Getting into the Moroi Royal Court wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, even though I was here just a few months ago. All that was done was a small interrogation. The guardians stationed asked for my name, my age, date of birth, things like that. It probably would have taken longer to get in if they didn't see the golden lily tattoo adorning my cheek. One glimpse of that tattoo was all they needed to let me through. Being an alchemist and all. I drove through and parked in the nearest space I could find and pulled out my phone. I'd switched it off after speaking to Adrian. And when I switched it back on I saw I had a couple of text messages. All from Adrian. I smiled as I opened the first one.
Sage, I'm at Court. Where r u? I smiled and checked the second text.
Boooooored! Where r u? If ur at Court come and entertain me...please? I miss you :(
My phone chimed again with another message, this time from Rose.
HELP! Adrian is driving us mad! Are you at Court yet? I sighed and dialled Adrian's number.
"Sage?" He yelled down the line. I winced at the loudness.
"There's no need to yell Adrian. I'm not deaf."
"Have you arrived at Court yet?" He asked impatiently.
"Patience young Padiwan," I laughed. Adrian groaned making me laugh again. "And yes, I am at Court. I just arrived."
"Finally! Where in Court are you? I'll come get you." He said enthusiastically. I couldn't help but smile. He really was sweet.
"I'm northside. The carpark." I answered looking around at my surroundings.
"Stay there." He said and hung up. I sighed and put my phone in my pocket. I was tired. I needed sleep...or coffee. I popped the boot and pulled out my duffel bag, setting it on the ground beside me. After shutting the boot and locking up the car, I leant against the bumper and waited for Adrian.
I had only been waiting a couple of minutes when Adrian rounded a corner. We saw each other at the same time. We both smiled and he broke into a run, closing the distance between us quickly. He scooped me into his arms when he reached me, my arms locking themselves around his neck and spun me around. He set me back down and kissed me; a passionate welcome-home-honey kind of kiss. It was amazing. He tasted amazing. He pulled away but rested his forehead against mine.
"Thank god you're here," He murmured against my lips. "Everyone was driving me crazy." Remembering the text I'd gotten from Rose, I laughed at him.
"What?" He said frowning. "What is so funny?"
"They were driving you crazy?" I laughed. I patted the pocket my phone was in. "I got a message from Rose. She said you were driving them crazy."
"Oh. Well, it doesn't matter now. You're here. I missed you." He whispered and kissed me again. I sighed in content and tightened my hold on him. Suddenly, I pulled away. Right away. He frowned and reached for me. I shook my head and picked up my duffel bag.
"Where am I staying while here?" I asked moving back towards him.
"In Palace Housing...with me." He said. I stopped moving and looked up at him. Adrian looked serious. He wasn't joking. That much was evident. He laughed and pulled me to him, wrapping an arm around my waist.
"Don't worry Sage. You'll have your own room," He said. He then looked down at me and waggled his eyebrows. "Unless you want to sleep in my room?" I swatted his arm making him laugh. He kissed my temple and pulled me along.
"Come on Sage. Let's go. Jill will be pissed if I keep you all to myself." He said. I laughed and Adrian took my duffel bag out of my hand and gripped it firmly in his free hand.
"I could have carried that, you know." I protested trying to take it back out of his hand.
"Oh I know. I just wanted to carry it for you." He said swinging it out of my reach. I wasn't getting it back anytime soon. The hand that was wrapped around my waist slid up to drape around my shoulders. I reached up and clasped our fingers together.
As we walked to Palace Housing, I'd noticed we were being looked at. A few Moroi stopped and began whispering excitedly, looking and pointing in our direction. Probably wondering what Adrian Ivashkov was doing with his arms around a human. An Alchemist at that. It was unnerving.
"We're being watched and spoken about." I whispered. He looked down at me and grinned showing his teeth, fangs and all. His fangs. I'd forgotten about them. An ice cold shiver ran down my spine, heart rate bumping up a few notches. Adrian frowned and came to a stop in front of me.
"What is it?" he asked me quietly. I looked away, unable to meet those beautiful green eyes of his.
"Your fangs." I breathed. "I'd forgotten about them." Adrian dropped my bag and pulled me into his arms.
"I would never bite you. Never. I respect you too much to hurt you like that." His tone was soft and comforting and I knew he was telling the truth.
"I know," I said. "I'm just so used to seeing you smile without showing them. It scared me for a second." Adrian pulled away and cupped my face gently.
"I'm at Court, so I don't need to hide them. But, if them showing makes you uncomfortable then I'll keep them hidden. I'll ask the others to do the same." He stared into my eyes, his green ones boring into the very depths of my soul. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable." He paused as if remembering something.
"Well, no more uncomfortable than you already are." So he'd noticed then. I'd gotten used to being around the group of vampires I was living with. But being around this many vampires? I was on edge, getting ready to bolt. Adrian must have felt me tense, because he put his arm around me and pulled me close. "Come on. Let's get you out of here and away from prying vampire eyes...well, excluding mine and our strange group of friends, that is." His arm still around me, Adrian bent down and picked my bag back up. I hurried along beside him trying not to look at the Moroi stopping to stare at us.
"They're staring at us." I repeated. Adrian, still managing to walk and keep his arm around me, kissed the top of my head.
"They can't get over how beautiful you are," He looked down at me as we walked. "And neither can I." I snorted and pressed closer to Adrian's side as one Moroi woman gave me a particularly nasty sneer. Unfortunately for the Moroi woman, Adrian saw and flipped her off. The woman's mouth dropped open then closed. She snarled, fangs bared in Adrian's direction. Irritated, Adrian stopped and still holding me, snarled right back at her, his fangs also bared. My heart stopped. His handsome features contorted hideously and all of a sudden, he wasn't the Adrian Ivashkov I knew; he was someone else. Someone completely terrifying and unrecognisable. Adrian truly looked like a vampire now. All that was missing was the chalk white skin, red rings around his eyes and blood dripping from his mouth. Was I making a huge mistake being with Adrian? He was part of a race of blood drinking monsters. My heart now thudding painfully against my ribs, I managed slipped out of his hold and quickly backed away, before turning about and bolting. I ran blindly, not sure where I was running to. All I knew was that I had to run, to get away from Adrian. I could hear him calling out my name and knew he had to be chasing after me. I ran into the first building that I saw. I didn't stop to admire its beauty, I just kept running. Adrian had promised me he would keep his fangs hidden while I was around, yet he'd gone and broken it only a few minutes later. Still not looking where I was running, I ran smack into something solid. I went sprawling onto my back. I cried out as my back hit the floor.
"Are you okay?" A voice asked, a Russian accent lacing their words. Nodding my head, I looked up into the face of none other than Dimitri Belikov. He extended his hand down to me and I grasped it, letting him pull me to my feet. "Sydney, why were you running?" I vigorously shook my head.
"I was running from Adrian." Behind me I heard Adrian call my name out again. He'd caught up to me. I blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill and looked back up at Dimitri.
"Please, Dimitri, get me out of here." I begged quietly.
"What happened? Why are you running from Adrian?" He asked me, concerned. I shook my head.
"Sydney?" I stiffened. Adrian was standing right behind me. I refused to turn around. Refused to turn and look into those eyes. Those beautiful emerald green eyes.
"You broke your promise." I spat out. I heard Adrian sigh sadly from behind me.
"I know. I'm sorry." I felt his hands rest lightly on my waist. I flinched and spun around, taking a step back as I did. His hands dropped weakly to his sides.
"You promised you'd keep your fangs hidden while I was around. You bared them at that Moroi woman!" My voice had risen a couple of octaves. Adrian's eyes filled with a heavy sadness and I felt a terrible pull in my chest. The tears that were threatening to spill before now slid down my cheeks. Adrian's face twisted in pain and he reached out and pulled into his arms. He held me tightly, head resting on top of mine. He pressed a soft kiss on the top of my head.
"I am so sorry I broke my promise and scared the hell out of you at the same time." He murmured into my hair.
"Why? Why did you do it? Why break that promise when you know that what you are scares me so much?" I asked pulling away. Adrian kept ahold of my hands, brushing his thumbs softly across my knuckles.
"She was threatening you. I couldn't have some Moroi bitch threatening my girl like that." He smiled softly at me. It was a reassuring smile. And I noticed he'd smiled without showing his fangs.
"Your girl?" I asked. Adrian looked down and laughed. Letting go of one of my hands, he stepped forward and placed that free hand against the side of my face. He leaned down to look me directly in the eyes.
"Yes, my girl." He said smirking. I snorted and he frowned. "What?"
"You haven't actually asked me out yet." I said.
"Yes I have."
"Nope. That was only as your date to the wedding." I laughed. And before I could say anymore, Adrian pressed his lips to mine; my head tilting back as he rose to his full height.
"Will you, Sydney Sage, be my girlfriend?" He asked his lips still pressed to mine. I answered by hungrily pressed my lips back to his. Despite what happened outside, I press closer to him, my fingers running through his hair. All of a sudden, my fingers stop and I close my hand into a fist, grabbing a handful of Adrian's hair. I pull hard and Adrian cries out.
"That's for breaking your promise." I growled into his ear. Behind me, I can hear Dimitri trying and failing not to laugh. I release my hold on Adrian's hair and he looks down at me, one hand on the back of his head massaging the sore spot, and glared at me. I raised an eyebrow, a smile spreading across my face. Adrian's glare fades and is replaced with that damned smirk of his.
"Mmmm hair pulling. Kinky Sage, I like it." I gasped in mock outrage. Adrian pulled me back into his arms but I hesitate before wrapping my arms around him.
"What now?" He asked grumpily.
"Where's my bag?" I hear a smack as Adrian slaps his hand to his forehead.
"I forgot to pick it up. I was too busy chasing after you to even think about picking it up." He moves away from me. "I'll go get it."
"No need," I jumped and remembered that Dimitri was still there. I turn to him and see that he's looking a little uncomfortable. "I'll get it. You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Adrian comes back to stand by my side and my hand finds his. I look up to find him staring at me.
"I am sorry for scaring you like that Sydney. Really, I am." Adrian said sadly.
"I know you are Adrian. I just...I didn't recognise you." I reached up and took hold of his face, pulling him down so he's at my level. "By the way, I will be your girlfriend." The look on his face could have generated the whole of the Moroi Royal Court. He bent to kiss me but I lightly shoved him away. He gave me a confused look and I smiled warmly up at him. I took hold of one of his hands and moved my arm around so his was draped across my shoulders, our fingers clasped together.
"Come on." I said pulling us forward. "We got ourselves some crazy Moroi and Dhampir friends to deal with." Adrian laughed and I gave his fingers a quick squeeze. He squeezed back and pulled me closer, my free hand wrapping around his waist.
After many confusing twists and turns, Adrian stopped us in front of a door and knocked. The door swung open and Rose stood on the other side.
"Sydney! You're back. What took you so long to get here?" She asked giving Adrian an accusatory look. Adrian just shrugged and pushed past Rose.
"We got delayed." I said apologetically .
"Oh? By what?" Rose asked curiously. Out the corner of my eye, I could see Adrian freeze while in the middle of pouring himself a drink.
"Adrian," I said smirking. His head shot in my direction, panic written all over him. I turned back to Rose, grinning like mad. "He couldn't keep his hands off of me." I looked in Adrian's direction again and saw him smirking, though there was a hint of sadness in those pretty eyes. Rose turned and look back at Adrian before turning back to me.
"Typical." I could only laugh and walked over to where everyone else was sitting.
"How was the trip to the Alchemists?" Sonya asked. I sat down on the couch and pull my legs up just as Adrian wanders over and sits down next to me. I grab his hand and clasp our fingers together.
"It was alright. My father was there, so he stayed for the meeting. I told them about me and Adrian. Surprisingly, Miss Stanton was okay with it. She'd told me that I couldn't help who I fall for. While, unsurprisingly, my father went crazy and insisted I be sent to a re-education centre. I left not long after that and drove straight here." Adrian let go of my hand and stood up. He walked into the kitchen and came back out moments later, a small cylindrical shape in his hand. He sat back down in the spot next to me and passes the object to me.
"Figured you'd be wanting one of these." He said smirking as I take it from him. It's a can of diet pop.
"Thanks." I said leaning over and giving him a kiss on the cheek. In one quick movement, he turned to look at me and instead of my lips connecting with his cheek, they connect with his lips. I quickly looked away, but Adrian boldly cupped the sides of my face and turned me back to him, pressing his lips firmly to mine. In the background, Jill, Rose, Sonya, Lissa and Angeline are all squealing while the guys are silent. Hastily, I pull away from Adrian, my face hot, while Adrian's smirking like a goddamned idiot.
"What are you wearing to the wedding?" Sonya asked, excitement written all over her face.
"I'm not telling." I reply back, smiling coyly. I stand up and stifle a yawn.
"Tired Sage?" Adrian teases. I nodded, trying to hide another yawn. Adrian stood up next to me, taking my hand and leading me to the door. "Sorry guys, time for Sydney to go to bed."
"My bag?" I asked looking around the room for it, but then realising Dimitri went to go and get it. Dimitri wasn't in the room.
"Don't worry. I'm sure Belikov will bring it to our room." Adrian said tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Adrian reached for the door handle, but it opened on its own. Dimitri stood on the other side, my bag in hand. I sighed and took it from him, thanking him. I said my goodbyes and walked out the room, Adrian following closely behind.
"Let's get you to bed." Adrian slipped his hand in mine and I slid my fingers between the gaps of his, clasping our hands together.
"Are you sure I have my own room?" I asked cautiously. Adrian smiled.
"Yes, Sydney, you have your own room." I couldn't help but laugh at his sarcastic tone.
"Good," I said still laughing. "I think it's too early in our relationship to be sharing a bed."
"That's never stopped us before." He pointed out.
"I know. But I don't think those two count," I said. "The first time; I was drunk. The second; you were in a coma and I was scared of losing you."
"Well, I think they count." Adrian stopped in front me. "I won't pressure you into anything. You know I won't. But please, just for tonight, sleep in my bed? With me? I just want to wake up and see you there next me, without you being hung over and not remembering a thing. And without me in a coma." I sighed. Adrian could definitely be persuasive. I really wanted to say yes, but there was something nagging me.
"You're not trying to compel me are you?" I asked. Adrian looked offended.
"What? No! I would never try to compel you. Ever." He sounded so honest that it broke my heart a tiny bit.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you of trying to compel me." I tugged on his jacket and sighed. "Alright. But only tonight." Adrian clasped my hand and we began moving towards our room.
When I climbed into bed, Adrian sliding under the covers next me, I rolled over and turned to face him.
"I love you." He said. I froze for a second and then relaxed.
"I love you too." I said back. He rolled over onto his back, pulling me with him until my head was resting on his chest.
"I'll see you in the morning." Adrian whispered just as I slipped into a deep sleep.