A/N: This style worked well on my other story so I decided to try it here.

Disclaimer: I don't own The Grisha Trilogy.

I

Nikolai couldn't believe it when he heard it. Because really, what's the worst thing that could happen?

Fate apparently heard him and had immediately gave him his answer.

"Why am I in the Darkling's room?" Zoya asked, confusion clouding her striking blue eyes.

She tried to sit up so Nikolai reached to help her. His hands were on her waist when she stiffens and suddenly batted him away.

"Never touch me without my expressed permission Sovachka." She spat the words at him.

His body froze and Nikolai's heart stopped beating. It had finally sunk in that Zoya indeed had amnesia.

II

It was just after their battle with the Fjerdans. They won but Zoya got injured Genya and Nikolai didn't leave her bedside.

She took a nasty hit on the head, Nikolai saw it. It had been a week yet; she was still unconscious.

He wishes she would wake up already. They did it, saved Ravka and beaten their enemies. All is well, except her.

Now that Nikolai can think clearly, he realized that he's an idiot. The queen he was searching for, was beside him all along.

Nikolai planned to tell Zoya when she wakes up.

Nikolai wasn't expecting this.

III

Nikolai got over his initial shock to call for Genya and the palace physician.

Zoya was still in a defensive position but she relaxed marginally when she saw Genya. The doctor confirmed that she has temporary amnesia.

"Her memory will return gradually Your majesty." He reassured Nikolai.

Nikolai just nodded and thank the doctor. His eyes couldn't help but to fix themselves to Zoya's door.

Genya was with her, the only one she allowed to get close. She said she'll explain everything to Zoya and closed the door.

Nikolai tried not to feel hurt at the dismissal. But he failed.

IV

Nikolai saw Zoya today. She was immaculate as ever, glowering at everyone and she looked good doing it.

Their eyes met from across the room but Nikolai looked away. He couldn't bare the lack of recognition there.

Genya said that she took everything in stride. After she told Zoya the story and showed her some evidence, she tossed her hair back and sniffed.

"Of course the best room would be mine. Now, get out. I need to change."

"She didn't even say thank you!" Genya exclaimed with tears on her eyes. She seemed happy though so Nikolai didn't console her.

V

Zoya knocked and she was told to enter.

"Here are the reports Your majesty."

"Just put it there Nazyalensky."

Zoya placed the papers on the side and looked around. This office is familiar to her.

The clutter of things everywhere, the organized files on the desk and the king sitting behind it.

King Nikolai watched her when he thought she wasn't looking. Zoya was used to men staring at her. But it's different with him.

He was doing it right now, a mix of hope and trepidation in his eyes.

Zoya didn't understand it so she just curtsied and left.

VI

Nikolai sighed and let his head drop on the table.

He knew it will take time but he couldn't help the hope that sprang on him when he saw Zoya looking around in his office.

The two of them spent a lot of time here. This was where they teased and fought one another. Where they made significant decisions together. Or to just do their work, a comfortable silence between them.

Nikolai saw it in her eyes, Zoya didn't remember him.

To be surrounded with memories and to see her every day without telling her he loved her was torture.

VII

"Did I had an affair with the king?"

Genya spat her tea and Zoya just raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed.

She wiped herself, averting her eyes. "Why are you asking me that?"

Zoya just stared and Genya sighed.

"I don't know. You fan the rumors but didn't admit to anything."

Zoya paced, "He's always staring at me. He'll caught my eye at random times and seemed to say something but he'll look away before he could."

"I really don't know Zoya," Genya said sadly. "You were the one closest to Nikolai."

That statement took the wind from Zoya's sails.

VIII

Everyone stared when Zoya arrived.

She was wearing a deep blue gown that matched her eyes.

Her sleeves were cuffed and her arms were bare. The gown showed a bit of her neckline and belled at her waist to reach the floor. Shimmering silver gossamer was stitched on her dress, giving the appearance of a night sky.

Most of Zoya's hair was a glossy curtain on her back. Genya braided some to keep it off of her face and fasten a small clip near her ear to hold it together.

Nikolai's mouth dried and he couldn't take his eyes away.

IX

Nikolai's jaw hurt from clenching it the whole evening. He flexed his fingers, he gripped the railings too hard.

The air in the ballroom stifled him so he decided to go out for a bit.

Zoya was being fond over by men, there's nothing unusual with that. What's unusual was the raging jealousy he felt.

Nikolai wanted to break each of the men's face. To take Zoya away and hide her so no fool would drool over her ever again.

Should he do something? Will Zoya even want him to.

"Were none of the ladies to your liking Your majesty?"

X

Zoya saw the king stiffen but relaxed on the sound of her voice. He still didn't turn though.

The king laughed but it sounded bitter to Zoya's ears. "Memories or no, you're still trying to pawn me off to someone Nazyalensky."

That information bothered Zoya more than it should.

"Have you gotten tired of your admirers then?"

Zoya stood beside him and fluff her hair on one shoulder. "They're fools."

"I agree with that."

Zoya noticed that he was staring, specifically on her back. It showed through the crisscross design of her gown.

"Your back is beautiful too you know."

XI

Zoya stilled at that.

"So, you were my lover?"

Nikolai's face darkens as he bit out. "No."

Zoya raised her eyebrows. Her lovers were the only one who she showed her back.

"I'm not one of them." Said the king, his hazel eyes boring into hers.

"What are you then?" Zoya whispered looking up at him.

He opened and closed his mouth a few times but didn't say anything.

His gaze dropped on her lips though.

The next thing Zoya knew, she was being pulled close and Nikolai's face hovered over hers. Zoya's eyes fluttered shut and their lips met.

XII

Nikolai was in heaven.

He just couldn't take it anymore, Nikolai finally snapped.

He pulled Zoya to him and kissed her for all he's worth.

Nikolai caged Zoya on the railings while his fingers berried themselves in her luxurious hair.

Nikolai's kiss was demanding. Like she was an oasis and he spent weeks in a desert.

But gradually, he slowed. Nikolai took his time, savouring her.

Zoya's flushed body against his, her familiar scent and her soft, soft lips.

Nikolai felt Zoya's arms twined on his neck and she kissed him back. When breathing became necessary, Nikolai finally pulled away.

XIII

Nikolai touched his forehead to hers, his arms still snaked around Zoya. He didn't look like he planned to let her go soon.

"Nikolai." Zoya said breathlessly.

She had remembered everything. The battle, her injury and what happened after.

Zoya fought hard and risk her life so she could protect this man and all he loves. Her pesky feelings shouldn't ruin that.

"Yes?"

"You're an idiot." She huffed but nestled his chest.

Because even though her head said let go, her heart and body defied it.

Zoya felt the rumble of Nikolai's laugh.

"An idiot who's in love with you."

Prompt: Zoya had temporary amnesia.

A/N: Thanks for reading.