The end of this chapter is very important. It contains information about the new form of Voting, with 12 people voting.
I stretched out as we stepped out of the car, testing every joint I thought I could possibly have. Walking into the mall, I grabbed Dimitri's hand - and gave the girls who dared to even glance in his direction the best death glare I could muster up. Lissa and Christian walked ahead of us. By now, I actually released and trusted Christian enough to protect Lissa if they were alone with a couple of Strigoi. Of course, if he didn't have his fire elemental power, he would've been knocked out. And whoever can protect her is okay in my books. After several attempts throughout the day of Lissa trying to get me to buy something, we eventually settled for her to allow me to buy a simple midnight blue laced dress. I spun around in it, delighted to show it off.
"You look amazing, Rose," Dimitri smiled, looking awe-struck.
I winked at him, "So do you,"
"I'm so buying that for you," gushed Lissa, interrupting our moment.
I sighed, "Fine, Liss."
The rest of the day went by in a blur, with the Royal Guard 'subtly' following us. I offered Eddie a small smile when he met my gaze at lunch.
"Time to go," Serena briefly reminded us. I gave her a quick nod and a smile, as she stepped back in line with the other Guardians.
As we climbed into the SUV, Lissa quickly muttered, "I'm soo tired."
Christian protectively wrapped around her. Dimitri squeezed my hand, with the other Guardian cars in pursuit. Suddenly, half way to court, the phone rang. I opened my eyes, but Dimitri had already picked it up.
"Belikov speaking,"
I strained my ears to hear the conversation.
"Guardian Belikov, we have a problem. Your assistance is required back at the Royal Court."
"We'll be there very soon, Hans," Dimitri reassured him. I shook my head in distaste of the speak on the other side of the line.
"Hang on," came my mother's voice. What was she doing there? The voice hesitated, and I could hear a few murmurs of 'yeses' and 'nos'.
"Just tell them," I heard Stan's voice briefly. Wait. Stan? He was there too? What was this 'problem'?
"Belikov, we're also suggesting a High Council Meeting."
I froze, as Dimitri put down the phone. I buried my face into his chest, letting the tears fall as he murmured soft Russian words to me and stroked my hair. For them to require to call back up so quickly - I decided that's why both my mother and Alto were there, as well as recommend a High Council Meeting, the situation must be pretty serious. Within just a week that I had returned from my little 'holiday', Lissa had already established a new council. This consisted of twelve members - Two guest Alchemists, four guardians, four royal Moroi - including the King and/or Queen, and two non-royals. As the Heads of the Guardian Council and the Queen, Lissa, Dimitri and I were forced to go. Nathan Ivashkov - as twelfth member on the Council and relative of the previous Queen, was also one of the four Royals to go. Marie Conta and Ariana, previous candidates of the monarch tests, were also chosen to go through. Alberta was chosen, and so would my mother, but as a relative of me, she was prevented from being chosen. Everyone was still skeptical of the Ozeras and Dashkovs, because of Tasha and Victor's schemes, and despite Christian and Lissa's relationship, they were prevented from being selected. Mikhail Tanner was another Guardian, and along with Sonya Karp they were both elected, despite there reputation loss through the previous events. Mikhail had been moved as Sonya's official Guardian, and I was happy for them. Vincent Schoenberg was also chosen to represent the Guardians. Julia Rinaldi, a cousin of Mia's, was also chosen representative of the non-royals. Ian and Stanton - The guys that had been kept captive as witnesses by us, were also chosen. Apparently they were the leaders, and that's why they had come to collect Sydney. Nonetheless, that left us with Lissa, Ariana, Nathan and Marie to represent the Royals, Sonya and Julia to represent the non-Royals, Dimitri, Alberta, Vincent and I as the Guardian representatives, and Ian and Stanton for the Alchemists. Apparently the Alchemists should be there because they had the best knowledge of what would or would not affect the humans. Soon enough, I drifted to sleep.
As I told you, this chapter is uber important. I was a bit low with the people I had to chose as the leaders, so excuse me on that. But eventually, they will change, so if you have any requests, just send in a review or a message. ;) So as you know, now there are several new members:
Matthew and Luke - The two Strigoi from the Prologue
Guardian "Vincent" Schoenberg - The cousin of "Legend" Arthur Schoenberg
Julia Rinaldi - A cousin of Mia's. Non-royal.
Drill it in your brain!