(Dinner party)
Vasilissa, Rose, and Jasmine reached the banquet room. Everyone's eyes went to them. Vasilissa 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 a 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's Formal Corset Prom Evening dressed in lavender with her hair down and curled back with a gold hairpin.
The royals had expected the Dragomir princess to bring her dhampir friends to this highly anticipated, invitation-only dinner. But hey, Vasilissa's invitation had said "and guests." Vasilissa, Rose, and Jasmine took our places at one table with some royals whose names we promptly forgot. They were happy to ignore us, and we were happy to be ignored.
Besides, it wasn't like there weren't plenty of other distractions. This room is done, all in silver and blue. Midnight blue silk clothes covered the tables, so shiny and smooth that they terrified Rose and Jasmine 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 peer over to make sure Jasmine and Rose weren't doing anything out of place or doing something wrong. Plus, in case Jasmine's powers would show up, he would take a step to remove her from everyone without making a screen. Founding Jasmine really sexy in that dress she wears and how he loves to take her out of it. When he reminds himself that she is a 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 For dessert, 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 eight bites. They might still need food along with their blood, but they didn't need as much as a human or, say, a growing Dhampir girl needed more.
Vasilissa said, "We have to mingle." Both Jasmine and Rose said in a low voice, Mingle? Vasilissa laughed at our discomfort. Vasilissa said, "Rose, you're the social one and Jasmine your silent one."
Both Jasmine and Rose knew this was Vasilissa 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 forced and stressful for her, she now conducted them with ease. We are 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 Vasilissa's side for the rest of the night. We tried to tell myself it was a 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 the right time. Keep watching Jasmine take a few slow deep breaths and trying to hide uneasy feelings.
As Vasilissa 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 man 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 look 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!" It surprised Vasilissa and Rose to hear Jasmine's voice speak with a sweet and calm tone to her voice. Making all the men turn, they looked at Jasmine. Jasmine spoke 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, who 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."
Vasilissa'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. Jasmine said, "The same way guardians do." Jasmine 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. Jasmine paused thoughtfully. "You could even start making defense part of the standard curriculum for Moroi students already there."
Astonished stares fell on Jasmine as Vasilissa, Rose 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 of them in a way that didn't really harm the other side. Dimitri thought it was pure genius. The other Moroi studied her with wonder and fascination.
Nathan Ivashkov introduced himself. Jasmine said, "It is so nice to meet you, Lord Ivashkov." My name is Jasmine Hathaway. Nathan said, "You, the student that was at St. Vladimir's Academy, were placed in the international program sent to Russia for higher education." Jasmine said, "Yes, Lord Ivashkov." Nathan asked, "So what is your kill account?" Jasmine said, "Eight Strigoi and four hell-hounds Lord Ivashkov." Nathan learned that Jasmine kill account, he exhibited surprise. Nathan started more questions.
Suddenly, everyone started talking at once, excited about the idea. They drew Vasilissa and Jasmine in, and soon there was a passionate conversation going on about Jasmine and Vasilissa's plan. Rose got shuffled to the edges and decided that was just fine. Then Rose retreated altogether and sought a corner near a door.
Dimitri moved his eyes to see Rose and Adrian speaking to each other about something. When Janine called Rose's name out, she pulled out of the room. I turned back to see Jasmine was still talking and playing with her hair, knowing that she was worried as she was speaking to Nathan Ivashkov.
As soon as Dimitri approached Jasmine's side and uttered, "Lord Ivashkov, excuse us." However, I must talk to Jasmine. " "Excuse me," Jasmine said. "Not a problem," said Nathan. I appreciate you chatting with me, Miss Hathaway. In a few days, kindly join me for dinner to discuss your fortune. " Jasmine added, "Before making a decision, I must consult my mentor, Janine Hathaway, and friends." Nathan gave a head nod before turning and leaving.
Dimitri said, "I think it is time for you to return to your room." Because of your eyes," "Dimitri said. "Jasmine nodded her head and started heading to the door.
Adrian reached out, grabbed Jasmine's upper arm, and pulled her to him. Adrian asked, "Where are you running off to, my Nova?" Jasmine spoke in a calm voice and said," That is none of your business." "Please let go of my arm." Adrian said, You need to stop by room to have a little cheat. Dimitri appeared behind Jasmine. Dimitri reached out and pulled Jasmine away from Adrian, pushing Jasmine forward to the door. Adrian said, "I wasn't done chatting to Nova." Dimitri said, "Yes, you are." "Leave her alone." Dimitri walked out the door and saw Jasmine walking down the hallway going to her bedroom like a good girl following his orders.
("Next day in afternoon")
Jasmine arrived at Dimitri's guest room door. She reached up and knocked on the door. Hearing Natasha and Dimitri's voices coming from inside, Tasha said, "Who is at the door, Dimka?" Dimitri said, "I don't know." Tasha said, "Why don't you tell them to leave and come back to make love to me?" Dimitri said, "Oh! "Tasha!"
Jasmine stepped back and kicked the door wide open, making the door swing open and hitting the wall with force. The lights started to flicker on and off fast. Tasha said, "Dimka! What happening with the light. While looking surprise to see that door swing open by it stepped into Dimitri's guest room. Jasmine turn head started at the bed. Jasmine came to stop in front of the bed. Jasmine see that Dimitri had glade look in his eyes.
Jasmine's eyes had gone bright gold and hands was balled up. Jasmine said, "What in the hell gives you the right to compel Guardian Dimitri Belikov?" Tasha said, "Fuck off, Jasmine." "Mind Your Own Business. Stupid Bitch! You have no right to compel Guardian Dimitri Belikov into having sex with your old cheap blood-whore ass.
Dimitri started coming around and soon realized what he was about to do with Tasha. He jumped up from his bed out, and said, "Tasha! How could you use compulsion on me again? " Tasha said, "I love you! Dimka" Jasmine could notice her necklace was around Tasha's neck. Dimitri said, "Get dressed and get out of my room." Tasha said, "Dimka." I'm sorry. Please forgive me. " Tasha said, "I leave."
Jasmine said, "Natasha! Take off my necklace and give it back to me. You have no right to wear what is mine. " Tasha said, "No!" "Dimka gave it to me." Jasmine said, "Bullshit! I know, for a fact, that you used to compel him to give to you. Now take it off or I will take it off of you. "Tasha said, "I'm not taking it off." Jasmine said, "Fine! You want to play hardball. Let's play hardball."
Tasha stood up from the bed and threw a fireball at Jasmine. When Jasmine waves her right hand making Tasha's fireball way from and land in the fireplace. Jasmine said, "Looks like someone needs to learn not to play with fire. Before someone gets hurt." It surprised Dimitri that Jasmine made Tasha's fireball fly into the fireplace with just the wave of her hand.
Tasha dashed trying to hit Jasmine, when Jasmine blocked Tasha's blows easily. 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 it off Tasha's neck. Jasmine stood above Tasha looking down at her like prey, and said, "Don't fuck with me, stupid bitch!" Now get your old, cheap, blood whoring ass out of Dimitri's room before you really piss me off. Stay away from what is mine! "
Tasha gets up from the floor and grabs her clothes. She ran from Dimitri's room, crying. Jasmine said, "Close the fucking door, Stupid Bitch." Tasha slammed the door behind her. Jasmine's eyes flicked back on Dimitri with an unhappy look on her face and said, "Get dressed now!" Dimitri could tell that Jasmine was unhappy at all the tone of her voice.
Dimitri looked down to find that he was fully nude. Jasmine started blushing when she noticed Dimitri's nude body. Dimitri said, "Thank you, baby girl!" Jasmine said, "That's what family does for each other." Besides, that bitch is really pissing me off. touching what is mind. Dimitri looked at Jasmine and thought she could talk about the necklace or me.
Jasmine said, "Tasha was lucky that I didn't put steel toe combat boot up her ass." Jasmine walked over to Dimitri and stood in front of him. Jasmine kicked Dimitri in the knee. Dimitri said, "Ow!" Jasmine said, "Dumb ass."
Jasmine reached up, put her hand on the back of Dimitri's neck, and pulled him to her. Jasmine started kissing Dimitri, and Dimitri wrapped his arms around Jasmine's body, pulling her closer. Dimitri pulled back and kept his arms around Jasmine, and found that Jasmine's scent, which he found sweet, sent Dimitri into overdrive for Jasmine.
Jasmine said, "Before I give your necklace back, I need to fix it." Dimitri said, "I don't understand why Tasha would use compulsion on me to have sex with her?" Jasmine said, "Because Natasha is jealous of me." She told me herself. She believes I will take you away from her. when I compelled her. I didn't know that I could do that. Dimitri said that going into the journal.
Jasmine said," "looked up at Dimitri, and said,"Can we please go to dinner now together?" 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 toward the door. Dimitri said, "I need a journal." Jasmine reached down, picking it up off the coffee table and saying, "Here it is."
Dimitri reached over, taking Jasmine's hand, and kissed her on the cheek. Jasmine blushed.