[ A princess. Someone who can navigate the court with all the grace and diplomacy Alina never would have. Beloved by her people likely for more reasons than they are just desperate for something she can do. Not that those are things Alina necessarily pines for in order to be a queen, but it highlights the chasms between her and Nikolai that are closed by this place alone. ]

She sounds... talented.

[ A hilariously stiff compliment, courtesy of Alina. She lets a long measured beat of silence pass between them, listening only to the gentle rhythm of the ocean. A pain that feels close to longing echos between them, and in their tether she can't tell who it belongs to.

She twists her head looking up at him. ]

Don't. [ And then she panics, not entirely knowing where it came from. ] I mean... not don't. [ She worries her lip between her teeth. What does she mean? She ducks her head, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. ] Don't if it's only for political reasons.

[ Her eyes flick up and then focus back out on the sea, too afraid to look at him straight on for the next part. ]

You deserve someone who will love you.