CHAPTER 4
MARINNA
Meeting the new queen was scary. She was my age from what I had heard so i hoped she was kind. Her guardian Rose sounded harsh from what mason told me. I was so nervous to meet them. I also happened to be thirsty. "Mason!" I yelled yearning for walked in and sat on my bed while i positioned myself on his lap. The Royal entourage was due any time and i was not going to be grouchy from lack of blood. I kissed him than drank. His moans indicated his pleasure. I laughed as i pulled away. "Rest my love. I won't go anywhere. Sleep well. I love you" He smiled as he rode the waves of pleasure into a peaceful sleep. Not before whispering "I love you too soon to be Mrs. Ashford."
ROSE
I was excited to meet this young woman. As i was packing a knock on my door came. I opened it to reveal Ambrose. "Rose we need to talk."he said quickly. "Hello to you too." I said smirking. "May i come in? I don't want others to hear this." I laughed will stepping aside. He gave me a serious look and said, " i know who you are going to meet and i would like to come with you." Before i could say anything there was another knock at the door. "Rose its Mikhail." He said through the door. I opened it and said to Ambrose, " Okay now explain how you know a secret so few know." Mikhail explained, "Ambrose was one of the Dhampirs originally chosen to guard her. When he decided not to become a guardian he was kept at court so he wouldn't reveal her." Ambrose spoke next saying, "Please Mikhail i just want to know she is well. We grew up together along with the..." "Ambrose," Mikhail growled. Now i was confused. "Along with who Mikhail? Tell me or so help me God i will make you tell me." He sighed and spoke softly, "the Ashford twins. Malcolm and mason. They were nearly identical." At that i was curious. "Were? Because mason is dead." Mikhail inhaled. "I was going to let him explain when you saw him but i better tell you now. Mason isn't dead. Malcolm is." No. No. That's not possible. I held his lifeless body in my arms. i watched as that asshole Isaiah snapped his neck. I even saw his ghost. InIt couldn't be true that it was his twin, could it ? In my perphirary i saw Mikhail doing something on my laptop. "Rose. I've got him here he can tell you." I was stunned starting at me from the screen of my laptop was Mason Ashford.
MASON
Mikhail had sent a message warning me what was going on, but i could never brace myself for seeing someone i cared for so much for the first time in years. I saw realization hit her face and man did the tears begin to flow. "Rose its me. Mase. I know we lied to you but they come first. I couldn't risk exposing her. She is so important." I finished speaking as she put on her guardian face. "We burried your body... Malcolm's body. I saw his ghost, followed it all thinking it was you. How long was he acting as you?" She said solemnly. I felt strong hands on my shoulder and instantly felt better. Marinna would make this easier. "Since the Badica attack. My charge had been hiding in spokane. We were the reason the strigoi were even there. Please Rose say something," I whispered that last part. She looked composed now. "Wait so you both liked me? I mean from what I've been told you have obviously moved on." I laughed. This was not the reaction i was expecting. Something hit me. "Rose do you know a guy named Ambrose? He's an old friend of ours who is at court." Her face became playful and she remarked, "Why you miss your boyfriend? Yeah he's here first I want to meet her." I looked to her for her answer. She shook her head. "She wants to wait to see you in person. Rose please tell me you are bringing Ambrose and Eddie?" I said cautiously. She looked at me happily and said, "Yeah. Can i tell Eddie about you before we leave? He had had so much guilt from "you" dying." I said, "Thats up to Mikhail. I think it would be safe to tell him. But you guys need to come soon. Marinna, that's her name, and i are engaged and we are planning the wedding." Rose just stared at me. Mikhail stuck his head down by Rose's so i could see him. "Thanks for doing this and yes Rose you can tell Eddie and the others. I trust you are both well? I laughed, " We are great she is nervous about meeting Lissa but other than that good. One more thing.. could you guys bring a feeder?" Mikhail nodded and with that the video cut out.
LISSA
After being made Aware that Ambrose was coming with us we all clamored onto the jet and headed for Michigan. We would be away for a few days and while I was away Marie Conta would handle a lot of my duties. She would have to consult me before making any decisions though. I was confident that things would go smoothly while I was away. When we touched down we all got in SUVs and headed off to meet the mysterious woman who could change the whole Moroi world
We arrived at a small house in the middle of a corn field. I heard some country song playing as I approached the house. It was an odd place to find someone who is hiding out. From what Mikhail had told us that she had been raised in the South and insisted on living in a farm town. I was at the door knocking when Christian linked his fingers in with mine. The person who opened the door was Mason Ashford. "Hello Lissa," he said in a deep and cautious voice./p