Vasily Lantsov was the eldest of the princes of Ravka and older brother of Nikolai Lantsov. He was the only biological son of Alexander III, King of Ravka, as his younger brother Nikolai was the bastard of the Queen. He was the heir to the throne of Ravka before the attack on Nikolai's birthday party, where he was slain by the Darkling's nichevo'ya.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Vasily took fencing lessons and studied statecraft, geography, and military histories.[1]
As a young boy, Nikolai was desperate for his brother's attention and would only behave when he received it. Vasily's childhood nickname for his brother was "Nikolai Nothing."
Nikolai believes that Vasily tried to poison him when Nikolai was twelve.[2]
When Nikolai was fifteen, Vasily caught Nikolai sneaking back into the palace from visiting his friend Dominik. Vasily had Dominik fired, because he believed it was not appropriate for them to be friends given their wide class difference. Nikolai—angered that this would mean Dominik would be drafted into the First Army—confronted Vasily and sprained his finger.[1]
Like most other noblemen, Vasily accepted an officer's commission and had only a symbolic military service.
Shadow and Bone[]
Vasily spends his time hunting, buying up horses, and getting drunk which drives the Queen mad because he won't look for a wife. Alina Starkov once sees Vasily riding around the palace grounds on a white gelding.[3]
Siege and Storm[]
When word of Nikolai's return to Os Alta traveled to Caryeva, the epicenter of summer horse auctions and races, Vasily packed up and made it home to the Grand Palace where he met Alina Starkov and Nikolai as their procession made it to the upper town. When he caught sight of Nikolai in the parade, they greeted each other only with a stiff, brief embrace.[4]
Throughout the rest of his time at court, he attended the council meetings despite being hungover or sleeping during the majority of them. When he wasn't ignoring his duties, he made sure to input on every issue, ensuring the meetings ran twice as long. Vasily approached Alina after a meeting to propose an alliance as future King and Queen, to which she promptly and respectfully denied.
At one of the meetings Vasily attends, the council discusses the draft age and the many deserters of the First Army. Vasily's view is to lower the age to around thirteen and make some examples of the deserters to scare the soldiers into submission. Alina begins to snap at Vasily as the draft age is already sixteen years old, and many soldiers are drafted into the army at lower ages. Nikolai presses that the people will not desert with full bellies and clear instruction: not fear and starving. The conversation shifts to nichevo'ya, to which Vasily dismisses their existence entirely. Nikolai loses his composure and insults Vasily, calling him an idiot. Vasily, now purple faced, snaps back saying that what is best for Ravka is a Lantsov on the throne. The meeting ends with his pride disheveled.
At some point during his time at the capital, the King of Ravka sanctioned a trip to Fjerda to form an alliance with the country historically known as Ravka's enemy. To cover up the journey, he was said to have gone to the summer auctions in Caryeva. He packed up in the middle of the night and traveled to Fjerda where he agreed to allow access to West Ravkan ports, help police the seas against Zemeni pirates, reopen logging routes specifically south of Halmhend, west of the permafrost, and cooperation with the Sun Summoner, to push back the Fold. He then travels back to the capital in time to break the news on Nikolai's birthday.
When the time for Nikolai's birthday dinner arrives, Vasily toasts to Nikolai when flavored ices are being served. He wishes him good health and reminds him once, after many a time, of his second born status. The nobles say cheers but are interrupted when Vasily clinks his glass three times. It is at this moment that Vasily announces the terms of the alliance. Nikolai, alarmingly upset at the new ally, insists on evacuating the palace. The brothers then begin arguing over the panic being set in, and on the other hand, the panic being cast aside for an 'accomplishment'. The extended Lantsov family attempts to chime in to calm the matter. Vasily, having no interest in being soothed, unsheathed his saber; livid and red faced. The windows of the Eagle's Den, the dining room where the dinner is being held, explode and the Darkling's nichevo'ya crawl into the room, killing a Lantsov cousin across from Alina. The guests rise in a gabble of panic and fear, attempting to escape. Nikolai runs to his parents with Alina and Malyen Oretsev beside him. Vasily runs toward Alina and Mal, saber high, blaming the Darkling's arrival on the 'witch'. Before he can attack anyone, a nichevo'ya swoops down and rips his sword arm from its socket. He is left swaying and shocked for a moment, then collapses on the parquet flooring bleeding out.
Once the attack is over, Nikolai flies in the Kingfisher over the Grand Palace with the intent to collect his body, but is unable to find it.
Personality and traits[]
Nikolai describes Vasily as caring "more about horses and his next drink of whiskey than his people"[5] and "inheriting [his] father's aversion to hard work."[6] He has a sense of superiority as the Crown Prince and often reminds Nikolai that he is only the second son (and at times insulting him as a probable bastard).
He shows great interest in horses and horse-racing.
Physical description[]
He is described as almost handsome if it were not for the weak chin that he inherited from his father, and his eyes so heavy-lidded that it is hard to tell if he is bored, tired, or drunk.[3] However, he can also "radiate arrogance and nobility"[4] when he needs to. He has a tendency to purse his lips in annoyance or disdain.
Appearances[]
- Shadow and Bone (mentioned only)
- The Tailor (mentioned only)
- Siege and Storm (first and only appearance)
- Ruin and Rising (mentioned only)
- King of Scars (mentioned only; appears in flashback)
- Rule of Wolves (mentioned only)
Etymology[]
- Vasily is a Russian name meaning "king."[7]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 King of Scars, chapter 12
- ↑ Rule of Wolves, chapter 12
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Shadow and Bone, chapter 13
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Siege and Storm, chapter 12
- ↑ Siege and Storm, chapter 9
- ↑ Siege and Storm, chapter 11
- ↑ The names dictionary: Vasily