Annnd I'm back :D
Had to take some time off to rest my wrist after my carpal tunnel was flaring up, and I just needed a small break. Hoping to go back to updating daily again, or at least every second day. Thank you to those that checked in on me, I really appreciate it :D
Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter :D
Part 22
The rest of my shift had dragged on, and Dimitri never came back. I could sometimes feel bursts of anger and disappointment, but he was too far for me to get much ease.
I was still trying to figure out what exactly happened.
Dimitri was able to send emotions through the bond, that much I knew for sure. That connection we had, though it was brief, was amazing. It was like gaining a piece of myself that I didn't realise I was missing.
But then it stopped, and Dimitri became upset and left.
I kept telling myself he wasn't angry at me, but there was always that voice in the back of my mind saying it was my fault. I had screwed up so many other times. Maybe this was all because of me as well.
I had to ignore all of my feelings, focusing on Sage as he told me the plan for the Council meeting tomorrow. Lissa's other guardian, Guardian Sables, was here for his shift now, us both seated with Sage as he broke down what our roles would be.
Sables was older, maybe in his thirties, with a shaved head and trimmed beard. Unlike Sage, Sables was standoffish and a man of few words. I could tell he didn't think highly of me each time I would catch him looking at me.
Luckily, I wouldn't have to work too closely with him tomorrow; Sables would be the far guardian while I was to continue being Lissa's near guardian when transporting Lissa. Then I would be her shadow throughout the day.
Sage wanted Lissa at the Council hall early in the day so that there would be fewer people out, making any potential threats easier to spot. I was released from my shift with orders to be back by 6 pm the next day.
I hadn't explained to Lissa what had happened with Dimitri, though it wasn't hard to guess. Tasha had kept her expression guarded for the rest of the time she was there helping Lissa; when she left before me, I couldn't help but panic that she was going to find Dimitri before me.
She wouldn't still be going for him, right?
Dimitri wasn't in his room; I knew that much. It didn't help my nerves.
Taking a deep breath, I reached out to him through the bond. It was difficult to get a proper grasp of it, but once I did, I let it guide me. My feet started moving, using the bond to lead me to him.
I shouldn't have been surprised that he was in the church.
I hadn't stepped foot in there since he rejected me, my hand subconsciously rubbing over my heart.
With a steadying breath, I entered through the large oak doors. The sun was up, but still, the inside of the church was dark, only the flicking of candles casting shadows, making them dance across the stone walls.
A few people were seated in the pews, heads bowed, only the sounds of soft whispers between them and their God.
I never found the same sense of peace in a church. I didn't believe in asking some unknown being to help me; I was more of the idea of achieving things myself.
But Dimitri finds peace here, now more than ever.
Eyes scanning the pews, I picked out his large form towards the front, facing straight ahead. I could see the tension in his back, just as I could feel it. I walked to him quietly, slipping into the empty spot beside him.
He didn't appear surprised seeing me, nor did he acknowledge me straight away. His eyes were closed, eyebrows pulled down in concentration. The sight of him always managed to take my breath away. After losing him, I had developed a new appreciation for being able to see him. Sitting here in the dim candlelight, he honestly looked magnificent.
"How did you find me?" Dimitri whispered, breaking my trance. He opened his eyes but didn't move to look at me.
I inched closer to him. I wanted to reach for him, knowing that it would just take a little more to press myself up against him. But I was unsure if he would want that. "Take a guess," I responded in a hushed tone.
He frowned—irritation spiking.
I cringed back, pulling away from him a little. He definitely didn't want me touching him.
I reached up to my tied hair, pulling out the flower Lissa had placed there this morning. The flower Dimitri had given me, a similar-looking one was still next to my bed back in my room. I brushed the soft petals.
"Dimitri, what happened?"
He sighed. "I don't know."
I swallowed past the lump in my throat, "Was it… because of me?"
I stared down at the flower, refusing to look at him as I felt his eyes on me, surprise coming through the bond.
"Roza, why -" He cut himself off, "You didn't do anything."
"Then why did you leave?" My voice was small, the hurt in it obvious. We had finally made a connection of some kind, and then he just left. Did he not want it? Maybe he has changed his mind. "Do you not want -"
Dimitri's arms were around me, drawing me close to his body. "I'm sorry, Roza. I didn't mean to make you think… I was just so angry with myself, I had to take some time. I was walking around and just found myself here. I didn't mean to make you worry." He explained, hands rubbing my back to soothe me.
I released a shaky breath feeling myself relax into his arms, burying my face into his chest. His embrace was intoxicating. "Why were you angry?"
"I thought I finally had it. But then I lost it again."
I closed my eyes at the memory, "I had no idea that that was how it felt. It felt nice."
"You felt it." He repeated proudly, smiling against my hair, "I wish I could access it properly. Feel you the same way you can feel me. I'm trying, Roza."
"I know you are."
The following day I was at Lissa's bright and early, Dimitri walking beside me. We hadn't spoken much after last night, and even this morning, he had been quiet.
He was lost in thought, both about yesterday and by what today could result in for him. Tatiana had promised to speak to the Council on his and Sonya's behalf, and we were all eagerly holding our breaths, waiting for news on that. It would be the first topic Lissa would bring up after taking her rightful place on the Council.
Lissa was a ball of nervous energy, so much so it had me tossing and turning last night, feeling it flow from her to me. I wasn't in the mood for talking until I had a cup of coffee in my hand, which Dimitri had been quick to steer us to the closest cafe before heading to Lissa's.
The house was buzzing with movement. Every time I came here, I swear there were more people than before. I knew from the bond that Lissa was upstairs getting ready, Christian letting her vent her nerves out to him.
Downstairs was Jill with Sonya and her parents. Surprisingly even Adrian was here; our eyes met for a moment before he turned back to Jill, telling some joke that made her laugh. At least he was keeping her calm.
I stood tall, walking past the lounge room with a kind smile for Jill, passing them to the kitchen where I could hear Sage's and Mikhail's voices. Entering the kitchen, I suddenly wished I could turn around and leave.
It seemed everyone that I wanted to avoid was here today.
Sage, Mikhail, Eddie, Tasha, and both of my parents were standing in a circle in the kitchen. The conversation died down once we entered. The only thing that kept me from backing out was Dimitri's presence behind me, giving me strength.
"Guardian Andrew, I wanted to check in if there were any changes to today's plan," I kept my voice level, face blank as I addressed my superior.
Sage glanced between my mother and me before shaking his head, "Everything will proceed as planned. We will be leaving in ten minutes."
"Okay, I'll go get Lissa," I replied, pointedly ignoring the scowl on my mother's face. Turning from the room, I tilted my head at Dimitri, "Come on, comrade."
Dimitri followed me without question, keeping a respectable distance until we were at the top of the staircase. His hand caught mine, pulling me to a stop. "Are you okay?"
I sighed deeply, "I will be once this day is done. Just stay close." Even with the bracelet and necklace, I bet even that wouldn't be enough to keep my emotions in control if Janine started something with me. Dimitri helped me keep the darkness in check; I could handle it as long as he was near me.
Knocking on Lissa's door, Christian waved us in with a drawn expression. He had been dealing with Lissa's nerves as much as I had.
"How's it going, Sparky?" I greeted him cheerfully, making him scowl.
"Will be much better once today is done." He muttered, stepping aside for us to enter.
I strode past him to the bathroom where Lissa was adjusting the necklace she wore; it was a simple string of pearls that used to be her mother's. She was dressed in a sky blue pencil skirt with a matching blazer and a white blouse. I let out a low whistle.
"Wow, you actually look like a responsible adult."
She shot me a look from the mirror, "I'm trying to look professional. I have to blend in with them," She explained, smoothing back some loose strands of hair that had escaped the low bun she'd put her hair in.
"You'll blend in fine, except for the fact you are twenty years younger than all of them."
"Rose," Lissa whined.
I smirked, stepping forward, "You look great, Lissa. Your parents would be so proud of you. Even Andre would be impressed." That pulled a smile from her, "Today, you are going to join the Royal Council, and you are going to show them all who's boss."
She spun around, staring at me with wide eyes, "Can I really do this, Rose?"
I took her hands in mine, squeezing them. "Yes, Liss, you can."
I felt her confidence return, seeing her stand tall, a genuine smile pulling at her lips. "I can do this."
"Great," I grinned, "Now we have to go and face our terrible fates."
She cocked her head, "And what is your terrible fate?"
"Both of my parents and Adrian are downstairs," I told her with a scowl.
Lissa grimaced, "Yeah, I would rather take on the Council."
I guided her out of the bathroom with a laugh; when she noticed Dimitri in the room, she side-eyed me. Is everything okay between you two?
I nodded with a smile.
Yet another thing I needed to catch Lissa up on. Tonight, after the meeting was over and everything had calmed down, we planned to have a girls night, and I will spill all the details.
"Well," I squeezed Lissa's hand, "let's do this."
The upside of being Lissa's near guard was that I could avoid being alone with my parents, and Dimitri followed my request to the letter. There were some raised eyebrows at Dimitri standing so close to Lissa, but no one questioned it.
Adrian kept close with Jill, talking to her. I think he was coaching her for her big moment. We still had two hours until the meeting started, guiding them to the Council hall to wait in one of the adjoining rooms until it was time.
As soon as Lissa stepped a foot outside, I was on full alert. I couldn't shake this feeling that I was being watched, eyes scanning the area but finding nothing.
Rather than walk there, four cars were organised for transport. Sage, Lissa, Christian, Dimitri and I going in one. My mother accompanied Jill and her parents and Eddie in the second car and everyone else in the remaining cars.
The hall already had a significant guardian presence when we arrived. These public meetings can get out of hand usually; it was expected that there could be more trouble today with the recent attack.
I felt Lissa centre herself, schooling her features to conceal her thoughts. Stepping out of the car, she looked every bit the princess she was. She held herself with such an air of confidence; there was no doubt to her importance in the Moroi world. The collection of guardians surrounding her attested to that.
I listened to the calls of orders through our earpieces; the building was thoroughly checked earlier. Another sweep of the room Lissa would be waiting in as we approached. I stood close to Lissa, Dimitri on her other side, waiting for the go-ahead.
It was amazing how easily Dimitri I fell into the role of guarding together, not needing to speak to each other. I could only imagine how in sync we would be with the bond connected between us.
We guided Lissa into the room, joined by Jill and the others a couple of minutes later. Adrian was to draw the attention away from why guardians surrounded Jill, her identity still kept under wraps by order of the Queen. Not even all the guardian's here knew.
The Council had been informed of Lissa having reached the requirements in order to take a seat on the Council by Tatiana, but not who the family member was. It will be interesting to see what happened once the news broke.
I would feel better about it all if I knew who had attacked us at the store or if we at least caught them.
Christian took a seat next to Lissa, using their bond to keep her relaxed while we waited. I took up the space against the wall behind her, Dimitri coming to stand next to me.
And so we waited two hours for the meeting to start.
The last time I was in this hall, I called Tatiana a sanctimonious bitch, then was dragged out by guardians.
Now I was standing as close to Lissa as I could without being on top of her, watching the crowd of Moroi and dhampirs as they absorbed the information just revealed to them. There was a combination of expressions, a lot of the conservative Royals did not look pleased.
Jill's announcement caused quite the uproar, demands for proof of her being the daughter of Eric Dragomir. Abe had been quick to step forward with the evidence of the DNA test, signed and approved by the Queen.
I could feel Lissa panicking on the inside, though she appeared calm and collected on the outside. The darkness inside her was churning.
Tatiana held her hand up, and a hush settled over the room. "Vasilisa Dragomir has a quorum and by legal right may take her family's seat on the Council, effective immediately."
Lissa stood from her seat in the front row, head held high as Tatiana addressed her.
"Please, join us, Vasilisa," Tatiana gestured with her hand to the empty chair at the front of the room, an attendant pulling the seat out for Lissa as she approached.
I had to stay back, unable to follow her, taking place along the wall with the other guardians on duty. Dimitri was in the front row with the others, including Sonya, who had gained questionable looks.
I felt myself being pulled into Lissa's mind as she gazed out onto the crowd, fiddling with the papers she had placed before her. Once Tatiana moved on to the following topics of the meeting, Lissa was prepared to bring up Dimitri and Sonya to fight for them to have their rights returned and allowed to live life normally again.
But the darkness in her was making her second guess herself.
I had promised Dimitri that I wouldn't take any more darkness from Lissa, but I couldn't let it affect her at such a crucial moment. I had my charms; I just hoped they were enough to hold it back until I could get away to work it off.
I opened my mind to the bond with Lissa, pulling at the darkness and letting it move from Lissa to me.
I felt both Dimitri and Lissa react to what I was doing before I felt their eyes on me. Lissa's in surprise, and Dimitri's in fear. I didn't take a lot, just enough so Lissa could focus without the darkness controlling her emotions.
I felt it in the edges of my mind, breathing deeply to push it back. I couldn't let it take over me. You can control this, Rose.
After a couple of minutes, I glanced back at Dimitri, his eyes unmoving from mine. It seems I had gained the attention of Sonya, Christian, and Adrian as well. But I focused on Dimitri, trying to tell him with my eyes that I had to do it.
His fists were clenched, feeling his irritation but also his understanding. We both understood the importance of the day and the need for Lissa to be unaffected by the darkness for it.
"Now," Tatiana started, silencing the murmurs in the room again, "next to be voted on is the acquittal of the former Strigoi Dimitri Belikov and Sonya Karp."
There were crescent-shaped marks on the insides of my palm, crimson tinting the tips of my nails. It was all I could do to stay in control of myself during the last thirty minutes.
As soon as Tatiana had brought up Dimitri and Sonya, the room had broken out in argument from both the audience and the Council members. Tatiana sat back and let them yell at each other, even allowing people to verbally attack Dimitri and Sonya.
Lissa had stepped up to her new role, commanding the room's attention with her arguments for why they should be acquitted. It was impressive to watch; my pride for my best friend burned as strong as my anger did for those that opposed her.
When I would feel Lissa wavier, pulled down by her fears, I would take a little more darkness from her so that she could stay level headed. It made me have to work harder to rein myself in, especially when I was feeling Dimitri's emotions become darker and thicker as the meeting dragged on. Focusing on what little calm I had, I projected it to Dimitri, along with my affection for him. I couldn't let him be lost in the guilt again.
Balancing the two bonds for so long had exhausted me, feeling dead on my feet as I followed Lissa out of the room. There was some good news from it all, at least. By majority vote, Dimitri and Sonya were both acquitted and allowed to rejoin the Moroi society.
They had their freedom back.
I wanted to throw myself into Dimitri's arms as soon as the words were spoken, barely remembering that I was still on duty. Our eyes had met, and so many emotions passed between us in that single look. I could tell from his expression alone that he was in disbelief that he was a free man again.
Once the meeting was concluded, Hans had been quick to request Dimitri join him in his office to discuss his reinstatement as a guardian. I shot him an encouraging smile before he disappeared with the others exiting the room.
Now I was following closely behind Lissa to the Queen's private study. Lissa was still running off the high of achieving Dimitri's freedom, not feeling overly concerned about why Tatiana requested to speak alone with her. Reaching the doors, she gave me a quick nod before disappearing through the double doors.
Sage was checking on our transport back to the townhouse, leaving me alone to wait for Lissa, standing in the hallway with two Royal guards standing guard outside the study door. I leant on the opposite wall, arms crossed, staring straight ahead.
Both Lissa's and Dimitri's bonds were in the corner of my mind; I had to put up my mental walls to block them both out so I could have a moment of reprieve.
"Eventful day for you, isn't it, little dhampir?"
Of all the people I had expected to talk to me, Adrian was not one of them. He was strutting down the hallway towards me, hands in his pockets, the usual carefree air surrounding him. The Royal guards nodded at him. Being the nephew of the Queen, no one questioned what he would be doing outside the Queen's study.
I also had never expected him to call me by that nickname again.
"Hey, Adrian," I greeted cautiously.
He stood beside me, looking out the window, not speaking at first. "I'm still mad," He finally said, "but the more I thought about it, the more I'm not surprised. I guess I just wanted it to be me even though I always knew it wouldn't be."
The Royal guards did a convincing job of looking like they weren't listening to our conversation. Mine and Adrian's falling out was another of Court's hot topics for gossip.
"What I said to you that day," He turned to face me, "I'm sorry."
I nodded slowly, sighing deeply, "Thanks."
His words hit hard that day and have come back to haunt me many times since. Even if he had said them in anger, they were true.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry for how things ended between us," I told him sincerely. Before being anything romantic, I had thought of Adrian as a friend. He had even funded my trip to Russia to hunt down Dimitri and had kept my relationship with Dimitri secret. It was never my intention to hurt him.
Adrian smiled at me. We weren't back to where we were, but it was a start.
"So cradle robber is your soulmate," He smirked at me, "Everything you hoped for?"
I shot him a look, not appreciating the teasing. "It's getting there."
"Can't believe he rejected you."
"Dimitri didn't reject me." I defended, "He was still dealing with everything. It messed him up. It doesn't help that he's blocking the bond."
"Hmm."
I eyed Adrian, nudging him with my elbow, "Hmm? Hmm, what?"
"Belikov isn't blocking the bond."
I blinked at Adrian, "Yes, he is."
He shook his head, eyes holding mine, "No, Rose. You are."
