Shadow Kiss Chapter 11

ElevenWE STEPPED OFF THE plane and were straight off hit with wet, blustery weather. Sleet cracked into us, far worse than the flaky unobjectionable stuff f all in all(a) back in Montana. We were on the East Coast now, or well, underweight to it. The hassocks court was in Pennsylvania, coterminous the Pocono Mountains, a range I had only a vague idea boutive. I knew we werent in addition snug to any major cities, a interchangeable(p) Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, which were the only anes I knew in the state.The runway wed landed on was part of the olympian courts property, so we were already behind wards. It was vertical equivalent the Academys small landing s trigger. In fact, in many ways, the regal Court was laid step up exactly handle the civilize. It was what they t elder humans the compound was, in truth. The Court was a collection of buildings, beautiful and ornate, spreading across well-tended grounds adorned with trees and flowers. At least, the land would be adorned with them when spring came. Just interchangeable in Montana, the ve removeation was bleak and leafless.We were met by a free native of five guardians, all dressed in threatening pants and matching coats, with white shirts underneath. They werent uniforms exactly, but r pop outine usually dictated that for baronial occasions, guardians wear some sort of nice ensemble. By comparison, in our jeans and T-shirts, our con play looked kindred somebodys poor relations. Yet I couldnt help but designate wed be a hardening to a greater extent comfortable if it came to a fight with Strigoi.The guardians knew Alberta and Dimitri h singlestly, those two knew everybody and after some formalities, everyone relaxed and became friendly. We were all eager to birth in out of the cold, and our escorts led us toward the buildings. I knew enough virtually the Court to go to bed that the largest and roughly elaborate of the buildings was where all official Moroi business was co nducted. It resembled some sort of gothic palace on the outside, but inside, I suspected it credibly looked like any set of modern government offices youd find among humans.We werent interpreted thither, however. We were led to an adjacent building, just as exquisite on the outside, but half the size. One of the guardians relieveed that this was where all guests and dignitaries traveling in and out of the Court stayed. To my surprise, we each got our own room.Eddie started to protest this, adamantly saying he needed to stay with Lissa. Dimitri smiled and told him it wasnt necessary. In a draw a bead on like this, guardians didnt need to stay as close to their Moroi. In fact, they often separated to do their own liaisons. The Court was as heavily warded as the Academy. And very, Moroi visitors at the Academy were rarely trailed so closely by their guardians either. It was only for the sake of the field experience that it was being done with us. Eddie floutd with some reluctance , and again, I was amazed at his dedication.Alberta spoke briefly and then glowering to the reside of us. Decompress for a bit and be ready for dinner in four hours. Lissa, the queen insufficiencys to see you in an hour.A jolt of surprise ran through Lissa, and she and I exchanged brief, puzzled looks. The dying while Lissa had seen the queen, Tatiana had snubbed her and embarrassed her in front of the school for having running absent with me. Both of us wondered what shed want to see Lissa about now.Sure, express Lissa. Rose and Ill be ready.Alberta shook her head. Rose isnt going. The queen specifically asked for you alone.Of course she had. What interest would the queen have in Vasilisa Dragomirs shadow? A nasty voice whispered in my head, Expendable, expendable.The dark sentiment startled me, and I shoved it aside. I went to my room, relieved to see it had a TV. The public opinion of vegging for the next four hours sounded fantastic. The rest of the room was pretty fancy , very modern looking, with sleek black tables and white leather furniture. I was kind of frightened to sit on it. Ironically, despite how nice it all was, the place wasnt as decked out as the ski resort that wed stay in over the holidays. I guessed when you came to the Royal Court, you came for business, not a vacation.I had just sprawled on the leather couch and turned on the TV when I felt Lissa in my mind. issue forth bubble, she verbalise. I sit down up, surprised by the message itself and the content. commonly our bond was all about feelings and impressions. Specific requests like this were rare.I got up and left the room, going to the one next door. Lissa opened the door.What, you couldnt have come to me? I asked.Sorry, she said, looking like she genuinely meant it. It was hard to be grouchy around someone so nice. I just didnt have the time. Im attacking to decide what to wear.Her hairgrip was already open on the bed, with things hung up in the closet. Unlike me, she d come prepared for every occasion, formal and casual alike. I lay win on the couch. Hers was plush velvet, not leather.Wear the print blouse with the black slacks, I told her. not a dress.Why not a dress?Because you dont want to look like youre groveling.This is the queen, Rose. Dressing up is showing respect, not groveling.If you say so. yet Lissa wore the outfit I suggested anyway. She talked to me as she finished possessting ready, and I watched with envy as she applied paper. I hadnt realized how much Id missed cosmetics myself. When she and I had lived with humans, Id been pretty diligent about primping every day. Now, there never seemed to be enough time or any reason. I was always in some kind of scuffle that do makeup pointless and ruined it anyway. The most I could do was to slather my face with moisturizer. It seemed excessive in the mornings like I was putting on a mask yet by the time I face up the cold weather and separate harsh conditions, I was always surpr ised to see my skin had sucked all the moisture up.The smallest pang of regret shot through me that Id rarely have any opportunities to do this for the rest of my life. Lissa would spend most of her days dressed up, out at royal functions. No one would remark me. It was weird, considering that until this dwell year, Id always been the one who was always noticed.Why do you think she wants to see me? Lissa asked.Maybe to explain why were here.Maybe.Unease filled Lissa, despite her calm exterior. She still hadnt entirely recovered from the queens brutal abjection last fall. My own petty jealousy and moping suddenly seemed stupid when compared with what she had to go through. I mentally slapped myself, reminding myself that I wasnt just her unseen guardian. I was also her best friend, and we hadnt talked very much lately.You have nothing to be afraid of, Liss. You havent done anything wrong. And really, youve been doing everything right. Your grades are perfect. Your behaviors perfec t. Remember all those great deal you impressed on the ski trip? That bitch has nothing to get on you about.You shouldnt say that, said Lissa automatically. She applied mascara to her eyelashes, studied them, and then added another(prenominal) coat.Just call em like I see em. If she gives you any grief, then its just going to be because shes afraid of you.Lissa laughed. Why would she be afraid of me?Because people are drawn to you, and people like her dont like it when others steal all the attention. I was a bit as ache tonished at how impertinent I sounded. Plus, youre the last Dragomir. Youre always going to be in the spotlight. Whos she? Just another Ivashkov. There are a ton of them. Probably because all the guys are like Adrian and have all sorts of illegitimate children.Adrian doesnt have any children.That we know of, I said mysteriously.She snickered and stepped back from the mirror, pleased with her face. Why are you always so mean to Adrian?I gave her a look of mock aston ishment. Youre standing up for Adrian now? Whatever happened to you warning me to stay away from him? You practically bit my head off the first base time I hung out with him and that wasnt even by my choice.She took a thin golden chain out of her suitcase and tried to fasten it around her neck. Well, yea I didnt really know him then. Hes not so bad. And its true I mean, hes not a peachy role model or anything, but I also think some of those stories about him and other girls are exaggerated.I dont, I said, jumping up. She still hadnt managed to fasten the chain, so I took it and put the grip together for her.Thanks, she said, running her hands over the necklace. I think Adrian really likes you. Like, in a wanting-to-be-serious way.I shook my head and stepped back. Nope. He likes me in a wanting-to-get-the-clothes-off-the-cute-dhampir way.I dont believe that.Thats because you believe the best about everyone.She looked skeptical as she began brushing her hair smooth over her shoul ders. I dont know about that either. But I do think hes not as bad as you think. I know it hasnt been that long since Mason, but you should think about going out with someone else.Wear your hair up. I pass on her a barrette from her suitcase. Mason and I were never really going out. You know that.Yeah. Well, I guess thats more reason to start thinking about dating someone. High schools not over yet. Seems like you should be doing something fun.Fun. It was ironic. Months ago, Id argued with Dimitri about how it wasnt fair that, as a guardian-in-training, I had to watch my reputation and not act too crazy. Hed agreed it wasnt fair that I couldnt do the kinds of things other girls my age could, but that that was the price I remunerative for my future. Id been upset, but after Victors meddling, I started to see Dimitris point to such an extent that hed actually hinted I shouldnt movement to limit myself that much. Now, after Spokane, I felt like a completely different girl from the one whod talked to Dimitri last fall about having fun. I was only a couple months from graduation. High school thingsdancesboyfriendswhat did they study in the grand scheme of things? Everything at the Academy seemed so trivial unless it was making me a emend guardian.I dont really think I need a boyfriend to complete my high school experience, I told her.I dont think you do either, she agreed, tugging her ponytail straight. But you used to flirt and go out sometimes. I feel like itd just be nice for you to do a little of that. Its not like youd have to have anything serious with Adrian.Well, you wont get any arguments from him on that. I think the last thing he wants is anything serious, thats the problem.Well, according to some of the stories, hes very serious. I heard the other day that you were engaged. Someone else said that hed been disowned because he told his dad hed never love anyone else.Ahhhh. There was really no other adequate resolution to all these silly rumors. Th e creepy thing is that the same stories are all over the place at the elementary campus too. I stared at the ceiling. Why does this stuff keep happening to me?She walked over to the couch and looked down at me. Because youre awesome, and everyone loves you.Nah. Youre the one everyone loves.Well, then, I guess were both awesome and loveable. And one of these days a noisome sparkle danced in her eyes well find a guy you love back.Dont hold your breath. None of that matters. Not right now. Youre the one Ive got to worry about. Were going to graduate, and youll go off to college, and itll be great. No more rules, just us on our own.Its a little scary, she mused. Thinking about being on my own. But youll be with me. And Dimitri too. She sighed. I cant imagine not having you around. I cant even really remember when you werent around.I sat up and gave her a light punch in her arm. Hey, be careful. Youre going to make Christian jealous. Oh crap. I read hes going to be around too, huh? N o matter where we end up going?Probably. You, me, him, Dimitri, and any guardians Christian gets. One big happy family.I scoffed, but inside of me, there was a warm blear feeling building. Things were crazy in our world right now, but I had all these great people in my life. As long as we were all together, everything would be okay.She looked at the clock, and her fear returned. Ive gotta go. Will you allow you go with me?You know I cant.I know not in body but like, pull up stakes you do that thing? Where youre watching in my head? Itll make me feel like Im not alone.It was the first time Lissa had ever asked me to purposely do that. Normally, she hated the thought of me seeing through her eyes. It was a abridge of how nervous she really was.Sure, I said. Its probably better than anything on TV anyway.I returned to my own room, taking up an identical position on the couch. Clearing my thoughts, I opened myself up to Lissas mind, going beyond simply knowing her feelings. It was something the shadow-kissed bond allowed me to do and was the most intense part of our connection. It wasnt just feeling her thoughts it was actually being inside of her, looking through her eyes and sharing her experiences. Id learned to control it only recently. I used to slip in without wanting to, much as I sometimes couldnt keep her feelings out. I could control my out-of-body experiences now and even summon up the phenomenon at will just like I was about to do.Lissa had just reached the parlor the queen was time lag in. Moroi superpower use terms like royal and even kneel sometimes, but there were no thrones or anything like that here. Tatiana sat in an run-of-the-mine armchair, dressed in a navy blue skirt and blazer, looking more like a corporate businesswoman than any sort of monarch. She wasnt alone, either. A tall, stately Moroi whose blond hair was laced with silver sat near her. I recognized her Priscilla Voda, the queens friend and adviser. Wed met her on the ski trip, and shed been impressed with Lissa. I took her presence as a good sign. Silent guardians, dressed in black and white, stood along the wall. To my astonishment, Adrian was there too. He reclined on a small love seat, seeming completely oblivious to the fact that he was hanging out with the Morois ultimate leader. The guardian with Lissa announced her.Princess Vasilisa Dragomir.Tatiana nodded in acknowledgment. Welcome, Vasilisa. Please sit down.Lissa sat down near Adrian, her check growing by leaps and bounds. A Moroi servant came by and offered tea or coffee, but Lissa declined. Tatiana meanwhile sipped from a teacup and scrutinized Lissa from head to toe. Priscilla Voda broke the awkward silence.Remember what I said about her? Priscilla asked cheerfully. She was very formidable at our state dinner in Idaho. Settled a huge spat over Moroi bit with guardians. She even managed to calm Adrians father down.A frosty smile crossed Tatianas cold features. That is impressive. Half the time, I still feel like Nathan is twelve years old.Me too, said Adrian, drinking from a wine glass.Tatiana handle him and again focused on Lissa. Everyone seems impressed with you, really. I hear nothing but good things about you, in spite of your past transgressions which Im given to understand werent entirely without their reasons. Lissas look of surprise actually made the queen laugh. There wasnt much warmth or humor in the laugh, though. Yes, yes I know all about your powers, and of course I know what happened with Victor. Adrians been filling me in about spirit as well. Its so strange. Tell me can you She glanced to a nearby table. A flowerpot sat on it, dark greenish shoots sticking through the soil. It was some kind of bulb-based plant that someone was growing indoors. Like its outside counterparts, it was waiting for spring.Lissa hesitated. Using her powers in front of others was a strange thing for her. But, Tatiana was watching expectantly. After only a few moment s more, Lissa leaned over and touched the shoots. The stems shot up through the dirt, growing taller almost a stand high. Huge pods formed along the sides as it grew, bursting open to reveal fragrant white flowers. Easter lilies. Lissa withdrew her hand. revere showed on Tatianas face, and she muttered something in a language I didnt understand. She hadnt been born in the United States but had elect to hold her Court here. She spoke with no accent, but, as they did for Dimitri, moments of surprise apparently brought out her native tongue. at bottom seconds, she put her stately mask back on.Hmm. Interesting, she said. Talk about an understatement.It could be very useful, said Priscilla. Vasilisa and Adrian cant be the only two out there with it. If we could find others, so much could be learned. The healing itself is a gift, let alone anything else they can conjure. Just think what we could do with it.Lissa turned optimistic. For a while, shed been going out of her way to find oth ers like her. Adrian had been the only one shed discovered, and that had been through sheer luck. If the queen and Moroi council put their resources into it, there was no telling what they might find. Yet something about Priscillas words troubled Lissa.Begging your pardon, Princess VodaIm not legitimate we should be so eager to use my or others healing powers as much as you might want to.Why not? asked Tatiana. From what I understand, you can heal almost anything.I can said Lissa soft. And I want to. I wish I could help everybody, but I cant. I mean, dont get me wrong, Ill definitely help some people. But I know wed run into other people like Victor, who want to abuse it. And after a while I mean, how do you choose? Who gets to live? plane section of life is thatwell, some people have to die. My powers arent a prescription you can get filled as needed, and honestly, Im afraid they would only be used for, uh, certain kinds of people. Just like the guardians are.A slight strain built in the room. What Lissa had insinuated was rarely ever mentioned in public.What are you talk about? asked Tatiana with narrowed eyes. I could tell she already knew.Lissa was scared to say her next words, but she did it anyway. Everyone knows that theres a certain, um, method to how guardians are distributed. provided the elite get them. Royals. Rich people. People in power.A chill fell over the room. Tatianas sassing settled into a straight line. She didnt speak for several moments, and I had a feeling everyone else was holding their breath. I certainly was. You dont think our royals deserve special protection? she asked finally. You dont think you do the last of the Dragomirs?I think keeping our leaders safe is important, yeah. But I also think we need to stop sometimes and look at what were doing. It could be time to reconsider the way weve always done things.Lissa sounded so wise and so self-assured. I was proud of her. Watching Priscilla Voda, I could see that she was proud too. Shed liked Lissa from the beginning. But I could also tell that Priscilla was nervous. She answered to the queen and knew that Lissa was swimming in dangerous waters.Tatiana sipped her tea. I think it was an excuse to compile her thoughts. I understand, she said, that youre also in favor of Moroi fighting with the guardians and attacking Strigoi?Another dangerous topic, one Lissa pushed in the lead into. I think if there are Moroi who want to, they shouldnt be denied the chance. Jill suddenly popped into my head.Moroi lives are precious, said the queen. They shouldnt be risked.Dhampir lives are precious too, Lissa countered. If they fight with Moroi, it could save everybody. And again, if Moroi are willing, why deny them? They deserve to know how to symbolise themselves. And people like Tasha Ozera have developed ways of fighting with magic.The mention of Christians aunt brought a lower to the queens face. Tasha had been attacked by Strigoi when schoolgirlisher and h ad spent the rest of her life learning to fight back. Tasha Ozera shes a troublemaker. Shes starting to realise a lot of other troublemakers.Shes trying to introduce new ideas. I noticed then that Lissa wasnt afraid any longer. She was confident in her beliefs and wanted them expressed. Throughout history, people with new ideas who think differently and try to change things have always been called troublemakers. But seriously? Do you want the truth?A juiceless look crossed Tatianas face, almost a smile. Always.We need change. I mean, our traditions are important. We shouldnt give up on those. But sometimes, I think were misguided.Misguided?As times gone on, weve gone along with other changes. Weve evolved. Computers. Electricity. engine room in general. We all agree those make our lives better. Why cant we be the same in the way we act? Why are we still clinging to the past when there are better ways to do things?Lissa was breathless, worked up and excited. Her cheeks felt wa rm, and her heart raced. All of us were watching Tatiana, searching for any clue in that unsmooth face.Youre very interesting to talk to, she finally said. She made interesting sound like a turbid word. But I have things I must do now. She stood up, and everyone hastily followed suit, even Adrian. I wont be joining you for dinner, but you and your companions will have everything you need. Ill see you tomorrow at the trial. No matter how radical and naively idealistic your ideas are, Im glad youll be there to complete his sentencing. His imprisonment, at least, is something we can all agree on.Tatiana swept out, two guardians immediately following. Priscilla followed too, leaving Lissa and Adrian alone.Well done, cousin. Arent many people who can throw the old lady off-balance like that.She didnt seem very off-balance.Oh, she was. Believe me. Most of the people she deals with every day wouldnt talk to her like that, let alone someone your age. He stood up and extended a hand to Lis sa. Come on. Ill show you around this place. Take your mind off things.Ive been here before, she said. When I was younger.Yeah, well, the things we get to see when were young are different than the things we get to see when were older. Did you know theres a twenty-four-hour bar in here? Well get you a drink.I dont want a drink.You will before this trips over.I left Lissas head and returned to my room. The contact with the queen was over, and Lissa didnt need my unseen support. Besides, I really didnt want to hang out with Adrian right now. posing up, I discovered I felt surprisingly alert. Being in her head had kind of been like taking a nap.I decided to do a little exploring of my own. Id never been to the Royal Court. It really was supposed to be like a mini-town, and I wondered what other things there were to see, aside from the bar that Adrian probably lived in while visiting.I headed downstairs, figuring Id have to go outside. As far as I knew, this building only held guestroo ms. It was kind of like the palaces hotel. When I got to the entryway, however, I saw Christian and Eddie standing and talking with someone I couldnt see. Eddie, ever vigilant, saw me and grinned.Hey, Rose. Look who we found.As I approached, Christian stepped aside, revealing the whodunit person. I came to a halt, and she grinned at me.Hi, Rose.A moment later, I felt a smile slowly creep over my face. Hello, Mia.