Chapter 3 – Royal's Move
I hated cold. I didn't mind snow, but I couldn't stand the chill of my prison cell. The blanket didn't offer any warmth; I shivered as I slipped under it.
I sighed as fatigue swept over me. I decided to slip into Lissa's head to seek a little comfort. I used to do that to keep in touch with the world outside. Still, I felt a little pang of sadness, knowing that I couldn't reach for it.
She was holding a glass of wine, and many Moroi surrounded her, tried to attract her attention. As Ambrose said, nothing could stop Moroi from partying. This party was also huge, although I could sense anxiety and fear hung in the air.
Lissa kept her composure, but she was slipping. Finally, to her relieved, Christian wrapped his arm around her and pulled her out of the crowd.
"Thanks a lot." She sighed. "They kept asking my feeling about the queen's, the vote, and Rose – sometimes both of them." When she said my name, she felt lonely; she missed me a lot.
Christian kissed her forehead. "Let's search for a fresh air outside."
On the way, they met Adrian – with glass of champagne in one hand and cigarette in the other. Lissa glared at him.
"You promised Rose not to smoke again." She declared.
Adrian shrugged his shoulder. "Let's hope that she will never find out." I smiled at his remark, and decided to talk to him later. "Smoke once won't hurt."
"Not if you keep repeating it."
Lissa and Christian jumped. Behind Adrian there stood his father, Nathan Ivashkov.
Together, they muttered. "Greeting, Lord Ivashkov."
Nathan nodded at them. Adrian seemed like he didn't even acknowledge his father's presence. But Lord Ivashkov focused on his son.
"Adrian. Have you got in touch with Rose Hathaway recently?"
Even Adrian looked surprise. After considering, he decided to shake his head. "No. How can I?" he muttered.
Lord Ivashkov turned his attention to Lissa and Christian. "Miss Dragomir and Mr. Ozera, I know you too are close friends of her. Are you able to contact her?"
Lissa shook her head, sad. "We are not allowed to."
To my surprise, Nathan seemed disappointed. What have I done until Lord Ivaskhov wanted to talk to me so badly?
Well, why didn't he try to visit my prison? Unless.. he didn't want somebody to know?
"What do you want from her?" asked Adrian suspiciously.
Lord Ivaskhov pretended not to hear the question. Instead, he glanced at his watch. "Sorry, but I have other things to do. Please excuse me."
"Excuse yourself." Adrian said under his breath. Lissa elbowed him.
Nathan turned around and was going to walk away when he hesitated. After a brief moment, he said, "If you – by any chance- are able to speak with Rose Hathaway, please tell her this: she will receive help if she knows where to find it. Not all of us are blind to the truth."
Then he's gone.
Three of them stood there – confused and unsure about what just happened. They exchanged glances, but none knew what to say.
I blinked, and got back to my own head.
She will receive help if she knows where to find it..
