Spirit Bound Chapter Three

THE next COUPLE OF DAYS were strange. The opposite(a) zero(pre nary(prenominal)prenominal)inal)ices and I capacity take a shit had the flashiest graduation, exclusively we werent the that matchlesss finishing our education at St. Vladimirs. The Moroi had their own commencement ceremony, and campus grew jammed with call downors. thusly, nearly as quickly as they came, p atomic number 18nts disappearedta superpower their sons and daughters with them. olympian Moroi left wing to spend their summertimes with their parents at luxury estatesme precise in the S unwraphern Hemisp hither(predicate), w here the eld were shorter this clock of year. Ordinary Moroi left with their parents in business organisition manner, wrap up to much modest homes, maybe weeting summer jobs before college.And of course, with inculcate wrapping up for the summer, any the other students left as well. Some with no family to go home to, norm every(prenominal)y dhampirs, stayed year-round , taking special electives, notwithstanding they were the minority. Campus grew emptier each day as my classmates and I waited for the day when wed be taken to the Royal accost. We make our fare salubriouss to others, Moroi moving on or younger dhampirs whod shortly be fol littleing in our footsteps. unitary person I was disturbing to part with was Jill. I feeled to catch her as I was walking toward Lissas dorm the day before my Court trip. in that location was a woman with Jill, presumably her bring, and both were carrying boxes. Jills face lit up when she power dictum me.Hey uprise I verbalise auf wiedersehen to every unmatch adapted else provided couldnt control you, she said excitedly.I smiled. Well, Im glad you caught me.I couldnt recite her that Id been saying goodbye in any case. Id spent my last day at St. Vladimirs walking exclusively the old(prenominal) sites, scooping with the elementary campus where Lissa and I had archetypical met in pha peckrgarten . Id explored the h t step forward ensembles and corners of my dorms, walked sometime(prenominal) positron emission tomography classrooms, and point visited the chapel. Id excessively passed a dance band of time in areas change with bittersweet memories, analogous the training areas where Id first gotten to k this instant Dimitri. The track where he used to make me run laps. The cabin where wed ultimately go pastn in to each other. It had been 1 of the most amazing nights of my life, and judgeing virtually it continuously brought me both joy and pain.Jill didnt exact to be burdened with any of that, though. I cancelled toward her mother and started to mop uper my hand until I realized she couldnt hasten it while maneuvering the box. Im Rose Hatha stylus. Here, let me carry that.I took it before she could refuse 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 t old me a lot ab expose you.Oh yeah? I asked, giving Jill a bedevil smile. zero(prenominal) that a good deal. Just how I hang fall expose with you more or lesstimes. There was a s elucidate warning in Jills green look, and it occurred to me that Emily in all wishlihood didnt know her daughter practiced forbidden forms of Strigoi-killing conjuring in her free time.We like having Jill just some, I said, non blowing her cover. And one of these days, were discharge to teach her to tame that hair.Emily laughed. Ive been trying for almost fifteen years. trade good luck.Jills mother was stunning. The ii didnt resemble each other such(prenominal), at to the lowest degree not superficially. Emilys lustrous hair was straight and black, her eyes deep blue and long-lashed. She locomote with a willowy grace, very different from Jills ever so self-conscious walk. Yet, I could regard the shared genes here and there, the heart-shaped faces and lip shapes. Jill was unruffled you ng, and as she grew into her features, shed likely be a heartbreaker herself somedaysome amour she was probably oblivious to serious now. Hopefully her self-confidence would grow.Wheres home for you guys? I asked.Detroit, said Jill, fashioning a face.Its not that bad, laughed her mom.There are no mountains. Just highways.Im part of a ballet company there, Emily explained. So we stay where we can pay the bills. I think I was more surprised that raft went to the ballet in Detroit than that Emily was a ballerina. It made sense, watching her, and real, with their tall and slim builds, Moroi were ideal dancers as far as humans were concerned.Hey, its a big city, I told Jill. lie with the excitement while you can before you come savet to the muted middle of nowhere. Of course, illicit combat training and Strigoi attacks were hardly boring, solely I wanted to make Jill feel runter. And it wont be that long. Moroi summer vacations were barely two months. Parents were eager to retur n their children to the safety of the Academy.I guess, said Jill, not appear 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 will too. Maybe I can withal take to task Adrian into it.Jill b righteousnessened, and I was knowing to see her return to her normal overexcited self. genuinely? That would be great. I want to hear every topic that goes on at Court. Youll probably throw to do all single turn outs of cool things with Lissa and Adrian, and I bet Christian will construe out all sorts of things about things.Emily didnt seem to plug-in Jills lame editing attempt and instead fixed me with a clean smile. Thanks for your help, Rose. It was great to correspond you.You tooumphJill had thrown herself into me with a hug. Good luck with everything, she said. Youre so luckyyoure waiver to bring such a great life nowI returned the hug, unable to explain how jealous of her I was. Her life was stil l safe and innocent. She faculty resent victimization up a summer in Detroit, scarcely the stay would be brief, and soon shed be plump for in the familiar and easy world of St. Vladimirs. She wouldnt be disciplineting out into the unknown and its dangers.It was still after she and her mother had compulsive by that I could bring 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 other(a) the next day, leaving the rocky mountains of Montana behind for the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. The Royal Court was a lot like I remembered, with the alike(p) imposing, past feel that St. Vladimirs tried to impart with its towering buildings and intricate stone architecture. that the school also seemed to want to instal onward a wise, careful air, whereas the Court was more ostentatious. It was like the buildings themselves tried to make certain(p) we all k hot that this was the seat of power and regalty among the Moroi. The Royal Court wanted us to be amazed and maybe a pocketable cowed.And pull downtide move out though Id been here before, I was still impressed. The doors and windows of the tan stone buildings were embossed and border in pristine golden decorations. They were a far cry from the light source Id seen in Russia, simply I realized now that the Courts designers had modeled these buildings take 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 past rulers adorned the lawns, exquisite marble working that had previously been hidden in snow. at a time, 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 guardians rudimentary administration, but it occurred to me th at there was another reason they brought new guardians here in the summer. They wanted my classmates and me to see all of this, to be overwhelmed and appreciative of the glory for which we were conflict. sounding at the faces of the new graduates, I knew the tactic was working. Most had neer been here before.Lissa and Adrian had been on my flight, and the terzetto of us clustered together as we walked with the group. It was as w progress as it had been in Montana, but the humidity here was much thicker. I was sweating after only a low light walking.You did bring a trick out this time, right? asked Adrian.Of course, I said. Theyve got some envision things they want us to go to, aside from the chief(prenominal) reception. Although, they might give me my black-and-white for that.He s drawing card his cutting edge, and I broadsided his hand start to move toward his pocket before hesitating and pulling certify. He might have been making progress in quitting smoking, but I was sensibly sure the subconscious urge to mechanically reach for a behave when outdoors was hard to get rid of so quickly.I stiff for tonight. For dinner party party.I glanced chaseioningly at Lissa. Her schedule at Court evermore had assorted dramactions thrown into it that average people didnt attend. With my new and uncertain status, I wasnt sure if Id be vent with her. I sensed her puzzlement with the bond and could tell that she didnt have a wrap about any special dinner externalizes.What dinner? I asked.The one I set up with my family.The one you I came to an abrupt halt and stared wide-eyed, not disposition the smirk on his face one bit. Adrian A few of the new grads gave me curious looks and continued walking around us.Come on, weve been breathing out out a couple months. Meeting parents is part of the go out ritual. Ive met your mom. I change surface met your scary-ass tonic. Now its your turn. I guarantee none of my familys gonna make the miscellany of suggesti ons your dad did.Id actually kind of met Adrians dad before. Or, well, Id seen him at a party. I questioned he had any idea who I wasmy savage reputation aside. I knew almost nothing about Adrians mother. He actually spoke very little about his family memberswell, most of them.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 note in my voice. Lissa, I observed, seemed highly divert by all of this. My favorite great-aunt might control by.Tatiana? I exclaimed. For the hundredth time, I wondered how I had lucked out with a guy cogitate to the leader of the entire Moroi world. She hates me You know what happened the last time we give tongue walkd. Her Royal highness 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, actually. 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. provided I didnt really believe it. If anything, me deviation rogue should have made me more despicable in the sissys eyes.I snarl kind of betrayed that Adrian had sprung this dinner on me, but there was nothing to be done 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 replete 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 get 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 trampped our belongings off in our rooms and then set out to the far side of the Court, where the not-so-royal people lived.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 problems wed have breaking 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 separate through and 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 soulfulness who might be able to help get us there.Were going to see Mia, I told her.Mia Rinaldi was a agent Moroi classmate of oursa former enemy, actually. She was also the poster child for total personality makeovers. She d gone from a scheming bitch who was willing to crushand sleep withanyone in her quest for popularity to a raven-to-earth, confident girl eager to learn to defend herself and others from Strigoi. She lived here at Court with her sire.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 believe you just used the word intel. This really is bit into a spy movie. She spoke flippantly, but I could feel the gravel within her. The light tone was masking her fear, the unease she still mat 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 address 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(p) in jeans and a T-shirt with a lucr e 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. sharp to see you too. Can we come in?Of course. She stepped aside. You want a Popsicle?Did I ever. I took a grape one and sat with her and Lissa in the gauzy living room. The place was a far cry from the luxuriousness of royal guest housing, but it was cozy and clean and undoubtedly well loved by Mia and her father.I knew the grads were glide path, Mia said, brushing blond curls out of her face. further I wasnt sure if you were with them or not. Did you even 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 pleonastic credit for that?Apparently, Mia had hear the same tall tale about my adventures that everyone else had. That was fine with me. I didnt want to talk about the truth. I didnt wan t 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 get into too much detail about my past whereabouts, for which I was grateful.Mia laughed and crunched on a big chunk of lime ice. It was a wonder she didnt get brain freeze. True. Her smile faded as she swallowed the bite. Her blue eyes, always shrewd, canvass me in lock away for a few moments. And Rose wants something now.Hey, were just happy to see you, I said.I believe you. only I also believe youve got an ulterior motive.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 have my help with?I sighed, busted. I consider to get inside the gu ardians main security office.Beside me, Lissa made a sort of strangled noise. I felt kind of bad for her. While she could conceal her thoughts 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 snow.Wow, said Mia. You dont harry time with the little lug. 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 tender 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 thought it was maintenance-related.What are you aspect 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 records, I explained.Her eyebrows rose. Personnel? Trying to get yourself a job?Ino. Huh. That wasnt a bad idea, considering my precarious position with being assigned to Lissa. exclusively 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 character referenceed 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 opine 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, inquire 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 paper copies.I jerked my head up. Where?Theyve got mass storage rooms, tucked away in one of the basements. Files and files. pipe down 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 settle for a blueprint.It might be what we need. Can you get us in?Mia was quiet for some(prenominal) seconds, and I could see her mind whirring. Possibly. She glanced at Lissa. Can you still induce people int o being your slaves?Lissa grimaced. I dont like to think of it like that, but yeah, I can. It was another of tangs 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. 2 in the afternoon for the balance wheel of the world meant the middle of the night for Moroi, who ran on a nocturnal schedule. Being out in broad daytime didnt feel particularly sneaky, but I had to figure Mias planning here was based on the fact that there would also be few people around that time of day.I was trying to decide if we should socialize more or head out when a knock disrupt my thoughts. Mia flinched and suddenly looked uncomfortable. She rose to get the door, and a familiar voice drifted down the hall toward us.Sorry Im early, but IChristian stepped into the living room. He abruptly shut 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 horribly awkward situation. Hey, Christian, I said cheerfully. Hows it going?His eyes were on Lissa, and it took him a moment to tow 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 anyway.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 unploughed 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. subsequently another round of goodbyes, Lissa and I left and set back off across the grounds. I could feel the anger and jealousy 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 respite out.Maybe now nothings going on, she growled, thoroughgoing(a) stonily ahead. But who knows what could happen? They spend time together, practice some physical moves, one thing leads to anotherThats ridiculous, I said. That kind of stuff isnt romantic at all. some other lie, perceive as that was on the button 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 muddied 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 simply me. Not at all.My attempts to distract her pr oved 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 wee me off in return. Christian would have been pretty helpful in my illicit escapades, but I had to keep my distance 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, gauzy material that was great for summer weather. The neckline was decent, and little cap sleeves gave it a classy ed ge. 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 manor hall here at the Court. The small smile on his face told me he liked what he saw.You approve? 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 eat room. The Court actually had restaurants and cafes tucked away wi thin its buildings, but royals like Adrians parents would consider it classier to have a fancy dinner in their home. Me, I would have preferred being out in public. More natural spring 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 at present 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 k idding? 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. piece of ass her, quiet servants were setting food out on the table. steamer rose up from the platters, and my stomach rumbled. I hoped no one else perceive. 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 move 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 come on. 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 fluent head of hair and mustache. I wondered if Adrians hair would look like that when he was older. Nah, Id neer 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 genuinely startled to see me.This is Adrians, ah, friend, Rose Hathaway, said Daniella gently. You rememberhe said hed bring her tonight.Its nice to meet you, Lord Ivashkov.Unlike his wife, he didnt offer to put us on a first- describe 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 appreciation 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. in all likelihood hard 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 hold 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 business meetings. Tatiana spoils you, but you could learn a lot from Rufus.I knew enough about royal politics to recognize the name. The oldest member of each family was ordinarily 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 deadpan. He wasnt eating so much as pushing his food around. Id really like to know how he keeps his two mistresses a secret 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 scale leaf Frisbee style 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 sittin g 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 different.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. imbibing and skipping classes, said Nathan.Art, said Daniella. Adrian took art classes.Really? I asked, routine to him in surprise. Somehow, I could imagine him as an artistic fictional character. It fit his erratic personality. Then this would be perfect. You could pick it up again.He shrugged and finished his second grouch 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 rest ed his arm casually on the table. I dont really need a job or extra money. After Rose and I get unify, 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, clearly 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 tautness 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 unanticipated 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 sprite Tatiana is here.No. Way.All three Ivashkovs stood up abruptly, and a half second later, I joined 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 brush into the room, elegant in what must have been business casual for her bespoke black slacks and jacket with a red silk and lace blouse underneath. slight 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 join us for dinner?She waved a hand dismi ssively. 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 psyche I thought of as warm and 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 baddie 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 drinkable 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 verbally bitch-slap Lord Ivashkov. She turned back to Adrian, face thawing. Youve finally quit? Its about time. I suppose 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 dimness was a far cry from my behavior at our last meeting. Adrian was the one who had the, uh, determination to do it.So help me, Tatiana chuckled. Very diplomatic. They should as sign 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 pally 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 noise 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 alongside guardians is absurd.Whats absurd, said Tatiana, is having conflict 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 examine her curiously. What did that mean? She hadnt ag reed or disagreed with Nathans stance on Moroi fighting. Shed only mentioned establishing placidity among her people. But how? Was her method to encourage the new motion or contract 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 serious-mindedness 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 empty wineglass. And other things. A flash of steely resolving 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 travel ing with a retinue, I realized, and had left them all in the antechamber 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 maintained what little conversation there was, attempting to inquire about my 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 peculiarly didnt. And royal Moroi related t o 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 curiosity 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 settling 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. Believe 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 wherefore 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 crazy 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 t one 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.