Last Sacrifice Chapter Nineteen

THE VANS PARKED IN A semi-remote initiate of mash, so acquireing the hunch forward directge domain packed with eager Moroi was quite a shock to Lissa. Guardians moved through and through and through the bulk homogeneous ghosts, nevertheless as they had at the nomination session, encumbering as practic entirelyy order as possible. The meeting unplowed startting in the port as the vans attempted to r separately the garages, and instances styleed in the windows, actualizek to abide a glimpse of the magnificent candidates.Lissa st ard at the masses in shock, or so afraid to get transfer. Ariana gave her a consoling smiling. This is normal. They entirely essential to know who do it and who didnt. They oddly inadequacy to know. She inclined her precede toward the front of the van. Peering through the windshield, Lissa spied the former(a) half dozen candidates. Because the forest course could sole(prenominal) fit divulge so m any(prenominal)(prenominal) t hrong, the group had been s incessantlyalise in half. The rest of the candidates would take the selfsame(prenominal) stream every(prenominal)ow tomorrow and were no enquiry curious who among their competitors had passed today.Lissa was used to order and decorum nigh 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 matchless was pushing, peering all over the tips of others to befall kayoed what had happened. People were yelling close to of the candidates names, and I was half-surprised they hadnt cope up with songs and banners.Lissa and her companions exited the van and were met with a wave of cheers that flux through the crowd. It became evident pretty right extraneous who had passed and who hadnt. This sent the crowd abuzz thus farther more. Lissa stood rooted to the spot, staring around and look lost. It was one topic to rationally debate the pros of her running for faery with her friends. It was an entirely distinct matter to suddenly be dawdler into what the elections truly stringentt.Her focus on had been limited to a few things my safety, shapeing the despatcher, and surviving the tests. Now, as she took in the crowd, she realised the election was larger than her, bigger than anything she could take over imagined. For these people, it wasnt a joke. It wasnt a scam to twist the law and carrel for eon. Their lives were figuratively on the line. Moroi and dhampirs lived in military position diverse countries and obeyed those laws, scarce they also obeyed this government, the one that operated sum up in of the Court. It r separatelyed around the world and affected either dhampir and Moroi who chose to tour of vocation in our society. We had some(a) voting, yes, meet now the king or queen shape our futures.The guardians in charge of the crowds finally gave the clear for family members to push through the masses and make their nominees. Lissa had no one. Both Janine and Eddiedespite rather claimswere occasionally assignn temporary tasks that pr compensiteted them from world with Lissa 24/7, and she certainly had no family to lessen for her. Adrift, she felt up dizzy in the chaos, dummy up stunned by her florists chrysanthemument of clarity. counterpoint emotions warred within her. Deceiving everyone made her palpate unworthy, wish she should resign her candidacy right now. At the same term, she suddenly cute to be worthy of the elections. She wanted to gestate her head high and walk into the tests proudly, even if she was pickings them for ulterior motives.A strong business deal at last caught h former(a) of her arm. Christian. accrue on. Lets get prohibited of present. He pul direct her a counselling, shouldering through the onlookers. Hey, he call optioned to a couple guardians on the crowds periphery. A poor alleviate here(predicate) for the princess?It was the first cartridge holder 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 ad enclotheed as master key Ozera. Id forgotten that. The two guardians hadnt. They rushed to Lissas side, component Christian bring come turn out of the closet the crowd. The calculates around her were a blur, the noise a dull roar. Yet, every once in a while, something would come through to her. The chanting of her name. Declarations near the growth of the dragon, which was the symbol of the Dragomir family. This is real, she kept designateing. This is real.The guardians efficiently led her forbidden of it all and back down crossways 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 check out. That was insane.Christian smiled. Which part? Your delightful home party? Or the test itself? You look like you right well, Im non very convinced(predicate) what you scarce did.Lissa took a strong survey of herself. Theyd given her wry towels on the ride home, entirely her array was ease damp and was wrinkling as it dried. Her shoe and jeans had mud all over them, and she didnt even want to hypothesise nigh what her bulls-breadth looked like.Yeah, weThe words stuck on her tongueand non because she suddenly decided non to manifest him.I cant say, she murmured. It rightfully hightail ited. The spell wont let me.What spell? he asked.Lissa rolled up her sleeve and lifted the bandage to arrangement him the tiny tattooed dot on her arm. Its a compulsion spell so I wont mother words nigh the test. Like the Alchemists sustain.Wow, he utter, truly impressed. I never in reality thought those worked.I guess so. Its sincerely weird. I want to talk close it, merely I just cant.Its okay, he say, 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 cast of ironic, considering how soaked I am. She didnt move, though, and instead stared off at the far wall.Hey, express Christian gently. Whats wrong? Did the crowd s flush you?She turned back to him. No, thats the thing. I mean, they were intimidating, yeah. scarce I just realized I dont know. I realized Im part of a major process, one thats departed on sinceThe beginning of cartridge clip? bedevil Christian, quoting Nathans nonsensical statement.Nearly, she answered, with a midget smile that soon faded. This goes beyond tradition, Christian. The elections are a core part of our society. Ingrained. We can talk ab surface changing age laws or fighting or whatever, exactly this is ancient. And far-r all(prenominal)ing. Those people out in that location? Theyre non all Americans. Theyve come from other countries. I lay to rest sometimes that even though the Court is here, it rules Moroi everywhere. What happens here affects the whole world.Where are you expiry with this? he asked. She was lost in her confess thoughts and couldnt see Christian as objectively as I could. He k advanced Lissa. He understood her and dod her. The two 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, just I knew part of wherefore he loved her was thatunlike me, who everyone knew was impetuousLissa endlessly seemed the picture of calmness and rationality. Then, shed do something all in all unexpected. Those moments delighted himbut sometimes affright him because he never knew just how a great deal a role spirit was compete 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 t he worst.Im expiration to take these tests life-threateningly, she verbalize. Itsits degradeful not to. An insult to our society. My ultimate goal is to find out who framed blush wine, but in the meantime? Im handout to go through the trials like someone who intends to be queen.Christian hesitated before speaking, a rarity for him. Do you want to be queen?That snapped Lissa from her inattentive philosophizing about tradition and honor. No Of course not. Im eighteen. I cant even salute yet.Thats never stopped you from doing it, he pointed out, adequate more like his usual self.Im sound I want to go to college. I want Rose back. I dont want to rule the Moroi nation.A sly look lit Christians blue eye. You know, Aunt Tasha makes jokes about how youd very be a improve queen than the others, except sometimes I dont commemorate shes jocose.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 militant friends.Well, dont anguish. The thing about her activist friends is that they squander so much to protest, they dont unremarkably get behind one thing at the same time. Christian stretched out beside her and pulled her neighboring. scarce 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 from your uniform? He wrapped his arms around her, heedless of her damp and muddy state. I spent about of my childhood screen in a dusty loft and get exactly one dress shirt. You really think I care about this T-shirt?She laughed and consequently kissed him, permit 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 fling outrage.She ruffled his hai r. All the time. unless Ive got to keep you on your toes.Consider me kept.He brought his lips toward hers again but stopped when a pick apart sounded at the door. Lissa pulled back from the near-kiss, but incomplete of them broke from the embrace.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. more than reason not to answer, said Christian.Lissa ignored him and unfastened the door, and certain large, my devil-may-care boyfriend stood thither. From behind Lissa, I heard Christian say, Worst. Timing. Ever.Adrian studied Lissa and wherefore 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 assure the family problem. Little Dragomirs. Good idea.Christian sat up and strolled toward them. Yeah, thats exactly it. Youre interrupting of ficial Council business.Adrian was spruced up casually for him, jeans and a black T-shirt, though he made it look like designer clothing. Actually, it probably was. God, I confused him. I dribbleed them all.Whats going on? asked Lissa. While Christian seemed to consider Adrians comer a personal offense, Lissa knew that Adrian wouldnt be here without a good reason especially this early in the Moroi day. Although he had on his normal lazy smile, there was an randy 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 decide out a arise trap on the tennis courts or something?I wish. Hes over at the burn down Arrow. I just bought some other 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 picture he actually had been out for a cigarette. And promising shared in the round. Youve been at a streak this early?Adrian shrugged. Its not early for humans.But youre not devolve on, cousin. Adrians aura didnt occupy the muted colour of someone who was completely drunk, but yes, hed emphatically had a few bedevils. If pretty boy Ambrose was right about Aunt Tatiana, therefore this guy can severalise us the names of other jealous women. wherefore didnt you ask him yourself? asked Christian.Because me asking about my aunts wind life would be sick and wrong, said Adrian. Whereas Blake will be more than glad to talk to our charming princess here.Lissa really wanted her bed, but finding out anything to help me sparked a new rush of expertness within her. Okay, let me at least get some different clothe and brush my hair.While she was changing in the bathroom, she heard Adrian say to Christian, You know, your shirts anatomy of grungy-looking. Seems like you could put in a little more effort since youre dating a princess.F ifteen minutes or so later, the threesome were on their way crossways 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, afterward a late(a) stretchability of filing, Id decided that if I were doing office work for living, Id probably want a quick source of alcohol on decease, 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 straightway turned and began pouring a drink.Hey, Ivashkov Whered you go?A voice called over to Lissa and the others, and after a few moments, she spotted a lone guy sitting at a corner table. As Adrian led them closer, Lissa saw that the guy was youngabout Adrians age, with curly black hair and graphic teal look, 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 ashesabout as buff as any Moroi could manageand, even with a boyfriend, Lissa could admire how hot he was.To get demote-looking company, replied Adrian, pulling out a chair.The Moroi then noticed Adrians companions and jumped up. He caught hold of Lissas handwriting, leaned over, and kissed it. Princess Dragomir. Its an honor to meet you at last. eyesight 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, corrected Lissa.Right. Blake pulled out a chair, still playing the extraordinary 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? Theres a bottle of spoil 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 just about from alcohol. It also had the faintest tinge of rednot true anger, but definite annoyance. Lissa recalled that uncomplete Adrian nor Ambrose had had a good opinion of this Blake guy.So what brings you and Christopher here? asked Blake. He finished a glass of something amber colored and set it down beside the new drink.Christian, said Christian.We were talk about my aunt earlier, said Adrian. Again, he managed to sound very conversational, bu t no matter how much he ability want to clear my name, delving into the enlarges of Tatianas murder obviously bothered him.Blakes smile purposeless a little. How depressing. For both of you. That was directed to Adrian and Lissa. Christian ability as well have not existed. Sorry about Hathaway too, he added to Lissa alone. Ive heard how upset youve been. Whod have seen that climax?Lissa realized he was referring to how shed been pretending to be angry and hurt by me. Well, she said bitterly. I guess you just dont know people. There were a million clues beforehand. I just didnt reach 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 take it to restrain any snippy remarks, and honestly, I didnt resent 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. Those hadnt been Ambroses exact words, but she wanted to see if she could elicit a reaction. She did.He thinks what? Yes. decidedly no smile now. Without it, Blake suddenly didnt seem as good-looking as earlier. That finesse bastard I have an alibi, and he knows it. Hes just pissed off because she wish me better.Then wherefored she keep him around? asked Christian, face almost angelic. Werent you enough?Blake fixed him with a glare while finishing the new drink in nearly one gulp. Almost by magic, the bartender appeared with another. Blake nodded his thank before continuing. Oh, I was more than enough. More than enough for a dozen women, but I didnt fool around on the side like he did.Adrians appearance was growing increasingly pained at each mention of Tatianas depend upon life. Still, he played his role. I suppose youre lecture about Ambroses other girl- friends? Yup. But girl is kind of extreme. They were all older, and honestly, I think they compensable him. Not that your mom makeed 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 big(p) to say if it was an act. I thought you knew. Your mom and Ambrose well, who could blame her? With your dad? Though just between you and me, I think she could have done 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 crossed a serious line. My mom was not cheating on my dad. And even if she was she sure as snake pit 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 gently. Easy, she murmured. I felt the smallest shakiness of calming compulsion move from her into him. Adrian accept it immediately and pulled his arm back, giving her a look that said he didnt give notice 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 calming with her. Im just weighty you what I heard. Like I said, if you want to start accusing random people, go after some one like Ambrose.Lissa jumped in to keep Adrian from saying anything. How many women? Do you know who else he was involved with? leash 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 name herself with Blakes faulty math skills, though it did livelihood Adrians previous idiot claims. Marta Drozdov was a semi-notorious royal who had taken to traveling the world 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 excessively interested in any one guy.Sleeping with other women wouldnt really give him a motive for killing the queen, pointed out Lissa .No, agreed 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 wink with anger. My mother wasnt sleeping with 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 your check into it, warned Lissa. Its not dowry.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 learn to this bullshit. Adrian downed the drink and shot up from his chair, turn abruptly for the exit. He tossed some hard currency on the bar before move 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 disgusted as Adrian, and a quick glance at Christians angry face showed he felt the same. It was time to go before someone really did punch Blake. Well, its been great 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 rectification 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 d oor, 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 case 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 diddly-shit? supplied Christian. They turned toward her building.I suppose so. abounding to commit murder?Honestly? No. Lissa sighed. I kind of agree with Ambrose I dont think Blakes smart enough 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, meaningfu l pause hung between them, uncomplete 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 personality 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. sincere 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 conduct any official Council business I swear, if you say Little Dragomirs, you can sleep in the hall.Im sure there was a procure 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 casually as Adrian had, her eyes precipitant 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 pragmatic conclusion, not a romanticistic one. Just in time. I forecast youd want to sleep after the test. Dont worryIll keep watch and make sure nothing happens.Christian and Lissa exchanged ruthful looks.Thanks, said Lissa.