Shadow Kiss Chapter 14

FourteenABOUT A HALF HOUR forwards my misgiving was scheduled to go off the next morning, I hear a knock at my door. I expected it to be Lissa, nevertheless a sleepy check of our adhesion showed that she was salve fast asleep. Puzzled, I staggered come forward of the bed and opened the door. A Moroi girl I didnt recognize handed me some folded c managehe with a n bingle attached. I wondered if I should tip her or something, scarce she left too rapidly for me to react.I sat back on my bed and unfolded the clothing. Black slacks, white blouse, and a black jacket. It was the homogeneous ensemble that the other protectors wore around present, and it was in my size. Wow. I was about to become leave-taking of the team. A lento grin spread everyplace my face, and I opened the none. It was in Dimitris writing Wear your hair up.The grin stayed on my face. A lot of female guardians cut their hair to show off their molnija marks. Id reluctantly considered it once, and Dimitri had told me not to. He loved my hair and had told me to wear it up. The vogue hed express it back whence had succumbn me chills, equitable uniform now.An hour later, I was on my way to the trial with Lissa, Christian, and Eddie. Some unitary had rustled up a black and white outfit for Eddie too, and I think we both pleasing of entangle same(p) kids playing dress-up with their parents clothing. My cropped jacket and stretchable blouse were actu each(prenominal)y pretty cute, and I wondered if Id be able to bring these back with me.The motor lodge was over in the large, ornate building wed passed upon arrival. Walking through its halls, I saw a mix of the old and the naked as a jaybird. Outside, it was all arched windows and stone spires. Inside, it was a hub of modern activity. People worked in offices with flat-screen monitors. Elevators led to upper floors. Yet, despite that, a few antique touches could still be found. Sculptures on pedestals. Chande dwellrs in the hal ls.The courtroom itself had beautiful murals that stretched from floor to ceiling, and in the appear of the room, seals from all the royal families hung on the walls. Lissa stopped as we walked in, her eyes falling on the Dragomir dragon. office of the beasts. A sea of conflicting emotions swirled within her as she stared at the seal and felt the full metric weight unit of being the only one left to carry on her name. Pride to be part of that family. cultism that she wouldnt be good enough to live up to the name. Giving her a gentle nudge, I urged her on toward our seats.The seating was split by an aisle down the middle of the room. We sat at the front of the right-hand(prenominal) section. There were still several minutes to go before proceedings began, but the room wasnt really full yet. I suspected that wouldnt change, due to the secrecy surrounding what had happened with master key. A judge sat at the front, but there was no jury. An elevated seat on one side of the room marked where the nance would sit when she arrived. She would be the one who do the ultimate decision. That was how it worked with royal criminal cases. I identifyed it out to Lissa. Lets hope that shes against him. Looks like shell be the only one making the decision. Lissa frowned. Not having a jury tangs kind of weird.Thats because we spent so much time around humans.She smiled. Maybe. I dont know. moreover fixms like theres a lot of room for corruption. well(p), yeah. and this is original were talking about. Moments later, Prince original Dashkov himself entered the courtroom. Or, rather, just original Dashkov did. Hed been stripped of his title when hed been imprisoned. It had bypast to the next oldest person in the Dashkov family.Fear shot through Lissa, and the little color that was in her cheeks in all disappeared. Mingled with that fear was an emotion I hadnt expected regret. earlier hed kidnapped her, Victor had been like an uncle to her that was even how she d referred to him. Shed loved him, and hed betrayed her. I put my hand over hers. Easy, I murmured. Its pass to be okay.His eyes, narrowed and cunning, livelinessed around the courtroom as though it were a party. He had that similar unconcerned envision hed had while talking to Dimitri and me. I felt my lips curl into a sneer. A red haze tinged my vision, and I worked hard to be as imperturbable as the other guardians in the room. He finally focused on Lissa, and she flinched at seeing the same eye color she and others of her family had. When he nodded a sort of greeting to her, I felt my control snap. Before I could actually do anything, I felt new words in my mind Lissas. Breathe, Rose. Just fade. It looked like we were going to bemuse to rely on each other to scotch through this. A heartbeat later, Victor was walking again, off to take his seat on the left side of the room.Thanks, I said to her, once he was gone. Its like you throw out read my mind.No, she said gently. I could just feel your hand.I looked down at where Id put my hand over hers. Id through it to comfort her and had stamp outed up clenching her fingers in my own agitation. Yikes, I said, jerking away and hoping I hadnt broken her bones. Sorry.Queen Tatianas entrance followed his, which distracted me and helped calm my dark feelings. We all stood when she appeared and then(prenominal) knelt. It was all kind of archaic, but it was a custom the Moroi had held onto over the years. We didnt rise until she took her seat, and then the rest of us were able to sit too.The trial started. One by one, those who had witnessed the events with Victor gave their account of what theyd seen. Largely, this involved the guardians who had pursued Lissa when Victor had taken her away and who had subsequently been part of the raid on Victors hideout.Dimitri was the last of the guardians to go. On the surface, his testimony wasnt much different than theirs. Theyd all been part of the rescue squad, but hi s part in the story had begun a little earlier.I was with my student, Rose Hathaway, he said. She shares a bond with the princess and was the outset to sense what had happened.Victors lawyer I couldnt even imagine how theyd gotten anyone to represent him glanced at some papers and then looked back up at Dimitri. Based on the events, it sounds like there was a delay mingled with when she discovered that and when you alerted the others.Dimitri nodded, his mask of compo surely never slipping. She couldnt act on it because Mr. Dashkov had inflicted a act upon on her, one that caused her to attack me. He spoke the words so levelly, it amazed me. Not even the lawyer seemed to carte anything. Only I could see or maybe it was just because I knew him how much it hurt for Dimitri to lie. Oh, he treasured to protect us wanted to protect me in particular which was why he was doing this. scarce it killed a piece of him to stand up there, under oath, and lie. Dimitri was not perfect, no reckon how much I thought he was some days, but he always tried to be truthful. Today he couldnt be.Mr. Dashkov works with earth magical, and some who use that power and are strong in compulsion can influence our base instincts, continued Dimitri. In this case, he affected her anger and violence through an object. pip to my left, I heard a sound like someone choking on their own laughter. The judge, an olden but fierce Moroi woman, glared.Mr. Dashkov, please respect the decorum of this courtroom.Victor, still smiling, waved his hands in apology. Im terribly sorry, Your venerate and Your Majesty. Something in Guardian Belikovs testimony just tickled my fancy, thats all. It wont happen again.I held my breath, waiting for the blow to fall. It didnt. Dimitri finished his statement, and then Christian was called up. His part was short. Hed been with Lissa when shed been taken and had been knocked out. His contribution was being able to ID some of Victors guardians as the kidnapp ers. Once Christian sat down, it was my turn.I walked up, hoping I looked calm in front of all those eyes and in front of Victor. In fact, I went out of my way to not look at him at all. As I said my name and gave my oath to tell the truth, I suddenly felt the full force of what Dimitri mustiness fuck off go through. I was stand before all these people, swearing Id be honest, but I would lie in an instant if the lust charm came up.My version was pretty straightforward. I had details to offer from before the night of the kidnapping, like about when Victor had laid his sick traps to test Lissas power. Otherwise, my story lined up with Dimitris and the other guardians.Id said before that I could lie well, and I brushed over the attack charm part with such ease that no one paid any attention. Except Victor. Despite my refusal to look at him, I inadvertently glanced in his direction when I mentioned the charm. His eyes bored into me, and a wee smirk sat on his lips. His smugness, I realized, was more than just because he knew I was lying. It was also because he actually knew the precise truth and the look he gave me told me that he had that power over me and Dimitri, the power to impair everything for us in front of all these people no matter what Dimitri had threatened. All the while, I kept my face calm enough to make Dimitri proud, but inside my chest, my heart thudded loudly.It seemed to last forever, but I knew I was only on the stand for a few minutes. I finished, sagging with relief that Victor hadnt called me out, and then it was Lissas turn. As the victim, she offered the first new perspective thus far, and everyone there grew caught up in her story. It was oblige no one had ever heard anything like it. I also realized that, without even trying, Lissa was exploitation her spirit-induced charisma. I think it came from the same place compulsion did. People were enraptured and sympathetic. When Lissa described the torture Victor had put her throug h to force her to heal him, I saw faces go pale with shock. redden Tatianas double-dyed(a) mask faltered a little, though whether she felt pity or just simple surprise, I couldnt say.The approximately amazing thing, though, was how calmly Lissa managed to deliver the story. On the outside, she was steady and beautiful. moreover as she spoke the words, describing exactly how Victors retainer had tortured her, she relived the pain and terror of that night. The guy had been an air user, and hed toyed with that element, sometimes taking it away so she couldnt breathe and at other times smothering her with it. It had been horrible, and Id experienced it right along with her. In fact, I experienced it with her again now as she spoke about the events on the stand. Each painful detail was still etched in her mind, the pain echoing back to both of us. We were both relieved when her testimony finished.Finally, it was Victors turn. From the look on his face, you never would pass guessed he was on trial. He wasnt angry or outraged. He wasnt contrite. He didnt plead. He looked like we were all hanging out somewhere, like he had nothing in the gentleman to worry about. Somehow, that made me that much angrier.Even when answering, he spoke as though he made perfect sense. When the prosecuting lawyer asked why hed done what he had, he looked at her as though she were crazy.why, I had no choice, he said pleasantly. I was dying. No one was going to condone me openly experimenting with the princesss powers. What would you have done in my place?The lawyer ignored that. She was having a hard time keeping the sicken off of her face. And you found coaxing your own daughter into turning Strigoi also necessary?Everyone in the courtroom shifted uncomfortably. One of the most awful things about Strigoi was that they were made, not born. A Strigoi could force a human, a dhampir, or a Moroi into becoming Strigoi if the Strigoi drank the victims blood and then fed Strigoi blood back to the victim. It didnt matter if the victim wanted it or not, and once she became Strigoi, she lost all sense of her old, moral self. She embraced becoming a monster and sidesplitting others to survive. Strigoi converted others if they found someone they thought would strengthen their ranks. Sometimes they did it just out of cruelty.The other way a Strigoi could be made was if a Moroi willingly chose to kill another person during feeding, destroying all the magic and life within themselves. Christians parents had done that because theyd wanted to be immortal, no matter the cost. Victors daughter Natalie had done it because he had talked her into it. The extra strength and speed shed gotten from being a Strigoi had helped her free him, and hed felt his goals were worth the sacrifice.Again, Victor showed no remorse. His answer was simple. Natalie made that decision.Can you say that about everyone you used to cumulate your ends? Guardian Belikov and scarper Hathaway had no say in what you made them do.Victor chuckled. Well, thats a matter of opinion. I honestly dont think they minded. entirely if you have time after this case, Your Honor, you might want to consider trying a statutory queer case.I froze. Hed done it. Hed really done it. I expected everyone in the room to turn and point at Dimitri and me. No one even looked in our direction, though. Most people were giving Victor revolt looks. I realized that was exactly what Victor had known would happen. He just wanted to tease us he didnt actually expect anyone to take him seriously. Lissas feelings through the bond confirmed as much. She felt like Victor was trying to shift attention off of himself by making up stories about Dimitri and me. She was horror-stricken that Victor would stoop so low.The judge was too, and she chastised Victor for dumbfoundting off topic. By that point, most of the sceptical was done. The lawyers wrapped up, and it was time for the milksop to deliver her verdict. I held m y breath again, wondering what she would do. He hadnt denied any of the charges. The try was overwhelming, thanks to my friends testimonies, but as even Victor had pointed out, there was a lot of corruption among royals. The queen could very well decide that she didnt want the scandal involved with imprisoning someone so well known. Even if no one knew the details, his imprisonment would start a buzz. Maybe she didnt want to deal with that. Maybe Victor had bought her off too. merely in the end, she found Victor guilty and sentenced him to life in prison a different prison, not the one at Court. Id heard stories about Moroi prisons, and they were terrible places. I suspected his new home would be very different from the cell wed found him in. Victor remained calm and amused passim it all, just as he had yesterday. I didnt like that. The conversation Id had with him made me think he wasnt going to accept this as serenely as he pretended. I hoped theyd watch him closely.A gesture from the queen ended formalities. The rest of us stood up and began talking while she surveyed the room with a sharp eye, probably taking notes. Victors escort started to lead him out. He passed by us again. This time, he stopped and spoke.Vasilisa, I desire youve been well.She didnt answer. She still hated and feared him, but with this verdict, she finally believed he could no longer hurt her. It was like the end of a chapter shed been stuck in for months. She could finally move on and hopefully let those horrible memories fade.Im sorry we didnt get a chance to talk, but Im sure we will next time, he added.Come on, said one of the guardians with him. They led him away.Hes crazy, muttered Lissa once he was gone. I cant believe he said that stuff about you and Dimitri.Dimitri was standing behind her. I looked up and met his eyes as he moved past us. His relief mirror my own. Wed danced with danger today and wed won.Christian came up to her and hugged her, holding her for a long ti me. I watched them fondly, surprised at my own kind feelings for them. When a hand touched my arm, I jumped. It was Adrian.You okay, little dhampir? he asked softly. Dashkov said a few uh suggestive things.I shoutped closer, keeping my voice low as well. No one believed him. I think its okay. Thanks for asking, though.He smiled and tapped my nose. Two thank-yous in as many days. I dont suppose Ill get to see any, uh, special gratitude?I scoffed. Nope. Youll just have to imagine it.He gave me a half-hug and released me. Fair enough. But I have a good imagination.We started to leave, and then Priscilla Voda hurried over to Lissa. The queen would like to meet with you before you leave. In private.I glanced over to the raised chair where the queen sat. Her gaze was fixed on us, and I wondered what this could be about.Sure, said Lissa, as confused as I was. To me, she sent through the bond Will you listen again?I gave her a quick nod before Priscilla spirited her off. I returned to my room, tuning in to Lissa while I packed my things up. It took a little while because Tatiana had to finish a few courtroom formalities, but she finally arrived in the same room as yesterday. Lissa and Priscilla bowed as she entered and waited for the queen to sit.Tatiana made herself comfortable. Vasilisa, you need to be in the air soon, so Ill make this brief. I would like to make an offer to you.What kind of an offer, Your Majesty?Youll need to go to college soon. She spoke like it was a done deal. And yeah, Lissa did plan on going to college, but I didnt like the presumption. I understand youre dissatisfied with your choices.Wellits not that Im dissatisfied, exactly. Its just, all the places Moroi are supposed to go are small. I mean, I understand its for safeguard, but I dont know. Id like to go somewhere bigger. Somewhere prestigious. Guardians monitored a handful of select colleges in the field so that Moroi could safely attend them. As Lissa had noted, though, they tended to be smaller schools.Tatiana nodded impatiently, like she already knew this. Im going to give you an opportunity that no one else has ever been given, to my knowledge. After graduation, I would like you to come live here, at the Royal Court. You have no family, and I think youd benefit from learning politics right in the heart of our government. Along with this, we would make arrangements for you to attend Lehigh University. Its less than an hour from here. Have you heard of it?Lissa nodded. Id never heard of it, but she was enough of a nerd to have researched every college in the U.S. Its a good school, Your Majesty. But still small.Its bigger than the ones Moroi usually attend, she pointed out.True. In her mind, Lissa was trying to puzzle out what was going on here. Why was Tatiana making this offer? Especially considering how shed seemed to disagree with Lissa earlier. There was something weird going on here, and she decided to see how far she could push it. The University of Pe nnsylvania isnt that far either, Your Majesty.That school is enormous, Vasilisa. We couldnt ensure your safety there.Lissa shrugged. Well, then it probably doesnt matter if I go to Lehigh or one of the others.The queen looked shocked. So did Priscilla. They couldnt believe Lissa seemed indifferent to the offer. Truthfully, Lissa wasnt indifferent. Lehigh was a step up from what shed expected, and she wanted to go. But she also wanted to see how badly the queen wanted her to go.Tatiana frowned and appeared to be weighing matters. Depending on your grades and experiences at Lehigh, we could possibly arrange for you to transfer in a couple years. Again, the safety logistics would be very difficult.Wow. The queen did want her around. But why? Lissa decided to simply ask.Im very flattered, Your Majesty. And grateful. But why are you offering me this?As the last Dragomir, youre a precious commodity. Id like to make sure your future is secure. And I do so hate to see bright minds wasted. B esides She paused, hesitant to spill her next words. You were right to a certain extent. The Moroi do have trouble changing. It could be useful to have a dissenting voice around here.Lissa didnt answer right away. She was still analyzing this offer from every practicable angle. She wished I was there to advise her, but I wasnt sure Id have much of an opinion. Splitting my guardian duty between the Court and a cool university could be pretty neat. On the other hand, wed have more freedom elsewhere. In the end, Lissa decided in favor of higher education.All right, she said at last. I accept. Thank you, Your Majesty.Excellent, said Tatiana. Well see that the arrangements are made. You may go now.The queen made no signs of moving, so Lissa bowed again and scurried to the door, still reeling with this news. Tatiana suddenly called out to her.Vasilisa? Will you send your friend here to talk to me? The Hathaway girl?Rose? she asked in astonishment. Why do you ? Yes, of course. Ill get h er.Lissa hurried toward guest housing, but I met her halfway. Whats going on? I asked.I have no idea, said Lissa. Did you hear what she said?Yup. Maybe she wants to tell me how I have to be extra careful with you going to that school.Maybe. I dont know. Lissa gave me a quick hug. Good luck. Ill see you soon.I went to the same room and found Tatiana standing with her hands clasped, equipage stiff and impatient. She was dressed like a corporate businesswoman again, with a sleek brown blazer and put over set. That color wouldnt have been my first choice to go with her dark gray hair, but that was her style advisers problem, not mine.I bowed just as Lissa had and glanced around the room. Priscilla was gone only a couple guardians remained. I expected Tatiana to tell me to sit, but instead, she stood up and walked right over to me. Her face did not look happy.Miss Hathaway, she said sharply, Im going to keep this brief. You are going to stop this atrocious affair youre having with my g reat-nephew. Immediately.