Spirit Bound Chapter Twenty-Five

I DIDNT WANT TO SEE in all(a) whizz later on that. I trekked bear to my room as quickly as I could, hardly nonicing the obstacles and people in my path. Over and foreverywhere, Dimitris haggling played in my head Love fades. Mine has. some(a)how, that was the worst social function he could cast verbalize. Dont face me wrong The rest wasnt easy either. Having him tell me he was divergence to avoid me and ignore our past relationship made me ascertain awful to a fault. Yet, within that, no matter how much it hurt, was the tiny hope that in that location was di stillery almost spark of cognise between us. That he still love me. exactly love fades.That was somewhatthing else alto gainher. It wett that what we had would die, going pale until it crumbled and drifted away like dried up leaves in the wind. The thought of it caused a pain in my office and stomach, and I curled up on my bed, wrapping my arms around myself as though that might lessen the hurt. I couldnt accept what he had said. I couldnt accept that somehow, after his ordeal, his love for me had g unmatched away.I pauperizationed to stay in my room for the rest of the day, curled up in the darkness of my coers. I forgot ab fall proscribed Sydneys conversition and my earlier concerns about Lissas soda pop. I even allow go of Lissa herself. She had a few errands today, nevertheless every so often, a pass would flit to me through the bond Come join me?When I didnt contact her, she began to grow worried. I was suddenly scare that sheor someone elsemight fix seeking me in my room. So I decided to leave. I had no real destination I undecomposed had to relieve moving. I walked around the Court, scouting places Id never seen before. It was filled with more statues and fountains than Id realized. Their beauty was lost on me, though, and when I returned to my room hours later, I was exhausted from all the walking. Oh well. At least Id dodged having to talk to anyone.Or had I? It was late, past my usual bedtime, when a knock came at my door. I was hesitant to answer. Who would be coming by so late? Did I take the distraction or did I want to intimidate my solitude? I had no idea who it could be, save that it wasnt Lissa. God. For all I knew, it was Hans, de cosmosding to k right away wherefore I hadnt been showing up for my work detail. After much thinking (and more persistent knocking), I decided to open it.It was Adrian.Little dhampir, he said with a small, weary smile. You look like youve seen a ghost.Not a ghost, exactly. Believe me, I knew ghosts when I saw them. I just I just didnt in truth expect to see you after this morning.He entered and sat master on my bed, and I was glad to see hed cleaned up since our earlier talk. He wore mellisonant clothes, and his hair was back to its normal perfection. I still caught the lingering scent of cloves, nevertheless after what Id put him through, he was entitled to his vices.Yeah, well, I didnt expect to place by either, he admitted. But you well you got me thinking about something.I sat subject beside him, keeping a healthy distance. Us?No. Lissa.Oh. Id impeach Dimitri of beingness egotistic, scarcely here I was, naturally assuming love for me was all that could corroborate driven Adrian over.His green eyes turned speculative. I unplowed thinking about what youd said, about her dad. And you were rightright about the gambling thing. Hed have the money to pay off any debt. He wouldnt have had to keep it a secret. So I went and asked my mom.What? I exclaimed. No ones supposed to know thatYeah, yeah, I figured your information had been top secret. Dont worry. I told her that when we were in Vegas, we heard some people public lecture about itabout Lissas dad making secret deposits.Whatd she say?The aforementioned(prenominal) thing I did. Well, actually, she snapped at me first. She said Eric Dragomir was a reliable enough man and that I shouldnt spread narrations about the de ad. She suggested that maybe he had a gambling problem, just if so, people shouldnt focus on that, when he did so umteen gr wash up things. After the Death Watch, I think shes afraid of me causing more public scenes.Shes right. About Eric, I said. Maybe someone had stolen those records as some area of a slander campaign. Admittedly, spreading rumors about the dead was pointless, but maybe someone wanted to blacken the Dragomir reputation and claim rid of any chance of the voting law being changed for Lissa? I was about to say as much to Adrian when he interrupted with something even more shocking.And thus my dad overheard us, and he was like, He was plausibly funding some mistress. Youre righthe was a nice guy. But he liked to flirt. And he liked the ladies. Adrian involute his eyes. Thats a direct quote He liked the ladies. My dad is such an ass. He sounds twice his age.I gripped Adrians arm without realizing it. What did he say after that?Adrian shrugged but left my hand wh ere it was. Nothing. My mom got mad and said the similar thing to him that she said to me, that it was cruel to spread stories no one could prove.Do you think its admittedly? Do you think Lissas dad had a mistress? Was that what he was paying out for?Dont know, dinky dhampir. Honestly? My dads the type who would jump on any rumor he could. Or take on one up. I mean, we know Lissas dad liked to party. Its easy to jump to conclusions from there. Probably he had some dirty secret. Hell, we all do. Maybe whoever stole those files just wanted to exploit that.I told him my theory about it being used once morest Lissa. Or, I said, reconsidering, maybe someone who supports her took it. So that it wouldnt get out.Adrian nodded. Either way, I dont think Lissas in mortal danger.He started to rise, and I pulled him back. Adrian, wait I I swallowed. I wanted to apologize. The way Ive been treating you, what Ive been doing it wasnt fair to you. Im sorry.He looked away from me, eyes focused on the ground. You cant help the way you feel.The thing is I dont know how I feel. And that sounds stupid, but its the truth. I care about Dimitri. I was stupid to think Id be unaffected by him being back. But I realize now Love fades. Mine has. I realize now that its over with him. Im not saying thats easy to get past. Itll take a while, and Id be lying to both of us if I said it wouldnt.That makes sense, Adrian said.It does?He glanced at me, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. Yes, little dhampir. Some propagation you make sense. Go on.I well, like I said Ive got to heal from him. But I do care about you. I think I even love you a little. That got a small smile. I want to adjudicate again. I really do. I like having you in my life, but I may have jumped into things too soon before. You dont have any reason to want me after the way Ive dragged you around, but if you want to get together again, then I want to.He studied me for a long time, and my breath caught. Id meant what I said H e had every right to end things with us and yet, the thought that he might terrified me.At extreme, he pulled me against him and lay back against the bed. Rose, I have all sorts of reasons to want you. I havent been able to stay away from you since I saw you at the ski lodge.I shifted closer to Adrian on the bed and press my head against his chest. We can make this work. I know we can. If I screw up again, you can leave.If besides it were that easy, he laughed. You forget I have an addictive personality. Im addicted to you. Somehow I think you could do all sorts of bad things to me, and Id still watch over back to you. Just keep things honest, okay? Tell me what youre whim. If youre feeling something for Dimitri thats confusing you, tell me. Well work it out.I wanted to tell him thatregardless of my feelingshe had nothing to worry about with Dimitri because Dimitri had rejected me a number of times now. I could chase after Dimitri all I wanted, and it wouldnt do any good. Love fades. Those excogitates still stung, and I couldnt bear to give voice to that pain. But as Adrian held me and I thought about how understanding he was about all of this, some wounded part of me acknowledged that the opposite was true as well Love grows. I would try with him. I really would.I sighed. Youre not supposed to be this wise. Youre supposed to be shallow and unreasonable and andHe pressed a kiss to my forehead. And?Mmm ridiculous.Ridiculous I can manage. And the others but only on special occasions.We were cloaked close together now, and I tip my head to study him, the higher(prenominal) cheekbones and artfully messy hair that made him so gorgeous. I remembered his mothers words, that regardless of what we wanted, he and I would eventually have to part ways. Maybe this was how my life was going to be. Id always lose the men I loved.I pulled him hard against me, kissing his mouth with a force that caught even him by surprise. If I had learned anything about life and lo ve, it was that they were tenuous things that could end at any moment. Caution was essentialbut not at the cost of atrophy your life. I decided I wasnt going to waste it now.My hands were already tugging at Adrians shirt before that thought was fully formed. He didnt question it or hesitate in taking my clothes off in return. He might have moments of profoundness and understanding, but he was still well, Adrian. Adrian lived his life in the now, doing the things he wanted without much second-guessing. And he had wanted me for a very long time.He was withal very good at this sort of thing, which was why my clothes came off faster than his. His lips were hot and eager against my throat, but he was careful to never once let his fangs brush my skin. I was a little less gentle, surprising myself when I dug my nails into the bare skin of his back. His lips moved lower, tracing the line of my collarbone while he deftly took off my bra one-handed.I was a little astonished at my bodys rea ction as we both fought to get the others jeans off first. Id convinced myself that Id never want sex again after Dimitri, but right now? Oh, I wanted it. Maybe it was some psychological reaction to Dimitris rejection. Maybe it was an impulse to live for the moment. Maybe it was love for Adrian. Or maybe it was just lust.Whatever it was, it made me powerless beneath his hands and mouth, which seemed intent on exploring every part of me. The only time he paused was when all my clothes were finally off and I lay there naked with him. He was almost naked too, but I hadnt quite gotten to his short pants yet. (They were silk because, honestly, what else would Adrian wear?). He cupped my face up in his hands, his eyes filled with intensity and needand a bit of wonder.What are you, Rose Hathaway? Are you real? Youre a dream within a dream. Im afraid touching you will make me wake up. Youll disappear. I recognized a little of the poetic trance he sometimes fell into, the spells that made me wonder if he was catching a little of the spirit-induced madness.Touch me and find out, I said, drawing him to me.He didnt hesitate again. The last of his clothes came off, and my whole body heated at the feel of his skin and the way his hands slid over me. My physical needs were rapidly trampling over any logic and reason. in that location was no thought, just us, and the fierce urgency bringing us together. I was all burning need and desire and awareness andOh, shit.It came out as kind of a mumble since wed been kissing, our lips eagerly seeking out the others. With guardian reflexes, I barely managed to shift away, just as our hips started to come together. Losing the feel of him was shocking to me, more so for him. He was stunned, simply staring in astonishment as I wriggled further from him and finally managed a sit down position on the bed.What whats wrong? Did you change your mind?We need protection first, I said. Do you have any condoms?He processed this for a few sec onds and then sighed. Rose, only you would pick this instant to remember that.That was a fair point. My timing kind of sucked. Still, it was better than remembering it afterward. In spite of my bodys rampant desireand it was still there, believe meI suddenly had a startling, vivid image of Dimitris sister Karolina. Id met her in Siberia, and shed had a despoil that was about six months old. The baby was adorable, as babies often are, but by God, she had been so much work. Karolina had a waitressing job, and as soon as she was home from that, her attention went to the baby. When she was at work, Dimitris mother took care of the baby. And the baby always necessary something food, changing, rescue from choking on a small object. His sister Sonya had been on the verge of having a baby too, and with the way Id left things with his youngest sister, Viktoria, I wouldnt be surprised to find she was pregnant before long. Huge life changes made from small, careless actions.So I was pretty c onfident I didnt want a baby in my life right now, not this young. With Dimitri, it hadnt been a concern, thanks to dhampir infertility. With Adrian? It was an issue, as was the fact that while disease was rare among both our races, I wasnt the first girl Adrian had been with. Or the second. Or the thirdSo do you have any? I asked impatiently. Just because I was in responsible mode, it didnt mean I wanted sex any less.Yes, said Adrian, sitting up as well. Back in my bedroom.We stared at each other. His bedroom was far away, over in the Moroi section of Court.He slid nearer, putting his arm around me and nibbling my earlobe. The odds of anything bad happening are pretty low.I closed my eyes and tipped my head back against him. He wrapped his hands around my hips and stroked my skin. What are you, a doctor? I asked.He laughed softly, his mouth kissing the spot just cornerstone my ear. No. Im just someone willing to take a risk. You cant tell me you dont want this.I opened my eyes and pulled away so that I could look at him directly. He was right. I did want this. Very, very badly. And the part of mewhich was pretty much all of methat burned with lust was attempting to win me over. The odds probably were low, right? Werent there people who tried forever to get pregnant and couldnt? My desire had an okay argument, so it was kind of a surprise when my logic won.I cant take the risk, I said.Now Adrian studied me, and at last, he nodded. Okay. Another time then. Tonight well be responsible.Thats all youre going to say?He frowned. What else would I say? You said no.But you you could have compelled me.Now he was really astonished. Do you want me to compel you?No. Of course not. It just occurred to me that well, that you could have.Adrian cupped my face in his hands. Rose, I cheat at cards and buy liquor for minors. But I would never, ever force you into something you dont want. Certainly not thisHis words were impose off because Id pressed myself against him and star ted kissing him again. Surprise must have kept him from doing anything right away, but soon, he pushed me away with what seemed like great reluctance.Little dhampir, he said dryly, if you want to be responsible, this is not a good way to do it.We dont have to let this go. And we can be responsible.All of those stories areHe came screeching to a halt when I tossed my hair out of the way and offered my neck to him. I managed to turn roughly so that I could meet his eyes, but I said nothing. I didnt have to. The invitation was obvious.Rose he said uncertainlythough I could see the longing spring up in his face.Drinking blood wasnt the same as sex, but it was a yearning all vampires had, and doing it while arousedso Id heardwas a mind-blowing experience. It was also taboo and hardly ever done, so people claimed. It was where the definition of blood whore had originated dhampirs who gave their blood during sex. The idea of dhampirs yielding blood at all was considered disgraceful, but Id done it before with Lissa when she needed food and with Dimitri when hed been Strigoi. And it had been glorious.He tried again, his voice steadier this time. Rose, do you know what youre asking?Yes, I said firmly. I gently ran a finger along his lips and then slipped in to touch his fangs. I threw his own words back at him. You cant tell me you dont want this.He did want it. In a heartbeat, his mouth was at my neck and his fangs were piercing my skin. I cried out at the sudden pain, a sound that softened to a moan as the endorphins that came with every vampire confidence game flooded into me. An exquisite bliss consumed me. He pulled me hard against him as he drank, almost onto his lap, pressing my back against his chest. I was distantly aware of his hands all over me again, of his lips upon my throat. Mostly, all I knew was that I was drowning in pure, ecstatic sweetness. The perfect high.When he pulled away, it was like losing part of myself. Like being incomplete. Confused, n eeding him back, I reached for him. He gently pushed my hand away, smiling as he licked his lips.Careful, little dhampir. I went longer than I should have. You could probably grow fly and fly off right now.It actually didnt sound like a bad idea. In a few more moments, though, the intense, nuts part of the high faded, and I settled back to myself. I still felt wonderful and dizzy the endorphins had fed my bodys desire. My reasoning easily came back to me, allowing (kind of) coherent thought to tick that happy haze. When Adrian was convinced I was sober enough, he relaxed and lay down on the bed. I joined him a moment later, curling up against his side. He seemed as content as I was.That, he mused, was the outstrip not-sex ever.My only response was a sleepy smile. It was late, and the more I crashed down from the endorphin rush, the drowsier I felt. Some tiny part of me said that even though Id wanted this and cared about Adrian, the whole act had been wrong. I hadnt done it for the right reasons, instead letting myself get carried away by my own grief and confusion.The rest of me decided that wasnt true, and the nagging voice soon faded into exhaustion. I fell asleep against Adrian, getting the best night of sleep Id had in a long time.I wasnt entirely surprised that I was able to get out of bed, shower, get dressed, and even dry out my hair without Adrian waking up. My friends and I had spent many a morning trying to drag him out of bed in the past. Hungover or sober, he was a heavy sleeper.I spent more time on my hair than I had in a while. The telltale mark of a vampire bite was fresh on my neck. So I wore my hair down, careful to style it with a part so that the long waves hung heavy on the bite side. snug the bruise would stay camouflaged, I pondered what to do next. In an hour or so, the Council was going to listen to arguments from factions with varying ideas on the new age decree, Moroi competitivenessing, and the Dragomir vote. Provided they le t me in the hall, I had no intention of missing the debates on the hottest issues in our world right now.I didnt want to wake up Adrian, though. He was tangled up in my sheets and slept peacefully. If I woke him up, Id feel obligated to stick around while he got ready. Through the bond, I felt Lissa sitting alone at a cafe table. I wanted to see her and have breakfast, so I decided Adrian could fend for himself. I left him a note about where I was, told him the door would lock on his way out, and drew lots of xs and os.When I was halfway to the cafe, though, I sensed something that ruined my breakfast plan. Christian had sat down with Lissa.Well, well, I muttered. With everything else going on, I hadnt paid much attention to Lissas personal life. After what had happened at the warehouse, I wasnt entirely surprised to see them together, though her feelings told me there had been no romantic reconciliation yet. This was an uneasy attempt at friendship, a chance to get over their const ant jealousy and distrust.Far be it from me to trespass on love at work. I knew another place near the guardians buildings that also had coffee and doughnuts. It would do, provided no one there remembered that I was technically still on probation and had made a scene in a royal hall.The odds on that probably werent good.Still, I decided to give it a try and headed over, eyeing the overcast sky uneasily. Rain wouldnt help my mood any. When I got to the cafe, I discovered I didnt have to worry about anyone paying attention to me. There was a bigger draw Dimitri.He was out with his personal guard, and even though I was glad he had some freedom, the attitude that he needed close watching still angered me. At least there was no giant crowd today. People who came in for breakfast couldnt help but stare, but few lingered. He had five guardians with him this time, which was a significant reduction. That was a good sign. He sat alone at a table, coffee and a half-eaten glazed doughnut in fr ont of him. He was reading a paperback novel that I would have bet my life was a Western.No one sat with him. His escort simply maintained a ring of protection, a couple near the walls, one at the entrance, and two at near tables. The security seemed pointless. Dimitri was completely engrossed in his book, oblivious to the guards and occasional spectatorsor he was simply making a good show of not caring. He seemed very harmless, but Adrians words came back to me. Was there any Strigoi left in him? Some dark part? Dimitri himself claimed he still carried the piece that prevented him from ever truly loving anyone.He and I had always had this uncanny awareness of each other. In a crowded room, I could always find him. And in spite of his preoccupation with the book, he looked up when I walked toward the cafes counter. Our eyes met for a millisecond. There was no expression on his face and yet, I had the feeling he was waiting for something.Me, I realized with a start. Despite everythi ng, despite our fight in the church he still thought I would pursue and make some pledge of my love. why? Did he just expect me to be that unreasonable? Or was it possible was it possible he wanted me to approach him?Well, some(prenominal) the reason, I decided I wouldnt give it to him. Hed hurt me too many times already. Hed told me to stay away, and if that was all part of some elaborate game to rook with my feelings, I wasnt going to play. I gave him a haughty look and turned away sharply as I walked up to the counter. I ordered chai and a chocolate eclair. After a moments consideration, I ordered a second eclair. I had a feeling it was going to be one of those days.My plan had been to eat outside, but as I glanced toward the tinted windows, I could just barely make out the pattern of raindrops hitting the panes. Damn. I briefly considered fighting the weather and going somewhere else with my food, but I decided I wasnt going to let Dimitri scare me off. Spying a table far from him, I headed toward it, going out of my way not to look at or acknowledge him.Hey Rose. Are you going to the Council today?I came to a halt. One of Dimitris guardians had spoken, giving me a cordial smile as he did. I couldnt recall the guys name, but hed seemed nice whenever we passed each other. I didnt want to be rude, and so, reluctantly, I answered backeven though it meant staying near Dimitri.Yup, I said, making sure my attention was only on the guardian. Just grabbing a bite before I do.Are they going to let you in? asked another of the guardians. He too was smiling. For a moment, I thought they were mocking my last outburst. But no that wasnt it. Their faces showed approval.Thats an excellent question, I admitted. I took a bite of my eclair. But I figure I should give it a try. Ill also try to be on good behavior.The first guardian chuckled. I certainly hope not. That group deserves all the grief you can give them over that stupid age law. The other guardians nodded.What age law? asked Dimitri.Reluctantly, I looked over at him. As always, he swept my breath away. Stop it, Rose, I scolded myself. Youre mad at him, remember? And now youve chosen Adrian.The decree where royals think displace sixteen-year-old dhampirs out to fight Strigoi is the same as sending eighteen-year-olds, I said. I took another bite.Dimitris head shot up so quickly, I nearly clotted on my food. Which sixteen-year-olds are fighting Strigoi? His guardians tensed but did nothing else.It took me a moment to get the bite of eclair down. When I could finally speak, I was almost afraid to. Thats the decree. Dhampirs graduate when theyre sixteen now.When did this happen? he demanded.Just the other day. No one told you? I glanced over at the other guardians. One of them shrugged. I had the smell that they might believe Dimitri was truly a dhampir but that they werent ready to get chatty with him. His only other social contact would have been Lissa and his interrogators.No. Dimitris e yebrow furrowed as he pondered the news.I ate my eclair in silence, hoping it would push him to talk more. It did.Thats insane, he said. Morality aside, they arent ready that young. Its suicide.I know. Tasha gave a really good argument against it. I did too.Dimitri gave me a suspicious look at that last part, particularly when a couple of his guardians smiled.Was it a close vote? he asked. He spoke to me interrogation style, in the serious and focused way that had so defined him as a guardian. It was a lot better than depression, I decided. It was also better than him telling me to go away.Very close. If Lissa could have voted, it wouldnt have passed.Ah, he said, playing with the edges of his coffee cup. The quorum.You know about that? I asked in surprise.Its an old Moroi law.So I hear.Whats the opposition trying to do? Sway the Council back or get Lissa the Dragomir vote?Both. And other things.He shook his head, tucking some hair behind his ear. They cant do that. They need to pick one cause and throw their weight behind it. Lissas the smartest choice. The Council needs the Dragomirs back, and Ive seen the way people look at her when they put me on display. Only the slightest edge of bitterness laced his words, indicating how he felt about that. Then it was back to business. It wouldnt be hard to get support for thatif they dont divide their efforts.I started in on my second eclair, forgetting about my earlier resolution to ignore him. I didnt want to distract him from the topic. It was the first thing that had brought the old fire back to his eyes, the only thing he seemed truly interested inwell, aside from pledging lifelong devotion to Lissa and telling me to stay out of his life. I liked this Dimitri.It was the same Dimitri from long ago, the fierce one who was willing to risk his life for what was right. I almost wished hed go back to being annoying, distant Dimitri, the one who told me to stay away. perceive him now brought back too many memoriesnot to mention the attraction I thought Id smashed. Now, with that passion all over him, he seemed sexier than ever. Hed worn that same intensity when wed fought together. Even when wed had sex. This was the way Dimitri was supposed to be powerful and in charge. I was glad and yet seeing him the way I loved only made my heart feel that much worse. He was lost to me.If Dimitri guessed my feelings, he didnt show it. He looked squarely at me, and, like always, the power of that gaze wrapped around me. The next time you see Tasha, will you send her to me? We need to talk about this.So, Tasha can be your friend, but not me? The sharp words were out before I could kick downstairs them. I flushed, embarrassed that Id lapsed in front of the other guardians. Dimitri apparently didnt want an audience either. He looked up at the one who had initially addressed me.Is there any way we could have some privacy?His escort exchanged looks, and then, almost as one being, they stepped back. It wasnt a cons iderable distance, and they still maintained a ring around Dimitri. Nonetheless, it was enough that all of our conversation wouldnt be overheard. Dimitri turned back to me. I sat down.You and Tasha have completely different situations. She can safely be in my life. You cant.And yet, I said with an angry toss of my hair, its apparently okay for me to be in your life when its convenientsay, like, running errands or passing messages.It doesnt really seem like you need me in your life, he noted dryly, inclining his head slightly toward my right shoulder.It took me a moment to grasp what had happened. In tossing my hair, Id exposed my neckand the bite. I tried not to blush again, knowing I had nothing to feel embarrassed about. I pushed the hair back.Thats none of your business, I hissed, hoping the other guardians hadnt seen.Exactly. He sounded triumphant. Because you need to live your own life, far away from me.Oh, for Gods sake, I exclaimed. Will you stop with theMy eyes lifted from h is face because an army suddenly descended upon us.Okay, it wasnt exactly an army, but it might as well have been. One minute it was just Dimitri, me, and his security, and then suddenlythe room was swarming with guardians. And not just any guardians. They wore the black-and-white outfits guardians often did for formal occasions, but a small red button on their collars mark them as guardians specifically attached to the poufs guard. There had to be at least twenty of them.They were lethal and perverting, the best of the best. Throughout history, assassins who had attacked monarchs had found themselves quickly taken down by the royal guard. They were walking deathand they were all gathering around us. Dimitri and I both shot up, unsure what was happening but certain the brat here was directed at us. His table and its chairs were between us, but we still immediately fell into the standard fighting stance when surrounded by enemies Go back-to-back.Dimitris security wore ordinary cl othing and seemed a bit astonished to see their brethren, but with guardian efficiency, the escort promptly joined the advancing queens guard. There were no more smiles or jokes. I wanted to throw myself in front of Dimitri, but in this situation, it was kind of difficult.You need to come with us right now, one of the queens guards said. If you resist, well take you by force.Leave him alone I yelled, looking from face to face. That angry darkness exploded within me. How could they still not believe? Why were they still coming after him? He hasnt done anything Why cant you guys accept that hes really a dhampir now?The man whod spoken arched an eyebrow. I wasnt talking to him.Youre youre here for me? I asked. I tried to think of any new spectacles I might have caused recently. I considered the crazy idea that the queen had found out Id spent the night with Adrian and was pissed off about it. That was hardly enough to send the palace guard for me, though or was it? Had I really gone to o far with my antics?What for? demanded Dimitri. That tall, wonderful body of histhe one that could be so sensual sometimeswas filled with tension and menace now.The man kept his gaze on me, ignoring Dimitri. Dont make me repeat myself Come with us quietly, or we will make you. The glimmer of durance showed in his hands.My eyes went wide. Thats crazy Im not going anywhere until you tell me how the hell thisThat was the point at which they apparently decided I wasnt coming quietly. Two of the royal guardians lunged for me, and even though we technically worked for the same side, my instincts kicked in. I didnt understand anything here except that I would not be dragged away like some kind of master criminal. I shoved the chair Id been sitting in earlier at one of the guardians and aimed a punch at the other. It was a sloppy throw, made worse because he was taller than me. That summit difference allowed me to dodge his next grab, and when I kicked hard at his legs, a small grunt tol d me Id hit home.I heard a few unordered screams. The people working at the cafe ducked behind their counter like they expected automatic weapons to come out. The other patrons whod been eating breakfast hurriedly sprang from their tables, incautiously knocking over food and dishes. They ran for the exitsexits that were blocked by still more guardians. This brought more screams, even though the exits were being cut off because of me.Meanwhile, other guardians were connective the fray. Although I got a couple of good punches in, I knew the numbers were too overwhelming. One guardian caught hold of my arm and began trying to put the cuffs on me. He stopped when another set of hands grabbed me from the other side and jerked me away.Dimitri.Dont touch her, he growled.There was a note in his voice that would have scared me if it had been directed toward me. He shoved me behind him, putting his body protectively in front of mine with my back to the table. Guardians came at us from all directions, and Dimitri began dispatching them with the same deadly grace that had once made people call him a god. He didnt kill any of the ones he fought, but he made sure they were out of action. If anyone thought his ordeals as a Strigoi or being locked up had diminished his fighting ability, they were terribly mistaken. Dimitri was a force of nature, managing to take on both unrealizable odds and stop me each time I tried to join the fight. The queens guards might have been the best of the best, but Dimitri well, my former lover and instructor was in a category all his own. His fighting skills were beyond anyone elses, and he was using them all in defense of me.Stay back, he ordered me. They arent laying a hand on you.At first, I was overwhelmed by his protectivenesseven though I hated not being part of a fight. Watching him fight again was also entrancing. He made it look beautiful and lethal at the same time. He was a one-man army, the kind of warrior that protected his love d ones and brought terror to his enemiesAnd thats when a horrible revelation hit me.Stop I suddenly yelled. Ill come Ill come with youNo one heard me at first. They were too involved with the fight. Guardians kept trying to sneak behind Dimitri, but he seemed to sense them and would shove chairs or anything else he could get a hold of at themwhile still managing to kick and punch those coming at us head-on. Who knew? Maybe he really could have taken on an army by himself.But I couldnt let him.I shook Dimitris arm. Stop, I repeated. Dont fight anymore.RoseStopI was pretty sure Id never screamed any word so loudly in my life. It rang through the room. For all I knew, it rang through the entire Court.It didnt exactly make everyone come to a halt, but many of the guardians slowed down. A few of the cowering cafe workers peered over the counter at us. Dimitri was still in motion, still ready to take everyone on, and I had to practically throw myself at him to get him to notice me.Stop. T his time, my voice was a whisper. An uneasy silence had fallen over everyone. Dont fight them anymore. Im going to go with them.No. I wont let them take you.You have to, I begged.He was breathing hard, every part of him braced and ready to attack. We locked gazes, and a thousand messages seemed to flow between us as the old electricity crackled in the air. I just hoped he got the right message.One of the guardians tentatively stepped forwardhaving to go around the unconscious body of his colleagueand Dimitris tension snapped. He started to block the guardian and defend me again, but I instead put myself between them, clasping Dimitris hand and still looking into his eyes. His skin was warm and felt so, so right touching mine.Please. No more.I saw then that he finally understood what I was trying to say. People were still afraid of him. No one knew what he was. Lissa had said him behaving calmly and normally would soothe fears. But this? Him taking on an army of guardians? That was not going to get him points for good behavior. For all I knew, it was already too late after this, but I had to attempt damage control. I couldnt let them lock him up againnot because of me.As he looked at me, he seemed to send a message of his own that he would still fight for me, that he would fight until he collapsed to keep them from taking me.I shook my head and gave his hand a parting squeeze. His fingers were exactly as I remembered, long and graceful, with calluses built up from years of training. I let go and turned to face the guy who had originally spoken. I assumed he was some sort of leader.I held out my hands and slowly stepped forward. Ill go quietly. But, please dont lock him back up. He just thought he just thought I was in trouble.The thing was, as the handcuffs were clamped onto my wrists, I was starting to think I was in trouble too. As the guardians helped each other up, their leader took a deep breath and made the annunciation hed been trying to make since ente ring. I swallowed, waiting to hear Victors name.Rose Hathaway, you are under arrest for high treason.Not quite what Id expected. Hoping my submission had earned me points, I asked, What kind of high treason?The murder of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Tatiana.