When Lissa, Rose and Jasmine reached the banquet room. Everyone eyes went to them. Lissa wore a deep purple dress by Johnna Raski, a well-known Moroi designer. It was sleeveless and made of satin. The tiny amethyst-like crystals set into the straps sparkled against her pale skin. She wore her hair up in a loose, artfully styled bun. Rose had long, Asian-style dress with flowers embroidered into the silk. The high neck and long hem covered a lot of skin, but the material clung to Rose and looked sexy. Jasmine dress Kivary Gold Lace A Line Long Chiffon Women Formal Corset Prom Evening Dresses in color lavender with hair down and curl pulled back with a gold hair pin.
The royals had expected the Dragomir princess to bring her dhampir friends to this highly anticipated, invitation-only dinner. But hey, Lissa's invite had said "and guests."
Lissa, Rose and Jasmine took our places at one of the tables with some royals whose names we promptly forgot. They were happy to ignore us, and we was happy to be ignored.
Besides, it wasn't like there weren't plenty of other distractions. This room was done all in silver and blue. Midnight blue silk cloths covered the tables, so shiny and smooth that Rose and Jasmine was terrified to eat on them. Sconces of beeswax candles hung all over the walls, and a fireplace decorated with stained glass crackled away in one corner. The effect was a spectacular panorama of color and light, dizzying to the eye. In the corner, a slim Moroi woman played soft cello music, her face dreamy as she focused on the song. The clinking of crystal wineglasses complemented the strings' low, sweet notes.
Dimitri would look over to make sure Jasmine and Rose wasn't do anything out of place or doing something wrong. Plus in case Jasmine power would show their head. He would take step to remove her from everyone with out making a screen. Founding Rose really sexy in that dress she wear and how he love take her out of it. When he remind himself that she is student.
Dinner was equally amazing. The food was elaborate, but Rose and Jasmine recognized everything on our plate (china, of course) and liked all of it. Salmon in a sauce of shiitake mushrooms. A salad with pears and goat cheese. Delicate almond-stuffed pastries for dessert. we only complaint was that the portions were small. The food seemed more like it was there to simply decorate the plates, and Jasmine and Rose swear, we finished it in ten bites. Moroi might still need food along with their blood, but they didn't need as much as a human or, say, a growing dhampir girls needed more..
Lissa said, "We have to mingle." Both Jasmine and Rose said in low voice Mingle? Lissa laughed at our discomfort. Lissa said, "Rose your the social one and Jasmine your silent one."
Both Jasmine and Rose knew this was Lissa was her element, not us, and it amazed me to see just how well she could interact with royal high society now. She was perfect, polished and polite. Everyone was eager to talk to her, and she always seemed to know the right thing to say. She wasn't using compulsion, exactly, but she definitely put out an air that drew others to her. we think it might have been an unconscious effect of spirit. Even with the meds, her magical and natural charisma came through. Whereas intense social interactions had once been forced and stressful for her, she now conducted them with ease. We was proud of her. Most of the conversation stayed pretty light: fashion, royal love lives, etc. No one seemed to want to spoil the atmosphere with ugly Strigoi talk.
So Jasmine and Rose clung to Lissa side for the rest of the night. We tried to tell myself it was just practice for our future, when we follow her around like a quiet shadow anyway. Dimitri could see that Jasmine felt really uncomfortable around this group and worry when started playing with her hair. Rose was being silent and smile at right time. Keep watching Jasmine take few slow deep breath and trying hind uneasy feelings.
As Lissa worked for the crowd, we drifted over to a small group of Moroi whose voices were growing louder. One of them Rose recognized. He was the guy from the fight that I'd helped break up, only this time he wore a striking black tuxedo instead of a swimsuit. He glanced up at our approach, blatantly checked us out, but apparently didn't remember me. Ignoring us, he continued with his argument. Not surprisingly, Moroi protection was the topic. He was the one who'd been in favor of Moroi going on the offensive against the Strigoi.
"What part of 'suicide' don't you understand?" asked one of the men standing nearby. He had silvery hair and a bushy mustache. He wore a tux too, but the younger guy looked better in one. "Moroi training as soldiers will be the end of our race." "It's not suicide," exclaimed the young guy. "It's the right thing to do. We have to start looking out for ourselves. Learning to fight and use our magic is our greatest asset, other than the guardians." "Yes, but with the guardians, we don't need other assets," said Silver Hair. "You've been listening to non-royals. They don't have any guardians of their own, so of course they're scared. But that's no reason to drag us down and put our lives at risk."
Jasmine said, "Then don't"
Lissa and Rose were surprised to hear Jasmine's voice speak in a sweet and calm sound to tone her voice. Making all the men turn looked at Jasmine.
Jasmine started to speak again. When you talk about Moroi learning how to fight, you make it sound like an all-or-nothing matter. It's not. If you don't want to fight, then you shouldn't have to. But for the Moroi that might want to learn to fight. As a novice, I can tell you it takes years of practice. To learn and master our skills of fighting. It's not something that you can learn in one night.
Dimitri could hear Jasmine speak and understand where came from. Remembering that something that he told both of them. Making Dimitri so proud that Jasmine was listening to him as for Roza not sure at times.
Lissa's voice said, "But that doesn't give you the right to take them away from their duty."
Silver Hair practically glowed. Then how are we supposed to learn?" demanded the other guy.
Lissa said "The same way guardians do," Lissa informed him. "If you want to learn to fight, go to the academies. Form classes and start at the beginning, the same way the novices do. That way, you won't be taking guardians away from active protection. It's a safe environment, and the guardians there specialize in teaching students anyway." She paused thoughtfully. "You could even start making defense part of the standard curriculum for Moroi students already there."
Astonished stares fell on her, mine included. It was such an elegant solution, and everyone else around us realized it. It gave no party 100 percent of its demands, but it met most in a way that didn't really harm the other side. Pure genius. The other Moroi studied her with wonder and fascination.
Silver hair asked Jasmine her name? Jasmine said, Sir! My name is Jasmine Hathaway. Silver hair said My name is Nathan Ivashkov. Nathan said you go to St. Vladimir's academy? Jasmine said Yes! Sir. Nathan said you were the first student from St. Vladimir's academy in the international program that send to Russia for higher learning? Jasmine said Yes! Sir.
Suddenly, everyone started talking at once, excited about the idea. They drew Lissa and Jasmine in, and soon there was a passionate conversation going on about Jasmine and Lissa's plan.
Rose got shuffled to the edges and decided that was just fine. Then Rose retreated altogether and sought out a corner near a door.
Dimitri watched Adrian started making moves on Rose. Rose moved away from him. But Adrian moved closer to Rose. Dimitri didn't like how Adrian was making moves on his woman. When Janine called Rose's name out and pulled out of the room. Turn back to see Jasmine was still talking and playing with her hair knowing that she was worry. Speaking to Nathan Ivashkov.
When Dimitri moved to Jasmine's side and said Excuse us, Lord Ivashkov. But I need to speak to Jasmine. Jasmine said excuse me! Nathan said not a problem Miss Hathaway. Dimitri said I think it time for you to return to your room. Jasmine said why? Dimitri said because of your eyes. Jasmine said Thank you! I playing 20 questions with Nathan Ivashkov. Dimitri asked about what? Lord Ivashkov asked me to school and international program that I was in. Dimitri said now return to the room. Jasmine said Yes! Started walking out the door.
Adrian grabbed Jasmine's arm and pulled to him. Asking where are you running off to my Super Nova? Jasmine said, That was none of your business. Don't call me super Nova. Please let go of my arm. Dimitri reached pulled Jasmine away from Adrian. Pushing Jasmine forward to the door. Adrian said, "I wasn't done talking to her my Super Nova." Dimitri said, "Yes! Leave her alone." Dimitri walked out the door and seen Jasmine walking down the hallway going to her bedroom.
("Next day in afternoon")
Jasmine arrived at Dimitri's bedroom door. Reaching up and knocked on the door. Hearing Tasha and Dimitri's voice coming from inside. Tasha said, "Who at the door Dimka?" Dimitri said, "I don't know." Tasha said, "why don't you tell to leave and come back make love to me." Dimitri said, "oh! Tasha"
Jasmine step back and kicked the door wide open. Making the door swing open and hitting the wall with force. Jasmine stepped into Dimitri's bedroom. Jasmine walked to the front of the bed. Jasmine's eyes had gone gold. Both Jasmine's hands balled up. Dimitri had a glade looked in his eyes. As Jasmine spoke saying Tasha Ozera want in the hell give you right to compelled Guardian Belikov? Tasha said Fuck off Jasmine. Mine your own business. Jasmine said This is my business whore. You have no right to compel Dimitri into having sex with your old cheap whore ass.
Dimitri started coming around and realized what he was about to do with Tasha. Jumping up out of his bed and said, "Tasha! How could you use compulsion on me again?
Tasha said I love you! Jasmine could notice her necklace was round Tasha's neck. Dimitri said, "Get dress and get out of my room." Tasha said, "Dimka. I'm sorry please forgive me." Tasha said, "I leave."
Jasmine said, "Tasha! Take off my necklace and give it back to me. You have not right to wear what is mine." Tasha said, "No! Dimka gives it to me." Jasmine said, "Bullshit! I know you compelled him to give it to you as a gift. It is not Dimitri to give it to you. Now take it off or I take it off of you." Tasha said, "I not taking it off." Jasmine said, "Fine! You want to play hardball. Let play hardball."
Tasha stood up and throw a fireball at Jasmine. Jasmine waves her hand sending the Tasha fireball into the fireplace. Jasmine said, "Someone needs to learn not to play with fire before someone gets hurt." Dimitri was surprised that Jasmine made Tasha fireball fly into the fireplace with just away of her hand.
Tasha runs up to Jasmine to try to hit Jasmine and Jasmine dodges Tasha's blows. Jasmine punched Tasha in the nose. Breaking Tasha's nose knocked her off her feet and on her ass hard. Jasmine reached down grabbing her necklace and pulling off Tasha's neck. Standing above Tasha looking down at Tasha said, "How do you like me now! Stupid Bitch! Now get your old cheap whoring ass out of Dimitri's room before really piss me off."
Tasha gets up and gets dress. Running from Dimitri's room crying. Jasmine said, "Close the door bitch." Tasha slammed the door behind her. Jasmine's eyes flicked up with an unhappy look on her face and said, "Can you please get dress."
Dimitri looked down finding out what wearing boxers. Started putting clothes back on. Dimitri said, "Thank you! Jasmine for looking out for me." Jasmine said, "That want family does for each other. Besides, that would really piss Rosie off." Dimitri said, "You kicked in my door." Jasmine said, You lucky. I didn't put steel top combat boot up your ass.
Jasmine walked over to Dimitri and stood in front of him. Jasmine kicked Dimitri in the shines. Dimitri said, "Ow!" Jasmines said, "Dumb ass." Dimitri started laughing. Reaching over, hugging Jasmine and taking in Jasmine scent found sweet.
Jasmine said, "Before I give your necklace back. I need to fix." Dimitri said, "I don't understand Tasha would use compelled on me to have sex with her?" Jasmine said, looked up at Dimitri, and said can we go to dinner now? Dimitri said, "Yes! We go to dinner together." Jasmine said, "Good! I need a drink." Dimitri said, "You can have chocolate milk and no wine." Jasmine took Dimitri's arm and started moving to the door. Dimitri said, "I need a notebook." Jasmine reached down picking up off the coffee table and saying, "Here it is."