Spirit Bound Chapter Three

THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS were strange. The other novices and I exp unmatchablent stomach had the flashiest graduation, in metre we werent the only(prenominal) bingles finishing our education at St. Vladimirs. The Moroi had their possess commencement ceremony, and campus grew packed with visitors. Then, or so as quickly as they came, p atomic number 18nts disappearedta queen mole rat their sons and daughters with them. Royal Moroi left to spend their summers with their parents at luxury estatesmany in the S egresshern Hemisp here(predicate), where the long metre were shorter this clipping of year. Ordinary Moroi left with their parents similarly, off to more modest dental plates, possibly selectting summer jobs onward college.And of course, with school wrapping up for the summer, every last(predicate) the other students left in any case. Some with no family to go home to, usually dhampirs, stayed year- round down, taking special electives, only when they were the m inority. Campus grew emptier each solar day as my classmates and I waited for the day when wed be taken to the Royal Court. We do our outlying(prenominal)ewells to others, Moroi moving on or younger dhampirs whod soon be undermentioned in our footsteps.One person I was hapless to stop with was Jill. I run intoed to catch her as I was pass toward Lissas dorm the day in wait my Court trip. There was a woman with Jill, presumably her mother, and round(prenominal) were carrying boxes. Jills mettle lit up when she axiom me.Hey move up I said goodbye to everyone else merely couldnt image you, she said excitedly.I make a faced. Well, Im glad you caught me.I couldnt tell her that Id been saying goodbye too. Id spent my last day at St. Vladimirs walking all the familiar sites, starting with the elementary campus where Lissa and I had first met in good-naturedergarten. Id explored the halls and corners of my dorms, walked chivalric favorite classrooms, and nonwithstandin g visited the chapel. Id excessively passed a lot of time in areas conveyed with mantersweet memories, charitablered the training areas where Id first gotten to k straight air Dimitri. The track where he used to make me run laps. The cabin where wed last surpassn in to each other. It had been one of the well-nigh amazing nights of my life, and bringing close together close it al ways brought me twain joy and pain.Jill didnt ask to be burdened with any of that, though. I turned toward her mother and started to offer my progress until I realized she couldnt shake it while maneuvering the box. Im Rose Hathaway. Here, let me carry that.I took it earlier she could disagree because I was certain she would. Thank you, she said, pleasantly surprised. I fell in step with them as they began walking again. Im Emily Mastrano. Jills told me a lot close you.Oh yeah? I asked, giving Jill a teasing make a face.Not that very a great deal. honorable how I hang out with you some q uantify. There was a slight warning in Jills green eye, and it occurred to me that Emily likely didnt k at one time her daughter practiced forbidden forms of Strigoi-killing magic in her free time.We like having Jill about, I said, non blowing her cover. And one of these days, were waiver to teach her to tame that pilus.Emily laughed. Ive been trying for almost fifteen years. goodly luck.Jills mother was stunning. The ii didnt resemble each other much, at least not superficially. Emilys lustrous hair was straight and dour, her eyes deep blue and long-lashed. She moved with a provideowy grace, very different from Jills always self-conscious walk. Yet, I could agnize the shared genes here and in that respect, the heart-shaped faces and lip shapes. Jill was notwithstanding young, and as she grew into her swashs, shed likely be a heartbreaker herself somedaysomething she was believably oblivious to upright now. Hopefully her self-confidence would grow.Wheres home for you guys? I asked.Detroit, said Jill, qualification a face.Its not that bad, laughed her mom.There are no mountains. Just highways.Im part of a ballet association thither, Emily explained. So we stay where we can pay the bills. I think I was more surprised that plurality went to the ballet in Detroit than that Emily was a ballerina. It make sense, watching her, and really, with their tall and slim builds, Moroi were ideal dancers as cold as humans were concerned.Hey, its a big city, I told Jill. Enjoy the excitement while you can forrader you come patronage to the boring middle of nowhere. Of course, illicit combat training and Strigoi attacks were bafflingly boring, entirely I deprivationed to make Jill feel better. And it wont be that long. Moroi summer vacations were barely two months. Parents were eager to return their children to the sanctuary of the Academy.I guess, said Jill, not sounding convinced. We reached their car, and I loaded the boxes into the trunk.Ill e-mail you when I can, I promised. And I bet Christian impart too. possibly I can compensate talk Adrian into it.Jill aglitter(predicate)ened, and I was well-chosen to carry out her return to her normal overexcited self. Really? That would be great. I desire to hear everything that goes on at Court. Youll probably return to do all sorts of cool things with Lissa and Adrian, and I bet Christian will regain out all sorts of things about things.Emily didnt go acrossm to notice Jills lame editing attempt and openhearteda fixed me with a pretty smile. Thanks for your support, Rose. It was great to border you.You tooumphJill had thrown herself into me with a hug. Good luck with everything, she said. Youre so luckyyoure issue to break such a great life nowI returned the hug, unable to explain how jealous of her I was. Her life was still safe and innocent. She king begrudge spending a summer in Detroit, that the stay would be brief, and soon shed be back in the familiar and easy world of St. Vladimirs. She wouldnt be fix upting out into the un inhabitn and its dangers.It was only afterwards she and her mother had driven off that I could fill myself to respond to her comment. I hope so, I murmured, thinking about what was to come. I hope so.My classmates and select Moroi flew out early the next day, leaving the rocky mountains of atomic number 109 behind for the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. The Royal Court was a lot like I remembered, with the same imposing, quaint feel that St. Vladimirs act to impart with its towering buildings and intricate stone architecture. only the school also seemed to want to show off a wise, studious air, whereas the Court was more ostentatious. It was like the buildings themselves tried to make legitimate we all k untried that this was the seat of power and royalty among the Moroi. The Royal Court wanted us to be amazed and maybe a detailed cowed.And heretofore though Id been here before, I was still impressed. The doors and windows of the tan stone buildings were embossed and framed in pristine golden decorations. They were a faraway cry from the brightness Id seen in Russia, but I realized now that the Courts designers had modeled these buildings off the old European onesthe fortresses and palaces of Saint Petersburg. St. Vladimirs had benches and paths in the quads and courtyards, but the Court went a step further. Fountains and elaborate statues of knightly rulers adorned the lawns, exquisite marble working that had previously been hidden in snow. Now, in the full throes of summer, they were bright and on display. And everywhere, everywhere were flowers on trees, bushes, pathsit was dazzling.It made sense that new grads would visit the shielders central administration, but it occurred to me that in that respect was other reason they brought new withstanders here in the summer. They wanted my classmates and me to see all of this, to be overwhelmed and appreciative of the glory for wh ich we were fighting. Looking at the faces of the new graduates, I knew the tactic was working. Most had never been here before.Lissa and Adrian had been on my flight, and the three of us clustered unitedly as we walked with the group. It was as warm as it had been in Montana, but the humidity here was much thicker. I was sweating after only a little light walking.You did bring a dress this time, right? asked Adrian.Of course, I said. Theyve got some fancy things they want us to go to, aside from the main reception. Although, they might give me my black-and-white for that.He shook his top, and I find his hand start to move toward his pocket before hesitating and pulling back. He might fork up been fashioning progress in quitting smoking, but I was pretty genuine the subconscious urge to mechanically reach for a pack when outdoors was strenuous to depict rid of so quickly.I mean for tonight. For dinner.I glanced questioningly at Lissa. Her schedule at Court always had assorte d functions thrown into it that average people didnt attend. With my new and uncertain status, I wasnt sure if Id be loss with her. I sensed her puzzlement through the bond and could tell that she didnt apply a clue about any special dinner plans.What dinner? I asked.The one I sterilise up with my family.The one you I came to an abrupt halt and stared wide-eyed, not liking the smirk on his face one bit. Adrian A few of the new grads gave me curious scents and continued walking around us.Come on, weve been going out a couple months. Meeting parents is part of the dating ritual. Ive met your mom. I plain met your scary-ass dad. Now its your turn. I guarantee none of my familys gonna make the gentle of suggestions your dad did.Id actually kind of met Adrians dad before. Or, well, Id seen him at a party. I doubted he had any idea who I wasmy whacky reputation aside. I knew almost nobody about Adrians mother. He actually spoke very little about his family memberswell, most of the m.Just your parents? I asked warily. Any other family I should know about?Well Adrians hand twitched again. I think this time he wanted a cigarette as some sort of protection from the warning whole step in my spokesperson. Lissa, I observed, seemed highly diverted by all of this. My favorite great-aunt might invert by.Tatiana? I exclaimed. For the hundredth time, I wondered how I had lucked out with a guy related to the leader of the ideal Moroi world. She scorns me You know what happened the last time we talked. Her Royal stateliness had laid into me, yelling about how I was too trashy to hook up with her nephew and how she had great plans for him and Lissa.I think shes come around.Oh, come on.No, really. He almost looked like he was telling the truth. I talked to my mom the other day, and I dont know. Aunt Tatiana doesnt seem to hate you as much.I frowned, and the three of us began to walk again. Maybe she admires your recent vigilante work, mused Lissa.Maybe, I said. excl usively I didnt really confide it. If anything, me going rogue should have made me more despicable in the queens eyes.I felt kind of betrayed that Adrian had sprung this dinner on me, but there was nothing to be through with(p) about it now. The only bright side was that I had the impression he was teasing me about his aunt stopping by. I told him Id go, and my decision put him in a good enough mood that he didnt ask too many questions when Lissa and I said we were going to do our own thing that afternoon. My classmates were all furbish upting a tour of the Court and its grounds as part of their indoctrination, but Id seen it all before and was able to wiggle out of it. Lissa and I dropped our belongings off in our rooms and then set out to the far side of the Court, where the not-so-royal people seed.Are you going to tell me yet what this other part of your plan is? asked Lissa.Ever since Abe had explained about Victors prison, Id been making another mental list of the problem s wed have respite into it. Mainly, there were two, which was one less than Id initially had since talking to Abe. Not that things were really much easier. First, we had no clue where in Alaska this place was. Second, we didnt know what the prisons defenses and layout were like. We had no idea what we had to bust through.Yet, something told me all of these answers could be found in one source, which meant I really only had one immediate problem how to reach that source. Fortunately, I knew someone who might be able to help get us there.Were going to see Mia, I told her.Mia Rinaldi was a fountain Moroi classmate of oursa former enemy, actually. She was also the poster child for total personality makeovers. Shed gone from a scheming bitch who was willing to crushand sleep withanyone in her quest for popularity to a down-to-earth, confident misfire eager to learn to defend herself and others from Strigoi. She lived here at Court with her father.You think Mia knows how to break into a prison?Mias good, but I dont think shes that good. She can probably help us get intel, though.Lissa groaned. I cant study you just used the playscript intel. This really is turning into a spy movie. She spoke flippantly, but I could feel the worry within her. The light tone was masking her fear, the unease she still felt about freeing Victor, despite her promise to me.Those non-royals who worked and did ordinary things at Court lived in apartments far from the queens quarters and receiving hall. Id gotten Mias acknowledgment in advance, and we set out across the perfectly manicured grounds, grumbling to each other along the way about the hot day. We found her at home, casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt with a Popsicle in her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw us outside her door.Well, Ill be damned, she said.I laughed. It was the kind of response Id give. Nice to see you too. idler we come in?Of course. She stepped aside. You want a Popsicle?Did I ever. I took a grape o ne and sat with her and Lissa in the small living room. The place was a far cry from the opulence of royal guest ho exploitation, but it was cozy and clean and undoubtedly well deal by Mia and her father.I knew the grads were coming, Mia said, brushing blond curls out of her face. But I wasnt sure if you were with them or not. Did you scour graduate?I did, I said. Got the promise mark and everything. I lifted my hair so she could see the bandage.Im surprised they let you back in after you took off on your killing spree. Or did you get extra credit for that?Apparently, Mia had heard the same tall tale about my adventures that everyone else had. That was handsome with me. I didnt want to talk about the truth. I didnt want to talk about Dimitri.Do you think anyone could stop Rose from doing what she wants? asked Lissa with a smile. She was trying to keep us from getting into too much detail about my historic whereabouts, for which I was grateful.Mia laughed and crunched on a big ch unk of lime ice. It was a wonder she didnt get fountain learning ability freeze. True. Her smile faded as she swallowed the bite. Her blue eyes, always shrewd, studied me in silence for a few moments. And Rose wants something now.Hey, were just happy to see you, I said.I believe you. But I also believe youve got an ulterior precedent.Lissas smile grew. She was amused by me being caught in my spy game. What makes you say that? Can you read Rose that well or do you just always assume shes got an ulterior motive?Now Mia smiled again. Both. She scooted forward on the couch, fixing me with a serious look. When had she grown so perceptive? Okay. No point in wasting time. What do you take on my help with?I sighed, busted. I need to get inside the guardians main security office.Beside me, Lissa made a sort of strangled noise. I felt kind of bad for her. While she could conceal her ideas from me on occasion, there wasnt much she did or said that came as a true surprise. Me? I continually blindsided her. She had no clue what was coming half the time, but honestly, if we were planning on springing a renowned criminal out of prison, then breaking into a security office shouldnt have been that big of a shock.Wow, said Mia. You dont uncivilized time with the little stuff. Her grin twitched a bit. Of course, you wouldnt come to me with little stuff. You could do that yourself.Can you get meusin there? I asked. Youre lucky with some of the guardians here and your dad has access to a lot of places. I didnt know Mr. Rinaldis exact job, but I supposition it was maintenance-related.What are you looking for? she asked. She held up a hand when I opened my mouth to protest. No, no. I dont need details. Just a general idea so I can figure this out. I know youre not going there just to tour the place.I need some proves, I explained.Her eyebrows rose. Personnel? Trying to get yourself a job?Ino. Huh. That wasnt a bad idea, considering my unassured position with being assigned to Lissa. But no. One issue at a time. I need some records about outside security at other placesschools, royal homes, prisons. I tried to keep my expression casual as I mentioned that last one. Mia was on board with some crazy things, but even she had her limits. I figured they must keep that stuff there?They do, she said. But most of its electronic. And no offense, but that might even be beyond your abilities. Even if we could get to one of their computers, everythings password protected. And if they walk away, they lock the computers. Im guessing you havent become a hacker since the last time I saw you.No, certainly not. And unlike the heroes of those spy movies Lissa teased me about, I had no tech-savvy friends who could even come close to breaking that kind of encryption and security. Damn. I stared glumly at my feet, wondering if I had any chance at all of getting more information out of Abe.But, said Mia, if the information you need isnt too current, they might still have pa per copies.I jerked my head up. Where?Theyve got mass storage rooms, tucked away in one of the basements. Files and files. Still under lock and keybut probably easier to get to than fighting the computers. Again, depends on what you need. How old it is.Abe had given me the impression that Tarasov Prison had been around for a while. Surely there was a record of it in these archives. I didnt doubt the guardians had gone digital a while ago, which meant we might not find up-to-the-minute details on the places security, but Id drop down for a blueprint.It might be what we need. Can you get us in?Mia was quiet for several seconds, and I could see her mind whirring. Possibly. She glanced at Lissa. Can you still compel people into being your slaves?Lissa grimaced. I dont like to think of it like that, but yeah, I can. It was another of spirits perks.Mia considered a few moments more and then gave a quick nod. Okay. Come back around two, and well see what we can do.Two in the afternoon for the equalizer of the world meant the middle of the night for Moroi, who ran on a nocturnal schedule. Being out in broad daylight didnt feel particularly sneaky, but I had to figure Mias planning here was found on the fact that there would also be fewer people around that time of day.I was trying to decide if we should socialize more or head out when a knock interrupted my thoughts. Mia flinched and suddenly looked un homelike. She rose to get the door, and a familiar interpreter drifted down the hall toward us.Sorry Im early, but IChristian stepped into the living room. He abruptly take out up when he saw Lissa and me. Everyone seemed frozen, so it looked like it was up to me to pretend like this wasnt a awful awkward situation.Hey, Christian, I said cheerfully. Hows it going?His eyes were on Lissa, and it took him a moment to drag them to me. Fine. He glanced at Mia. I can come back. Lissa hastily stood up. No, she said, voice cool and princesslike. Rose and I have to go anywa y.Yeah, I agreed, following her lead. We have stuff to do. And we dont want to interrupt your Hell, I had no idea what they were going to do. Wasnt sure I wanted to.Mia had found her voice. Christian wanted to see some of the moves Ive been practicing with the campus guardians.Cool. I kept the smile on my face as Lissa and I moved toward the door. She stepped as far around Christian as she could. Jill will be jealous.And not just Jill. After another round of goodbyes, Lissa and I left and set back off across the grounds. I could feel the anger and green-eyed monster radiating through her bond.Its only their fight club, Liss, I said, having no need for her side of the conversation. Nothings going on. Theyre going to talk punches and kicking and other boring stuff. Well, actually that stuff was pretty sweet, but I wasnt about to glorify Christian and Mia reprieve out.Maybe now nothings going on, she growled, staring stonily ahead. But who knows what could happen? They spend time tog ether, practice some physical moves, one thing leads to anotherThats ridiculous, I said. That kind of stuff isnt romantic at all. Another lie, sightedness as that was exactly how my relationship with Dimitri had begun. Again, best not to mention that. Besides, Christian cant be involved with every girl he hangs out with. Mia, Jillno offense, but hes not really that much of a ladies man.Hes really good-looking, she argued, those relentless feelings still seething within her.Yeah, I conceded, keeping my eyes carefully on the pathway. But it takes more than that. And besides, I thought you didnt care what he did.I dont, she agreed, not even convincing herself, let alone me. Not at all.My attempts to distract her proved pretty useless for the rest of the day. Tashas words came back to me Why havent you fixed this? Because Lissa and Christian were being too damned unreasonable, both caught up in their own pissed-off feelingswhich were kind of pissing me off in return. Christian would have been pretty helpful in my illicit escapades, but I had to keep my di stead for Lissas sake.I finally left her to her bad mood when dinner came around. Compared to her romantic situation, my relationship with a semi-spoiled royal playboy from a disapproving family seemed downright optimistic. What a sad and scary world this was becoming. I assured Lissa Id head straight back after dinner and that wed go see Mia together. The mention of Mia didnt make Lissa happy, but the thought of a potential break-in did distract her momentarily from Christian.The dress I had for dinner was maroon, made of light, right-down material that was great for summer weather. The neckline was decent, and little cap sleeves gave it a classy edge. With my hair in a low ponytail that did a decent job of hiding the healing tattoo, I almost looked like a respectable girlfriendwhich only went to show how deceptive appearances were, seeing as I was part of a crazy scheme to bring my last boyfriend back from the dead.Adrian surveyed me from head to toe when I arrived at his parents town house. They kept a permanent residence here at the Court. The small smile on his face told me he liked what he saw.You honor? I asked, spinning around.He slipped an arm around my waist. Unfortunately, yes. I was hoping youd show up in something a lot sluttier. Something that would scandalize my parents.Sometimes its like you dont even care about me as a person, I observed as we walked inside. Its like youre just using me for shock value.Its both, little dhampir. I care about you, and Im using you for shock value.I hid a smile as the Ivashkovs housekeeper led us toward the dining room. The Court actually had restaurants and cafes tucked away within its buildings, but royals like Adrians parents would consider it classier to have a fancy dinner in their home. Me, I would have prefer being out in public. More escape options.You must be Rose.My assessment of the exits was interrupted when a very tall, very elegant Moroi woman came into the room. She wore a long, dark green satin dress that immediately made me feel out of place and that perfectly matched the color of herand Adrianseyes. Her dark hair was pulled into a bun, and she smiled down at me with genuine warmth as she took my hand.Im Daniella Ivashkov, she said. Its very nice to meet you at last.Was it really? My hand automatically shook hers in return. Nice to meet you too, Lady Ivashkov.Call me Daniella, please. She turned to Adrian and tsked as she straightened the collar of his button-up shirt. Honestly, darling, she said. Do you even look in a mirror before you walk out the door? Your hairs a mess.He dodged her as she reached toward his head. Are you kidding? I spent hours in front of the mirror to make it look this way.She gave a tormented sigh. Some days I cant decide if Im lucky or not to have no other children. Behind her, quiet servants were setting food out on the table. Steam rose up from the platters, and my stomac h rumbled. I hoped no one else heard. Daniella glanced off down the hall beyond her. Nathan, will you hurry up? The foods getting cold.A few moments later, heavy footsteps sounded on the ornate wood floor, and Nathan Ivashkov brush into the room. Like his wife, he was dressed formally, the blue satin of his tie gleaming next to the starkness of his heavy black suit coat. I was glad they had air-conditioning in here, or hed have been melting in that heavy fabric. The feature on him that stood out the most was what I remembered from before a distinctly silver head of hair and mustache. I wondered if Adrians hair would look like that when he was older. Nah, Id never find out. Adrian would probably dye his hair at the first sign of grayor silver.Adrians father might be exactly as I remembered, but it was clear he had no clue who I was. In fact, he seemed real startled to see me.This is Adrians, ah, friend, Rose Hathaway, said Daniella gently. You rememberhe said hed bring her tonight.I ts nice to meet you, Lord Ivashkov.Unlike his wife, he didnt offer to put us on a first-name basis, which relieved me a little. The Strigoi who had forcefully turned Dimitri had been named Nathan too, and it wasnt a name I wanted to speak aloud. Adrians father looked me over, but it wasnt with the savvy Adrian had shown earlier. It was more like I was an oddity. Oh. The dhampir girl.He wasnt rude exactly, just disinterested. I mean, it wasnt like he called me a blood whore or anything. We all sat down to eat, and although Adrian kept his typical devil-may-care smile on his face, I again got the vibe that he really, really wanted a cigarette. Probably disfranchised liquor, too. Being around his parents was not something he enjoyed. When one of the servants poured us all wine, Adrian looked immensely relieved and didnt exert back. I shot him a cautioning look that he ignored.Nathan managed to rapidly devour his balsamic-glazed pork medallions while still looking elegant and proper. So, he said, attention focused on Adrian, now that Vasilisas graduated, what are you going to do with yourself? You arent going to keep slumming with high school students, are you? Theres no point in you being there anymore.I dont know, said Adrian lazily. He shook his head, further tousling his carefully mussed hair. I kind of like hanging out with them. They think Im funnier than I really am.Unsurprising, his father replied. You arent funny at all. Its time you do something productive. If you arent going to go back to college, you should at least start sitting in on some of the family crease meetings. Tatiana spoils you, but you could learn a lot from Rufus.I knew enough about royal politics to neck the name. The oldest member of each family was usually its prince or princess and held a Royal Council positionand was eligible to become king or queen. When Tatiana had taken the crown, Rufus had become prince of the Ivashkov family since he was the next oldest.True, said Adrian de adpan. He wasnt eating so much as pushing his food around. Id really like to know how he keeps his two mistresses a cloistered from his wife.Adrian snapped Daniella, a flush spilling over her pale cheeks. Dont say things like that at our dinner tableand certainly not in front of a guest.Nathan seemed to notice me again and gave a dismissive shrug. She doesnt matter. I bit my lip on that, repressing the urge to see if I could throw my china plate Frisbee name and hit him in the head. I decided against it. Not only would it ruin dinner, but the plate probably wouldnt get the lift I needed. Nathan turned his scowl back to Adrian. But you do. Im not going to have you sitting around doing nothingand using our money to fund it.Something told me I should stay out of this, but I couldnt stand to see Adrian dressed down by his annoying father. Adrian did sit around and waste money, but Nathan didnt have the right to make fun of him for it. I mean, sure, I did all the time. But that was dif ferent.Maybe you could go to Lehigh with Lissa, I offered. Keep studying spirit with her and then do whatever else you were doing the last time you were in college.Drinking and skipping classes, said Nathan.Art, said Daniella. Adrian took art classes.Really? I asked, turning to him in surprise. Somehow, I could imagine him as an artistic type. It fit his erratic personality. Then this would be perfect. You could pick it up again.He shrugged and finished his second glass of wine. I dont know. This college would probably have the same problem the last one did.I frowned. Whats that?Homework.Adrian, growled his father.Its okay, said Adrian breezily. He rested his arm casually on the table. I dont really need a job or extra money. After Rose and I get married, the kids and Ill just live off of her guardian paycheck.We all froze, even me. I knew perfectly well that he was joking. I mean, even if he harbored fantasies of marriage and kids (and I was pretty sure he didnt), the meager salary a guardian made would never be enough to keep him in the luxurious life he required.Adrians father, however, clear did not think he was joking. Daniella seemed undecided. Me, I was just uncomfortable. It was a very, very bad topic to bring up at a dinner like this, and I couldnt believe Adrian had gone there. I didnt even think the wine was to blame. Adrian just liked tormenting his father that much.The awful silence grew thicker and thicker. My gut instinct to fill conversation voids was raging, but something told me to stay quiet. The tension increased. When the doorbell rang, all four of us nearly jumped out of our chairs.The housekeeper, Torrie, scurried off to answer it, and I breathed a mental sigh of relief. An unexpected visitor would help ease the tension.Or maybe not.Torrie cleared her throat when she returned, clearly flustered as she looked from Daniella to Nathan. Her Royal Majesty Queen Tatiana is here.No. Way.All three Ivashkovs stood up abruptly, and a half second later, I linked them. I hadnt believed Adrian earlier when he said Tatiana might come. From his face, he seemed pretty surprised now too. But sure enough, there she was. She swept into the room, elegant in what must have been business casual for her accommodate black slacks and jacket with a red silk and lace blouse underneath. Little jeweled barrettes gleamed in her dark hair, and those imperious eyes peered down at us all as we offered hasty bows. Even her own family followed formalities.Aunt Tatiana, said Nathan, forcing what looked like a smile onto his face. I dont think he did it very often. Wont you adjunction us for dinner?She waved a hand dismissively. No, no. I cant stay. Im on my way to meet with Priscilla but thought Id stop by when I heard Adrian had returned. Her gaze fell on him. I cant believe youve been here all day and didnt come visit. Her voice was cool, but I swear there was an amused twinkle in her eyes. It was scary. She wasnt someone I thought of as warm a nd fuzzy. The whole experience of seeing her outside of one of her ceremonial rooms was totally unreal.Adrian grinned at her. He was clearly the most comfortable person in the room right now. For reasons I never understood, Tatiana loved and spoiled Adrian. That wasnt to say that she didnt love her other family members it was just clear that he was her favorite. It had always surprised me, considering what a scoundrel he was sometimes.Aw, I figured you had more important things to do than see me, he told her. Besides, I quit smoking, so now we wont be able to go sneak cigarettes out behind the throne room together.Adrian chastised Nathan, turning bright red. It occurred to me then that I could have based a drinking game around how many times he exclaimed his sons name disapprovingly. Auntie, Im sorTatiana held up a hand again. Oh, be silent, Nathan. No one wants to hear it. I almost choked. Being in the same room with the queen was horrid, but it was almost worth it to see her verba lly bitch-slap Lord Ivashkov. She turned back to Adrian, face thawing. Youve finally quit? Its about time. I chew over this is your doing?It took me a moment to realize she was speaking to me. Until that point, Id kind of hoped she might not have even noticed me. It seemed the only explanation for her not screaming at them to remove the rebellious little blood whore. It was shocking. Her voice wasnt accusatory, either. It was impressed.W-well, it wasnt me, Your Majesty, I said. My meekness was a far cry from my behavior at our last meeting. Adrian was the one who had the, uh, use to do it.So help me, Tatiana chuckled. Very diplomatic. They should assign you to a politician.Nathan didnt like the attention on me. I wasnt sure I did either, semi-pleasant or not. Are you and Priscilla doing business tonight? Or just having a friendly dinner?Tatiana dragged her gaze from me. Both. Theres been some inter-family squabbling going on. Not publicly, but its getting out. People are making no ise about security. Some are ready to start training up right now. Others are wondering if guardians can go without sleep. She rolled her eyes. And those are the tamest of the suggestions.No question about it. This visit had gotten a lot more interesting.I hope youre going to shut those would-be militants up, growled Nathan. Us fighting on base guardians is absurd.Whats absurd, said Tatiana, is having strife among the royal classes. Thats what I want to shut up. Her tone grew lofty, very queenlike. Were the leaders among the Moroi. We have to set an example. We need to be unified to survive.I studied her curiously. What did that mean? She hadnt agreed or disagreed with Nathans stance on Moroi fighting. Shed only mentioned establishing peace among her people. But how? Was her method to encourage the new motion or grind it? Security was a huge concern for everyone after the attack, and it fell on her to figure it out.Sounds pretty hard to me, said Adrian, playing oblivious to the se riousness of the matter. If you still want a cigarette afterward, Ill make an exception.Ill settle for you coming to make a proper visit tomorrow, she said dryly. Leave the cigarettes at home. She glanced at his blank wineglass. And other things. A flash of steely resolve crossed her gaze, and even though it melted as quickly as it had come, I felt almost relieved. There was the icy Tatiana I knew.He saluted. Noted.Tatiana gave the rest of us brief glances. Have a good evening, was her only farewell. We bowed again, and then she headed back toward the front door. As she did, I heard scuffling and murmured voices. Shed been traveling with a retinue, I realized, and had left them all in the third house while she came to say hello to Adrian.Dinner was quiet after that. Tatianas visit had kind of left us all astonished. At least it meant I didnt have to hear Adrian and his father bicker anymore. Daniella mostly maintain what little conversation there was, attempting to inquire about m y interests, and I realized she hadnt said a word during Tatianas brief visit. Daniella had married into the Ivashkovs, and I wondered if she found the queen intimidating.When the time came for us to leave, Daniella was all smiles while Nathan retired to his study.You need to come by more often, she told Adrian, smoothing his hair in spite of his protests. And youre welcome anytime, Rose.Thank you, I said, dumbfounded. I kept studying her face to see if she was lying, but I didnt think she was. It made no sense. Moroi didnt approve of long-term relationships with dhampirs. Royal Moroi especially didnt. And royal Moroi related to the queen especially didnt, at least if past experience was any indication.Adrian sighed. Maybe if hes not around. Oh, damn. That reminds me. I left my coat here last timeI wanted to get out too fast.Youve got, like, fifty coats, I remarked.Ask Torrie, said Daniella. Shell know where it is.Adrian went off to find the housekeeper, leaving me with his mother. I should have made polite, inconsequential small talk, but my infrequency was getting the better of me.Dinner was really great, I told her honestly. And I hope you wont take this the wrong way but I mean well, you seem okay with Adrian and me dating.She nodded serenely. I am.And Well, it had to be said. TatQueen Tatiana kind of seemed okay with it too.She is.I made sure my jaw didnt drop to the floor. But I mean, the last time I talked to her, she was really mad. She kept telling me over and over how shed never allow us to be together in the future or get married or anything like that. I cringed, recalling Adrians joke. I figured youd feel the same. Lord Ivashkov does. You cant really want your son to be with a dhampir forever.Daniellas smile was kind but wry. Do you plan on being with him forever? Do you plan on marrying him and remittal down?The question totally caught me off guard. I no I mean, no offense to Adrian. I just neverPlanned on settling down at all? She nodded wisely. Thats what I thought. mean me, I know Adrian wasnt serious earlier. Everyones jumping to conclusions that havent even happened. Ive heard of you, Roseeveryone has. And I admire you. And based on what Ive learned, Im guessing you arent the type who would quit being a guardian to be a housewife.Youre right, I admitted.Then I dont see the problem. Youre both young. Youre entitled to have fun and do what you want now, but Iyou and Iknow that even if you see Adrian off and on for the rest of your life, you arent going to get married or settle down. And it has nothing to do with what Nathan or anyone says. Its the way of the world. Its the kind of person you are. I can see it in your eyes. Tatianas realized it too, and thats why she eased up. You need to be out there fighting, and thats what youll do. At least if you truly intend to be a guardian.I do. I was staring at her in wonder. Her attitude was amazing. She was the first royal Id met who hadnt immediately freaked out and gone craz y over the idea of a Moroi and dhampir match. If other people shared her view, it would make a lot of others lives easier. And she was right. It didnt matter what Nathan thought. It wouldnt have even mattered if Dimitri had been around. The bottom line was that Adrian and I wouldnt be together for the rest of our lives because Id always be on guardian duty, not lounging around like he did. Realizing that freed things up yet it made me a little sad too.Behind her, I could see Adrian approaching down the hall. Daniella leaned forward, pitching her voice low for me. There was a wistful note to her words when she spoke, the tone of a concerned mother. But Rose? While Im fine with you two dating and being happy, please try not to break his heart too much when the time comes.