Hi! After too long, almost a month, I am back with a new chapter. And it's a long one, which is porbably the reason it took me so long. Thank you for both reviews and all the follows, please, continue to do so! I have to say that I own nothing, I'm sorry for mistakes and THERE ARE SPOILERS. And please tell me what you think about what i idi with the Alchemists. Is it believable? Please, read – and review!
After all the baggs were taken to my room (the same one as before Palm Springs, which I loved, since it had a view) in guest housing, where I'd be staying for a while - I figured for a few weeks or at least until I find out what was gonna happen to me now - we went out for dinner to celebrate us all being safe and sound. And to catch up.
We ordered enough food for the whole day for all of us. But it wasn't just the quantity of it that kept us eating for four hours. We had a lot to talk about.
The only thing that just slightly annoyed me was everyone constantly mentioning me and Eddie as if we were already together. Actually, the only part I minded was that it wasn't true. Yet.
"You two? Really? That is so sweet! How didn't I think about it? It's obvious! I'm getting blind. First Sydney and Adrian, now you..." Rose said and shook her head. Then she hugged both of us around our shoulders and pulled us closer to eachother.
"Rose!" I exclaimed. I felt all of my blood rushing into my head and I was pretty sure my face was lobster red. It used to happen a lot. Nothing's changed.
Rose smiled and let us go. I looked at Eddie. His eyebrows were raised and there was a suprised smile on his face. But he didn't look disgusted or terrified (I've been told that he likes me too, it was probably true, but it was nice to have a proof every once in a while). Just a bit shocked. He shouldn't be. We all knew Rose was a direct person.
While we were already having dessert, I realised there was a person who did almost everything for me to come back, no matter what it meant for the world, no matter how hard it was. And no matter how hard it made it for me to leave, no matter the doubts I used to have about our relationship, I had to thank her. It wasn't a real problem. I really was gratefull.
"Lissa?" I asked, trying to get her attention. She looked at me with interest and smiled. "What's up?"
"Um... Thank you. For everything you've done for me. For changing the law. I know it took a lot of work and that it wasn't easy. I mean, I'm sure you wanted a stable throne, not one that relies on my life, but you're still the one who made it possible for me to be here again. So. Thanks. I'm really gratefull," I said. I started to bable about stuff without breathing in for an annoyingly long time again. One more thing that hasn't changed. I felt ridiculous.
Lissa smiled a bit suprised. Then she held my hand. "Anytime," she said.
After dinner I should probably unpack my stuff. But I was a bit too tired to move. And the day on vampire schedule I lived by now (I guess) has just began. The dinner was actually breakfast for my friends.
I went to Adrian and Sydney's room. His mom wasn't staying with them anymore. She already found herself a small apartment for a new life to live. I was really happy she made that decision, because her husband/Adrian's dad was... The biggest jerk ever.
Of course I didn't know both of them that well personally. I knew what I knew from Adrian.
I didn't seem to be the only one who hasn't unpacked yet. There were bags and suitcases everywhere. But I wasn't here for a few weeks yet. Of course I didn't mind.
"Oh, I'm sorry about the mess. Those idiots decided to return my stuff from Palm Springs just yesterday," Sydney said.
By 'those idiots' she meant the Alchemists. A few of them came a day after she left. Zoe packed all her clothes and other belongings before. I managed to save her box with magic props so that the Alchemist wouldn't find out about her being a witch. I guess it had to happen, athough.
I really had to try to get the box. Angeline and Eddie helped me, but it was my idea. We asked her for help with our math homework. Angeline distacted her and took her to our room while I pretended to go to the bathroom, but really searched for the box under Sydney's bed. Then I threw it to Eddie trough the window. A couple of stuff broke, but it was better than Zoe finding it.
After Sydney ran away from re-education, we didn't hear another word from Zoe. She dissappeared over night. Like Sydney was probably suppose to, but didn't because we all knew what was about to happen. And because Eddie was there.
And the final conclusion of the Sage Drama Saga was that Stanton woman I never liked comming to the Court with a white flagg. Litterally. She obviously thoughts we're still in medeival.
Anyhow, she officially and very loudly fired Sydney from the Alchemists, saying she'd never want someone as "infectuos with darkness and poisoning" as one of the Alchemists. Her words exactly. So Sydney became the first known Alchemist to be fired.
But Adrian and Sydney were still both worried we haven't seen the last of the Sage family yet. They talked about it a lot and they were right. Alchemists don't just break centuries old tradicions overnight. I thought they should enjoy what they had while it lasted. I mean, at least she had her clothes back.
Which returend me back to the present. Sydney was looking at me with an apologetic look. "Oh, come on! It's me! After everything we've been trough, and you apologize?" I laughed. Eddie smiled next to me. He was there, of course.
Sydney started to make coffee. I think she'd probably make it even if we weren't there, looking like we're about to fall asleep.
Although if I looked closely, Eddie seemed wide awake. Almost hiperactive. Even inside, his look was all over the room, like a bunch of Strigoi were about to jump out of a corner. Well, he was always like that. We didn't expect the assassins that night, but this was still a bit too much, if you asked me. I should probably be happy I had such a dedicated guardian.
Sydney put a mug of coffee in front of us both and also took one for herself. I knew she would.
I never was and never will be a big fan of coffee, but I gladly drank this one. I needed it to stay awake for at least a little while.
Sydney's face, on the other hand, was almost blissful. I wouldn't know that myself, but Adrian was looking at her with admiration, almost with awe. Even feeling all of his burning emotions, I couldn't understand what was so magnificent on her drinking coffee.
Adrian's reaction on Sydney's reaction on coffee reminded me of Brayden, the unfortunate barista. It was well known by now that what Sydney liked about him the most was the cent he possesed from working in a coffee shop. We all needed months to remember his name. Then I thought of the ring box and all the other gifts I had for her.
"Oh, Sydney, I have tons of stuff to give you. And ten thousand people say hi to both of you. Like Mrs. Terwilliger, Micah, Rowena, Kristin, Julia... and Brayden." Sydney snorted and Adrian's eyes widened. "Brayden? He still exists? Honestly, I thought it was Hayden untill you mentioned him," he said.
But he knew his name very well. Actually, Adrian was worried because of him. He considered him as conpetition with Sydney. Especially after he heard he was writing poems about her.
"Yeah, Brayden. He even sent her a gift. I have it. I'll go get it..." I yawned, "Tommorrow."
Then I just listened them talk for a while, leaning my head on Adrian's shoulder. I had that cosy, warm feeling, the one that make me feel at home. The way I only felt in Detroit in my mom's house when I was a little child.
Now I felt just as great. My brain was starting to turn off and soon the voices around me were starting to fade as I lost myself in dreams.
Maybe it was minutes, maybe it was hours until I felt strong arms wrapp around me and swing me on their chest. The arms carried me trough the halls, but my eyelids were too heavy and my mind too blurry to find out what was going on around me. I only realised the arms felt exactly like Eddie's did whenever I dreamed about him. Maybe I was dreaming in that moment.
When I woke up the next morning, the night's events were just a fading memory, but I still had a feeling Eddie had something to do with me waking up in my room two floors away from Adrian's, on my bed, wrapped into a warm blankett. I was still in my clothes, though.
What I always loved about this room was the magnificent view out the window, which was, how convenient, right next to my bed. It was what distracted me from my thoughts. It was early human morning, Moroi evening. I slept trough the whole day. I had no idea how to ever get used to this schedule. It might be better to sleep trough the whole night too.
There was a gorgeous bright green meadow right under my window. You could see a few edges of a parking lot on the left, but there was a glittery turquoise river on the right with a small waterfall just far enough to stay in my sight.
The sun was just rising, leaving a golden reflection on the water and there was a light morning mist above it. The woods on the other bank left a misterious taste to the whole picture. It was magnificent, and not only because I loved water.
I teared my look away from the window, reminding myself I'd be able to see such a view every day from now on. So I stumbled on my feet, feeling a bit dizzy. I moaned. My eyes were all swollen and probably red from sleeping and surely my hair was all over the place.
Cold chills ran over me when I kicked the bed cover off of me, so I quickly wrapped it around myself again. Then I ran from the warm orange carpet towards the door. My bare feet were cold, so another carpet in the living room - actually room room, since it was the only room besides my room and bathroom - felt nice.
Eddie was asleep on the couch. There was no doubt he'd been up all the time I was asleep, checking the surroundings, even though he didn't have to.
I didn't want to wake him up, so I tip-toed to the nearest suitcase that I knew contained clothes. I needed fresh ones, since the ones I was wearing were all wrinkled up. I pulled out the tank top and shorts that were on the top.
I also needed pyjamas and underwear. But that was in another suitcase. So I ran on the other side of the room and took what I needed quickly.
I hurried over to the bathroom. I was already holding the door knob, but then the right of my two left feet went too right, making me stumble. I caught my balance, but accidentally slightly slammed the door.
I heard a noise that sounded like two feet landing on the floor. I turned around. Eddie was looking at me confused, all of his instincts suddenly awake. He jumped over the couch, clearly not recodnising me immediately. I was startled, unable to move until he was standing right in front of me, ready to ripp my head off or whatever. He'd attack me to protect... Me.
"Eddie, for God's sake, it's me!" I exclaimed. He froze and studied me for what felt like hours. His eyes were all blurry in an adorable way and his hair was messier than usual, sticking everywhere prooving the couch wasn't the best place to sleep. He opened his mouth and closed it again.
"Wait. What just happened?" he asked. His voice was sleepy and it made him look lost and confused. Hot.
I shrugged. "I guess you thought I was attacking myself because your feet was working and your brain wasn't yet. You were asleep a minute ago. By the way, how on Earth did you wake up so fast? I was trying not to wake you up, sorry," I explained.
"Damn it, Jill, I almost killed you! I was suppose to protect you, not... I'm such and idiot!"
I rolled my eyes.
"You did not almost kill me. We had self defense classes. You'd realise I'm incapable to defend myself and leave me alone. And you were half asleep! You cannot possibly blame yourself for what just happened. And by the way, what just happened was nothing."
He held my hands and looked me in the eyes with a desperat look. I shivered. My heart raced up and my knees went week. I melted in his eyes. I'd fall if he wasn't holding me.
"I fell asleep! I let myself fall asleep! And right now, I lost controll of myself! What kind of guardian am I? And you shouldn't be so gentle with me! Wake me up the next time, it's my job to protect you!" he exclaimed, shaking my wrists in his hands.
I sighed. "Come on! You gotta sleep! You're a person, not a robot! That's why I need you next to me! If I wanted a fighting security camera, I'd get one!"
I saw a hint of a smile glitter in his eyes, but then some dark thoughts hit him again and the spark dissappeared. "Jill, you know what being a guardian means! I have no time for a personal life!"
Okay, now I was mad. "Well, that's why I have three fucking guardians and the whole Royal Army on my side! And as far as I recall, you're my guardian. You do what I tell you. And I never tell you to do anything. Now I'm telling you this: stop blaming yourself for everything. There are some things you just can't affect. You gotta deal with it."
He was about to say something, but then he looked down and noticed he was still holding my hands. When his gaze returned to mine, his eyes were burning. I was still heated up from the mad splash of words I gave him before and in that moment the tension between us was unbareble.
I pulled my hands out of his. Then I held his head and stepped on my fingers to kiss him. Our first kiss seemed amazing up to that moment, but now I suddenly experienced everything I only felt trough the bond before.
Eddie didn't seem suprised this time. His body was supple and ready for mine. He returned the kiss and it was the first time in a while I felt he was completely relaxed. The tension was gone and we were one for a second.
His hands slidd from my back on my hips and got tangled in my hair by the way. His touches burned on my skin so much, I was sure they were gonna leave fingerprints.
But whatever passion was heating up the room before, it dissappeared in a second. Eddie dropped me and stepped back. We were both gasping for air.
"See? I lost controll again! I shouldn't be doing this!" he shouted. I groaned. "Come on, it's love! It's not forbidden!" He opened his mouth to deny it again, but I stopped him: "You know what? Don't say anything at all. Gimme a break."
I stormed out of the room into the bathroom and slammed the door, feeling horrible. When will he see it?
I heard a knock on the door right when I was finished with my hair and clothes. It was Neil. "Hey. My turn. You can't work day and night," he told Eddie, who shook his head. "No, I..." he started, but I stopped him: "Go."
Such a short sentance, but I saw the way it affected him. He looked down, but my cold look didn't move from his gaze. After a few seconds of silence he left quietly.
"What was that all about?" Neil asked shocked after Eddie closed the door. "I... Nothing," I sighed. If it was Angeline, I'd never get a break from her. But it was Neil. "I... I'm sorry. Your bussiness," he stuttered.
A small smile played on my lips. A few minutes ago I told Eddie to do what I say. Neill was the only one of my guardians taking me as actual authority. But I can't say I exactly loved it. He called me princess for two months before I managed to teach him people are on first name bases with their guardians.
"Hey, I don't really know what to do with myself today. It's, what, Moroi 6 pm? I can't sleep, I'm too rested, but if I stay up all night/day, I'll never get used to it," I said.
Neil smiled. "I know what you mean. I reccomend getting something to eat and then going to bed. You're probably not gonna fall asleep immediately - or not at all - but you're gonna be at least a bit rested in the morning. And it'll be easy to go to bed in the evening."
I nodded. "You're right." Were we really talking about sleep?
"Hey, could you help me carry some stuff to Sydney and Adrian's before we eat?" I asked. "Sure," Neill said. So we picked everything up (most of the stuff was Mrs. Terwilliger's magic stuff anyway) and carried it down the stairs.
I couldn't help but realise Eddie carried me all the way we were walking, except in the opposite way. Which made it even harder. I... I couldn't stay mad at him. But it still wasn't a very nice feeling, knowing we had a fight.
It was very likely he was training in that moment. I already learned that about him.
Training was something guardians had to take care of themselves. There were gyms in all places Moroi and Dhampires lived, but they scheduled fight practise on their own. All that mattered was that they were always in physical condition good enough to protect their charge.
Well, Eddie did that almost every time he wasn't protecting me. Even in the Amberwood gym. He did it especially when he felt guilty about not being a good enough guardian. I made him feel that way this time, and it made me feel guilty. I didn't want to fight.
One of the good/bad sides of the bond was that Adrian also felt me whenever I was near him. Or maybe it was because he saw my aura from the distance. I never really understood completely, I just knew he expected me.
However, he already opened the door by the tike Neill and I got there. And of course I knew he'd be waiting for us. Sometimes it really was like some kind of twisted bothsided telephaty.
Adrian was looking into my eyes with the look that used to make my knees weak. I knew he was searching trough my soul the way only spirit users could.
"Here's the stuff I was talking about yesterday," I said like it wasn't obvious. "Oh, thanks," he said. I distracted him for a while.
Sydney was unpacking her clothes. Her eyes widened when she saw everything we brought. "Who's that from?" she asked. "Um... Most of it is from Mrs. Terwilliger, but the ring box is from, erm, Brayden."
Adrian gasped and Sydney bursted out laughing. "Are... Are you sure it's a... ring... box?" Adrian asked completely shock. I sensed a dash of panic in him.
"Gimme that," Sydney snorted. "Even if it's a ring, that place's already taken." She touched the finger with her wedding ring gently. Adrian exhaled relieved. She smiled and so did I. Who would've thought he was so insecure.
Sydney finally opened the box and we all crouded around her anxious. She laughed even louder than before. There were two coffee-cup-shaped earings in it. Adrian raised his eyebrows with a smile and even Neill laughed a bit.
It was pretty funny. But was I the only one who thought he had at least a bit of a reason to give her something like that? Like her coffee obsession?
"Well, it is kinda sweet. I guess that's how he remembered me," Sydney smiled.
Okay, I was right.
"So, the rest are pretty much just magical props and a few cards from people at school. And some gifts from the guys who tried to ask you out but you said no. Oh, and Kristin, Julia, Micah, Laurel, I mean, she never canceled it, Trey, no, Trey's here, that was just for an email... And Mrs. Terwilliger and Rowena and Cassie say hi. To both of you," I told them.
"Really? All of those people?" Adrian asked. Sydney smiled and held his hand. They started to make out right in front of us. I snorted and dragged Neill away. The 12+ scenes were already breaking into my mind and I was tripping a bit on the stairs.
In a few seconds Adrian came running after me. "Hey, you, wait!" he said. I stopped and let him catch us. "Sorry about before. I got distracted. Very distracted." I shook my head. "You don't have to apologize. You know I don't mind that." He grinned. "I know. That's not why I'm here. You distracted me too before. You know I get disracted when I'm happy. Or whenever," he said with a fake angry look.
I smiled, even though I knew exactly what he was about to say and was a bit nervous and ready to change the subject again. "What's up?"
"Something's wrong."
I frowned. "No, it's not. Nothing's wrong."
"Yeah, it is. All that acting you do with other people? Not working on me. I see auras, remember?"
I sighed. "I said nothing was wrong. I'm fine."
Adrian tilted his head on the side and raised an eyebrow. "You know, even if I wouldn't know what people feel, I'm not blind. And I bet it's Eddie."
I rolled my eyes, even though it was true.
"Not every single problem in my life is about him!"
Adrian smirked.
"I knew there was a problem."
Damn it, I thought.
"And it's Eddie too, isn't it?" he asked. "Yeah," I moaned and threw myself on his chest. He hugged me with a sigh.
"Oh, Jailbait, what did he do?"
"He? Nothing. Not really. It was me. I kissed him. Again. And then he left. Again. Well, I kind of kicked him out. But still."
Adrian let me go and held me in the distance of his arms. "Again?" he asked. I nodded.
"It's just... The first time he said he was gonna think about it. Then nothing happened. I thought it was just because of all the drama that was going on, but now he went on and on about how he lost controll... He never had the intention to be with me," I almost cried.
"Nope. That is in no way true. He wants to resist it, but he can't. It'll win over him. He loves you. The situation's almost the same as it was with me and Sydney. Except that there's no crazy secret organisation holding him back. Just the walls he built around himself. But nothing can hold what's between the two of you."
I hugged him again. No matter what games he liked to play with people, this was important for me and he knew it. He was there for me. I wanted to tell him how much I appreciate it, but I didn't have the words for it. The honesty vibrating from him trough the bond told me I didn't need them. He meant every word he said. I just had to wait to see if he was right. "I really hope so."
Then I decided to finally save Neill from the sentimental bullshit he had to witness and go to dinner. It turned out he wasn't even listening to the conversation. He stood by the window with a straight expression on his face, his eyes all over the place, looking for potential danger. Just like Eddie.
"Come on, let's go," I told him. I headed down the stairs, but he caught me before I got to the ground floor with his long stepps.
We had dinner in the cafeteria near the Royal Palace, where we always had meals. It was very handy, since it was open 24/7 and had all kinds of food, almost everything you wanted. Neil took scrambled eggs and I just had a sandwich.
I wasn't very hungry. Also I've only been awake for a few hours, but I could already use some sleep.. I haven't had blood in ages. I should probably go to the feeders'.
Nah. It was too late. It would give me too much energy to sleep. I decided to go in the morning.
Neil of course put my sandwich on his tray and carried everything towards a random table. It was so depressing that he looked in more controll with his body than I did, even carrying a tray. Like he had nothing in his hands. Like all the guardians. And then there was me. A clutz. Or maybe a zombie.
I was just about to sit down when I noticed Eddie on the other side of the room, eating on his own, wearing a lonely expression. How on Earth was it possible he was having dinner just the time I was?
Neil followed my look and noticed him too. "Are we going there?" he asked. I shrugged and nodded. I couldn't just leave him there alone. I didn't even want to.
"Hey," I said when I sat in front of him. He looked at us. His eyes were wide, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. He didn't expect me to join him. He thought I was still upset. I kind of was, but I decided to pretend nothing happened.
The look on his face, one of the rare times I broke trough him a bit because he was suprised, reminded me of the kiss again. I felt shimmers down my spine as the memory ran trough me. I wanted to feel his hands, his lips, his passion again.
"Hey," he replied and smiled for real now. His lips curled up in the perfect way I knew so well and the suprise from a few seconds ago was forgotten. I didn't like the way he was always holding back his emotions. He never hidd them completely, I could still see a glimpse of what he felt, but he had - no matter what he claimed - too much self control for his own good.
Did I really want to sit and wait for him to change his mind? I thought of the kiss again. Yes. I did. It was worth it.
I ate my sandwich in a few minutes and then waited for the guys. Eddie also had a full tray, which reminded me of Amberwood, where he used to eat most of Sydney's breakfast besides his own.
"Oh! I still owe you for the plane!" I told Eddie. I reached for my wallat, but he shook his head. "Keep it. I'm getting a paycheck. My job includes protecting you from passing out."
"I wouldn't pass out! I have too much money on the royal credit card already. I can manage paying for my own food and yours if you want me to," I said, hoping I look insulted, even though I was about to smile.
"Yeah? Cause honestly, you don't look like you ate enough today. Your first meal? You kinda picked a small one," he said. I snorted. "Seriously? I am trying to give you cash! And you refuse? Should I be insulted? Should I laugh? You're not making this easy for me!" I exclaimed with a playfull frown. But his expression darkened and something weird was in his eyes. Some kind of shock. And then I realised I probably wasn't talking only about money.
"Here," I said and pushed 10 bucks down the table towards them. He hesitatingly took them after a few seconds of my encouraging-to-forcing looks.
Tourturing silence lay between us. Only Neill soothed it a few times with his fork hitting the plate. He had no idea what was going on.
I saw Eddie's muscles move when he ate. I studied every single one of his moves, and they all seemed gorgeous. Even eating, he was still studying the room. I looked down every time his gaze stopped on me. I couldn't let him know I was watching.
After a few minutes I noticed a small bruise near his shoulder. It reminded me he's probably been training. Something popped into my mind. A nostalgic idea.
"Hey, either of you. I already know how to fight with words, as you probably noticed. Teach me how to fight. With fists. And kicks and stuff," I said. Eddie gave me a desperat look. "But why do you want that? You have us to protect you!"
"Because I don't want to be a spoiled princess in a golden cage, waiting to be rescued by people who do that for living! I don't want to feel weak! We did have lessons at Amberwood, remember? And then Angeline showed up and you trained her. And then you cancelled everything." I gave him dull, unhappy look, making myself look exactly like what I just told him I don't want to be.
He didn't get it! He didn't even know why I wanted to fight. We lived lives that could end every second. I wanted to at least have a chance to fight for myself.
I also wanted to fight with magic again. I couldn't be as strong as a dhampir. Not physicaly. But I hated the feeling of being helpless. With magic, I could be their equal. They fought for us every day. They risked lives. It wasn't fair! We had to help them! We had to do something for ourselves! I believed that whoever wanted to was allowed to be protected, living in fake security. And I trusted Eddie, Neil and even Angeline, I really did. But they couldn't protect me from some things. Strigoi weren't the only thread. And with that, I believed only in what I could do. Except that... I couldn't do anything yet.
"Jill, I'm sorry, but you can't expect me to do that. I don't personally have problems with the fact that you want to know about self defense. But I'm afraid for you. I'm afraid you're going to attack. And be defeated. And not only your pride's gonna hurt. I'm afraid for you. That's the only reason I'm tellimg you all of this," he said with a worried expression.
I knew in some points he was telling the truth, but there was one thing he didn't mention. And it came out of my mouth before I could stop it.
"You can't avoid me forever, you know!"
I thought I ruined the conversation again, but Eddie smiled. It was a wide, naughty smile I almost never saw on his face. Those adorable dimples appeared on his face. He didn't show them often enough. My heart skipped a beat. What was about to happen?
"Is that an order?" he asked. Oh, my god. He was making fun of me telling him to do what I say. I barely held laughter. It was kind of funny.
"I don't like your attitude," I said as coldly as I could, even though in my heart I was jumping in joy. We were joking with eachother again! Stuff were almost like before Palm Springs!
"Does that mean I'm fired?" he asked and tilted his head. Neil's gaze was travelling from one to another. He looked amused, but it was pretty clear he had no idea what was going on.
"Although your behaviour is certinately noted, I cannot fire you because I'm depending on you too much. You may not know this," I said and leaned towards him to whisper like it was a secret: "But my guardian refuses to train me."
Eddie rolled his eyes, but the smile didn't dissappear. My heart was still recovering.
"You won't dissapoint me, will you Neill? Will you train me?" Oops. Looks like I put him into an awkward position. He looked like he just wanted to dissappear.
Even being older than Eddie, he took him as a far more experienced guardian than himself. So, Eddie said what I asked him for was bad in every way possible. I, on the other hand, was his charge. And I wanted him to do it. He didn't know how to react.
"Come on, I'll pay you if you want," I begged. He bit his lip. "I... I'll consider it. But not for a payment."
I rolled my eyes and got up. "You guys are no fun. It's always a no when people say they'll consider it. And man, you're both rejecting money!"
"Oh, so now we both said no and you're leaving without any defense?" Eddie asked.
"No, I'm going to the bathroom, you idiot," I snorted. He laughed.
By the time I got back they were done with food. Both of them followed me to my room. And to think I wanted to take care of myself.
I decided to go to bed. I was honestly exhausted. Of course I took a shower before, but when I was crossing the living room in my pyjamas, I wrapped myself into my bathrobe tightly, hiding my face in my hair. Eddie couldn't see me like that. He has before, but it would still be so embarrassing.
I dug myself into the bed. I didn't notice yesterday, but the covers were silk, making them comfortably soft and cool for summer. Anything for the Dragomir princess. I usually found that principle absurd, but this time I had no right to complain about it. I was really enjoying it.
I was tired, my bed was perfect, there were no bond problems, but I spent at least an hour rolling around on the soft pillows with no clue what was wrong with me.
Eddie's words were ringing in my head and the kiss was repeating over and over in my mind. I liked that he was my guardian, it was why we met. But now it was ruining our relationship.
The relationship that didn't happen yet.
While thinking what to do about it I finally fell alseep. I had one of those ridiculous sensless dreams where I moved to Poland with Angeline and Trey and they bought a taco truck. Then they had to shut it down because someone who looked a lot like Laurel complained about peas.
Actually that wasn't so unbelievable. Except that I wouldn't go with them.
I woke up at about 5 am with that awesome feeling that I can just roll around and keep sleeping. And it was exactly what I did.
Then a few hours later the phone woke me up. I stumbled up and ran to the living room tripping. Eddie passed me the phone when he saw me. I was pretty sure whoever was on the other side wasn't worth the hurry. Most likely I looked even worse than the night before.
Lissa was on the phone. She sounded way too cheerfull for... Whatever time it was.
"Morning, Jill," she said with a happy voice. "Hey," I yawned and blinked a few times to clear my vision. "Oh, my god, did I wake you up?" she asked suddenly worried. "I..." I started, but she didn't let me finish. "I'm so sorry! I didn't even think of that. You can go back to sleep, we'll talk later."
I almost laughed. How could I ever be mad at her? She was such a nice person.
"Never mind, I'm already awake now. I've slept trough half of the day anyway. What do you need me for?"
Lissa paused for a second. "We have to talk about something. In person. It's a pretty big deal."
Oh, dear. That's almost exactly what she said after the attack, when she told me I have to leave to Palm Springs. This couldn't be good.
"Umm... Should I be afraid?" I asked. She laughed softly. "No need for that. I'm pretty sure you already knew thisbwas about to happen. The sooner it does, the better."
"Okay... When should I meet you?"
The other side went silent.
"... How about... At 10 am? In three hours? I have a councill meeting right now, but I'll be done by then," she told me. "Sure. I'm always free, so."
Lissa sighed. "Sorry to say this, but... For now. It's not gonna last."
Oh, yay. All the royal dinners and lunches and councill meetings and other things those shallow idiots have since they have nothing better to do. I had to participate that summer before Palm Springs. But not after the attack happened. They kept me locked looked like I wouldn't save myself from that now.
Well, I had better things to do! I could think of many just looking at Eddie.
When I took a good look around the room, I realised Neill was probably long gone. Maybe kicked out. He was definetly nowhere to be seen.
I was looking around the room and my eyes met Eddie's. "Morning," he said and smiled. He looked like he was awake forbat least two or three hours. I never understood how people do that.
I wanted to say something, but then I realised I still didn't exactly get up. I muttered something weird, pulled some clothes out of the suitcase and ran to the bathroom.
I couldn't make my hair look like anything. So I looked like usually. Except when I was all dressed up for royal occasions, when even I had to admitt I looked stunning. But that was make up, not reality. I just had to face with looking kind of fine every day.
I headed out for breakfast before the meeting with Lissa. Neil was in front of the room. Funny, I haven't seen Angeline in a while.
"You should go get some blood," Neill said. Good thing he reminded me, because I totally forgot.
I couldn't help but notice Eddie got all weird every time I went to the feeders'. It's not like anyone made him go. I once asked him about it, but he didn't gave me a real answer. One more thing to ask Rose about.
Blood, as usually, felt remarkably good. After it we went to get breakfast. It took us an hour all together. We had two left before the meeting with Lissa.
I decided to meet Mia Rinaldi, a Moroi girl who was two years older than me and really nice (although I heard she used to be a bitch to Rose and Lissa, but I never experienced it myself). She was a water user like me and she was also into defensive magic ever since her mother was killed in a Strigoi attack. That's when she moved from St. Vladimir's to the Court with her father. We both had magic lessons with Christian last summer and we became friends.
I turned to the building where the staff apartments were, decided to try my luck. Before she moved, Mia's reputation was crushed. But from what I've seen and heard lately, she got her social life back. She was rarely found home.
I really was lucky, as I hoped. Mia was just leaving the building when I was about to open the door.
"Jill? You're back? My god, I haven't seen you in ages!" she shrieked and hugged me, her blond curls falling in all ways and her blue eyes shining. That was, from what I've learned with observing auras and people's reactions trough the bond, a happy reactions.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she exclaimed with a smile, but a bit suprised, as if she expected me to meet her as soon as possible. That's what I did, actually.
"We arrived two days ago. In the evening. I slept trough most of yesterday," I replied. Her smile went even wider. "You poor thing."
Mia invited us in, assuring me we didn't cross any her plans, and offered us all ice cream. "It's the Royal Guardians' supply. Best ice cream you can get here," she told us. Of course I couldn't resist such a thing.
We had a lot to catch up with, so I was busy until the meeting. Besides everything that's been going on and I missed, I found out Mia was now dating Jesse Zeklos, a used-to-be-jerk who was now, according to her, really nice and madly in love with her. And Aaron Drozdov was engaged to Camille Conta. What the...?
Mia also officially met Neil. She and Eddie were already old friends. I heard she was there when that Mason guy was killed. It kind of bonded them, I guess. It made me kind of jelous, I guess.
I decided it was time to leave at half past nine. The meeting with Lissa would happen in half an hour and I wanted to talk to Christian before.
If anyone thought my room at guest houding was luxurious, the palace would take their breath away. I've been there before, but it amazed me every time.
Even more stunning was the fact that it was the second 'version' of the palace I'd seen in my life. When I first got there, it was all in red, since the rulling family were the Ivashkovs. Oil paintings of important family members from all Moroi history were hanging on the wall and the floor was covered with thick red carpets from door to door, making it look like the oscars. Even the lights were slightly on the red side, and it all seemed very royal. And agressive. And a bit creepy.
Well, now the portraits represented the Dragomir family. My family, I guess.
Everything was the same in theory, but wrapped in green and gold color. It looked even more royal and sophisticated if possible, and also soothing for the eyes. Like everything was different. I liked it way better.
I just found it a bit strange the government had that kind of money to decorate the palace.
The bond alarmed me that Adrian was also comming to the meeting. He was actually already there when I reached Lissa's office with the boys. He was half-lying on the floor, proving the carpets were just as thick as they looked.
"Ah, yes, when standing gets too hard," I snorted. "Sure, it takes lots of energy to be this awesome," he said with that grinn he used on everyone. It worked better than compultion sometimes.
I rolled my eyes with a smile. When he said those kind of things, he usually didn't really feel them. Well, he also didn't this time, but he also didn't have the sarcastic yeah-right kind of thoughts. He was mostly missing something and I just noticed what.
"Hey, where's Sydney?"
His grinn widened. "She has a job appointment."
I heard Eddie cough in suprise behind me. "But you guys've been here for only two weeks!"
Adrian laughed. "I can barely keep up with her."
"You know, a job probably wouldn't hurt you either," Neil commented. The rest of us almost choked on laughing. Poor Neil hasn't been on board for that long yet.
"Easy there, Tower Bridge. Step by step. All the vodka went trough the window," Adrian replied still chuckling.
I looked around and noticed there were more people around. And that maybe Sydney and Adrian weren't making the most innaproppriate actions there were to see. Trey and Angeline were leaning on the wall doing a bit more than kissing and a lot more than they should do in public.
"What are all of you even doing here?" I asked Adrian, who, suprisingly, was the most floored one around. He shrugged. "I suppose the same as you. Waiting for Lissa who called us on a meeting. She said it was about you, but I have no idea what."
Then the rest of the crew marched down the hall. Christian and Lissa with Rose and Dimitri right behind them.
Okay, Rose wasn't behind. Ever. In her life.
"Okay, so I see you're all..." Lissa started, "Never mind. Let's just go in."
At first they all just talked about what's happened in the last few days (which was nothing) while I stared trough the window without saying anything, waiting for something to happen. I really was worried about what was about to follow.
Then silence started. I looked at Eddie, but he just shrugged and smiled. Was it obvious how anxious I was?
"Don't worry, Jailbait, it can't be anything too bad," echoed in my head. I gave Adrian a gratefull smile. He didn't give me those mind messages often, but always when I needed them.
"Let's just start with this. The sooner it's over, the better," Lissa sighed. We all nodded and waited for her to talk.
"Okay... Jill... I know summer just started, but we still need to talk about this. You know you'll have to continue to go to school in September. I just have no idea where."
Oh, so that's what this was about. I didn't know if I should be relieved or not. Technically it was no big deal. But I've thought about it already and I didn't have a single clue about where to go.
"There are a few options," Lissa continued. "I don't think another human school's a good idea, but you could join the small class we have here at Court, where Mia goes. Well, she graduated this year. But you can still ask her about it. You could also go back to St. Vladimir's. Although I understand if you wouldn't want that since everything's changed so much and you've probably distanced from your friends in all this time. There's always an option that you go to another Academy like that."
"Alden's great," Adrian added. "Just too much homework."
Lissa shott him with a look that kept him quiet and said: "Of course it's your decision to make, I mean, it's your future we're talking about, I just think it's the best if you know now you have to face this. So you have enough time to think about it."
Okay, at least she wasn't pressuring me to tell her now. I already knew the options. I had no idea which one to pick.
"Thanks. I'm gonna think about it. Another academy's not an option. I'd love to go back to St. Vladimir's, I have friends there and I've always liked it. But... That's when you guys were there. Without you... It's not gonna be the same. But from what I've heard, the Court's school sucks."
We discussed the options over and over a few times and were then about to leave. Not neccessarily into different directions.
Then I thought of something.
"Hey, Lissa? Since I only have this summer for a while and I haven't seen everyone in ages... Would it be okay if my mom came to visit?"
Lissa laughed kindly with a look that made me think she was about to melt. She came over and hugged me. I wasn't that suprised.
"Oh, Jill, of course she can come! I'll get her a room next to yours. And now you can tell her about the whole deal, you know, Palm Springs and the bond... Just tell her to keep it quiet. Man, how didn't I think of that before?"
I smiled and gave a mentall note to myself to call her.
A minute before we left I remembered ehy I needed to talk to Christian. I stepped towards him and put a finger on his chest.
"Hey. You. I need to talk to you," I said.
"Me?"
"Yeah, you. I want to practise magic again."
He smiled. "That's it? No problem. When do we start?"
I looked at Eddie and Neil triumphly. "See? It's this easy." They both stared at me like they have no idea what just happened.
My mom arrived two days later to the Court's airport. My stepfather, John, was with her. Well, he wasn't my biological father, but I always called him Dad, because that's what he always was to me.
Of course we were all dragged into a big group hug, although I felt a bit bad for Eddie standing by the side. He smiled before the hug, which almost made me swoon, and I knew he wanted to let me know it was okay with him. I hope he didn't feel left out.
Reuniting with my parents brought me to the edge of tears. My mom was the one who couldn't hold the quiet weeping when she hugged me.
"Oh, Jill, I'm so glad to see you safe! You have no idea how worried I was..." she whispered.
"Hey, Jade. I missed you too," John said with a warm voice. I bit my lip not to cry. Jade was the nickname he gave me because of my eyes back when we had no idea where their color came from. He always teased my mom about giving me the wrong name.
We decided to go to something a bit more fancy at first. We chose a restaurant that mostly royals used. Most of the people who were already there recodnised me and nodded in greet or went so far they yelled from the other side of the room, even though I barely knew their names.
I knew the price in the restaurant would be appropriate for its guests, which means over the top. That's why I took the credit card Lissa arranged me to get. It had all the money from the account my dad donated to every month for me. I hadn't used that card much yet.
The waitor brought us menues with a smile too big to be real. I went trough it to decide what to order when my mom distracted me.
"Um, Jill? Are you going to introduce us to this... Boy you're with?" she asked curious, nodding towards Eddie. God, I totally forgot there were people who could not know him.
"Oh. Right. This is Eddie," I said.
An explosion of pleasure-to-meet-yous filled the room. "Eddie! Hi! I'm Jill's mom, Emily."
Wow, like he didn't already know she was my mom.
John slapped his shoulder and started with the football games and other 'manly stuff', which was just a bit disturbing. But I was okay with it, with not seeing them for so long.
"Nice to meet you both. I'm her guardian," Eddie said with that smile he could make, the one that could make him a TV star or, as I learned rom the way Sydney and Zoe acted, at least an Alchemist. But man, he'd work those magazine covers.
I found myself staring at him with a dreamy look and quickly snapped out of it.
"Wait... Guardian?" John asked. Eddie and I both nodded.
"Oh! Of course! Guardian. I'm so stupid. I thought..." my mom said and slapped her forehead. "So did I," John addmitted.
"Guys! No way! Did you think..." I asked shocked, feeling the blood rushing into my face. They thought Eddie was my boyfriend. It would've been nice, but... Right in front of him? Could I look like a bigger fool?
"Sorry!" John said. "Our bad!" mom laughed nervously. "But'd you look so good together," she whispered after a few seconds. "Mom!" I exclaimed.
My mom wanted me to date Eddie? I wanted that too, God knows I did, but this was even more embarrassing. Now he was blushing and I probably looked like a tomato.
I sent John a desperat look and, thank goodness, he decided to save me. "Okay, let's move on. You said you can now explain what went on last summer so you had to move for a year?" he asked. I nodded.
"Here's the thing. It's a long story, so place in your seats and don't interrupt, because we're getting nowhere that way. So. Remember the assassination I told you about? On that dinner? Well, they actually managed to kill me."
Both of their looks widened, but I continued.
"Adrian brought me back from dead. Remember how I told you about Rose and Lissa's bond? We have that now. I can see his mind. Other things about the attack are details. And I was in Palm Spring this year. I attended a school called Amberwood. Eddie and Adrian were both with me, and also an Alchemist called Sydney, and two more guardians, Angeline and Neil. You'll get to meet them all soon. That's about it, since the law is changed now. So. Questions?" I asked and sighed happily. As usually, I said it all in one breath.
My mom spoke: "You see, when you say Sydney. Do you mean the one who married Adrian not long ago?"
Oh, so the world knew.
"Seriously, that's the first thing you think of?" I laughed.
Of course they had many other questions and even in the future week while they stayed, dosens of those questions didn't stop comming up.
It was a busy, but fun week I spent with them. I took them as my main priority while they were here. I showed them around the Court, and then we spent most of the time exploring it. With Eddie behind us, of course. Since I didn't kbow the place that well yet, Adrian sometimes helped me with the showing-around thing. They also met the rest of my friends, like 'Oh my God, the Queen!'.
And honestly, saying goodbye was hard. I was used to not seeing them for almost a year, but this time I knew my life wasn't that ordinary anymore. I couldn't just make a wish and run away to Detroit, no matter how much I wanted to sometimes. I had to be strong, a princess everyone expected me to be.
At least I had Eddie.
I promised my mom and John it wasn't the last time they've seen me that summer. I really wanted to visit them at home.
In the middle of the week after they left Lissa called a meeting for all of us again. This time I didn't overwhelm myself with worrying, maybe because she also sounded way happier on the phone than the first time.
I knew I was right about that when I saw her in person. There was a wide smile on her face and she was calmer than I've seen her in ages. She looked like she was about to burst out what was happening. She was holding Christian's arm so tightly I thought she was about to fly on only the 'happiness fuel'.
I looked at Adrian for explanation, but it was clear he again didn't have a clue why we were there. Not even Rose looked like she could help.
"I have a suprise for you all!" Lissa shrieked. "Okay, I'm just gonna say it. Why wait? We're going on vacation!"
That's it for now! I have no idea where to send them, so please help me with that! And did you like the kiss? Did you like it, did you like it? And everything else? What did you think? Let me know!
And oh, my god, did you see what Penguin Teen did to us with The Ruby Circle trailers? I'm dying! I need that now!
Okay, so, however, I think I'll be done with the next chapter until Christmas. Depends on how long will it be. Bye for now!