So here we were all piled in Kirova's office Adrian, Christian, and Lissa were seated in the chairs across from her desk. I was leaning against the sidewall waiting for the tirade to begin. Dimitri and Stan were standing on opposite sides of the doorframe with their arms folded across their chests. Stan stood there with no visible emotion. Dimitri on the other hand looked pained, worried. I glanced around wondering if anyone else noticed this or if it was only me, since I was so hyper aware of everything Dimitri.
"Someone start explaining and quickly", Kirova began
No one spoke. She looked at me. "Rose, why don't you start I would love to hear what elaborate tale you have constructed that would justify knocking out a Moroi. " the sarcasm was thick.
I looked at Lissa before I began speaking. I knew if I told Kirova the truth that Lissa and Christian both would be in big trouble. Not that I cared about Christian, but I was sworn to protect Lissa. That included protecting her from herself too if I could help it. I was going to have to take the heat for this and hope it didn't get me expelled, I would do what I could to play off Christian's part but he was going to have to take some of the fall too.
I stepped away from the wall more to the center of the room, so my back was to Dimitri. I couldn't handle any eye contact with him during this lie. "No tale necessary, Christian is an ass, was being an ass, and I knocked his ass out" I spoke in a very matter of fact tone.
"Ok Rose, I'll bite" Kirova sounded unamused "What did Christian do that required him to be unconscious in Rose Hathaway's humble opinion at least. Guardian Alto said you mentioned you were afraid he was going to hurt Lissa is that true?" She turned towards Christian as she finished.
"I WOULD NEVER HURT HER!" Christian was shouting.
" I was afraid she might get caught in the crossfire was all I meant. I was protecting Adrian." I forced the words out.
Everyone in the room looked surprised at my words, except Dimitri I didn't know if he looked surprised I was too afraid to look at him, to afraid of what expression he wore. Seriously have I mentioned what a coward I can be sometimes?
"Rose I want a FULL explanation now, not bits and pieces start from the beginning straight through to the end." Kirova barked.
"Fine! Beginning... I needed to talk to Adrian so I went to his room when I woke up this morning. On my way I ran into Christian and Lissa, they came with me. We got to Adrian's room and Christian and Adrian started arguing about something. I was afraid Adrian would get hurt, or Lissa by accident so I punched him. You can't be surprised, I have punched a lot of people before!" I felt Dimitri still by the door shift uncomfortably behind me, probably at my pointing out my past indiscretions. I knew it wasn't smart but I didn't want to answer any more questions… questions could lead to the truth. I wanted to get on with the punishment and get out of here.
"I am well aware of the number of times you have assaulted your fellow students Rose, believe me it is dually noted in your file. Would anyone else like to add anything?" She looked deflated. " No ok then, Adrian and Lissa you are free to go, besides having poor judgment in who you are keeping company with I see nothing you have done wrong. Guardian Alto please escort them back to their dorms." I found her words ironic considering Lissa had apparently spent the night in Adrian's room a big no no here at the academy and Adrian commits umpteen offenses everyday and Kirova sees Christian and I as the trouble makers. Granted she didn't know what really happened because I lied and covered it up, but her words still irked me.
" I will wait for Rose and Christian," Lissa said quickly looking back and forth between Christian and I.
"That won't be necessary Miss Dragomir, you have classes to get ready for and they will be a while." And with that Kirova dismissed them. Well at least I had protected Lissa, and I had done what I could for Christian I didn't mention the fire. It bugged me that Adrian was getting away scott free; with everything that he had done someone should make him pay. I would have to find a way to see that he gets his for the dreaming invasions and for whatever he was trying to do with Lissa. They may have gotten away clean from Kirova but I was going to get an explanation and it better be a good one.
After they left the room Kirova motioned for me to sit. I sat down next to Christian who was staring at the floor. Dimitri was still standing at the door behind us. Kivora spoke to Christian first she was oddly calm. "Christian, I realize that Adrian Ivashkov is not a student here at the Academy, However he is the Queen's nephew which means he is under the Schools protection while he is here. In addition to that being the Queens nephew means he can call in the Royal Guardians at any time he feels threatened. A person would be a fool to threaten him."
I couldn't see behind me but something in me sensed that both Dimitri and I were aware of that fact too. Adrian was protected, a true Royal and know matter how much Dimitri wanted to protect me, know matter how much I wanted to make Adrian pay, our hands were tied unless we wanted the Royal Guardians raining down on us.
"Do you understand what I am saying to you Christian? I realize you have had a rough time of things, with what became of your parents and all. But you have a future in front of you outside this Academy and the gossip if you keep your nose clean. I don't know why you were attacking him and I don't want to know at this point. Just stay away from him Christian, no matter what happens, don't ruin your life before it begins." She looked at him with a genuine sadness and concern. I was so confused. Where was the Bitch Kirova I have come to know and expect?
"As for you Rose, I am at a loss. You are already on probation. I have all your free time tied up in extra trainings and you still manage to find time to cause drama and destruction." Kirova ranted. The bitch was back!
"Christian, since you are the one that Rose assaulted I feel it only fair that you determine her punishment." She reasoned.
"What!" I screamed "Are you insane, you are going to let this freak show determine my punishment." I was in full motion now arms flailing in disbelief I shot up out of my chair as I argued with Kirova. Dimitri took a step away from the door a step closer towards where I was. I know he was afraid of what I might do. Hell at this point I was a little afraid of what I might do. Kirova could muster sympathy for Christian the "Strogoi Prince" but had nothing but punishment in mind for me. I was the one who kept things from getting out of hand back in Adrian's room and even though I was willing to take the punishment to keep Lissa safe, I was not willing to have my punishment dictated by Christian. This was going to far, my anger started to boil over.
"Sit down Rose" Dimitri spoke with a calm strength behind me. I felt his presence so strongly trying to control my soul, but I was so angry I didn't know if even he could break though to me.
"Rose doesn't deserve punishment here, she deserves a thank you at least she does from me" Christian stood from his chair and turned to look me directly in the eyes. "I would never hurt Lissa, Rose I love her, but your right she could have been caught in the… crossfire" his voice raised on the last word with an exaggerated and telling tone. "Headmistress Kirova, please if anyone is punished here it really should be me, let Rose go"
"This is really how you feel Mr. Ozera?" Kivora voice came with disappointment. This bitch really had it out for me, when she didn't get to punish me I think it actually ruined her day.
"He said it wasn't my fault, he said I should get a Thank you weren't you listening" my tone mocking and challenging at the same time.
"Rose don't push me, you are lucky that Mr. Ozera is being as forgiving as he is" Kirova shot back. I flinched about to move forward towards her when Dimitri grabbed my wrist. I looked into his eyes and settled almost immediately.
"Your right" I said to Kirova "May I be dismissed now, I have training this morning"
"Your dismissed Rose, I assume I don't have to worn you about the last straw you are currently balancing on here Do I?
"Nope got it balancing last straw." I turned to walk out of her office; I was half way out the door when I heard her say to Dimitri, "Guardian Belikov, I suggest you find a way to get your student in check. Bond or not, I will remove her from this academy if I deem necessary."
I whirled around ready to tell her just what I thought of her, and what she 'deemed' necessary, but Dimitri gave me a shove pushing me through the door and closing it behind us before I could get any words out.
"Hey" I yelled at him
"Rose enough!" his tone sharp. "Start walking we have training now"
"Sorry Comrade, not right now, there is something I need to take care of first I will meet you in the gym in an hour." I took off towards the Moroi dorms before he could grab me.