The Queen's Protégée

Ch 9

It isn't easy being on top

QUEEN TATIANA

The Queen was not happy about having to get on a jet and head to Montana. She was tired of dealing with a young novice by the name of Rose Hathaway. You would think being the daughter of one of the most respected female Guardians, she would be an examplamantary novice. She was not and the Queen was not a fan of hers. Unfortunately the Queen had to put up with her because of her protégée princess Vasilissa Dragomir. The fact that she was bonded with the princess is the only thing that kept the girl from being in a commune. Tatiana knew the bond was something sacred and rare and she wasn't going to waste it. What she didn't count on is Rose being the only daughter to the infamous Zmey.

He was well known in the Moiri world and was a dangerous man. She didn't know how he did it, but he knew everyone's secrets and used those against them. He knew her secrets which she hated and the fact he had more money and power than her. She wasn't expecting him to show up in the middle of the Novice's tongue lashing. She was ready to make her leave the academy Lissa be damned. Rose needed to be taught a lesson and the Queen wanted to be the one to do it. In the end she agreed to let her stay at the academy and to have a week's punishment at court with her.

The Queen had to hold an assembly about what happened and she wasn't happy. She hated this part of the ruling, talking to children and yes that's what she viewed them all as children. One thing she was going to do was make an example of the newly returned Lord Ozera and his Dhamphir friend. She didn't know how Zmey got involved with them and why he brought them here. She would have been happy to never have to deal with Christian ever again. His parents have disgraced the whole Ozera line. She was going to make sure he knew where he stood.

DIMITRI

After dinner we were told we needed to go into the auditorium for an assembly with the Queen. I knew Christian was worried about seeing her again, she had never been a big fan after what his parents did. I sat in the back of the room with the other novices next to Mason, I hadn't seen Eddie yet. Christian was up front with the Royals. I expected him to be sitting next to Lissa but she was nowhere to be seen. I soon found out why.

The Queen entered and we did all of the usual pomp and circumstance. Then she instructed us all to have a seat.

Students of St Vladimir's …….

This morning an unfortunate incident happened involving two novices. I'm not going to indulge in any rumors of who was involved. The appropriate action has been taken and the novices in question have been punished. I would hope that as future citizens of our great society you will not speak of this incident again……….

I hear we have two new students at St, Vladimir's.

Oh shit

Would Mr. Ozera and novice Belikov please join me on stage.

She didn't call him Lord Ozera, which to any Royal with a title is very disrespectful. Everyone's eyes are on us as we walk closer to the stage.

Don't be shy, come on up here and stand in front of your Queen.

Mr. Ozera. It's lovely to see you again.

We bowed and stood in front of her.

Such a shame your parents couldn't join us on such a glorious occasion as your return. I'm sure they were worried about you out on your own in the human world with only a novice to protect you.

Novice Belikov I want to commend you on keeping young Ozera here alive. But I'm sure Mr. Ozera's parents made sure no Stirgoi attacked you. They wouldn't want their precious son to be turned by someone else.

Christian was fuming at this point. The Queen was way off on everything that she was saying. But that is the reputation he got after his parents willingly turned.

Now turn around and face your fellow students.

Students of St. Vladimir's I hope you can all learn from these two in how not to behave. They are a poor example of how we should be in our society. They are lucky I let them come back and attend St. Vladimirs. Let this be a lesson that if you think you can run away from our society and come back, you may not be as lucky as these two……..

The Queen finished her speech and was escorted off the stage by her Guardians. We were escorted by Alberta off the stage and to a conference room. The Queen made it clear she wasn't done with us, well Christian. I was made to stand outside the door and wait for my "charge" like a good Guardian. Thanks to the genetics we received from our one Moiri parent I was able to hear what was being said.

Mr. Ozera, you know you're a very lucky young man. If anyone other than Mazer would have found you, you and your Dhamphir friend wouldn't be here. I have a feeling you didn't want to be found in the first place. What I don't understand is how two teenagers with no knowledge of the human world managed to stay hidden and alive for two years. No, no I didn't say I wanted to hear your answer.

Let me be clear when I say if your parents had any hand in this and plan on another attack. You will be punished severely, and yes there are worse things that I can do to you than you being turned or killed.

I expect nothing, but examplimentary behavior from you. Remember I have the power to say who and if you get a Guardian. Just because you are Royal, doesn't mean I have to give you one. Your aunt was an example of that. Novice Belikov from what I hear could be one of the best future Guardians we have. I would hate to waste such talent on a Royal who couldn't behave.

Now if we are clear on my expectations you are free to go. But before you do go let be clear on something else. Princess Vasilissa is primed to take my spot as Queen. She will not be associated with someone with parents like yours. It would be in your best interest to stay away from her. Are we clear?

Christian practically ran out of there and I followed closely behind.

"Hey wait up." He slowed down a little till I caught up.

"I'm sure you heard what she said." I nodded

"This was a mistake, we should have never let Zmey bring us here."

"I don't think it was." I paused.

" If you really want to leave I will get you out of here and we will find a new place to hide. But I think deep down you want to stay. I think you want to stay to prove the Queen wrong and I know you want to stay to prove to her that you are enough for Lissa."

"Damn you and your damn Zen, why do you always have to be right?"

"Just a gift."

"Well stop it, I'm pissed."

"I know you are and you have every right to be. I also know you would love to tell the Queen where she could go, but we aren't going to do that. How about we go somewhere where you can let off some steam, literally?"

"That sounds good to me. And D thanks for always being there."

"You're welcome."