APOV
Songs: Plastic Soul by Mondo Cozmo, Inside Out by Spoon
"The white skirt and blue blouse, or the rose-pink dress?"
"That top really brings out your eyes."
"The Queen isn't going to give a shit about her eyes."
I watched with amusement as the three girls jabbered back and forth over what would impress my aunt the most. Lissa presented her options as Eva gushed over each one while Rose tried not to collapse from chronic boredom. The truth was, my aunt could care less what Lissa wore. She would be thrilled beyond belief to see her in the flesh and blood. Aunt Tatiana had developed a deep fondness for the Princess and hearing about her disappearance hit her harder than anyone really knew. I was certain that seeing Lissa alive and well would bring her overwhelming joy, even if she was presented in a tacky Juicy sweatsuit.
However, I wasn't about to tell the girls that. They were far too entertaining right now.
"Yes, but which one looks more regal? More respectable," Lissa shook the two hangers framing her face, causing the delicate fabric from the outfits to sway.
"I think that one." Eva pointed to the left and Lissa smiled appreciatively in response.
"Why are you taking her advice," Rose quipped as she slumped further onto the velvet bench across from Lissa. "She probably doesn't even know the Queen's name, little less what taste in wardrobe she has."
"Coming from the girl who purchased all her clothes at Bitchy Goths 'R' Us," Eva snapped back.
I let out a small laugh that I tried to cover up with a cough but was clearly unsuccessful as two pairs of sharp eyes darted towards me. "And what's so funny over there Ivashkov," Eva jutted her chin at me as her eyes narrowed in.
"Yeah," Rose added. "What are you even doing in here anyways? Don't you have something better to do other than act as the popcorn gallery to Lissa's regal fashion show?" She put air quotes over Lissa's earlier choice word for her desired ensemble.
"I asked him over," Lissa delicately interjected.
"That's right," I spoke proudly. "I clearly have the most experience with what dear old Auntie would like, and obviously have the best taste in fashion in this room, as you two so cleverly pointed out."
Eva crossed her arms and let out a huff and Rose just shook her head with a combined look of exasperation and amusement. That expression quickly morphed into something more contemplative and she scrunched her brow as she turned over to Eva again. "What do you know about Goths anyways, Red?"
Eva shrugged her shoulders and said, "That they wear all black and brood around and stuff."
Rose gave Lissa a significant look that she hid behind the guise of scratching her nose.
"Well she's not far off," Lissa defended, earning a small laugh from Rose.
This routine went on for about another forty minutes until Lissa's outfit was finally complete. She plopped down on her bed, very unprincesslike, and let out an agitated sigh. I could tell it troubled Rose as she carefully moved closer to her. Lissa had made remarkable progress over the last two weeks of being here, but she was still jumpy at times and her mood swings were no joke. Everyone was "discreetly" walking on eggshells around her, which I could see she found extremely annoying.
"You alright," Rose asked tenderly. Lissa took in another deep breath and nodded with her gaze locked on her lap. "Is it the outfit? Because I don't know if I have it in me to look at the hundredth pair of strappy suede heels." Lissa's mouth curved into the tiniest hint of a smile at Rose's joking tone. My eyes shifted to another small movement when Rose began twirling the silver ring on her hand as she expectantly gazed at her friend.
I found that same ring in the library a couple weeks ago with no Rose attached to it. I had grown accustomed to seeing her wear it and momentarily wondered what would have driven her to take it off but quickly came to the conclusion that it must have had something to do with Lissa. I hadn't heard any disturbance in the night but walked quicker than necessary to her room all the same. I pressed my ear to the door with my hand on the knob, ready to bust in and assist her if there was some kind of trouble, but after a couple moments of no noise I turned the handle and peeked my head in. The scene that laid ahead rendered me astonished.
The room was dark but a faint beam of moonlight illuminated the center of the room, casting an almost celestial image: Lissa and Rose were curled under the bedding facing one another, fast asleep. Rose's hand was protectively resting on Lissa's shoulder and a shared serene look dawned both their faces. Lying there beside each other with their hair splayed out on their individual pillows they looked like night and day. A true yin and yang duality. It was incredible how two contrary forces could be perfectly complementary, interconnected, and interdependent of each other at the same time. Witnessing them in that poised state, I could see the emptiness one of them would feel without the other and seeing them pieced back together somehow made the world feel more complete.
To avoid disturbing their small moment of peace, I quietly closed the door and made my way over to Eva's as I tossed the ring up in my hand. After a lot of convincing—well, more like groveling—she finally conceded to teach me how to put charms into silver trinkets. We made one for Rose that helped her continue to keep the dark spirits at bay and another for Lissa to help her with the bond until she could learn the control that Rose had conditioned over the years.
As Rose twirled the ring on her finger beside Lissa, I was reminded that its use wasn't intended to keep her out of the bond, since she insisted that she still wanted to be able to be notified when Lissa was in danger. I wondered if she was tempted to use the bond now to gauge Lissa's emotions, but with one look at her aura, I could see that she would rather wait it out and let Lissa come to her than invade her thoughts.
"It's not that," Lissa finally started. "I just—what if I say the wrong thing? Act the wrong way? There's so much riding on this and I don't want to screw it up." The Princess began gnawing on one of her worn down nails, a habit she had picked up since her restoration, and Rose reached up to gently pull her hand back down.
"Don't worry about that, Liss. The truth is all that matters. How you act is completely irrelevant," Rose soothed.
"What if I have an...episode," the word came off her tongue heavily as if it were difficult to swallow.
"Lissa we don't have to do this yet," Eva moved to sit at eye level on the bench Rose was previously perched. "If you need more time we can wait."
"No," Lissa's tone sharpened. "Dimitri has been there too long already. We can't wait anymore."
I could see Rose visibly tense and relax at the same time as she and Eva shared a concerned look. She was glad to hear her friend as passionate about Dimitri's release as she was, but was worried it might be pushing her to do something she wasn't ready for.
Over the last couple of weeks, I had been trying my best to get in touch with Dimitri when I could, but it proved more difficult than expected. He wasn't getting much sleep where they were holding him and when he did it was only in short increments before he was jolted awake—making it near impossible to hold a Spirit dream. Whenever I did make contact, I'd relay everything I could to Rose. To avoid putting too much pressure on Lissa, she tried to hide her concern for Dimitri as best as she could, but Lissa had seemed to develop an unrelenting drive to get him out all on her own.
As the anxiety in the room started to rise, I decided it was finally time to speak up. "The only the thing Tatiana will care about is that you are safe and willing to help bring these menaces to our society to justice," I spoke seriously, draining all nonchalance and flippancy from my tone as I moved towards them. "If you aren't ready to talk about them to her yet, we will all stand by you and support your decision. But don't let her title or hierarchy deter you. She cares about you too," I placed a hand on her shoulder, her Spirit magic lighting up in her aura at the recognition of mine. "Just think of her as a mentor who's willing to hear you out rather than your Queen."
Lissa let out another breath, but it was more collected and filled with less of that earlier agitated shudder. "Thanks, Adrian," she smiled. Rose shot me a grateful glance as Lissa's tension began to melt away giving me a sense of accomplishment.
"Well, now that I've served my purpose for the day, if you ladies will excuse me I have a serpent to meet." Rose's expression went rigid again at the mention of her father. Her father—that phrase was still taking some getting used to. Although I can't say I was too surprised that someone like Abe turned out to be her dad. He was cunning, mischievous, and feared—all things that Rose had naturally picked up from him. "Care to join me, Rose?"
She sat there for a moment, letting my question hang aimlessly in the air. For the most part, Eddie and I had been conducting the majority of meetings with Abe to discuss how to approach Tatiana with our evidence. At first, Rose would make up any excuse not to join them, mainly that Lissa needed her, but now I could tell the idea of being left out of any part of the planning was starting to get to her. She was teetering between her desire to be in the know and her uneasiness around Abe. Surprisingly, it was Lissa who ultimately swayed her decision.
"You should go, Rose," her voice pulled Rose's attention up and they momentarily stared at each other, sharing another silent conversation before Lissa spoke out again. "I promise. I'll be fine. Now scoot."
She finally relented and followed me out of Lissa's suite over to Abe's office. Her uncharacteristic quietness as we walked unnerved me and I felt the urge to ease some of the awkwardness in the air. "Worried about growing scales?"
"Huh?" My words seemed to pull her out of whatever daydream she was caught up in.
"Scales," I continued. "I know you two already look alike, but don't worry. The serpent characteristics aren't likely to rub off on you...yet," I wiggled my eyebrows and she stuck her tongue out at me. "Uh-oh. I might have spoken too soon. With gestures like that, you'll be a snake in no time, Little Dhampir."
"You know, I hear most people find your constant joking intolerable but I can't imagine why," she sarcastically retorted.
"That's because most people don't have your glorious sense of humor. Be damned with them!" I dramatically raised my hand in the air as if to curse their imaginary names and Rose let out a full-hearted laugh. The sound was like a symphonic tune as it rang through the hall. "There she is," I smiled at her and nudged my knuckles against her chin. "Missed ya kid."
She gave me a small smirk in return and confidently pushed through the door to Abe's office, her earlier apprehension completely gone.
RPOV
Songs: Disparate Youth by Santigold, Weight of Love by The Black Keys, House of Circles by Mr. Gnome
"Look alive folks, the party has arrived." All heads turned to Adrian and me as I made my grand entrance, earning me a gin from Eddie and Christian. Pavel stood in the corner with his arms crossed, looking as serious as ever. "At ease soldier," I flashed him a mock-salute and made my way to one of the open chairs.
"Glad you could join us, Rose," Abe genially responded. "How is the Princess fairing today? Well, I hope."
"Yeah, Lissa's good," I made a point to use her less formal name as a subtle reminder that Lissa didn't like to be put on airs. "A little nervous, but good."
"Ah, well that's to be expected," Abe concurred. "I'm sure the support of her friends will help boost her confidence tomorrow though."
"Yeah, well if she can handle a battle against her best friend to the death, a stake through the heart, and god knows what else an adolescent girl has to go through during this time, I'm sure a meeting with our exalted Queen should be a piece of cake." I plopped my legs up on the desk and leaned back in my seat. I hadn't even realized my mother was in the room until a disapproving grumble echoed over to me.
Abe, on the other hand, didn't seem to be bothered in the least by my position and maintained his amused expression. "Good to hear."
"You guys are just in time," Eddie jumped in. "We were about to go over strategy."
I straightened up a little and let them fill me in. Most of it I was already privy to, I had gone back and forth between Eddie and Adrian after their meetings to get the CliffsNotes version so I could be somewhat prepared. Abe and Lissa would do most of the talking and I was to—by stern indication from my mother—keep my mouth shut. I didn't bother arguing with that request. It wasn't really a secret that the Queen wasn't my biggest fan, especially after telling me to basically keep my grimy Dhampir hands off her great-nephew, but if what Dimitri had told Adrian was true and the Councils were truly considering me a suspect in Lissa's disappearance, it was understandable that I needed to remain under the radar and away from scrutiny. If I caused a scene before we could give her all of our proof, well then let's just say we'd be up shit creek.
We also couldn't just walk in there with an enormous posse or with our true identities revealed so Adrian and Eva would be providing us with Spirit charms to disguise us until we were inside. However, Abe announced something that appeared to be new to someone other than just me.
"What do you mean we aren't going to tell her about the Order," Christian spoke up.
"We will tell her the necessities that led to the unfolding events, but that's it."
"She needs to know about them. That they are hunting Spirit users. How else will we be able to get Lissa the protection she needs?" Lissa had finally opened up to us about the Order. Apparently, they were this ancient, evil group that had been after Spirit users for years. Not only had they discovered that some of their abilities could cross over into their Strigoi state, but they knew about their ability to restore those back to their original state. This would mean others like Lissa divulging information about their plans to the very people that could bring them down. Eva seemed particularly disturbed about this information, but only really talked to Lissa about why. I was dying to get to the bottom of her secrets, but right now there were more pressing matters at hand.
Although Christian's argument was sound, Abe wasn't budging. "I agree this information is vital, but I have other people to consider. That still rely on protection and secrecy. Until we have more information and can gauge how the Queen will handle it, I cannot put them in danger." Great. More secrets. I understood needing to keep certain things under wraps for the sake of others, I had kept information about Lissa's Spirit hidden for years for her protection. But when I finally found those I could trust with the information and help her, I came clean. I wasn't sure if Abe keeping these secrets from us meant I should be irritated that he didn't trust us, or if it was admirable that he refused to back down for the sake of those he was protecting.
"Also, Eva will be staying behind," he added. "I understand her abilities could be of use in this situation, but she will stay back with my men in case things don't go well and we are taken into custody."
"My Aunt would never do that," Adrian defended.
Abe studied him for a moment before calmly responding. "Although that might be true, it's a risk I refuse to take."
I had to admit, it was kind of endearing seeing him be protective over Eva, no matter what the unknown reasoning behind it was. As I watched his and Adrian's interaction, I wondered if he would've been just as protective over me growing up. Even though I could handle myself, it would have been nice to know I had someone in my corner backing me up.
After another few minutes of discussing tomorrow's plan, we decided it was time for lunch. And by "we" I mean me and Eddie's roaring stomachs. We began scattering to leave when Abe said, "Rose, would you mind terribly hanging back for a moment. I won't keep you long."
I shot Eddie a curious look who was positioned behind Abe, and he just shrugged in response. "Uh, yeah. Sure," I so eloquently responded.
Eddie and Christian gave me reassuring looks as they walked by and I moved back to the seat I had been occupying before. Once the door shut behind me Abe finally moved his gaze away from it to me. He looked slightly unsure of how to start, so I decided to open up instead.
"You're not going to give me some father/daughter pep talk or some weird family words of wisdom now, are you?"
Abe let out an amused grunt and moved to sit beside me instead of across from his desk. "As lovely as that sounds, I don't think that's really our style, little girl."
I held back my relieved sigh. "Couldn't agree more, old man."
"I think your friend's faith in his family is honorable," he started. "But I have known the Queen for quite some time and anticipate there is a chance that things may not end well for us." His face turned more serious as he spoke and I couldn't help but shift into a similar state.
"It shouldn't come as a surprise that if things go South, I don't plan on sticking around. And I don't plan on letting them take you either."
"I won't leave Lissa," I deadpanned automatically. "I can't let them turn her into some lab rat experiment to analyze." I knew the risks we would face if we failed. Not only would Dimitri continue to be locked up, but they could take Lissa away as well. That's to say if they even believed that we had restored her from her Strigoi state.
"Of course not. I wouldn't expect anything less after everything you've done to protect her. What I mean is that I have what you could call...a failsafe set in place to get us and anyone else who chooses to come with us out." I nodded along as he spoke, gratitude slowly building for his ability to think three steps ahead when we were all still focused on the now. "And this includes Belikov."
My eyes shot to his, the shock clear as day written all over me. "You'd...you'd really do that? Break him out of the Royal Court jail, I mean."
"I know how important he is to you and how much he has done to ensure not only your safety, but your happiness as well. He owes me a lot, but I owe him just as well for watching over you when you needed it most."
I didn't know what to say to that. I was dumbfounded by his selfless words. I guess 'thank you' would have been the appropriate thing to say, but instead, I said, "How do you know you can even pull that off? Seems like a tall order, even for you."
His dark eyes gleamed as he stared into mine. "Rose, you should know by now if there is something I want, I get it." He had a way of making something that would normally appear cocky or overconfident to sound undeniably absolute, and in that moment I understood how he could elicit fear into those he associated with. "I have heard the same can be said about you as well."
A cheeky smile inched up my face at that comment. He wasn't far off.
After a few moments, I finally mustered out, "Thank you." I could tell by his growing grin that he understood it held more meaning than just appreciation for the recognition of my exceeding ability to get in and out of trouble, and that I was truly grateful for everything he would do for me.
"Well then, now that that's settled you can head off to lunch. I've heard my kitchen staff has been working overtime to try and keep up with your voracious appetite."
"Hey, I gotta make sure they're earning their salary," I countered as I stood to leave. "You wouldn't want to be paying them for nothing, now would you?"
"Ha! Point taken. In that case, have them fix up a something extra for the each of you. Keep them on their toes," he flashed me a sly wink that rivaled Adrian's and I let out a small laugh as I headed out of the room.
\
"This shirt is itchy," Christian's whining rose above the clicking on the marble floor from the bustle of people.
"Oh calm down Sparky. You're just mad it's not black." He let out a low grown at my teasing as he pulled at the collar of his red button-up.
"All I'm saying is you could have at least let me pick out my own clothes."
"Absolutely not," Adrian interjected as he turned a corner past one of the court cafes. "If people are expected to believe you are associated with me, you have to look the part."
A small group of people parted for us as we made our way through a dimly lit courtyard and into another common area. "In other words, your wardrobe would be detrimental to Adrian's delicate reputation," I jibed.
"And how can we be so sure those charms are actually working," Christian lowered his voice. "I can still see your judgy face over there."
I leaned across Lissa who was quietly positioned between us to meet his sneer. "Have a little faith won't you? You just can't tell because you know about them, but others will—"
As if summoned by some higher power, a group of four Guardians appeared right in front of us. Our breaths simultaneously froze and I tried my best to hold my composure and not do anything conspicuous. The four of them stopped walking as others passed us by, only adding to my nervousness. I balanced on the tips of my toes, ready to launch into action when one of the Guardians politely lowered his head in recognition. "Lord Ivashkov," he greeted.
Adrian casually waved in response and the group turned back to their own conversation and walked away from us. Once they were out of earshot Christian let out a heavy sigh. "Jesus Christ I thought we were toast."
"See. Have a little faith," I winked as we doubled our pace.
The Royal Court was bigger than I remembered, but maybe that's because last time we weren't breaking about 10 laws as we leisurely walked around. Abe strolled up front beside Adrian with Pavel and Eddie flanking him to appear like they were just another pair of his many Guardians. My mother stayed behind with Eva since it was well known that she was sanctioned to Lord Szelzky and our disguises didn't necessarily warrant another Guardian watching over Chris and whoever Lissa currently looked like. Adrian had told his Aunt that he was passing through and wanted to meet her for tea. She happily accepted, giving us the perfect opportunity to put our plan into motion.
We figured no one would really care, or notice, that Christian was with Adrian so we decided on just Lissa and me wearing the charms. It was strange walking around as someone else without being able to tell who. I was used to heads turning in my direction; whether it be from the unwarranted attention of men ogling my curves, or Dhampirs curious by my premature molnija and zvezda marks. But now, I completely blended into the crowd. It was kind of therapeutic actually.
We rounded another corner, this one more familiar. I could tell we were getting close and could sense the same in Lissa. Her pulse began to increase and her footsteps became heavier. I was about to say something to comfort her but was surprised by her next movement instead. Keeping her face forward, she reached her hand over to Christian and entwined her fingers with his.
His face immediately darted to her, his crystal blue eyes lighting up with bewilderment. He squeezed her hand a little tighter causing her gaze to pull to his. Chris gave her a small, reassuring smile and said, "You can do this. I believe in you."
She returned his smile with one of her own, one that I hadn't seen in ages. His face lit up with adoration and love and as much shit as I loved to give him, I was truly happy to see them coming closer together—even in small increments such as these. I turned around to see the same doors I had been escorted to last time I was summoned to visit with the Queen and I dashed away that sentimentality to make room for seriousness.
"We're here," I whispered, pulling Chris and Lissa out of the moment they were having.
"Ah, Roberts, Chenowitz it's good to see you two. I believe my Aunt is expecting me," Adrian exaggeratedly spoke out. The two Guardians remained impassive and gave him a simple nod as they opened the doors for us.
"Bearns, won't you be a sport and keep these two men company while we have our chat," Abe added to Eddie. Part of his "failsafe" plan was to have someone directly outside the room to help get us a jump start over anyone standing watch. Eddie mimicked the same nod the Guardians presented to Adrian and took up post against the wall.
I gave him a subtle look to wish him luck as the rest of us filed into the room. It was slightly different than the last time I was there; I guess the Queen had decided to do some redecorating. Pavel did what he did best and blended into one of the cream-colored walls while Chris, Abe, and Adrian gathered around one of the ornate coffee tables. Lissa and I hung back, trying to keep our distance until the opportune moment.
The three Moroi men struck up a casual conversation to keep up the facade as we waited for the Queen to arrive. My anxiety rose with every second that passed and I hadn't even realized I had been nervously fidgeting with the hem of my skirt until Lissa gently pulled my hand away. I turned to give her a flimsy apology for my uneasiness but was stunned again when I saw her face.
Lissa had been to several meetings with Tatiana in the past, each time performing gracefully and tactfully, but things were different now with everything she had gone through. Where perfection had once reigned were now cracks and divots filled with horrible memories and transgressions of her time as Strigoi. I wouldn't let her know it, but I was afraid of how she might react to any disparaging questions. However, looking at her now I could see that same refinement and confidence that she had once excelled in. She beamed with elegance, all remnants of that former monster completely gone.
I just hoped the Queen would see it too.
"Eva was right," I whispered. She gave me a curious look before I continued. "That blouse really does bring out your eyes." She rolled those jade-green orbs at me with an amused smile pulling at the corner of her mouth and turned to face the group again. Not more than a minute later, Tatiana finally walked in. The men immediately rose from their seats and Adrian walked around the table to greet her.
"Ah, Adrian. I'm so glad you made the time to visit," she embraced him lovingly. It was strange to see her regard someone with anything other than professionalism, or in my case, disdain.
"Aunt Tatiana, it's wonderful to see you." Adrian returned her lighthearted tone and it suddenly dawned on me how special their relationship really was. Maybe she wasn't the cold-hearted bitch I'd always thought her to be.
"You didn't mention you were bringing...guests." She looked over Christian disapprovingly. Nope, still a bitch. "And Mr. Mazur, I'm surprised to see you here as well." Adrian stepped back slightly to make way for Abe's introduction.
"Tatiana," Abe reached out to take her hand. "You look radiant, as always," he added as he planted a kiss on her ring. Man, he was laying it on thick. She smiled as a couple more flirtatious phrases snaked out of his mouth, causing my stomach to churn. I could see Adrian's mutual feelings of their interaction as his face contorted into mild disgust. After what could only be described as a giggle flew out of her, Adrian finally intercepted.
"Well I hate to break this happy reunion up, but I'm afraid this wasn't purely a social call." Abe stepped back again, letting Adrian take the reins. "We have some serious business to discuss with you."
"Is that so," Tatiana replied. "And what kind of business are you referring to." She looked accusingly at Abe as she spoke, no doubt worried that he had gotten her beloved nephew into some kind of trouble.
"I can assure you, it's not what you're thinking," Adrian added. "However, it would be beneficial to have Guardian Croft here."
Her face turned deadly serious and her familial tone completely vanished at the mention of the Head Guardian at court. "Adrian you tell me what is going on right this instant." Tatiana's voice was quiet, but her stern words made Adrian visibly tense.
He looked over to me and Lissa causing her gaze to follow. It was as if she was noticing for the first time that we were even there. Her eyes crinkled as she examined us curiously, like we were a blur that she was trying to align. "Who are you," she quietly asked. My eyes glanced at the two Guardians behind her as their hands ghosted over their stakes in the tiniest movement. They could sense something wasn't right and my throat tightened in anticipation. I moved my sights back to Adrian with a questioning look and he nodded in encouragement.
This was it. The moment we would all go down or succeed. It was a tad ridiculous that all of our fates were dependent on this one, capricious woman standing before me, but I guess that's how things were. What I wouldn't give to be facing a Strigoi instead.
I turned to Lissa and cracked open the door to the bond.
Are you ready? My voice echoed in our heads.
Yes. I'm ready. Her sweet response still held that confidence I had witnessed moments before.
Alright. Here goes nothing. At that, we both reached for the charmed silver lockets and pulled them from our necks. I could feel the tiniest bit of magic trickle down my face, like the spray from a warm shower and I let out a calming breath as the spell broke. A sharp gasp filled the air and the Queen's Guardians immediately appeared by her side ready to strike. Pavel inched closer to us in a protective stance but tried his best not to appear threatening.
Tatiana placed her hand on one of the Guardian's shoulders and pulled him slightly away from her so she could get a better look at us. Her eyes were wide with shock and her mouth trembled as she tried to make sense of the situation. "Vasilisa," she finally murmured. "Is that really you?"
Lissa dropped her head and curtsied in acknowledgment. "Queen Tatiana."
The Queen slowly moved forward, as if she were afraid of spooking a lingering apparition. Lissa kept her head down respectfully as the Queen approached her. When she was about a foot from us, Tatiana reached out her hand and placed it under Lissa's chin to bring her gaze up. She stared into her eyes for a prolonged moment and said, "It's you. It's really you."
"Yes, your majesty," Lissa quietly replied. The Queen reached her other arm forward and wrapped it around Lissa's shoulder. Her uncharacteristically quick movements caused an irrational fear to emerge that she might try and hurt Lissa and I shifted to protectively yank her away, but my fears were squashed when she pulled Lissa into a tight hug instead.
Lissa's hands hovered over the Queen's back as she momentarily looked to Adrian, unsure how to react. He, again, gave an encouraging nod and she carefully rested her hands on Tatiana, returning the embrace. She slowly relaxed and let her eyes close as she welcomed the Queen's kindness. We all stood there silently, tentatively waiting for some kind of eruption that was bound to occur, but it never came.
After Lissa's family was killed in the crash, Queen Tatiana put in extra effort to help her adjust to her new position and made sure she was transitioning as easily as could be managed. I always thought it was a sense of duty since Lissa was the last of the Dragomir line. A responsibility to make sure the 12 Moroi Royal families stayed intact. However, watching her now I began to realize there may have been deeper reasons for her past benevolence.
When Tatiana finally pulled away, I could see a glistening tear in her eye. I wondered briefly if it was real. Did she truly care that much about Lissa? I looked around the room, realizing there was no one here for her to put a show on for and ate my words before they could manifest. Well, I'll be damned. I guess she really does have feelings.
Seeing her react this way softened my perception of her. Although our relationship was rocky and I knew she could give less than two shits about me, I was grateful for her affection for Lissa. She didn't have many people left in her life and the Queen's support of her would go a long way.
"Where have you been? I was told you were...taken," Tatiana put delicately.
"Aunt Tatiana, maybe you should sit," Adrian offered. "There are many things we need to tell you...and Guardian Croft."
She looked over to one of her guards who was trying his best to hide the shock from his expression as he took in the unfolding events. "Guardian Volkov," he snapped to attention as the Queen addressed him. "Would you please summon Guardian Croft to me immediately."
"Yes, your majesty," he respectfully bowed and headed out where they had entered from. The Queen shuffled Lissa over to the seated area and began to ask her if there was anything she needed. Not long after, a seasoned Guardian burst into the room with Volkov. His eyes immediately landed on the Queen and when satisfied that she was well, they darted to each of the other members in the room. He held his stern mask in place as he looked over each of my friends, inspecting their level of threat no doubt, until his sights fell on me.
Although we hadn't met yet, his eyes lit up with recognition and his hand dropped to his stake. The mood immediately shifted again and I instinctively adjusted my stance to a defensive position at his reaction. Time seemed to stop, if only for an instant. I knew that look he wore and could discern what he was about to do. I shot Abe a quick glance and could see the same recognition of the situation in him. Our dark eyes narrowed at one another in silent agreeance. I wouldn't go willingly or quietly, and neither would he.
The others looked around confused as the tension in the room quadrupled. But before any of them could ask a clarifying question, Croft shouted, "Guards, arrest that girl!"
A/N: For those of you in the U.S. I hope you had a Happy 4th of July! For everyone else, hope you had a great Wednesday ;P. Thanks for reading!