#malkolai

Ruin and Rising- Chapter 8

That's what counts!

Sure, appearances matter, but Nikolai's all that, no substance.

Remember how I joked I might even start to see the appeal of Malkolai?

No wonder Alina was sniffing the Darkling's pillows like some junkie. The men in her life stink...

All hail the King, I guess.

Viva la next Lantsov on the Throne or whatever.

By blood or not.

Sure.

That's what you took from it?! Yo mama's rapist enabler, and you're worried she might not forgive you for sending her to comfortable safety during a civil war as "a punishment"? That's certainly the main issue to focus on!

Instead of, pondering whether or not she might one day overlook the mild slap on the wrist she got for her complicity, I can imagine questioning every single good memory of the person, who gave birth to him, yet didn't hesitate to do something so horrifying to a girl his age out of petty jealousy. Nothing like that?

And WHAT exactly he envisioned? Everyone kindly moving aside, so he can show them how it's done?

He had no plan how to deal with Vasily, and were it not for the Darkling helpfully serving the redhead traitor on a golden platter, the "clever" fox would still be playing air pirates, while daddy dearest gleefully molests more maids.

Nah, the shiny coward jumped at the opportunity to depose the King BECAUSE he had no balls to do it himself without "a legal" excuse masquerading as justice.

He might not have imagined it thus, but his idea involved unicorns shooting rainbows out of their asses as the rightful ruler and his Heir congratulate him on being the most suitable man for the job, while mama discreetly sniffs into a handkerchief.

What he would or wouldn't wish is inconsequential. What he did or didn't MAKE HAPPEN isn't.

Yesssssss!!!

He might have an unfortunate accident after that!

If Nikolai were half as cunning as the author wants us to believe, he'd make sure it happens at least a year before the possible Heir might be born. Let Alina grieve for a few months, give her some space, but make sure she has a shoulder to cry on, should she need one. Keep being unnecessarily "kind" and understanding, offer the sob story of your own dead childhood bestie "in a rare moment of vulnerability". Commiseration's something even Alina's capable of.

With a bit of effort, she'll seek the comfort of his arms, eventually sharing his bed, herself. Maybe chivalrously refuse "her" advances first. Out of pure consideration, of course. Wouldn't want to take advantage of her in her fragile mental state, right?!

THAT'S HOW YOU MANIPULATE "VULNERABLE GIRL", SUCKERS!!!

Oh really? What exactly is he denying himself for a greater cause?