If you love to hate Victor Dashkov, here's the chapter for you!

17. Old Man's Logic

(Mikhail POV)

Our stolen moments in the garden by the lake couldn't last forever – the sun was steadily climbing, making it uncomfortable for Sonya to be outside, and it was essential that I get a few hours of sleep before my next shift. Many of the guests would be heading home later this evening and the school guardians would be required to oversee their safe departure.

I delivered Sonya back to her apartment, quickly checking the room was secure before pressing a kiss to her forehead and whispering promises to meet her again soon. It had been a long, stressful morning for everybody, for Sonya most of all, and I hoped she would be able to find some peace.

As I entered my own apartment I noticed the morning sunlight streaming through the window shutters and I realised that, after back-to-back shifts and then the funeral, I'd been awake for over thirty-eight hours. I walked over to adjust the shades and peeled off my uniform, changing into a T-shirt and a pair of boxers before slumping down onto the couch.

My mind instantly returned to the events of the last few hours. Emotions fought within me as I thought about the strange and amazing powers Sonya had revealed to me, as well as the desperation in her voice when she explained the dark toll the magic took on her mind and body.

Now I understood the reason behind the scratches on her face when I found her disoriented in her classroom only a few weeks ago. As far as I understood it, a little bit of Sonya's positive energy was drained away every time she used her powers, and the destructive effects would multiply the more she used her magic. I finally realised why she was afraid of being watched. She was terrified that somebody might discover her secret and want to take advantage of her powers, sentencing her to a life of darkness and despair. Maybe somebody like Victor Dashkov. After my altercation with Spiridon in the carpark and witnessing the tense conversation between Sonya and Victor after the funeral, it seemed likely that the prince knew something about Sonya's abilities. He was willing to kidnap her and was happy for me to be killed in order to get to his prize. And now I think I'd figured out why.

It was common knowledge that Prince Dashkov suffered from a rare condition known as Sandovsky's Syndrome. It was a debilitating disease that made him old before his time and precluded him from running for the throne. If he could convince Sonya to heal him he would not only be free from the pain of his illness, but free to pursue his political career and return himself to throne contention. Putting myself in his shoes I imagined the old man's logic and a sick feeling rose in the pit of my stomach. With Sonya at his side, Victor Dashkov never had to suffer from any illness again. She would become his personal 'get out of jail free' card, no matter the cost to her. I couldn't let it happen. I wouldn't let it happen. I would find a way to keep her safe.

The stress that had slowly crept up on me over the last few days suddenly threatened to overwhelm me and I massaged the bridge of my nose, feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted. But then, through the haze of tiredness and uncertainty, a single image snapped into view – the look of trust on Sonya's face as she sat on that garden bench, when she said she believed I would take care of her.

From the first day I saw Sonya Karp I wanted to know more about her, and as she gradually let me see glimpses of her true character my curiosity soon built into something far more personal. I couldn't explain why, but I had no doubts about the strength of my feelings for her and I was ready to give my life for this woman. Even so, I didn't want to frighten her away by declaring the extent of my affection too soon. At least now she knew I wanted to be there for her and she trusted me. She knew I had feelings for her and she returned my kiss.

I lay back on the couch and closed my eyes, replaying every detail; the warmth of her lips that fit perfectly into mine, the saltiness of the tears on her skin, the small breath she took when I reached for her and the sigh when my tongue brushed against hers. The romantic in me was in ecstasy, already dreaming of our next encounter, but a voice of reason interrupted my thoughts. Sonya had already been through so much, and it was possible that the next time I saw her all of the barriers we had broken down today would be back again. I wanted her to open up to me about all of her hopes and fears but I realised this level of trust was something that would take time – maybe years – to build. The most important thing I could do now was to show her I was worthy of her trust.

My mind was becoming foggy but my last thought before drifting off into sleep was clear as crystal. I was prepared to wait for her as long as it took. I would be whatever she needed me to be, whenever she needed it. And until she came to me, I would meet her again and again in that garden in my dreams.

Some hours later I blinked groggily awake at the sound of my alarm. I must have fallen asleep on the couch and I groaned as I stood up, feeling the muscles in my neck clench painfully. There was barely enough time to change and drink a protein shake before I was due at the guardian station to receive my orders for the day.

Alberta was already there, along with thirty or so other dhampirs who weren't already carrying out their scheduled duties. When the last person arrived, the captain stepped to the front of the group and commenced the meeting.

'Thank you all for your help co-ordinating the funeral service and for ensuring our guests have been well looked after during their stay.' Alberta didn't need to raise her voice as her presence alone commanded everyone's attention. 'I have just been informed that a number of our visitors will be staying on until the end of the week at the invitation of Queen Tatiana, who plans to hold a royal banquet in honour of the Dragomir family. I realise you are all tired after the extra shifts you've put in over the past few weeks, but I must ask you to give a little more. I can only say that your service has exceeded expectations and you are a credit to our profession. When this is all over, I think you will all have earnt a good break and the drinks will be on me.'

Everybody cheered, a rare moment of relief in the current pressurised atmosphere, then quietened down quickly to receive the daily duties.

'Stan. I'd like you to oversee the transfer of the coffins to the airport. The drivers are all aware of their duties and are waiting for you at the front gates. Here are the details you need,' she handed him a folder and released him from the meeting before continuing. 'Alan. Can you relieve Celeste at the elementary campus? She's pulled double shifts four times in the last five days, and I think she is entitled to a break.'

The orders went on, and I listened quietly until I heard my own name called. 'Mikhail. Your services have been personally requested by one of the royal guests. You must have made quite an impression,' she raised an eyebrow suggestively before continuing. 'Prince Dashkov would like you to assist his party in their preparations to leave campus tonight. The prince has asked to meet you in Dashkov Hall. If you finish up before midnight report back to me and so I can update your orders.' She dismissed me and continued on with her task.

I crossed the campus towards the main school building, taking several detours to give myself time to think. What did Victor Dashkov expect to gain from meeting me? I'd already proven to Spiridon that it was pointless to try anything on campus, and the old man was too frail to attempt any physical action against me himself. It had to be something else. I circled around the moroi staff wing and saw a light on in Sonya's apartment. At least I knew she was safe. There was nothing else I could do to prepare for my encounter with the prince so I headed past the cafeteria and climbed the wide, stone staircase to the upper level of the royal wing.

St. Vladimir's Academy was originally built by the twelve royal families. As the school grew in numbers it also grew in size, with many additional classrooms being added over the years. The entire guardian complex was a relatively new area of the school – only eighty years old – and the elementary campus was practically an afterthought built in the 1990's.

Over time the original school building was re-purposed with office spaces, and the entire east wing was set aside – one room for each of the twelve royal families – as a memorial to the founders of the school. Each family was permitted to decorate their room as they desired and could use it for private meetings, parties or accommodation whenever they came to visit the school.

Walking into Dashkov Hall, my eyes were immediately drawn to the walls, covered from top to bottom in trophies, banners and pictures that showed the history of the great Dashkov line. The prince himself was waiting for me among his relics, sitting in an easy chair in the far corner of the vast room. I approached him promptly, keeping a professional detachment to my manner.

'How may I be of service, Prince Dashkov?' I asked, inclining my head with respect.

'Aah. Mikhail Tanner,' he droned. 'I'm so pleased you could come. Here, sit by me,' and he patted the chair beside him.

I sat down stiffly on the edge of the high-backed chair, not wanting to appear too casual.

'Relax, boy. It's not contagious,' he joked, thinking I was concerned by his drawn, sickly appearance. 'Sandovsky's Syndrome is a real bastard but you can only contract it if you are a moroi so you have nothing to fear from me.'

I shifted a little further back in the chair to satisfy him but kept my back upright and my feet firmly on the floor. If Spiridon suddenly appeared I didn't want to be vulnerable, sprawled back on the cushions.

'I'm sure you've been informed that I'm leaving tonight,' the prince began when I was settled. 'It's a shame that I will miss the Dragomir banquet, but all this mourning pays a heavy toll on my health and I need to be back among the comforts of home.'

I nodded silently, waiting for him to continue.

'There is just one thing I want to discuss with you before I go,' his hand fumbled with something on the low table beside him and I instinctively tensed my core muscles – ready to leap up and defend myself against the potential threat – until I realised he was only reaching for a photo frame.

'See here,' he pointed at the two faded images. 'My father Trenton and my mother Elsie.'

'They make a handsome couple,' I replied politely, still waiting to find out why he had sent for me.

'They were,' he nodded thoughtfully. 'Father is still alive of course, but my mother died when she was only thirty-five. An unfortunate accident, not an illness like mine,' he added hastily.

'She always wanted the best for me, you know?' he rambled on. 'She had great dreams for me – even hoped I might be king one day – but now I've been afflicted with this damn sickness I won't have the chance to fulfil her dying wish.' The old man peered across at me and I detected a calculating look behind his otherwise innocent expression.

'I'm sorry for your suffering,' I offered coolly.

'I know you're not a fool Guardian Tanner, and that's why I wanted to speak with you man to man. It is ungentlemanly to withhold one's true intentions in these matters.'

'What matters, exactly,' I asked, trying to force him to his point.

Victor Dashkov dropped the niceties and launched his assault.

'I saw the way you looked at Sonya Karp after the funeral this morning. You think she is the one for you – maybe you even think she returns your affections. But I must counsel you to desist.'

His voice became softer and more sinister as he continued, and I struggled to remain seated as the rage built up inside me.

'You may believe you've stumbled on something special in the Karp woman,' he confided, 'but I found her first. You're a handsome boy – if it's a pair of shapely legs you desire, I'm sure you will have no trouble finding another low-born moroi willing to give herself to you, but my needs are more specific, you see? I can't have anybody but her.'

I gripped the arms of my chair to stop myself from lashing out at the old man who was sitting there so weak and vulnerable, yet so self-assured.

'There's no need to do anything foolish, Tanner. I intend to treat her very well. She will want for nothing. If you really care about her, let her go without a fight. The longer you pursue her, the harder it will be on her when she comes to my side.'

'Is that all, Prince Dashkov, or are there any guardian duties you would like me to carry out for you?' I asked through clenched teeth.

'Oh, I think that's enough for now,' he replied happily. 'I'll be out of your hair soon enough, but I thought it was only polite to warn you that next time I come to St. Vladimir's I intend to take our special friend with me when I leave. It's probably best that you don't get too attached. You are free to go,' he indicated towards the door.

I stared at him incredulously, just for a moment, then forced myself to walk away. The old man thought he had power over me, but he was wrong. As a guardian I had been taught to believe that 'they come first', but in this case I had to draw the line. Royal or not, Victor Dashkov had no more claim to Sonya than I did. I refused to be bullied into leaving her - there was nobody alive that would stop me from protecting the woman I loved.

Author's Note:

The beauty of Victor Dashkov's character is that he really believes he is entitled to take what he wants – arrogant old sod. I'm sure he would think his claim on Sonya was more important than Mikhail's – world domination beats true love, right?

Mikhail, on the other hand, is really starting to dig his heels in, ignoring the conventional guardian way of bowing to moroi royalty in order to protect his lover. I think this is the start of him breaking free of society's rules – and why he will have no problems abandoning his post to hunt for Sonya later when things don't go as planned.