{This chapter will have different character perspectives}
~ ROSE POV ~
There he stood, leaning against the wall not far from the door. The undeniably handsome notorious royal Moroi playboy.
He looked like he'd just come from a dinner party. Dressed in a fancy long, charcoal coat- probably made out of some insanely expensive cashmere-wool blend- which fit his body exceptionally well, and leather dress shoes which probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. He had brown hair that looked like it had been purposely styled to appear a little unkempt, and his eyes were the same vibrant jade green common with most Royal Moroi Bloodlines.
Warily, I stopped and crossed my arms as I spoke. "Adrian Ivashkov, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Adrian swept me a graceful deep bow. I took a deep breath and almost gagged at the strong smell of alcohol and clove cigarette smoke radiating off him. "The pleasures all mine, miss...?"
"Hathaway," I finished holding out my hand for him to shake. Adrian's eyebrows lifted slightly in recognition.
He took my hand but instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his lips and placed a teasing kiss on the top of my palm. I snatched my hand back and quickly wiped the back of it on my jeans. I didn't know where his lips had been, and I certainly didn't them on me in any way.
"Ah, so you are the troublesome offspring of infamous guardian Janine Hathaway."
"That would be me, but I prefer Rose."
"Rose. Well, that's name definitely suits you. Thorny exterior to protect the beautiful flower within." I rolled my eyes and snorted.
"Thorns are necessary for a guardian so we can protect all the delicate Moroi flowers from being plucked one by one by Strigoi."
"So, you're going to be a guardian when you grow up," He said, slipping his hands into his coat pockets.
"Obviously."
"How long until you grow up?" he asked. "I might need a guardian."
"I graduate in the spring. But I'm already spoken for. Sorry."
Surprise flickered in his eyes. "Yeah? Who is he?"
"She's Vasilisa Dragomir." Recognition lit up his face.
"Ah, you're the rogue Dhampir who led our little princess astray." I didn't want to stick around for the other half of that conversation. Frankly, I had had quite enough of people judging me for my past mistakes. The girl that ran away from the academy is an entirely different person to who I am now.
"I have to go. Sorry. It was nice meeting you," I said quickly and started to leave but Adrian caught my arm.
"Actually, Vasilisa is the reason why I am here." I sharply pulled my arm free and turned to him.
"Lissa? What do you want with her?" I asked slipping into protective guardian mode.
"Oh, nothing. I have just recently learnt that we might have more in common than you might think.
I snorted. "Yeah? Like what?" Apart from eye colour and royal blood, they were as different as night and day.
"Like..." he leaned forward until his lips almost touched my ear and whispered. "A certain unusual kind of magic." I froze. My blood ran cold in my veins. Adrian pulled back and smirked. "Not so sarcastic, now are you? Now, if you wouldn't mind, I need to find my cousin. Are you going to help me, or do I have to find her on my own?" I was stuck. At the academy, it wouldn't take him too long to find Lissa. If I took him to her, I could keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't try anything with her.
I sighed. "Follow me."
"Excellent." He took a deep breath and followed me as we walked down the corridor towards the dining hall. "You smell good, you know," he said suddenly.
I stopped walking again and gave him a puzzled look, which only made his sly smile grow a little bigger.
"I... um, what?"
"You smell good," he repeated.
"And you reek of clove cigarettes," I said. Adrian smirked.
"Bad habit," he said pulling out the pack to offer me one.
I shook my head refusing them. "One of many, I'm sure." Adrian Shrugged and put them back in his jackets breast pocket, revealing the deep plum dress shirt, hidden beneath his coat.
"Bad habits are like a comfortable bed." I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to elaborate. "Easy to get into, difficult to get out of." I scoffed.
"The hangover wouldn't help."
"You'd be surprised. You know what cures a hangover, right?" he asked opening his coat and pulling out a silver flask. "More alcohol." He shook the flask making sure I heard the sloshing echo within. I rolled my eyes.
"Maybe but you might want to keep your bar hidden, unless you want it confiscated," I warned as we started off walking again.
"They can try. There is plenty more where that came from."
"I have a feeling you're going to cause a lot of trouble around here."
"Trouble is my middle name."
~ DIMITRI POV ~
I walked through the academy building and made my way back to the guardian building to grab a hot cup of coffee and sit down for a moment before my shift began. So much had happened recently, and I needed some time to think and take it all in.
I almost sighed in relief as I poured the fresh pot of coffee into my oversized mug.
"Save some coffee for the rest of us, Belikov." I turned to see Yuri smiling. I nodded respectfully and moved off to the lounge with my mug gripped tightly in my hands.
I had only just taken a sip when Alberta spotted me. "Belikov!" she called triumphantly and quickly made her way over to join me.
"Guardian Petrov, what can I do for you?" I asked, placing my cup on the coffee table.
"We missed you last night at the guardian Christmas party." Shit. I had completely forgotten all about that. I had to think up a reasonable excuse fast.
"I wasn't really in the party mood," I said hoping she wouldn't push me to elaborate.
"Oh no. What happened?" Damn.
"Lady Natasha Ozera offered me a position as her guardian yesterday after the Christmas gathering, she held at the old guardian cabin. I needed time to process and consider what to do so I took a very long walk."
"Well, that certainly was a surprise. Have you made a decision?" she asked. I nodded.
"I just came back from meeting with Tasha. I told her I couldn't. I have a position here and I have a duty to the Dragomir Princess. Tasha didn't take it too well. But she has accepted my decision and is planning to leave shortly." Alberta nodded.
"That's a relief. You're an amazing guardian Belikov. Just what Rose needs." It didn't skip my notice that she said Rose, not Vasilisa. Alberta's eyes scanned the room checking it was clear before lowering until we were eye to eye, and I was held under her intense gaze. "If you ever hurt her in any way, I'll make sure they never find your body." I understood the message behind her threat. She knew about my relationship with Rose.
I nodded and forced my voice to sound firm. "I understand. I would never hurt her." Alberta smiled satisfied.
"Great." She straightened up. "Enjoy your coffee," she said. Her voice was sweet, but her eyes held strong, daring me to try her.
How long had she known? We're we too obvious that everyone knew and just kept it to themselves? One thing was for sure. Rose and I really needed to be more careful with our affections being openly shared. At least until after graduation.
After downing my mug, I tugged my duster on and went out to the ward lines to start my watch. I used the time I had to myself to think as I walked around the academy grounds, scanning for any sign of danger and keeping a keen eye on the lookout for anything that looked unusual or suspicious.
Before I knew it, my shift was coming to an end and it would almost be time to meet with Rose for our evening training session. I started making my way back to my room to change into more appropriate clothing for training, but I paused as I recognised the familiar dark hair of the woman, I loved walking with Adrian Ivashkov. My keen Dhampir ears tuned in to catch the sound of her sweet soft laugh as she continued down the path beside the Queen's beloved Great Nephew.
I couldn't help the pang of jealousy in my heart as I watched them interacting in such a casual way out in the open. I relished the moments I had with Rose where we were both relaxed just being in each other's company. But it was always behind closed doors. I knew we couldn't afford to be revealed after all that had happened recently, but it didn't make the sight anymore bearable. I wanted to shout out to the world that I loved Roza. Let everyone know that she is mine as much as I am her's. I wanted to be the one who walked with her, laughed with her and held her. One day I would. One day there would be no barrier between us. No consequences, no sacrifices. Just love.
I forced myself to let them go off. I knew of Adrian's reputation and I did not trust him, but I trusted Rose and I knew her. I could ask her anything and she would tell me instantly. I would see her soon and maybe then I would learn why Adrian has come to St. Vladimir's Academy.
~ ADRIAN POV ~
I followed Rose towards a table where a couple of teens sat talking quietly amongst themselves. I noticed Lissa instantly, even in the dining hall full of people chatting and enjoying lunch. It was easy to locate the Dragomir princess. She stood out like a sore thumb with her blonde hair and emerald eyes. But it was her aura that gave her away. Like me, she was surrounded in a ring of golden light. An indication of the element we shared. I would definitely need another cigarette after this. My eyes flicked to Rose. Her dark Shadowy aura danced like smoke rising from a flame… I might need a shot of something strong too.
I moved ahead of Rose and walked up behind Lissa. She was sitting beside a boy with dark hair and ice-blue eyes. He must be an Ozera. They seemed to be in the middle of a very intimate conversation, judging by the swirls of tones and colours in the Ozera boy's aura. Some might consider me rude to interrupt, but I wasn't in the mood for watching aura porn today. Besides, I needed to talk to Lissa.
The boy turned to look up at me and Lissa stopped talking as she noticed the boy's focus slipping. "Hey, cousin," I said standing directly behind her.
Lissa turned towards me and I smiled at her. She scanned me from head to toe as if trying to piece together who the stranger was standing before her. Slowly, her eyes widened in realisation and a smile stretched across her face as she took me in.
"Adrian?" she asked as she raised to her feet.
"Did you miss me?" I opened his arms and instantly Lissa walked in, throwing her arms around me. She giggled excitedly in my embrace and slowly pulled away.
"Adrian, what are you doing here? It has been so long since I've last seen you. How's court?" She asked eagerly.
I slid my hands into my coat pockets. "Court is court. Auntie Tat is generous, but court just isn't my scene. I have been…Travelling." I answered hoping she wouldn't dig too deep into my lie and uncover the truth.
It has been over a year since I have been to the royal court. Father had been on my case for so long about getting my shit together. I needed an escape. Mother encouraged college but school had never been for me. I stayed for a while but quickly got bored and left. I called my aunt and asked to borrow the queen's private jet. I left America with a couple of temporary guardians and had been touring the world for the last six months, partying hard nightly with some of the world's most beautiful women, Moroi, Dhampir and Human.
Auntie had called me about a week ago and told me the news of the Dragomir Princess specialising in a rare element. The same rare element Tatiana believed I specialised in. She asked me to come to St. Vladimir's and work with the princess to discover her gifts and maybe even develop my own. I wasn't stupid. I knew my aunt had another plan for me and wanted me here for a reason, but I didn't care. I would do as she asked, stay for a while and hang with Vasilisa. It wasn't so bad. Especially with that Rose girl. She was feisty. I like feisty.
"How have you been, cousin?" I asked. "Apparently I have missed a lot. I heard all the stories. That you ran away, that you returned. I also heard of all that recently happened with Victor Dashkov." I noticed the drop-in mood of everyone around me. Rose tensed beside me and her aura seemed to grow darker if that was even possible.
"A lot has happened, Adrian," Lissa said. I saw the brightness of her aura dim. I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I also heard about the accident. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." Lissa nodded.
"It hasn't been easy. I definitely wouldn't have gotten through it without Rose." I turned to Rose. Her mask held strong but there was a pang of sorrow in her eyes. I remembered the reports from the accident. That the two girls survived, and both miraculously walked away without a scratch. It should not have been possible. I would have to look into this later.
"I'm here for you cousin. Whatever you need." I said.
"Thank you, Adrian." Lissa smiled sweetly. Beside me, Rose cleared her throat turning all our attention on her.
"How do you two know each other exactly?" she asked.
"Adrian and I spent a lot of time together when we were younger. Every time our fathers were called away on business trips of council meetings, our mothers would get together. Adrian, Andre and I spent a lot of time together as toddlers. When we grew up, we went to different academies but every once in a while, we would see each other when visiting court or attending royal functions," Lissa explained. "The last time I saw Adrian was about six months before the accident, at the Queen's birthday event."
"Auntie loves any excuse to throw a party. Actually, she is the reason I am here," I said.
"Tatiana asked you to come here? why?" asked Lissa.
"She heard tales of your unusual abilities and thought I could be able to help."
"How?"
"what would you say if I told you that we might share the same element?" I asked quietly.
"You're a spirit user?" Lissa whispered loudly. I winked.
"Tati thinks it would be good for us to work together. I might be able to help you control your power."
"I don't know if you can help," she said sadly.
"Why not?" I asked.
"I'm thinking of going on medication. The academy magic teacher told me that they would stop me from accessing my magic while I am on them, but they would help with my overpowering emotions. After what happened with Victor, I think it's a good idea."
"There are side effects that come with using our magic. Unlike other elemental magic users, ours has consequences on ourselves. On our own minds, our spirit. I can help you get through the mood swings. Let's work together." Lissa looked like she was considering my words but shook her head and sighed.
"I don't know."
"Listen. We can try it for a week. Just one week. And if you still want to go on the meds afterwards, you can. No problem." I waited. Lissa bit her lip and looked to the Ozera boy I assumed was her boyfriend. He shrugged simply and made a gesture with his hand that I didn't understand.
"Okay." She turned back to me. I smiled.
"Great," I said. We quickly exchanged contacts and agreed to a time and place for us to meet up for our first Spirit training session. "I'll see you tomorrow in the library." Lissa nodded, confirming the plan. The Ozera boy stood up and took Lissa's hand.
"We should go, Liss. If we want to see aunt Tasha before she goes." Rose stepped forward.
"I thought you were going with her for the holidays," she said. Her aura swished with colours of fear and worry.
"I got a text early this morning from Tasha. She got called back to work for some reason. She'd rather I spend Christmas here with Lissa than being bored while she's working." Rose nodded, but I could tell something was a little off with that story.
"You wanna come, Rose?" asked Lissa. Rose smiled kindly. It was the first genuine smile I had seen on her and it lit her up until she was almost glowing.
"I would but I think I should give Adrian a tour. It would be helpful for him to know where the library is so he can meet you there tomorrow. I'll see you guys later. Say goodbye to Tasha for me."
"Will do. Nice to see you again Adrian." I waved them off and waited for them to leave the room entirely before turning to Rose.
"Who was that depressingly dull lad?" I asked.
"He is Lissa's boyfriend. Christian Ozera." Now that was a name I easily recognised.
"Ah, he's the famous Ozera child. What's with the face?" I asked noticing Rose's expression and the envy shimmering in her aura. "Jealous? You want him for yourself?" She scoffed.
"God, no. I just don't like him."
"Does he treat her badly?" I asked.
"No," she admitted. "He adores her. He's just kind of a jerk." The jealousy in her aura didn't disappear and I realised Rose was jealous, but not of Lissa.
"Ah, you are jealous. Does she spend more time with him than you?" She shrugged.
"We haven't had a lot of time alone since we were brought back to the academy. Christian was meant to go away with his aunt for two weeks. Lissa and I were going to hang out and celebrate the holidays together as we have every year but now, he's staying. I guess I'll be third-wheeling again…as usual." She said whispering the last two words. I was silent for a moment. The strong guardian I had seen moments ago had disappeared exposing Rose's true feelings. I took her arm and linked it through mine.
"Well, the load is always easier to carry on a cart with four wheels." She shot me a questioning look. I sighed. "All I'm saying is I am here if you need me. Now, come on. Let the tour begin."
I'm back again. Sorry for the multiple POV in this chapter. I like my normal pattern alternating between Rose and Dimitri but with the introduction of Adrian, I wanted to play around and try writing from his point of view which was different but I enjoyed experimenting. I might do an Adrian chapter in the future but I am hoping to go back to the R & D POV for a while. Let me know what you think and if you would like to see more Adrian in the future. Thanks for all the love and support!