Author's Note: Ok, here's chp 8. I hope you guys like it.
When we got back to our rooms I had to make up an excuse to Lissa about how I needed to do something. She finally let me go after I practically begged for her to let me. When I found out what room Dimitri was in I went straight there. I knocked on his door and he opened it. He seemed surprised to see me and I didn't blame him. The last time I came to his room without a warning was when I was under Victor's lust charm and…well, things didn't exactly go too well.
"Can we talk?" He nodded and stepped aside to let me in. I handed over the note as soon as he closed the door.
He looked it over and handed it back. "Victor Dashkov."
I shook my head in disbelief. "What are we going to do? We can't just do nothing while he sells us out. Once he says a single word about it…"
I couldn't continue. Everything would be out of line if Victor was to tell about what happened. Dimitri didn't answer. He was trying to figure out something and it was a whole lot better than nothing.
He finally pulled out his cell phone. "Hold on." While he was on the phone, I sat down on the couch and listened. Or listened as well as I could since the conversation took place in Russian. I couldn't understand a single word.
When he finished I stared at him. "What's going on?" I asked him.
"I'll let you know when I know for sure. We just have to wait."
I sighed. "Great. My favorite thing in the whole world."
He pulled up an armchair and sat opposite of me. I studied him for a while before letting my gaze travel around the room. It wasn't much, similar to mine. Beside me I saw one of his Western novels. I picked it up and looked at it. I flipped through the pages. I looked at him and held up the book.
"What's wrong with it?"
"You always read these."
"Some people actually read books for fun."
I put the book in my lap. "Hey, I read books. I like to solve mysteries that threatens one of my best friend's life and sanity. But this cowboy stuff that you always read…isn't much of the saving the world type."
He took the book from me and turned it over. He looked like he was in deep thought. "It's an escape to me. I don't really know. It's just something appealing about the Old West. No one lives by the rules. You don't have to be tied down by others' ideas of right and wrong in order to bring justice."
I raised an eyebrow and laughed. "I thought I was the one who broke all the rules."
"I never said anything about me wanting to break rules."
"I can read you, comrade. You can't lie to me. You want to jump into one of your books, slip on a cowboy hat and keep bank robbers in line."
He smiled. "I don't have the time. I'm too busy keeping you in line."
I grinned. The time that we were spending together right now was like that time we were cleaning the attic in the church. I only hoped we wouldn't get into a fight like that time. I always felt comfortable being around Dimitri. Back when we first met we'd have times like this.
"I'm sorry."
I came out of my thoughts and looked at Dimitri. "For what?"
"I wasn't able to get you here. I feel ashamed and like I let you down. That I couldn't help you."
I was caught off guard by his apology. I wondered if he was jealous that Adrian could do something that he couldn't, just like Christian was. But it was something else; completely different. I believed that Dimitri could do anything and it was giving him a hard time. I knew that deep inside of him, he felt the same.
"You didn't let me down. I was acting like a brat. You've never let me down before, and don't start thinking that you have. You'll never let me down."
We stared at each other for a while. Holding each other's gaze. I was drowning in his dark brown eyes. "Roza…" I stopped breathing. "There are so many things that give me a reason to love you."
I felt tears in the back of my eyes. "Dimitri, I-"
His phone rang. We were both disappointed. He answered his phone and another conversation took place in Russian. He stood up and put his phone away. "Let's go."
I raised an eyebrow. "Where?" I asked as I stood up.
"To see Victor Dashkov."
As I said, Dimitri knows everyone. Even people who could get us into the Court's prison facilities. As we walked down the hall to Victor's cell I leaned in to Dimitri.
"Why are we doing this? Do you really think we can talk him out of ratting us out?"
He only shook his head which made my hope plummet even more than it was. "He wants something. He wouldn't tell us what he was planning to do. He has to have some kind of motivation."
We finally reached Victor's cell. He was the only prisoner here. The cell wasn't what I expected. I expected it to look like a dungeon, but I was a bit off. I stared in the cell. Victor sat in a chair, examining his nails. Seeing him three months later put me out of my comfort zone I was just in with Dimitri. The worst thing of all about seeing him, was how young and healthy he looked. He had a horrible disease and to prevent him from dying quickly he tortured Lissa into making her use spirit to heal him. We all trusted him and was blinded by his 'kindness' to even think about him doing such a thing.
He looked up at us. He had the same pale jade eyes Lissa has. Our eyes met and he smiled. "Oh my, what do we have here? Rosemarie, practically an adult now." His gaze moved over to Dimitri. "But of course, someone already treats you like one."
I pressed my face against the bars. "We didn't come here so you can make some perverted comment. What do you want?"
I felt a gentle, familiar hand on my shoulder and I was pulled back. I looked at Dimitri. "Take it easy." I took a deep breath and turned back to Victor.
Victor sat up straight in his chair and laughed. "After so long, your little cub has yet to learn how to control herself. Then again, you probably never wanted her to."
"We aren't here to banter." Dimitri said calmly. "Why do you need us here?"
"There always has to be some foreboding reason to you dhampirs, doesn't there? Am I not allowed to know how she's doing? It's been three months and I know things have been happening." He kept that annoying smirk on his face. He was lucky that there were bars separating us.
I gritted my teeth. "We aren't here for friendly conversation."
"You want to believe that I'm joking, but you know I'm not. I truly do want to know how you're doing. You're always so fascinating to learn about, Rosemarie. A shadow-kissed person should always be fascinating. And you're the only one we know of."
"I'm not some new species of animals that you can just dissect and experiment on."
He only smiled and continued as if I hadn't said anything. "What has it been like? Have you…noticed anything different?"
"We don't have time for this." Dimitri warned. "If you don't get to the point we'll be leaving. We have much better things to do than listen someone as pathetic as you." Way to go, Dimitri.
The only thing was, as strong as those words were, he was still so calm. I didn't understand how he could stay like that in a situation like this. I turned back to Victor and gave him my coldest smile.
"There isn't a single possibility that they'll let you off tomorrow. I hope you enjoy living the rest of your life in prison. It won't be long, anyway. You'll just get sick and die in a lonely prison cell." That amused look he kept on his face made me want to reach in his cell and choke him.
"Everything dies, Rosemarie. Well, except for you, I suppose. Or it's a possibility that you are dead. Who knows? Those who visit the world of the dead have a connection to it, something they can never get rid of."
I had something to say to him, and I would've…if something weren't holding me back from saying it. Those who visit the world of the dead. That saying only made me more uncomfortable than I already was, and that's saying something being in the presence of Victor Dashkov. What if me seeing Mason has nothing to do with me being crazy? What if it's something else that has to do with me being shadow-kissed? Victor was the one who explained to me about being shadow-kissed. As much as I hated to say it, he probably had the answers I need.
My expression must've given away something, because Victor looked like he had something to say. "Is there something you'd like to say, Rosemarie?"
I hated asking him questions. "What's the world of the dead? Is it heaven or what? Is it…the underworld?"
"Neither." He said with a grin plastered on his face.
"What's there? Ghosts? Do things go in and out?"
So many questions. Victor seemed to be taking pleasure in my asking him questions, just as I feared he would. His smirk intensified. "Well, it's a bit obvious that things come out of it, because here you are standing before us."
"He's baiting you," Dimitri said. "Let's just leave."
Victor glared at Dimitri. "I'm helping her. You might not want to admit it, but you know I'm helping her." He turned back to me and his smirk returned. "The truth, Rosemarie? I don't really know anything about it. You're the one who has been to the land of the dead. Not me. Of course, not yet. I believe, someday, you'll be the one educating me."
"No more of this," Dimitri said harshly. "We'll be leaving."
"You can't leave yet. You've yet to tell me how Vasilisa is doing."
I moved closer again, pressing up against the bars. "Don't go anywhere near her."
Victor gave me a dry look. "I don't think you have anything to worry about, seeing as I'm locked away here. And besides, Vasilisa has everything to do with everything."
"That's it," I said, finally realizing it. "That's why you sent that note to me. You only want to know about her and this was the only way. You knew she wouldn't come talk to you. You don't have anything to blackmail her with."
"Such ugly words, Rose."
"There is no way you're going to see her. At least, you won't see her outside of the courtroom. She'll never heal you. Like I said: You'll only get sick again and end up dying. You'll be the one to send me postcards from the other side."
"Is that really what you think this is about? That my needs are that petty?" His mockery was gone and for once I felt that I made the wrong turn. But he was the one in jail and the one going on trial. I could say whatever I wanted. But now that I paid more attention his sickness was coming back. He'd lost weight since I last saw him. Maybe prison was harder on him than I expected. "You've forgotten, haven't you? Why I did what I did? You've been so caught up in making your world perfect that you didn't notice the big picture."
I racked my brain, trying to remember everything that happened last fall. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. What I was focusing on were the wrong things. I'd forgotten so much, but now I remembered.
"You wanted to stage a revolution. And you still want to. But it won't happen." I said. My anger was picking up.
"But isn't it already happening? Do you think I haven't a clue what happens in the world? I still have many contacts. How else would I send you that message? I know about everything. That includes Natasha Ozera's movement to get Moroi to fight by guardians' side. I know that you stand by her, Rosemarie. I've tried to do the exact same, yet you don't regard her the same way."
"Tasha Ozera's cause is a bit differently than yours." Dimitri noted.
"And that is why she's getting no farther than where she is now." Victor said. "Tatiana and her council are blinded by centuries of archaic traditions. Nothing will change as long as that power is taking control. No Moroi will learn to fight. Royal or not. Dhampirs like yourself will continually be sent out to battle."
"It's what we are trained to do." Dimitri said. He was tensing and I could easily sense it. He was just as frustrated as I was, but he didn't show any sign of it.
"Don't forget, it's also what you lose your lives for. You're like slaves in our eyes and for smart dhampirs you don't even realize it. And for what reason is that? Why do you protect us?"
I sighed. "Because we need you…for our race to survive."
"That not a reasonable answer. At least, not reasonable for you to risk your lives. Making children isn't as hard as it seems." He smirked.
I only ignored him. "Also because the Moroi and their magic are important. The magic is used for amazing things."
"It used to be amazing, if I may correct you. We used to be viewed as gods in the eyes of humans, but eventually we all grew lazy and our power slowly went south. The use of technology these days has made our magic…not very useful."
"If you have so many great ideas, why don't you make your life as useful as you can in prison and write yourself a testimony." Dimitri said.
"What does this have to do with Lissa anyway?" I asked, noticing how he'd go slightly off topic.
"Vasilisa is a vehicle for change, of course. I thought you'd be smart enough to figure that out, Rose."
I stared at him warily. "She's not going to lead your revolution, if that's what you're thinking."
"To be honest, I prefer that I lead it. But in my condition that won't do. She will eventually be a part of it. There're so many stories buzzing around about her. People are beginning to take notice in our young star. The Dragomir symbol is a dragon. The king of beasts which is proof that Vasilisa was meant to have power. That's why Strigoi have mainly focused on the Dragomirs'. Their line of power is incredible and as long as their line decreases the more balance will be thrown off. To make it even more interesting, she must've mastered her powers to increase the line of the Dragomirs. With her gift there's no telling what power she wields. People are automatically drawn to her. Just think that when Vasilisa tries to influence them…they'll do what she wants." His eyes were full of fascination and happiness.
I gritted my teeth. "Unbelievable," I said. "You can never make up your mind, can you? You, at first, want to hide her away so you can use her as your personal health miracle and now you want her out in the world to use her powers to make people do things they want. All for a psychopath like you."
"I already told you, Rosemarie. She can change this world. Just like you being shadow-kissed, she's the only one of her kind that we know of. She's both dangerous and valuable."
I was actually shocked. With everything that Victor was telling me I suspected he knew everything, just like he said. But the fact that he said Lissa is the only one of her kind and valuable…Victor didn't know as much as he thought. He doesn't know about Adrian or Laina's use of spirit. I wanted to make a snarky remark and smile deviously, but I knew one slip up and that would be the end of it. Victor wouldn't only have to use Lissa.
I took a deep breath, carefully choosing my words and not wanting to slip up. "She'll never do it. She won't abuse her powers. I know her. I know she won't…no matter if you have anything on her or don't."
"And Victor won't say anything about us," Dimitri said. "He's achieved his goal. He only brought you here to know more about Lissa."
He was tugging on my arm. He wanted to leave so badly before he snapped, and I felt the same way. Except I wanted to hear what Victor had to say, because anything he says will bring me a step closer to stuff I don't know about. All though, again, I actually know something Victor doesn't, so I was mentally applauding myself.
"He didn't find out much."
Victor grinned. "You'd be surprised." He turned to Dimitri. "And what makes you so certain I won't amuse the world about your romantic indiscretions?"
"Because, no matter what you have on us, it won't save you from spending the rest of your life in prison. And if you ruin Rose, you'll only ruin whatever slim chance you had of Lissa helping you and your twisted mind." Victor flinched a little. Dimitri was of course right. He stepped forward and pressed up against the bars. I thought my voice was scary, but when Dimitri spoke I stepped back a little. "And anything you try will be pointless because you're life is hanging on a weak thread. You aren't the only one with connections around here."
My breath caught a little, but it wasn't entirely out of love. Dimitri brought so many things to my life: love, comfort and instructions. I'd gotten so used to him over the time we've known each other that I nearly forgot how dangerous he could be. I remembered that when I got back to the Academy everyone viewed him as a god, and I suspected they were exaggerating. But here was, playing that godly role. If Victor was frightened, he didn't show it. He tried to seem tough as if Dimitri's threat was only child's play.
His smirk grew as his eyes glanced between the two of us. "You two are truly a match made in heaven…or whatever you prefer to call it."
I narrowed my eyes in disgust. "We'll see you in court." I said.
Dimitri and I left Victor to his lonely prison life. Dimitri had said a few things in Russian to the guardians and I suspected it was a thanks. We walked outdoors into a winter wonderland. The sleet had stopped and it left everything coated in a white blanket. Glancing at Dimitri, I saw his focus straight ahead. It was hard to tell, but to me it seemed like he was shaking. And it wasn't from the cold weather. I put my hand on his arm and a current of electricity ran through my body. I suspected he felt it too.
"Hey, you ok?" I asked him.
"Yes."
I searched his face for any sign of lying. I could fine none, but I was sure he was hiding them. "Are you sure?"
He took a deep breath. "I'll be fine."
"Do you think he'll tell everyone about us?"
"No. Of course not." We walked in silence for a while longer.
"Did you mean it when you threatened Victor that if he told you'd…" It was impossible for me to finish, but he knew what I wanted to say.
"I don't have much influence in the upper levels of Moroi royalty, but I have plenty among the guardians who handle the dirty work in our world."
"You didn't answer my question."
"There are many things that I'd do to protect you, Roza."
My heart beat faster. "I wouldn't exactly call it protecting me. I know you'd do many things to protect me, but revenge isn't your thing. It's more of mine."
I looked for any hint of a smile, but I gave up when I noticed there was no use. When we got inside of the buildings we stopped and he faced me. Luckily there was no one around as we stood in the still, quiet halls.
"Don't talk like that. It doesn't really matter because Victor won't say anything."
"And if he does?"
We stared into each other's eyes. He put his hand behind my neck and brought me a bit closer to him. Our foreheads touched and I felt I could barely breathe. "Then I'll think of something. I promise." He pulled away and kissed me on my forehead before leaving to his room.
"Hey, Dimitri?" He turned around. "What would you do if someone was mad at you?"
"Who's mad at you?" He asked, concern filling his eyes.
"No one, I just...want to know what you'd do."
"I'd try talking to them to make them feel better and to forgive me. If it doesn't work then just give them time."
I smiled. "Thanks." He nodded and continued to walk to his room.
I walked to mine and just as I was about to open my door, Lissa came around the corner.
"There you are. I've been looking for you. You missed dinner."
I was so caught up in the Victor problem that I forgot about dinner. "Sorry…I got carried away with some guardian stuff. Really long story."
I observed her. She'd changed for dinner. Her hair was pulled up and she wore a form-fitting dress made out of silver raw silk. As always, she looked beautiful. She looked royal. I thought back to what Victor said and it was a possibility that she really could be the power for change. Looking like she did now I could imagine people following her like a lost puppy looking for a home. I would do exactly that, but then, I was biased.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked with a smile playing her lips. I couldn't tell her that I'd just made conversation with the man she hated and was frightened by. At least, not while she seemed so happy and living her life.
I smiled at her. "I like the dress."
Author's Note: Tada! Long chapter, but i wanted to fit the whole chpter in there. This is chptr...13 in the book so...yeah. i did copy some dialogue straight from the book, but only bcuz i didn't know how to change it.
shoshona79: Here you go. a Dimitri/Rose chapter. i even had him kiss her on her forehead. lol.
Adrian: sorry about the Dimitri/Rose part and the Adrian/Rose part last chptr. lol. Gotta make it close to the book.
I need ideas, readers. plze. so...REVIEW!
