ROYALS: CHAPTER SIX

Sydney

"They want him."

I stare at Jill, not comprehending. I knew she was talking about Adrian. What I don't understand is who wants Adrian?

"The Strigoi want him," Jill answered my unspoken question as she closed her eyes fearfully. "They've got five members of the other royal families and they want him as ransom."

I shut down my emotions completely when they tend to get in the way of getting something done. It's what I'm doing now. I need to save Adrian but I can't do that until I know what to do with the information JIll gave me.

When exactly did they start to want him? And why?

I haven't realized I've spoken out loud until Jill answered me, "The Guardians don't know the answers to both of your question either."

My phone started ringing and I immediately picked it up. "Sydney Sage," I say by way of greeting.

"Sage," the unrecognizable voice replied. "Have you taken Jill to safety?"

"Yes, of course," I say without emotion even though I'm exasperated. The first thing I've done even before they ordered me to was take Jill to safety.

"Good," the voice replied. "The Strigoi have taken five royal Moroi hostage. Namely: Ava Drozdov, Marcus Lazar, Camille Conta, Robin Badica, and Neil Szelsky. Two of whom were candidates to the throne."

Then why would they want Adrian instead of the royal candidates?

"The Guardians were greatly outnumbered in the battle and has taken refuge in an underground safe place. They reported that the Strigoi has not turned any dhampir or Moroi. Yet. We've dispatched a team of Alchemists to the court. Your task is to stay put and keep Jill safe."

"I will," I breathe into the phone. I'm not sure if I'll follow through.

Adrian

To say I was shocked that the Strigoi want me is an understatement. Flattered, more likely. But why do they want me? The Guardians are as clueless as I am. Their numbers have dwindled to half of their original strength. We've got no choice but for me to surrender.

A Guardian shook his head at me when I voiced my opinion, "With all due respect, Sir, we can't let you do that."

"Why not?"

"We were tasked by your father to protect you," the Guardian replied. "Also, you could be a future candidate for the throne.

I had to laugh at that. Even if I was eligible, there were far more competent candidates from the other families. I stand no chance. Besides, I'd rather be Sydney's Prince rather than this court's.

Sydney! Crap, I forgot to check on her. I take my phone out of my pocket and feel hopeless as I see that its battery will soon be dead. My mood lightens up and quickly darkens as I see six missed calls from Sydney. I missed my chance to say goodbye.

"You're an idiot, Adrian," Rose's voice came from somewhere tucked between the corners of the basement, or whatever the hell this is. "You can't give yourself up. They'll eat you alive. Pun definitely intended."

I come close to where I expected her to be. She's lying on her side, blood shows through the thick white bandaged wrapped around her torso.

I whistle, "Hathaway, you need to live through this. I need you to be my kids' godmother in the future or something."

Rose laughed at that, "You, settling down?"

"Roza, keep still," said Dimitri condescendingly.

I turn to him, "Is she going to be okay?"

"Yes, if she keeps still," he says as he casts a pointed look at Rose.

But like Rose, I can't keep still. I can't stand the thought of my being idle while others' lives are on the line.

Sydney

"Go."

I've been pacing the room ever since Jill told me that they want Adrian. I'm restless. I'm exhausted. I can't function properly without caffeine.

Jill was looking at me with wide eyes, almost begging me to fly to Pennsylvania. I sigh, I can't abandon her; she's my duty. But I can't abandon Adrian either.

"Sydney, please, you have to get Adrian out of there," she says as she takes both of my hands. "I won't tell the Alchemists, I swear." I know she won't and that makes it harder, because I know everyone in here will cooperate. Years of my alchemist training will be all for nothing if I abandon my duty to Jill.

"We'll take care of her," Angeline reassures me sincerely. I look to Eddie and he nods.

I sigh and make the decision that's going to destroy Adrian, Jill, and me. Because if I flew out to Pennsylvania, I'll put Jill in danger. I'll put my job on the line. But most of all, I'll put Adrian and I's relationship in danger. But it'll save Adrian. I hope.

My love for Adrian breaks my priorities into scattered pieces and before I know it I'm flying out to Pennsylvania.

Adrian

We've been down here for so long no one is aware what time it is. We're all exhausted and most are unconscious, some willingly and some are not. We do our best to tend to the wounded, especially to the Guardians that willingly sacrificed themselves to hold back the Strigoi and made it. The magic users are also being tended to. They've taxed themselves out on trying to revive the broken ward. For now, it still stands and holds back the Strigoi. But it's becoming weaker and weaker by the moment. The Strigoi wants to invade court.

I sigh. My head is reeling and I can't breathe. I'm suffocating. I need a smoke. Or a drink. Anything to push away spirit's exhaustion.

"Adrian, rest for a while." Rose speaks to me through half-closed eyes and a kind smile, "You're killing yourself."

I smile back at her although she can't see me. So this is how friendship with your ex-girlfriend feels like.

I can't help but wonder about my present, and hopefully my future. Sydney, could I at least say goodbye?

Sydney

I finally landed in Pennsylvania and rented a car in able to drive out to the Royal Moroi Court. I make the long drive in a state of anxiety and paranoia. I keep wondering about Adrian's safety and hope to God that he hasn't given himself up yet.

As I approach the heavily guarded palace doors, I immediately spot the team of Alchemists sent to dispose of any Strigoi remains.

"What are you doing here?" Ever the warm welcome expected from Alchemists.

I brace myself for a lie that I can't ever go back against, "I was assigned to this team at the last minute."

The alchemist just squints at me and then nods. Alchemists are skeptics by nature. I don't know why he let me in his team without any further questions.

We enter the palace escorted by a Guardian. He warned us of the state of the south palace garden where the battle took place. He shook his head as he described the carnage, "Limbs everywhere. I just hope you guys are not light-stomached."

We've finished our round for the ground floor of the palace. We make our way up carefully, half the guardians stationed at each floor accompany us in cased they've missed a Strigoi lurking somewhere.

Adrian

I've at least gotten a few hours of sleep when I made my decision. I've got to surrender myself. I will not let others die on my expense. Besides, my father will be angry when he finds out his pathetic excuse for a son let five royals die because of his own selfishness.

I stand up from where I was resting and make my way to the staircase that leads to my death.