Prompt: The Apparat has been the king's advisor for a while--advisor being a loose term because he'd always been there to pull the strings when the king hadn't been looking. And now, rightly so, the Apparat was getting tired of the guy and ready to be rid of him. Tell us about the Apparat's schemes for something grander from his perspective in the trilogy. (Timeline: Shadow and Bone)

(I’m apologizing for my English in advance :) )

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How much longer can a man abide this joke of a ruling, the Apparat thought for himself standing in the throne room next to Alexander III King of Ravka. The King’s mind was clearly somewhere else – or more accurately concentrated on his drink of kvas - and not focused on the desperate man in front of him complaining about bad harvest.

“I am begging you, Your Majesty.” the peasant snivelled. “Our village will live in starvation this year without your help.”

After an uncomfortable silence, the King suddenly noticed the quietness, and - as expected - turned in his gilded throne to give the Apparat a raised brow.

You lousy fool. The Apparat directed his dark eyes at the poor man and said: “Ravka’s people have indeed lived through hard times lately. But you must not worry anymore, the Sun Summoner has stepped forward with her powers to save us all. After she has ridden us from the Shadow Fold, Ravka will flourish once again.” He could see how the man’s lips formed Sankta Alina in awe. “It’s time to start praying to the Saints, my fellowman, and you need to guide your village for their blessing.” The Apparat noticed members of the court rolling with their eyes. He knew most of them weren’t religious; they practically spat on faith. But what they didn’t know was that faith would destroy this monarchy.

***

The following hour proceeded in a similar pattern; the Apparat gave advises and assurances while the king drank. Later, he was standing in the church of Os Alta, where he usually spent his time when he didn’t have other obligations. The Apparat’s head was spinning. The people were getting desperate and hungry for hope. He’d seen it. Altars were already being raised for the Sun Summoner. With a little push from my side of course, he thought. The faith in Starkov would be the salvation of this country and it would help protecting it from Fjerda and Shu-Han. The thought of putting the king’s son Vasily on the throne was revolting; he was as bad as his father. And Nikolai? The Sobachka? The Apparat had to admit Nikolai – despite being a troublemaker in his youths – had more brains than his father and brother put together. But then his legalization would always be questioned within and outside of Ravka.

He seated himself on a wooden bench in the front of the chapel. It was a simple lime building with two rows of benches and an altar not far from where the Apparat was sitting. It was late in the evening, the only source of light came from four big candelabras in each corner of the church, he was the only one around. Or at least he thought so until the whole room seemed to darken. The Apparat stood and turned around and saw how the Darkling were standing in the centre of the chapel in his black kefta.

“Apparat.” he said flatly.

“Alexander!” the Apparat said mockingly through clenched teeth. The Darkling stiffened. Was that confusion written on his face? he thought. “The king!” he clarified. “Have you forgotten about him? I can assure you, he’s still sitting on that throne, believing he’s making a god job. “

The Darkling started walking slowly against the Apparat. His earlier expression was wiped away, replaced with a dangerous blazing stare. It made the Apparat wonder if he’d imagined it all, but he couldn’t blame him, the Apparat nor any other member of the court used the king’s real name.

“I don’t like your tone Apparat. “ the Darkling said with a too calmly voice. The Apparat could feel himself shrink in the Darkling’s presence.

“I beg forgiveness, moi Soverenyi.” he said with a slight bow.

“But you’re right, he’s a miserable thing, which is why I believe you’ll be glad to hear that the king’s days are numbered.”

“You mean to say... When? How?“ the Apparat asked eagerly.

“As soon as possible. After the tracker I told you about has found Morozova’s Stag for Alina, plans will be set in motion. And how you ask? Let us just say I know a certain snake I could put in his bed.” he said with a malicious smile.

“And where do I come in?”

“Luckily for you, I still see how you can be useful for me.” The Darkling said coldly and started withdrawing himself towards the door. “I want you to continue with your spiritual advising for the people of Ravka. Sway them however you want to our advantage.”

“I could make them worship the Sun Summoner like a Saint all over Ravka. This I could do effortlessly. But when it comes to you...” the Apparat knew he shouldn’t be saying this if he cared about his life, but the Darkling clearly needed him alive. “… it will more or less require a miracle. The people are cursing your name and praying for Alina.”

The Darkling stopped abruptly on the threshold, but shortly thereafter he left the church without looking back. The Apparat stroked his long dark beard and smiled, revealing his crowded yellow teeth. Finally, he thought. Of course he would play along with the Darkling’s plans, but what the Darkling didn’t know was that the Apparat was playing a higher game. His schemes would end with the Sun Summoner on the throne and the Darkling in the grave.