Warning... it's a cliff-hanger!

I had a look at the traffic stats today - busted through 2500 views - well done reading geniuses :-) Special thanks to Lea0014 for the new reviews & to the hard-core readers who are still reviewing every single chapter! AND Thanks to hbarker for helping me out with the U.S. terminology!

You probably noticed I've been churning out the chapters this week (on holidays) - will try to get another one posted by the end of the weekend as we hurtle towards the end of the story, but we'll see how I go!

50. Apart

(Sonya POV)

Once the decision was made to return to Court, the level of tension across the group instantly intensified. Mikhail might have been joking when he asked if I could see into the future now, but it wasn't difficult to guess how things might play out tonight. Rose was wanted for murder, and as soon as she removed the charmed bracelet to reveal her true identity she could be killed on sight – before she had a chance to prove her innocence. Dimitri would try to defend her, of course, and I imagined that a lot of Guardians would be more than happy to rid the world of an ex-Strigoi. Jill, meanwhile, was virtually unknown at Court, and there would be a huge uproar when people learnt that Eric Dragomir had sired another heir – if they even believed it. And to top it off, if Mikhail was accused of aiding the fugitives his punishment would be extremely severe.

Adrian was probably the safest of everyone, but I was worried about him for another reason. I watched with concern as the tall Moroi stalked silently towards the black SUV – I didn't need the ability to read auras to tell that the Spirit user was in deep personal torment. An hour ago Adrian thought he was going to have a happy reunion with his girlfriend, and instead he'd been ditched for another man. There was nothing any of us could do to console him now – I just hoped the poor guy would find a way to make it through the night without punching Dimitri because I didn't like his odds in that fight!

While Dimitri, Rose and Jill piled into the car, Misha held back a minute longer to say goodbye.

'I can't believe I'm leaving you again,' he apologised sadly, stroking my cheek. 'But it'll be safer if we go ahead without you. If the murderer tries to strike again tonight I don't want you anywhere near the danger. Give us half an hour's head-start, then follow after in the CR-V. You can go straight to my flat when you arrive at Court – you'll be safe there – and I'll meet up with you as soon as I can,' he said, pressing a set of keys into my hand and quickly explaining where to find his quarters.

Mikhail glanced back at the car-load of our waiting friends before kissing me one last time. 'I still can't quite believe you're real, but I'm so, so glad you're here. I love you, Sonechka.'

I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye when I'd only just found him again. 'I love you too, Misha. Stay safe,' I squeezed his hand, his fingers slipping from mine as he reluctantly returned to his duty. They come first.

When the tail-lights disappeared and I was left alone in the deserted parking lot, I realised it might not be the wisest idea to hang around. It would be unusual running into a Strigoi this close to Court, but not impossible, and I didn't want to take any more risks than I had to. Pondering what to do next, I was struck by a horrifying thought; I hadn't changed my clothes since we left Paris. The overnight bag I'd packed was still at Emily's house, left behind in my rush to escape the Guardian raid, and worse, I was desperately in need of toiletries; a hairbrush, toothbrush, deodorant, a razor. Oh God… how embarrassing. It was a wonder Mikhail was brave enough to even come near me in this state, let alone kiss me.

Everything in Greenston was closed so I drove east until I found a bigger town, stopping in at the gas station for a few basic supplies. Getting clothes in the early hours of the morning was a slightly trickier problem, but as I drove down the main street I spotted a dress in a thrift shop window that would do the job nicely. Pulling my car up to the store's rear entrance, I broke in through the back door and quickly undressed the mannequin in the window, popping into the curtained cubicle to change.

It was a vintage dress – smart but not too dressy, with buttons all the way down the front and a silk belt that laced tightly around my waist. I ran my fingers over the smooth, pale fabric as I folded the delicate cuffed sleeves up to the elbow, and when I glanced in the mirror a little thrill of self-consciousness and nervous excitement coursed through my body. I'd never really worn anything above the knee when I was working at St. Vladimir's and it felt strangely liberating to have so much leg on display. (Thank God I'd just bought a packet of razors!)

Returning to the car, I dumped my old clothes in an industrial bin at the back of the store, and that's when I spied the sign on the shop opposite – Lingerie and Lace. I didn't plan to make a habit of stealing but the promise of new underwear was too tempting. Fifteen minutes later I walked out of the shop with a pink bag in my hand and secret smile on my lips. I had no expectations about how Mikhail and I would spend our first hours together – I'd be happy just to look at him, listen to his voice, hold his hand – but if things did get more intimate I intended to be prepared.

This time I made it into the car and across town before another bout of kleptomania hit; my final target being a gourmet deli that advertised a range of local produce on the chalk-board out the front. Breaking and entering was really getting too easy for me – maybe I could consider that as future career option, seeing as I didn't think I would be allowed in front of a class of students anytime in the near future?! Or maybe not. While I technically didn't set off any alarms, I did catch the attention of a stray dog that was scavenging behind the shop – I quickly grabbed an armload of supplies, throwing a salami to the dog on my way out to shut him up, and jumped into the CR-V to complete the final leg of my journey.

When I finally arrived at Court there was a long line of cars at the main gate, and I realised that the Guardians would be carrying out extra vehicle checks to eliminate any threats that might disrupt the monarch elections. Considering that most people still thought I was a Strigoi, I used Illusion magic to mask my identity before pulling up to the guard post. A young Guardian stepped forward to check over the vehicle, eyeing me carefully and asking me to pop the trunk before finally ushering me through the gate.

I let out a sigh of relief as I drove slowly through the main streets of Court, knowing that Mikhail was already here. Parking the car outside his building, I collected my various bags and parcels then walked up a few flights of stairs to Mikhail's flat. Using Misha's key to enter, I locked the door behind me and dropped my bags in the doorway, looking around the humble space with deep curiosity.

There wasn't much to the room – I was already standing in the main living area, sparsely furnished with a two-seater couch, a tiny coffee-table and a wooden hutch-style desk. The kitchenette was over to my left, and on the far wall was a semi-opaque folding door that led to the bedroom and basic en-suite.

It felt strange being in Mikhail's flat without him, but there were a few things I wanted to do before he arrived so I made the most of my time alone. First I took a long shower, getting dressed and towel-drying my hair before moving into the kitchen to sort out a meal to share when Misha returned. The parcels from the deli were a random assortment of whatever I could grab, but together they made an impressive picnic feast; soft cheeses, specialty meats, a tub of artichoke and peppermint dip, bread sticks and a jar of pickled vegetables. The only thing missing was the wine!

When everything was prepared I glanced up at the clock on the wall. 3:00am. Misha still wasn't back but I was too jittery to take a nap so made myself a coffee and went to wait on the couch. Soon… Soon my lover would be coming home to me.

(Mikhail POV)

My mind was racing as we drew nearer to Court, with the Alchemist's words repeating over and over in my head; Long black hair, pale blue eyes, and scarring on one side of her face. I knew plenty of Moroi at Court and there was only one woman that matched Ian's description – Lady Natasha Ozera.

It didn't make sense though. Tasha had been a staunch ally to Princess Vasilisa in our quest to clear Rose's name, providing help and advice on numerous occasions. And yet, so much of the evidence supported the theory that Tasha was the killer. With Ian's ID, we now had enough to establish that she had the means, motive and opportunity to kill the late queen, but there were still a few things that didn't quite add up.

Dimitri and Rose hashed over the facts again as we idled in the long queue that snaked up to the Royal Court's main entrance.

'I understand why she murdered the queen,' Rose frowned as she tried to fit all the pieces together, 'but the anonymous letter to Tatiana doesn't make sense. Not to mention trying to kill Lissa.'

There was a brief silence before Dimitri spoke. 'We might be dealing with more than one person,' he suggested.

'Like a conspiracy?' Rose asked.

'No, I mean, someone else had a grudge against the queen… but not someone who'd go so far as to kill her. Two people, two agendas. Probably not even aware of each other. We're mixing up the evidence.'

It was a good idea, but then who was the other party? I narrowed my eyes in concentration before remembering a conversation I'd had with Adrian a few days ago. At that point, the group were considering the possibility that Tatiana's murder may have been committed by a jealous lover, and Adrian was horrified at the thought that his mother, Lady Daniella Ivashkov, might be somehow involved in the case. Could it be her?

I didn't have time to ponder the issue, however, as it was our turn to pass through the Guardian checkpoint at the main gate. Time to play my part.

'Good evening, Guardian Steele,' I greeted the familiar face that peered in at my window. 'Just returning from a pick-up for the Ivashkov family,' I explained, nodding to Adrian in the back seat.

Strange that Adrian was so quiet on the drive, I thought to myself as the stern Guardian conducted a series of mandatory checks on our vehicle. Probably just worried for Rose, I guessed, and masking Dimitri's identity would take quite a bit of focus too.

As soon as we were given the all-clear (to the relief of everyone in the car) I made for the Guardians' parking lot, keen to get this over with. As much as I hoped we could achieve a positive outcome for Rose and for establishing the Dragomir quorum, I was painfully aware that Sonya would be home soon and all I really wanted right now was to be with her. Except… they come first.

'Now what?' asked Jill, as we assembled outside the car.

'Now we re-establish the Dragomir line and call out a murderer,' Rose replied, and we all headed on foot towards the grand ballroom; on our way to sabotage the royal elections.

When we arrived, there was a huge crowd of people outside the venue excitedly awaiting the election results, and it took us a good five minutes to push our way through the surging mass to reach the main doors of the building.

'I'm here with Lord Ivashkov. Let us pass,' I ordered the Guardian on duty. Being in the company of a royal, especially one as well-known as Adrian, was practically a free ticket into any event and our group was allowed through without question.

Even in the entrance lobby it was clear that there was some commotion going on inside the ballroom. By the sounds of things, the candidates' speeches had concluded but now the entire audience were demanding to have their say.

'She has no quorum – even if she passed the trials she cannot be elected!' one voice shouted above the rest.

'Princess Vasilisa speaks for us. She has our vote – let her stand!' cried another.

Both calls were met by a mixture of rowdy support and angry jeers, and the dispute carried on, increasing in volume and fervour as the meeting got further and further out of control.

I knew that Rose was itching to address the Moroi Council with her evidence, but as we slipped in through the rear door we could barely hear one another speak, and I wasn't sure how she planned to get everybody's attention in this racket.

'We need…,' Rose's voice was drowned out by the crowd and I was going to ask her to repeat what she said when a hand clamped down on my shoulder.

'Mikhail? Where have you been?' someone hissed irritably in my ear, and I had an awful feeling that Hans had caught me away from my post.

I turned quickly to see the scowling face of Abe Mazur. I'd been in contact with Abe a few times since helping Rose break out of prison and knew he wasn't the kind of man you wanted to upset, but before I had a chance to explain myself Rose was already by my side.

'Exactly what we need!' she exclaimed, smirking as her father peered at her with a puzzled expression.

'Rose? Is that you?' he asked, starting to see through the illusion charm when he heard her familiar voice.

Abe's expression was a strange mix of frustration and relief as he pulled his daughter across to the quietest corner of the room, and the rest of our party followed, clustering around them to form our next plan.

'We need the room's attention,' Rose explained quickly, ignoring the disapproval in Abe's gaze. 'You need to trust me.'

'You apparently didn't trust me enough to stay put in West Virginia,' he countered.

'Technicalities,' Rose said dismissively. 'Please. We need your help.'

'We're running out of time,' Dimitri urged, his distinct Russian accent the only clue to his identity as Adrian was still using magic to conceal the fugitive from the crowd.

Abe narrowed his eyes at the tall Guardian. 'Let me guess. Belikov?'

'Dad, we have to hurry,' Rose cut in. 'We've got the killer – and we've got… a chance to change Lissa's life.'

Abe Mazur was a calculating man, not prone to rashness or sentimentality, but when he heard his daughter call him 'Dad' he launched into action, scanning the room and indicating for someone to join us.

'Who are these people?' the newcomer asked – it was Janine Hathaway, Rose's mother.

'Who would be foolish enough to break into Court after escaping it?' Abe replied flatly, raising his hand to stop the tirade of questions and rebukes that were about to pour from Janine's mouth as she realised she was standing in front of her runaway daughter.

'No time,' Abe cut her off before she could speak. 'I have a feeling half the Guardians in this room are going to be all over us soon. Are you ready for that?'

Janine's eyes flicked from Abe to Rose, resting briefly on the others in our group before returning to her daughter. 'Yes.' Of course she would risk everything for the one she loved.

And I had to see this through as well. Rose was my friend and she was innocent of the crime she'd been accused of – I had to see that justice was done. 'Me too,' I stepped forward to be counted.

Abe studied us all. 'I guess there are worse odds,' he concluded, before moving across to the podium at the front of the room, gesturing for us to follow him.

The emcee, Nathan Ivashkov, had given up trying to bring the assembly to order but Abe didn't accept defeat so easily. He grabbed Nathan's microphone and let out a shrill whistle that reverberated around the room like a gunshot, and everybody fell silent, clutching at their ears as the feedback from the speakers continued its shrieking assault.

'Now that you have the sense to keep your mouths shut,' Abe said, when all eyes were on him, 'we have some things to say.' He took a half-step back and handed the microphone to Rose.

Nobody recognised the Guardian that stepped up to the podium to address them. 'We're here to… settle this debate once and for all,' Rose began hesitantly before gaining momentum as she went along. 'The laws can stay the way they are. Vasilisa Dragomir is entitled to her Council vote – and eligible to be a full candidate for the throne. There's another member in her family. She isn't the only Dragomir left.'

The reaction from the crowd was palpable, but this time the mood was heavy with suspense and intrigue as the whole assembly took a collective breath, leaning forward eagerly to learn the new scandal. The Guardians weren't fooled by Rose's pretty speech, however, and began to close in on us, aware that something wasn't right. Dimitri, Janine and I shifted our positions, silently warning them to stay back.

Jill stepped forward then at Rose's request and the Dhampir continued to address her captive audience. 'This is Jillian Mastrano Dragomir. She's Eric Dragomir's illegitimate daughter – but she is his daughter and officially part of the bloodline.'

'I am a Dragomir,' Jill piped up, frightened but aware that this was her chance to make a difference. 'Our family has its quorum, and my s-sister has all her rights.'

I'd barely heard the girl put two words together before this, but here she was addressing the Moroi Council and a room full of royals. Well done, young Dragomir, I thought proudly, suddenly feeling more invested in this fight, more hopeful we could win.

A low mutter was building across the audience when Abe jumped in again to grab the microphone. 'If any of you doubt this, a DNA test will clear up any doubts about her lineage,' he boomed in support, which was admirable seeing as I don't think he had any idea about Jill until a minute ago when Rose revealed the news to the whole court.

That did it. Several people stood up at once to voice their opinions.

'Eric Dragomir didn't have any other children, illegitimate or not!'

'This is a scam!'

'Show us the proof! Where are your tests?'

Then, unexpectedly, a more commanding voice joined the fray. 'He did have another daughter,' Daniella Ivashkov stood to address the gathering, her regal presence enough to silence any last dissent from the crowd.

'Eric Dragomir had an illegitimate daughter, with a woman named Emily Mastrano – a dancer, if I recall correctly. He wanted it kept secret and I was one of the few who helped arrange matters so the prince's wishes could be kept… And honestly, I wouldn't have minded it staying secret either,' she added with a bitter smile, her eyes flicking briefly across from Rose to where her son, Adrian, was standing.

'Of course,' Rose eyed the woman keenly, as one of the puzzle pieces she'd been struggling with finally clicked into place. 'You might have kept the secret out of loyalty to Eric Dragomir to start with, but there's another reason you wanted to keep the world from finding out about Jill. You wanted to stop Lissa from forming her family quorum. You knew Lissa supported legalising the right for Moroi to fight with magic, and you hated that she went public about the existence of Spirit. You thought that if the Dragomir line faded, then Spirit might too, which would protect Adrian from the political drama and debate that's been unfolding at Court.'

Daniella's eyes flashed with anger as she responded. 'Well, there's no reason to deny it now,' she confessed spitefully. 'One DNA test will show the truth that Jill is a Dragomir… But what I'd like to know is: who in the world are you?' she added, her last comment drawing a murmur of support from the crowd.

This was it. The moment of truth we'd all been dreading since we decided to return to Court.

'I'm Rose Hathaway,' the young woman at the microphone answered defiantly, ripping off Sonya's bracelet.

In that moment chaos erupted. There were screams from the audience as they recognised the wanted murderer, and Guardians began to close in on us from all directions with their weapons drawn. As soon as Rose revealed herself, Adrian dropped the illusion that had been protecting Dimitri, and the big Dhampir glared menacingly at the advancing Guardians while Janine and I jumped in front of him, ready to fend off anybody that got too close.

It was clear that the Guardians who had encircled us wanted to take down Rose and Dimitri – the obvious threats in the room – but they seemed confused to see two of their own protecting the fugitives. That momentary hesitation gave Rose the chance to make her appeal.

'Wait!' she cried, raising her arms in surrender. 'Please listen to us first!'

The Guardians closed in more tightly but Jill and Abe edged around to stand with us, forming a human shield to protect our friends, and Adrian remained in the circle, providing another significant deterrent that halted the Guardians' advance.

'Haul us off later if you want,' Rose continued her petition. 'We won't resist. But you have to let us talk first. We know who killed the queen.'

'So do we,' came a deep, threatening reply, and I saw it was Guardian Dyatlov speaking. He'd let Rose and Dimitri slip through his fingers before, but not this time. 'Now, the rest of you... back away before you're hurt. These are dangerous fugitives.'

We all held our positions as Abe launched into a passionate defence. 'They need to talk. They have evidence…,' he began, but just then there was a break in the Guardian line and Princess Vasilisa pushed her way through.

'Let them talk,' she insisted, her voice quiet but commanding. 'You've got them – they can't go anywhere. Just let them talk.'

Guardian Dyatlov was visibly struggling with the dilemma he faced - he didn't want to ignore the princess but he had his orders to carry out as well. He hesitated but only stood down when a familiar, gruff voice spoke out above the frightened cries in the crowd.

'Let's hear them.' It was Hans.

My heart fell when I saw the old Guardian. I'd finally earnt his trust back only to repay him with secrets and betrayal.

'After an escape like they pulled I'd really like to know what brought them back,' the Captain of the Guard continued, 'but I'm sure you two will understand we'll have to restrain you before you make your great reveal.'

Dimtri was the first to respond. 'It's okay. Let them get through,' he instructed sternly, glancing across at me and Janine.

I looked across at Guardian Hathaway for confirmation but she remained in position, her eyes fixed warily on the imposing figure of Guardian Dyatlov who had already begun his advance.

'Do it,' Rose implored us, also seeing the threat. 'Don't end up as our cellmates.'

Just then I met Hans' gaze and saw a faint softening to his expression, a fleeting look of assurance – like he was trying to tell me that it was okay to back down. He wouldn't allow anybody to harm Rose and Dimitri until they'd had a chance to be heard.

I paused a second longer then stepped back, allowing the two closest Guardians to grab me, one on each arm, and lead me from the room. I had to trust that Hans would stay true to his word. Fighting back would achieve nothing except get ourselves killed, and I had a very, very good reason to stay alive. Glancing back, I saw the others being carted away after me, Janine glaring wildly at the Guardians as they separated her from her daughter, leaving Rose unprotected and vulnerable to attack.

I took one last look at my brave, reckless friend. She had her audience now, but what would happen when she revealed the true murderer?

Author's Note:

Lots to talk about in this chapter, and maybe some things you'll disagree with...

* Sonya being left behind - I was extremely peeved in LS when Sonya got left behind - on the flimsy pretext that she wouldn't fit in the car. Seriously?! They got Rose/Dimitri/Sonya/Sydney/Robert & Victor all in that very same car a few chapters back by sticking Sydney in the cargo space! I wanted to make a better reason for Sonya to be left behind, and I think it would be for her own safety (as well as maybe saving her Spirit juju so she isn't constantly needing to use illusion magic). As for what she gets up to while she is alone, that's all leading to a very lemony chapter coming up soon!

* Adrian - Poor thing. But the idea of him trying to punch Dimitri really made me laugh!

* Mikhail POV dialogue - I've tried to use as much original dialogue as possible but seeing as this scene covers about three chapters in LS, I've had to make significant changes and omissions this time.

* Tasha murderess reveal - I know Tasha wasn't revealed as the murderer in LS until Rose announces it to the crowd, but considering that Mikhail isn't going to be directly involved at that point I needed to add the reference to Tasha a little earlier.

* Daniella Ivashkov - this bit hurt my brain. So much of the evidence Rose has accumulated against Daniella was never discussed with Mikhail (or even Adrian) in the books, so trying to explain why she was anti-Dragomir (without previously mentioning the reasons behind it) was REALLY hard. Hopefully it's clear enough to follow.

* Guardian Dyatlov - Whenever my family watch Star Trek we call the guys that die without a line of dialogue 'no-names'. I was getting the feeling that there were a lot of 'no-name' Guardians in the series, so I invented Guaradian Dyatlov to place a specific character into the mix - someone who could be a bit vindictive about his job and make it feel like there is really a threat to Rose.

* The ending - I assumed that Mikhail would have been in the room the whole time that Rose was addressing the Moroi Council, but here's a reference I'm using from LS.

"But Mikhail backed off first, and then the others did too, practically in sync. In a flash, guardians seized them all, leading them away."

It doesn't say where Mikhail, Janine, Abe & Jill are led away to, but I have an idea in mind that should be both interesting for you and convenient for me... I guess we'll see how that turns out in the next chapter!