heavy look. Then he stood, raising his glass. “Today marks the start of a new era of cooperation between Lantsovs and the Grisha,” he announced, and something in your stomach plummeted. “I’m delighted to announce my engagement to Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner, and new leader of the Second Army. Together, we will build a better future for Ravka.”

He called for a toast, but you couldn’t bring yourself to raise your glass, much less force a smile. The man you loved, unrequitedly, but loved nonetheless, was no longer yours, as if he ever had been. Nikolai was engaged, he was Alina’s, and she was his. The cheers of the crowd were suddenly too much to stand, and you stood, fleeing the room as you fought tears. Vasily had left too, as had Alina’s tracker friend, but Nikolai only saw that you had left.

“Excuse me,” he said, both to his mother and to Alina, before following you. “Y/N? Y/N!” Tears were flowing now, and you kept walking, wiping at your eyes. “Y/N, stop!” You didn’t, continuing until you met a dead end, resting your forehead against the stone wall. Nikolai jogged to your side, laying a hand on your shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

You sniffled. “So that’s it?” you said. “You’re engaged?” “Y/N, you’ve got to understand, I-” “You barely know her,” you shot, turning to face him. “Alina is a good person,” he replied. “She is kind, she…she will be a good wife.” You wiped at your eyes again. “I’m happy for you,” you said, and Nikolai cocked his head. “Then why are you crying, Y/N? Talk to me.”

You nearly growled. “Why am I crying? Because it hurts, Nikolai!” Immediately, his eyes were scanning you for some injury, something that was causing pain. “What? What hurts?” You spoke so softly, Nikolai did not hear. “What was that?” “Loving someone that doesn’t love you!” The Prince was stunned by your words and he blinked. “W-what?”

“I love you!” you cried, desperation filling your voice. “I’ve loved you for years! And you never saw me, and that was fine! I could live with being your friend, even when I knew you’d have to marry someone who wasn’t me and leave me! But now we’re at war and you’re engaged to the Sun Summoner! And it hurts, Nikolai, it hurts! And I…I…”

“Saints, Y/N,” Nikolai whispered, striding forward and pulling you into his arms, kissing you deeply. You gripped him tightly, never wanting to let go. He kissed you until your head was swimming, until your lungs were burning, until you were trembling in his arms, until you had to pull away for air. “Y/N, I love you.” You blinked at him, your noses bumping together. “You do?” “I do. I’ve been in love with you since we were 14! Since that boy told you that you should wear your corset tighter and you socked him in the nose.”

You barked out a laugh, unable to resist leaning in for another kiss. “I’ve loved you since I watched you take a bullet and keep fighting.” Nikolai smiled, kissing you again, and again, and again. “But now you’re engaged,” you said. “Sweet girl, that engagement is for alliances and appearances and we both know it. I have no doubt that Alina’s in a corridor consoling her tracker right now. Once we’ve won the war, we can break off the engagement and I’ll be free to court and woo you. Which I fully plan on doing, by the way.”

You laughed again, pressing your forehead against his. “I love you, Nikolai Lantsov,” you whispered, cupping his cheek. “And I will always love you.” “And I love you, Y/N L/N,” he whispered back, snaking an arm around your waist. “Mark my words, I will make you my bride. Someday.” Someday, you liked that. It was a promise, and it steadily became your mantra, as the war progressed. Someday.

#nikolai lantsov x reader #shadow and bone reader insert #nikolai lantsov x you #shadow and bone fanfiction

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