Last Sacrifice Chapter Nineteen

THE VANS PARKED IN A semi-remote part of Court, so seeing the discipline packed with e mount upr Moroi was quite a shock to Lissa. Guardians moved through with(p trigger-happyicate) the people ilk ghosts, precisely as they had at the nomination session, reenforcementing as much order as possible. The press kept follow in the charge as the vans attempted to reach the garages, and pillow slips odored in the windows, essay to rec over a glimpse of the royal foundationdidates.Lissa stared at the masses in shock, al more or less afraid to get break. Ariana gave her a comforting smile. This is normal. They each institutionalize to whap who made it and who didnt. They especi every(prenominal)y fate to know. She inclined her head toward the social movement of the van. Peering through the windshield, Lissa spied the other six candidates. Because the forest course could only when harbour so many people, the group had been split in half. The rest of the candidates wou ld draw a bead on the same test tomorrow and were no doubt curious who among their competitors had passed today.Lissa was apply to order and decorum around royals, so she was astonished to see such eagerness and frenzy among them now. And of course, the common Moroi whod been arriving at Court were mixed into the crowd too. Every unmatchable was pushing, peering everyplace the heads of others to find taboo what had happened. People were sh pop forthing some of the candidates label, and I was half-surprised they hadnt sum up with songs and banners.Lissa and her companions exited the van and were met with a wave of cheers that rippled through the crowd. It became provable picturesque quickly who had passed and who hadnt. This sent the crowd abuzz up to now to a greater extent. Lissa stood grow to the spot, staring around and feeling lost. It was adept thing to ration anyy question the pros of her running for queen with her friends. It was an entirely different matter to suddenly be thrust into what the elections truly meant.Her focus had been limited to a few things my safety, determination the murderer, and surviving the tests. Now, as she took in the crowd, she realized the election was big than her, bigger than anything she could begin imagined. For these people, it wasnt a joke. It wasnt a scam to twist the law and cubicle for while. Their lives were figuratively on the line. Moroi and dhampirs lived inside various countries and obeyed those laws, unless they also obeyed this government, the single that operated surface of the Court. It reached around the world and affected every dhampir and Moroi who chose to stay in our society. We had some voting, yes, provided the king or queen shaped our futures.The guardians in charge of the crowds finally gave the okay for family members to push through the masses and catch their nominees. Lissa had no one. Both Janine and Eddiedespite earlier claimswere occasionally constructn tran flummoxo ry tasks that pr tear downted them from being with Lissa 24/7, and she certainly had no family to come for her. Adrift, she felt modify in the chaos, still stunned by her mument of clarity. Conflicting emotions warred at bottom her. Deceiving everyone made her feel unworthy, like she should resign her candidacy neat now. At the same time, she suddenly wanted to be worthy of the elections. She wanted to drive her head high and walk into the tests proudly, even if she was taking them for ulterior agents.A strong flip over at last caught bound of her arm. Christian. do on. Lets get out of here. He pulled her extraneous, shouldering through the on founters. Hey, he titleed to a couple guardians on the crowds periphery. A little help here for the princess?It was the first time I had ever seen him act like a royal, throwing around the authority of his bloodline. To me, he was snarky, cynical Christian. In Moroi society, at eighteen, he could now technically be addressed as Lor d Ozera. Id forgotten that. The two guardians hadnt. They rushed to Lissas side, assist Christian part the crowd. The faces around her were a blur, the noise a wearisome roar. Yet, every once in a while, something would come through to her. The chant of her name. Declarations intimately the return of the dragon, which was the symbol of the Dragomir family. This is real, she kept signifying. This is real.The guardians efficiently led her out of it all and O.K. across the Courts grounds to her building. They released her once they considered her safe, and she graciously thanked them for their help. When she and Christian were in her room, she sank onto the bed, stunned.Oh my God, she state. That was insane.Christian smiled. Which part? Your welcome home party? Or the test itself? You look like you equitable well, Im not genuinely certain(a) what you entirely did.Lissa took a quick survey of herself. Theyd given her dry towels on the ride home, scarcely her c push-down stor agehing was still damp and was wrinkling as it dried. Her office and jeans had mud all over them, and she didnt even want to destine n before impart(predicate) what her hair looked like.yea, weThe words stuck on her tongueand not because she suddenly expire-cut not to tell him.I cant say, she murmured. It in truth worked. The piece wont permit me.What spell? he asked.Lissa rolled up her sleeve and lifted the bandage to stage him the tiny tattooed dot on her arm. Its a fixation spell so I wont talk just about the test. equal the Alchemists turn out.Wow, he said, truly impressed. I never truly mind those worked.I guess so. Its really weird. I want to talk about it, save I just cant.Its okay, he said, brushing some of her damp hair aside. You passed. Thats what matters. Just focus on that. The only thing I want to focus on right now is a showerwhich is physique of ironic, considering how soaked I am. She didnt move, though, and quite stared off at the utmost wall.He y, said Christian gently. Whats wrong? Did the crowd scare you?She turned sanction to him. No, thats the thing. I mean, they were intimidating, yeah. only I just realized I dont know. I realized Im part of a major process, one thats gone on sinceThe beginning of time? teased Christian, quoting Nathans paradoxical statement.Nearly, she answered, with a small smile that soon faded. This goes beyond tradition, Christian. The elections are a core part of our society. Ingrained. We can talk about changing age laws or armed combat or whatever, merely this is ancient. And far-reaching. Those people out in that respect? Theyre not all Americans. Theyve come from other countries. I forget sometimes that even though the Court is here, it rules Moroi everywhere. What happens here affects the whole world.Where are you sledding with this? he asked. She was lost in her own thoughts and couldnt see Christian as objectively as I could. He knew Lissa. He understood her and love her. The tw o of them had a synchronicity similar to what Dimitri and I shared. Sometimes, however, Lissas thoughts spun in directions he couldnt guess. Hed never admit it, only if I knew part of wherefore he loved her was thatunlike me, who everyone knew was impetuousLissa always calculateed the picture of calmness and rationality. Then, shed do something totally unexpected. Those moments delighted himbut sometimes scared him because he never knew just how much a role spirit was p move in her actions. Now was one of those times. He knew the elections were stressing her, and like me, he knew that could bring out the worst.Im expiry to take these tests seriously, she said. Itsits shameful not to. An insult to our society. My ultimate terminus is to find out who framed Rose, but in the meantime? Im spillage to go through the trials like someone who intends to be queen.Christian he presentated forward speaking, a rarity for him. Do you want to be queen?That snapped Lissa from her dreamy ph ilosophizing about tradition and honor. No Of course not. Im eighteen. I cant even absorb yet.Thats never stopped you from doing it, he pointed out, becoming more like his usual self.Im serious I want to go to college. I want Rose back. I dont want to rule the Moroi nation.A sly look lit Christians blue look. You know, Aunt Tasha get ins jokes about how youd really be a remediate queen than the others, except sometimes I dont think shes joking.Lissa groaned and stretched back on the bed. I love her, but weve got to keep her in check. If anyone could actually get that law changed, it would be her and her activist friends.Well, dont worry. The thing about her activist friends is that they involve so much to protest, they dont usually get behind one thing at the same time. Christian stretched out beside her and pulled her close. just now for what its worth, I think youd be a great queen too, Princess Dragomir.Youre going to get dirty, she warned. Already am. Oh, you mean fro m your vestments? He wrapped his mail around her, heedless of her damp and muddy state. I spent most of my childishness hiding in a dusty attic and own just now one dress shirt. You really think I care about this T-shirt?She laughed and indeed kissed him, letting her mind free itself of worry for a moment and just savor the feel of his lips. Considering they were on a bed, I wondered if it was time for me to go. After several seconds, she pulled back and sighed contentedly.You know, sometimes I think I love you.Sometimes? he asked in mock outrage.She wavelike his hair. All the time. But Ive got to keep you on your toes.Consider me kept.He brought his lips toward hers once again but stopped when a knock sounded at the door. Lissa pulled back from the near-kiss, but neither of them bust from the dramatise.Dont answer, said Christian.Lissa frowned, peering toward the living room. She slipped out of his arms, stood up, and walked toward the door. When she was several feet from it, she nodded knowingly. Its Adrian.to a greater extent reason not to answer, said Christian.Lissa ignored him and opened the door, and sure enough, my silly boyfriend stood there. From behind Lissa, I heard Christian say, Worst. Timing. Ever.Adrian studied Lissa and then looked at Christian sprawling on the bed on the far side of the suite. Huh, Adrian said, letting himself in. So thats how youre going to fix the family problem. Little Dragomirs. full idea.Christian sat up and strolled toward them. Yeah, thats exactly it. Youre interrupting official Council business.Adrian was dressed nervelessly for him, jeans and a black T-shirt, though he made it look like designer clothing. Actually, it in all likelihood was. God, I missed him. I missed them all.Whats going on? asked Lissa. While Christian searched to consider Adrians arrival a personalised offense, Lissa knew that Adrian wouldnt be here without a hot reason especially this early in the Moroi day. Although he had on his normal lazy smile, there was an fire and eager glitter in his aura. He had news.Ive got him, said Adrian. Got him trapped.Who? asked Lissa, startled.That idiot Blake Lazar.What do you mean trapped? asked Christian, as perplexed as Lissa. Did you restore out a bear trap on the tennis courts or something?I wish. Hes over at the Burning Arrow. I just bought another round, so he should still be there if we hurry. He thinks I went out for a cigarette.Judging from the scent wreathing Adrian, Lissa had a feeling he actually had been out for a cigarette. And likely shared in the round. Youve been at a except this early?Adrian shrugged. Its not early for humans.But youre notCome on, cousin. Adrians aura didnt draw the muted colors of someone who was completely drunk, but yes, hed definitely had a few drinks. If pretty boy Ambrose was right about Aunt Tatiana, then this guy rope can tell us the names of other covetous women. Why didnt you ask him yourself? asked Christian.Because me ask ing about my aunts conjure life would be sick and wrong, said Adrian. Whereas Blake will be more than happy to talk to our charming princess here.Lissa really wanted her bed, but finding out anything to help me sparked a new rush of energy within her. Okay, let me at least get some different clothes and brush my hair.While she was changing in the bathroom, she heard Adrian say to Christian, You know, your shirts kind of grungy-looking. Seems like you could put in a little more attack since youre dating a princess.Fifteen minutes or so later, the terzetto were on their way across Court to a tucked away bar inside an administrative building. Id been there before and had originally thought it was a weird place to house a bar. But, later on a recent stint of filing, Id decided that if I were doing office work for living, Id probably want a quick source of alcohol on hand, too.The bar was dimly lit, both for mood and Moroi comfort. Adrians joking aside, it really was early for Moroi , and only a couple patrons were there. Adrian made a small gesture to the bartender, which I presumed was some kind of ordering signal because the woman immediately turned and began pouring a drink.Hey, Ivashkov Whered you go?A voice called over to Lissa and the others, and subsequently a few moments, she spotted a lone guy seance at a corner table. As Adrian led them closer, Lissa saw that the guy was youngabout Adrians age, with curly black hair and brilliant blue-green eyes, kind of like Abes recent tie. It was as though someone had interpreted the stunning color of both Adrian and Christians eyes and mixed them together. He had a leanly muscled bodyabout as buff as any Moroi could copeand, even with a boyfriend, Lissa could admire how hot he was.To get liberal company, replied Adrian, pulling out a chair.The Moroi then noticed Adrians companions and jumped up. He caught hold of Lissas hand, leaned over, and kissed it. Princess Dragomir. Its an honor to meet you at last. Se eing you from a distance was beautiful. Up close? Divine.This, said Adrian grandly, is Blake Lazar.Its nice to meet you, she said.Blake smiled radiantly. May I call you Vasilisa?You can call me Lissa. You can also, added Christian, let go of her hand now.Blake looked over at Christian, taking a few more moments to release Lissas hand seeming very proud about those extra seconds. Ive seen you too. Ozera. Crispin, right?Christian, turn Lissa.Right. Blake pulled out a chair, still playing the over-the-top gentleman. Please. Join us. He made no such offer to Christian, who went out of his way to sit close to Lissa. What would you like to drink? Its on me.Nothing, said Lissa.The bartender appeared just then, bringing Adrians drink and another for Blake. Never too early. Ask Ivashkov. You drink as soon as you roll out of bed, right? in that respects a bottle of scotch right on my nightstand, said Adrian, still keeping his tone light. Lissa opened her eyes to his aura. It bore the bright gold all spirit users had, still muddled slightly from alcohol. It also had the faintest tinge of rednot true anger, but definite annoyance. Lissa recalled that neither Adrian nor Ambrose had had a good opinion of this Blake guy.So what brings you and Christopher here? asked Blake. He finished a applesauce of something amber colored and set it down beside the new drink.Christian, said Christian.We were public lecture about my aunt earlier, said Adrian. Again, he managed to sound very conversational, but no matter how much he tycoon want to clear my name, delving into the tokens of Tatianas murder obviously bothered him.Blakes smile diminished a little. How depressing. For both of you. That was directed to Adrian and Lissa. Christian might as well stomach not existed. Sorry about Hathaway too, he added to Lissa alone. Ive heard how upset youve been. Whod have seen that coming?Lissa realized he was referring to how shed been pretending to be angry and wrong by me. Well, she sai d bitterly. I guess you just dont know people. There were a million clues beforehand. I just didnt pay attention.You must be upset too, said Christian. We heard you and the queen were kind of close.Blakes grin returned. Yeah we knew each other pretty well. Im going to miss her. She might have seemed cold to some people, but believe me, she knew how to have a good time. Blake glanced at Adrian. You must have known that.Not in the way you did. Adrian paused to take a sip of his own drink. I think he needed it to restrain any snippy remarks, and honestly, I didnt begrudge him it. I actually admired his self-control. If Id been in his place, I would have long since punched Blake. Or Ambrose.Blakes pretty smile transformed into a full-fledged scowl. Him? That blood whore? He didnt deserve to be in her presence. I cant even believe they let him stay at Court.He actually thinks you killed the queen. Lissa then added hastily, Which is ridiculous when all the evidence proves Rose did it. Th ose hadnt been Ambroses exact words, but she wanted to see if she could draw out a reaction. She did.He thinks what? Yes. Definitely no smile now. Without it, Blake suddenly didnt seem as good-looking as earlier. That lying bastard I have an alibi, and he knows it. Hes just pissed off because she liked me better.Then whyd she keep him around? asked Christian, face almost angelic. Werent you enough?Blake fixed him with a public eye while finishing the new drink in nearly one gulp. Almost by magic, the bartender appeared with another. Blake nodded his thanks before continuing. Oh, I was more than enough. More than enough for a dozen women, but I didnt sign around on the side like he did.Adrians expression was developing increasingly pained at each mention of Tatianas sex life. Still, he played his role. I cogitate youre talking about Ambroses other girl- friends? Yup. But girl is kind of extreme. They were all older, and honestly, I think they give him. Not that your mom needed to pay anyone, added Blake. I mean, shes actually pretty hot. But you know, she couldnt really be with him in any real way.It seemed to take all of them a moment to follow what Blake was alluding to. Adrian caught on first. What did you just say?Oh. Blake looked legitimately surprised, but it was hard to say if it was an act. I thought you knew. Your mom and Ambrose well, who could blame her? With your papa? Though just amidst you and me, I think she could have make better. Blakes tone implied exactly whom he thought Daniella could have done better with.In Lissas vision, Adrians aura flared red. You son of a bitch Adrian was not the fighting type, but there was a first time for everythingand Blake had just cover a serious line. My mom was not cheating on my dad. And even if she was she sure as hell wouldnt have to pay for it.Blake didnt seem fazed, but maybe things would have been different if Adrian actually had hit him. Lissa rested her hand on Adrians arm and squeezed it g ently. Easy, she murmured. I felt the smallest tingle of calming compulsion move from her into him. Adrian recognized it immediately and pulled his arm back, giving her a look that said he didnt appreciate her help.I thought you didnt like your dad, said Blake, utterly clueless that his news might be upsetting. And besides, dont get all pissy at me. I wasnt sleeping with her. Im just telling you what I heard. Like I said, if you want to start accusing random people, go after someone like Ambrose.Lissa jumped in to keep Adrian from saying anything. How many women? Do you know who else he was involved with?Three others. Blake ticked off names on his hand. Marta Drozdov and Mirabel Conta. Wait. Thats two. I was thinking with Daniella thats three. But then, thats four with the queen. Yeah, four.Lissa didnt concern herself with Blakes faulty math skills, though it did support Adrians previous idiot claims. Marta Drozdov was a semi- disreputable royal who had taken to travelling the wor ld in her old age. By Lissas estimation, Marta was hardly in the U.S. most of the year, let alone Court. She didnt seem invested enough to murder Tatiana. As for Mirabel Conta she was notorious in a different way. She was known for sleeping with half the guys at Court, married or otherwise. Lissa didnt know her well, but Mirabel had never seemed overly kindle in any one guy.Sleeping with other women wouldnt really give him a motive for killing the queen, pointed out Lissa.No, check outd Blake. Like I said, its obvious that Hathaway girl did it. He paused. Damned shame too. Shes pretty hot. God, that body. Anyway, if Ambrose had killed her, hed have done it because he was jealous of me, because Tatiana liked me better. Not because of all those other women he was doing.Why wouldnt Ambrose just kill you? asked Christian. Makes more sense.Blake didnt have a chance to respond because Adrian was still back on the earlier topic, his eyes flashing with anger. My mother wasnt sleeping wit h anybody. She doesnt even sleep with my father. Blake continued in his oblivious way. Hey, I saw them. They were all over each other. Did I mention how hot yourStop it, warned Lissa. Its not component part.Adrian clenched his glass. None of this is helping Clearly, things werent going the way hed hoped when hed first summoned Lissa and Christian from her room. And Im not going to sit and listen to this bullshit. Adrian downed the drink and shot up from his chair, turning abruptly for the exit. He tossed some cash on the bar before walking out the door.Poor guy, said Blake. He was back to his calm, arrogant self. Hes been through a lot between his aunt, mom, and murdering girlfriend. Thats why really, at the end of the day, you just cant trust women. He winked at Lissa. Present company excluded, of course.Lissa felt as excite as Adrian, and a quick glance at Christians stormy face showed he felt the same. It was time to go before someone really did punch Blake. Well, its been grea t talking to you, but we need to go.Blake gave her puppy-dog eyes. But you just got here I was hoping we could get to know each other. It went without saying what he meant by that. Oh. And Kreskin too.Christian didnt even bother with a correction this time. He simply took hold of Lissas hand. We have to go.Yeah, agreed Lissa.Blake shrugged and waved for another drink. Well, any time you want to really experience the world, come find me.Christian and Lissa headed for the door, with Christian muttering, I really hope that last part was meant for you, not me.Thats no world I want to experience, said Lissa with a grimace. They stepped outside, and she glanced around, in reason Adrian had lingered. Nope. He was gone, and she didnt blame him. I can see now why Ambrose and Adrian dont like him. Hes such a Asshole? supplied Christian. They turned toward her building.I suppose so.Enough to commit murder?Honestly? No. Lissa sighed. I kind of agree with Ambrose I dont think Blakes smart enou gh for murder. Or that the motives really there. I cant tell if people are lying or not from their auras, but his didnt reveal anything overly dishonest. You joked, but if anyone was going to commit a jealous murder, why wouldnt the guys want to kill each other? A lot easier.They did both have easy access to Tatiana, Christian reminded her.I know. But if there is love and sex involved here it seems like itd be someone jealous of the queen. A woman.A long, meaningful pause hung between them, neither of them wanting to say what they were both likely thinking. Finally, Christian broke the silence.Say, like, Daniella Ivashkov?Lissa shook her head. I cant believe that. She doesnt seem like the type.Murderers never seem like the type. Thats why they get away with it.Have you been studying up on your criminology or something? No. They reached her buildings front door, and he opened it for Lissa. Just laying out some facts. We know Adrians mom never liked Tatiana for genius reasons. Now we find out that they were sharing the same guy.She has an alibi, said Lissa stonily.Everyone has an alibi, he reminded her. And as weve learned, those can be paid for. In fact, Daniellas already paid for one.I still cant believe it. Not without more proof. Ambrose swore this was more political than personal.Ambrose isnt off the list either.They came to Lissas room. This is harder than I thought it would be. They went inside, and Christian wrapped his arms around her.I know. But well do it together. Well figure it out. But we might want to keep some of this to ourselves. Maybe Im overreacting here, but I think itd be best if we dont ever, ever tell Adrian his mom has an excellent motive for having killed his aunt.Oh, you think? She rested her head against his chest and yawned.Naptime, said Christian, leading her toward the bed.I still need a shower.Sleep first. Shower later. He pulled back the covers. Ill sleep with you.Sleep or sleep? she asked dryly, sliding gratefully into bed. accredited sleep. You need it. He crawled in beside her, spooning against her and resting his face on her shoulder. Of course, afterward, if you want to result any official Council business I swear, if you say Little Dragomirs, you can sleep in the hall.Im sure there was a patented Christian retort coming, but another knock cut him off. He looked up in exasperation. Dont answer it. For real this time.But Lissa couldnt help herself. She broke from his embrace and climbed out of bed. Its not Adrian Then its probably not important, said Christian.We dont know that.She got up and opened the door, revealingmy mother.Janine Hathaway swept into the room as nervelessly as Adrian had, her eyes sharp as she studied every detail around her for a threat. Sorry I was away, she told Lissa. Eddie and I wanted to set up an alternating system, but we both got pulled for duty earlier. She glanced over at the rumpled bed, with Christian in it, but being who she was, she came to a hardheaded conclus ion, not a romantic one. Just in time. I count on youd want to sleep after the test. Dont worryIll keep watch and make sure nothing happens.Christian and Lissa exchanged rueful looks.Thanks, said Lissa.