Chester, Pennsylvania
4 1/2 Months Ago
Tasha: Age 28
July 13
The place was sketchy. There was no doubt about that. But, if John was right, I could find a bodyguard here who was nondescript and discreet. Not to mention someone I could keep in my confidence.
"Tasha, what are we doing?" Ethan asked, a worried look on his face.
"Stop being so scared, Ethan. I need a bodyguard, and I'm going to get one."
"Since when do you need a bodyguard?"
I sighed. I kept Ethan around for necessity. He was great at doing things without questioning them. And he was great in bed. And actually had good points when we talked about politics. Not to mention he spared with me whenever I wanted him to. But, then there were moments. Like this one. When Ethan questioned every little thing I did.
"Ethan,don't worry about it for now. I just want someone with me through the day."
"Why don't you just..."
"Anyone I get as a guardian will be more loyal to Tatiana than me."
"Not necessarily." he mumbled looking irate.
I sighed, "Ethan, you're all ready doing so much for me. I need someone who doesn't have other duties and can't be pinpointed easily. Please, try to understand." I said caressing his cheek.
He smiled slightly and nodded, "Okay."
I left Ethan outside, I didn't want him there for the conversation I was about to have. I entered the establishment and was hurried into an office. The man behind the desk had crude, damaged hands.
"Are you, James?" I asked.
He nodded, "Yes, I am."
Wow, even his voice was unremarkable. I looked at him, no one would notice this man.
"Well, you understand what I am looking for?" I said.
"Yes, your letter was extremely telling, Lady Ozera. Would any of the things you wish me to do be considered illegal?"
"Extremely so."
"And treasonous even?"
"I put that in my letter."
"And how much will I be receiving for my...services?"
"$50,000 now. With twenty thousand every month you work for me and a bonus for every job done to exception."
He nodded mulling it over. He put his fingers together leaning back in his seat.
"Lady Ozera," he said after a few minutes, "I believe we have a partnership."
I smiled brightly taking the mangled hand he offered. I shook his hand.
"Thank you. I'll see you at Court in a few days."
He nodded.
I handed him the fifty thousand and watched as he counted it out. He smiled, the only remarkable thing I've seen of him. Well...unless you counted the evidence of his swordsmanship. I rose to my feet and nodded to him walking out of the office with Ethan.
"Come on, let's go get a little lunch." I said, my voice light.
He smiled, "Yes, my lady."
I kissed him lightly and got into the car feeling light and free of tension.
Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania
4 Months Ago
Tasha: Age 28
July 14
Ethan came to me as I sat with my friends chatting about our next move. He leaned down so it looked as if he were chatting to his girlfriend rather than informing me.
"The council is meeting again today at the same time."
"Okay?" I replied. I knew they'd been meeting. What made this meeting so different?
"Today's meeting is public."
My eyes lit up.
"And, Rose Hathaway has been called before the council."
I almost laughed out loud. They were using Rose to get their stupid law passed.
"Thank you, Ethan." I said with a grin.
He nodded and walked away. I smirked. Ah, Tatiana, you are going to regret making this decision. I got to my feet and dismissed myself from the table. I hurried to the council room and just barely saw Adrian as I moved.
"ADRIAN!" I called.
"Lady Ozera?" he said taking me in.
"Come with me!" I said grabbing his hand.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"To the council meeting."
"Whoa, what?" he said, obviously confused, but he didn't try to fight me.
We got in and grabbed seats in the back. I took in what was going on just as Rose entered the room. She looked around obviously confused about being here. The room when silent and the council turned its attention to Rose.
Thank you," Tatiana said as she rose. Her voice resonated through the room, "We will be continuing our conversation from yesterday. Today we will be hearing testimony from a newly made guardian. Rosemarie Hathaway, will you please come forward?"
Everyone watched Rose as she stepped forward to stand before the council.
I watched amused as Tatiana quizzed Rose about her kills and her training. She even asked about the time Rose had gone off on her own. I shook my head. I couldn't believe how she was spinning her web. She was using Rose to get her way. I knew there was a reason she'd been being so nice to her lately. She'd get that stupid age decree passed.
The rest of the council soon jumped in on the cross-examination of Rose's skill set and number of kills. Finally, Tatiana dismissed her. I frowned. What was this? Was this just to make a public display and show Moroi that turning these kids out of sixteen made sense?
"That concludes our session today. We will convene again tomorrow." Tatiana said leaving the room.
I said goodbye to Adrian and hurried to find Tatiana.
"That was pretty sneaky." I said walking toward her.
"I can assure you, I have no idea what you're talking about." she said regally.
I snorted, "Wow, you're a real piece of work, you know that?"
She glared, "Natasha, when you are queen you can tell me how to run my people. But, seeing as how you are not queen, I suggest you keep your comments to yourself and your silly activist nature in check. I will do what is right for my people. Even if it kills me."
She walked away and I glared.
"If only it would kill you." I muttered before walking away. I had better shit to do than waste my time here.
Lehigh, Pennsylvania
4 Months Ago
Tasha: Age 28
August 20
"Something needs to be done." John said growling.
"Tatiana is being unreasonable." Anabelle chimed in.
"We need to get someone else on the throne. Someone with the same view as us. Someone who will work for our causes." I said looking out the window of the coffee shop.
They nodded, "But, how and who?"
"I'll figure it out."
The idea had been boiling around in my head for days. Tatiana would die and another royal would take her place. Particularly a pretty little blonde who people loved to follow.
I got up and said goodbye going to my car. This was almost too easy. The plan had fallen into place right after I'd spoken to Ethan about the conversation he'd overheard between Rose and Dimitri.
When Tatiana they'd be led to Rose. And who could deny that Rose had done it? Everyone knew Rose hated Tatiana. In one of their arguments she could easily have staked her. And Dimitri in his grief at losing Rose would fall back into my arms for comfort. And then there would be the small thing about the royals. If I could get Lissa in there. If I could find a quorum, if the rumors about Eric were true, than I could make sure everything I wanted passed would happen.
It's weird how the thought of murder could make me smile like a kid in a toy store.
Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania
4 Months Ago
Tasha: Age 28
August 26
I sat watching the council deliberating.
"Those in favor of the Age Decree?" Tatiana's voice rang clearly.
I watched as five hands rose and then a second later Tatiana's rose with it.
"Those against the Age Decree?" she asked.
Six hands moved up and I felt a deep pang in my chest. Of course this would pass. This wasn't fair. None of it was.
"THAT ISN'T FAIR!" I yelled my voice ringing loud and clear, "Those children won't stand a chance!"
Tatiana fixed a glare on me.
"Oh, and what, Natasha, you expect the Moroi to die so the dhampir can live? They're ready!" Augustus Dashkov yelled.
"She's right!" Andrea Ivashkov chimed on my side, "They're children! You'd risk their lives?"
"My son is a dhampir! Barely, sixteen!" another Moroi yelled, "He'd die out there! He isn't ready!"
The room grew louder and louder with the voices of Moroi against and for the age degree. I could hear the herald attempting to get the attention of the room and finally he'd managed. Tatiana simply watched. And that pissed me off even more.
"We'd like to thank everyone for coming today and expressing your... opinions. I know some are still unsure about this decision, but Moroi law has been followed here-laws that have been in place for centuries. We will have another session soon to listen to what you have to say in an orderly fashion. This decision-this verdict-will benefit the Moroi. Our guardians are already so excellent. They are so excellent, in fact, that they train their students to be ready to defend us at an early age. We will all be safer from tragedies like that which recently occurred. And again, we're happy to listen to you register your opinions, although by our own laws, this matter is settled. Further sessions will have to wait until an adequate period of mourning has passed for the unfortunate departed."
He facial expression and gestures she made as she spoke sickened me. I hated her. Something needed to be done. How could she say something like that? As though the guardians were nothing.
"Well, I'd like to register my opinion." A voice called out.
I smirked in amusement. Of course, Rose. The herald yelled obviously angry and irate. I watched the guardians. They didn't move and Tatiana spoke then.
"I daresay there's been so much breach of protocol today that one more incident won't make a difference. Besides, Guardian Hathaway is one of our most valuable assets. I'm always interested in what she has to say." Tatiana said with a smile.
"This thing you've just passed is utterly and totally insane. How can any of you sit there and think it's okay to send sixteen-year-olds out to risk their lives?" Rose started. I could see the passion and anger in her eyes even though she was less than eloquent.
"It's only two years' difference," said the Tarus prince. "It's not like we're sending ten-year-olds."
"Two years is a lot. You can live a lifetime in two years. And if you want us to keep being on the front lines-which most of us willingly do when we graduate-then you owe us those two years." As she spoke I saw a million emotions playing out in her eyes.
I looked around and could see the mixed emotions. Some looked stubborn, others obviously agreed. And some looked down right ashamed. She was getting to them.
"Believe me, I would love to see your people enjoy their youth." Nathan said, his arrogant voice grating on my nerves, "But right now, that's not an option we have. The Strigoi are closing in. We're losing more Moroi and guardians every day. Getting more fighters out there will stop this, and really, we're just letting those dhampirs' skills go to waste by waiting a couple of years. This plan will protect both our races."
"It'll kill mine off faster!" I yelled angrily, she knew that this was a death mission, and it angered her, "They won't be ready. They won't have all the training they need."
"Yet, by your own admission, you were certainly prepared at a young age. You killed more Strigoi before you were eighteen than some guardians kill their entire lives." Tatiana said, countering Rose's claim.
"I," she said coldly, "had an excellent instructor. One that you currently have locked up. If you want to talk about skills going to waste, then go look in your own jail."
At the mention of Dimitri the audience stirred. I watched in satisfaction as Tatiana's expression grew cold.
"That is not an issue we are addressing today. Increasing our protection is. I believe you have even commented in the past that the guardian ranks are lacking in numbers. They need to be filled. You-and many of your companions-have proven you're able to defend us."
"We were exceptions! Not all novices have reached that level."
"Well, then, perhaps we need more excellent training. Perhaps we should send you to St. Vladimir's or some other academy so that you can improve your young colleagues' education. My understanding is that your upcoming assignment will be a permanent administrative one here at Court. If you wanted to help make this new decree successful, we could change that assignment and make you an instructor might speed up your return to a bodyguard assignment."
"Do not try to threaten, bribe, or blackmail me. Ever. You won't like the consequences." Rose threatened, her voice dangerous. She'd seen through Tatiana's words.
The audience was taken aback by Rose's words, but I was impressed. I also noticed that some of the guardians had moved forward obviously uneasy. They were ready to take down one of their own if need be, but they didn't like it.
"We're getting weary of this conversation," Tatiana said, switching to the royal we. "You can speak more-and do so in the proper manner-when we have our next meeting and open the floor to comments. For now, whether you like it or not, this resolution has been passed. It's law."
"It wasn't a fair vote," Rose declared, "It wasn't legal."
"Are you a lawyer now, Miss Hathaway?" The queen was amused, and her dropping of Rose's guardian title now was a blatant lack of respect. "If you're referring to the monarch's vote carrying more weight than others on the Council, then we can assure you that that has been Moroi law for centuries in such situations."
"Yeah, but the entire Council didn't vote. You've had an empty spot in the Council for the last few years-but not anymore. Vasilisa Dragomir is eighteen now and can fill her family's spot." Rose countered, pointing to Lissa.
Everyone turned to look at Lissa. Lissa sat up straight and stared ahead with a cool, regal look that said she could walk up to that table right now and demand her birthright. The room was in awe. That was a queen. That was a woman born to rule. That was a woman who deserved her family's vote.
"Isn't eighteen the legal voting age?" Rose asked smugly.
"Yes, if the Dragomirs had a quorum." Tatiana replied just as cheerful.
"A what?" Rose asked obviously confused.
I felt as though someone had punched me in the stomach. How could I forget about the quorum? Lissa could never become queen or vote on the council without one.
"A quorum. By law, for a Moroi family to have a Council vote, they must have a family. She does not. She's the only one."
"What, you're saying she needs to go have a kid to get a vote?" Rose asked in disbelief.
Tatiana grimaced. "Not now, of course. Someday, I'm sure. For a family to have a vote, they must have at least two members, one of whom must be over eighteen. It's Moroi law-again, a law that's been in the books for centuries."
This was not a well-known law, I knew. But, of course Tatiana would know it. If it helped her cause she would use it.
"It's true," said Ariana Szelsky reluctantly. "I've read it."
"That is the most fucked-up law I have ever heard." Rose snapped.
That did it. The audience broke into shocked chatter, and Tatiana gave up on whatever pretense of friendliness she'd been clinging to. She beat the herald to any orders he might have given.
"Remove her!" shouted Tatiana. "We will not tolerate this sort of vulgar behavior!"
The room filled with protests again as Rose was lead out. Her voice ringing clearly.
"You could change the quorum law if you wanted, you sanctimonious bitch! You're twisting the law because you're selfish and afraid! You're making the worst mistake of your life. You'll regret it! Wait and see-you'll wish you'd never done it!"
I rose to my feet just as a guardian moved to Lissa's side.
"Your presence is requested, your highness." he said speaking to Lissa.
Lissa hurried away from us and my eyes locked on Ethan's. He nodded and I walked out knowing he'd follow me.
"What did you learn?" I asked once we were inside my room.
"I made sure that I'll be on Guardian duty for the next few weeks in Tatiana's room during the night."
I nodded, "Good. Everything is falling into place."
I turned to James, who sat on the chair in my living room, "Are you ready to go?"
He nodded, as soon as you are."
"We leave in a few hours. Get it done."
I hurried out of the room ready for what I needed to do.
"Ethan, I need to talk to Tatiana, can you get me into there?"
He nodded, "Of course."
I smiled, "Thank you. I'll see you later today."
Royal Moroi Court, Pennsylvania
4 Months Ago
Tasha: Age 28
August 27
We went back to my bedroom and he handed me the bag he hand. I put on gloves and pulled the stake out looking at it.
"Thank you, James." I murmured slipping it back into the bag, "How did you get it?"
"While they were talking to that Belikov guy. I slipped in and stole it."
"We have to wait for her to go back to her room." I murmured.
"She's all ready back."
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"I asked the janitor."
"And he just told you?"
"Yes, he let me know that she'd all ready was in her room."
"Well, you'll have to go back and ask him what time she left." I murmured.
"It's time." he said looking at the clock.
I nodded, "Let's go."
James hurried me through Royal housing. Ethan smiled at me and kissed me lightly.
"She's in there. I'll be back in exactly fifteen minutes. Okay?" he said.
I nodded, "Thank you."
I kept the smile on my face as he walked away and I felt my expression grow cold. I turned back to the door and motioned for James to come forward. James pulled out the keys he hand stolen from Ethan out of his pocket. I opened the door as quietly as I could and entered the dark room. I could see Tatiana curled up on her bed. I pulled the black hoodie I had on and made sure my gloves were secure before I took Rose's stake out of the bag. I straddled Tatiana's body and she awoke.
"What's going on?" she said groggily, obviously out of it.
"I hope you rot in hell, bitch." I said before gripping the stake in both hands and plunging it into her heart.
Okay, well I didn't really plunge it. It took some time, but finally I got it in. Blood covered me and I stared down at the shocked expression on her face.
"Oh, Tatiana, I don't know why you're so surprised, darling, you couldn't expect people not to want to kill you." I cooed, mocking the corpse before me.
I smirked maliciously.
"She even looks regal in death."
James's cold chuckle sounded behind me. I turned to look at him.
"Lady Ozera, I never suspected you to be such a cynical being."
"It's all for the greater good." I replied regally.
"Come on. We have a flight to catch."
I nodded. I hurried into the bathroom and cleaned my face off and changed, making certain not to touch anything. I headed out of the room back to James. He too my things and slipped away leaving me to face Ethan. I smiled when he came up beside me and kissed me gently.
"My shift's over. Want to go out for breakfast?" he asked holding my hand as we walked.
"Actually I have to catch a flight. I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Okay." he leaned down and kissed me again and I returned the kiss before leaving.
James waited beside the private jet. I got in with him and we ascended. We'd hear about the queen's death soon enough.
Looking back at it, I feel like I had been going mad. I wasn't in the right frame of mine. What had gotten into me? I looked at the young Guardian I had ruined. The young man who thought I could do nothing wrong. The man who worshiped me. The man who stood by me and believed in my cause.
"Mr. Moore, you were Miss Ozera's lover, correct?"
Ethan nodded sadly, "Yes. She was my girlfriend and lover."
"Did you know that she was going to kill Tatiana."
"I knew she was planning something, but I wasn't completely sure."
"And when the queen came up dead?"
"I knew it had to be either Tasha or James."
"Did you talk to Miss Ozera?"
"Yes."
"What did she say?"
"That James had staked Tatiana."
"Did you believe her?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because...I didn't think Tasha was capable of that..." he said quietly looking down ashamed.
I shut my eyes sadly.
"According to the Guardian council, Moroi must use two hands to stake a Strigoi. Did you know this?"
"Not at the time."
"Why didn't you tell the Guardians that Miss Ozera had gone in and saw Queen Tatiana when asked?"
"I...I didn't want her to get in trouble."
"How often did you lie for Miss Ozera?"
"More often than I would like to admit."
"Did you help her kill Tatiana? Did you help her plot murder?"
"No, of course not." he said indignantly, "I might have been loyal to Tasha, but I wouldn't kill anyone!"
"Why did you do it?"
"Because I love...loved her."
"Did Miss Ozera ever make you think that she would try to kill Tatiana?"
"No. Sometimes she'd say she wished she was dead and stuff like that, but I never thought she'd kill her."
"Did you know about her bodyguard?"
"Yes, I did."
"Did you know that he attacked the Dragomir princess?"
"Yes."
"Did Miss Ozera order him to?"
"Yes, she did."
"And did you try and stop her?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because no one was supposed to get hurt. It was to gain followers for Queen Vasilisa. I didn't see any harm in it and I wanted to help Tasha see her dream come true."
"Do you believe that Miss Ozera was power-hungry or that she wasn't in her right mind?"
"Objection, your majesty." my lawyer interrupted, "That opinion is for a psychiatrist to determine not a man who once dated my client."
"Sustained." Lissa replied.
"Sorry, your majesty," the prosecution said with an apologetic smile.
"Mr. Moore, did you feel like Miss Ozera was using you for her personal gain?"
"At first no."
"And now?"
"Yes."
I could see how much I'd hurt him. He met my eye and I looked back. Oh, Ethan I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have used you like that. I'm so so sorry. I wish I could go back and change everything.