Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-one

I WASNT THE ONLY ONE who had come to that startling conclusion. When the Moroi Court woke up several hours into our road trip, Lissa was also putting alone the pieces unitedly in her room as she prep ard herself to leave alone her pre- choice speech. Shed thought of whatsoever the arguments I had, plus a few more resembling how frantic Daniella had been that Adrian qualification be implicated with me, which would undoubtedly unravel a c atomic number 18fully laid show up plan. There was also Daniellas offer of having her lawyer cousin, Damon Tarus, defend me. Would that shake up precise succored? Or would Damon claim subtly worked to weaken my defense? Abes unc unwraph involvement might arouse been a blessing.Lissas assayt pounded rapidly as she twisted her hairs-breadth into a chignon. She preferred it down that thought for the coming up to nowt, she should put on a more dignified style. Her dress was matte ivory silk, presbyopic-sleeved and ruched, roughly knee length. Some might harbor thought wearing that color would nark her flavour bridal, save when I saying her in the mirror, I knew no genius would make that mistake. She looked luminous. Radiant. Queenly.It cant be true, she said, completing the look with pearl earrings that had belonged to her mother. She had sh atomic number 18d her theory with Christian and Janine, who were with her now, and had half hoped theyd tell her she was crazy. They hadnt.It makes sense, said Christian, with none of his usual snark.Theres up estimable no proof quite yet, my mother said, ever practical. Lots of circumstantial stuff.Aunt Tashas checking with Ethan to ingest if Daniella was in that location the night of the murder, said Christian. He do a slight face, passive not happy about his aunt having a boyfriend. Daniella wasnt on the official lists, hardly Aunt Tashas worried some things might throw off a bun in the oven been altered.That wouldnt surprise me. Even so, putting Daniella on that point at the mightily time builds the case just now still isnt hard proof. My mother should perplex been an attorney. She and Abe could have candid a law firm together.Its as much proof as theyve got for Rose exclaimed Lissa.Aside from the stake, Janine reminded her. And people are more willing to believe incomplete evidence about Rose than Lady Daniella Ivashkov.Lissa sighed, cogniseing it was all true. If only Abe could talk to the Alchemists. We need what they know.Hell do it, said my mother confidently. Itll bonny take time.We dont have time The dramatic turn of events was giving spirit a nice chance to raise its ugly head, and corresponding al modes, I tried to pull the evil from Lissa. Youd speak up I would have learned my lesson after Victor, scarcely well old habits died hard. They come first. Marie Conta and Rufus Tarus are the only candidates left If he wins, Daniellas going to have a distribute of influence. Well never prove Rose is innocent then.Arian a failing the uttermost test had come as a huge blow to everyone, shattering a future Lissa had thought was set in s quality. Without Ariana, the outcome didnt look good. Marie Conta wasnt Lissas favorite person, but Lissa felt shed make a much better formula than Rufus. Unfortunately, the Conta family had been quiet in politics in recent years, giving them fewer allies and friends. The numbers were leaning dangerously toward Rufus. It was frustrating. If we could get Jill there, Lissa could vote, and on a Council of twelve, even one vote would be powerful.We have time, my mom said calmly. Therell be no vote today, not with the controversy youll cause. And for every day the election is delayed, we have another chance to build our case. Were close. We can do it.We cant tell Adrian about this, warned Lissa, moving toward the door. It was time to go.Christians trademark smirk returned. That, he said, is something we can all have on.The elaborate ballroomyet again made a Council roo m for size reasonslooked like a rock concert. People were fighting for spots inside. Some, realizing that was futile, had camped away(p) the building, picnic style. Someone had thankfully had the brilliant idea to hook up a sound system with outdoor speakers so that those who didnt make it in could still hear the proceedings. Guardians moved through the crowds, hard to contain the chaosparticularly as the candidates arrived.Marie Conta had shown up just before Lissa, and even if she was the least-likely candidate, there were still hollas and surges of fervidness in the crowd. Guardians hastilyand roughly, if necessaryheld the mob back so she could pass. That attention had to be scary, but Marie didnt show it. She walked proudly, smiling at reserveers and non-supporters alike. Both Lissa and I recalled Christians lyric Youre a queenly nominee. Act like it. You deserve this. Youre the last Dragomir. A daughter of royalty.And that was simply how she behaved. It was more than Chr istians urging, too. Now that shed passed all three tests, the gravity of the antediluvian patriarch procedure she was entering continued to grow. Lissa walked in, her head held high. I couldnt see her whole body, but I recognized the feel of her walk graceful, stately. The crowd loved it, and it occurred to me that this crowd was particularly vocal because most werent royal. Those gathered outside were ordinary Moroi, the ones who had come to truly love her. Alexandras heir Bring back the dragon For some, it was simply bountiful to shout her name, adding on the titles of an old Russian folktale heroine who shared the same name Vasilisa the brave Vasilisa the beautifulI knew no one would guess the worry she felt inside. She was that good. Christian and my mother, who had initially flanked her, fell back as one, letting Lissa walk a couple steps ahead. There was no chief of Lissas horizon and authority. She took for each one step with confidence, remembering that her grandfath er had also walked this path. She tried to give the crowd a make a face that was both dignified but genuine. It must have worked because they went even wilder. And when she paused to comment on a dragon banner a man had painted in support, the artist nearly passed out that someone like her would notice and compliment him.This is unprecedented, remarked my mom, once theyd safely made it inside. Theres never been this sort of turnout. There certainly wasnt during the last election.Why so great this time? asked Lissa, who was trying to get her breathing under control.Because theres so much sensation, between the murder and you muddling the law. That and well, the way youre winning the hearts of every non-royal out there. The dhampirs too. Theres a dragon shrink in one of our coffee rooms, you know. I even think some of the royals love you, though maybe its just to spite whatever family theyre feuding with. yet di badvantageously? If this were up to all of the people and not just t he Council and well, if it was a vote you were eligible forI think youd win.Lissa grimaced but then reluctantly added, Honestly? I think we should have popular votes for our leaders. Every Moroi should cast a vote, not just a handful of elite families.Careful there, princess, teased Christian, putting his ramification through hers. Thats the kind of talk thatll start another revolution. One at a time, alright?The ballrooms crowd wasnt as crazy as the outside one had beenbut was pretty close. The withstanders were devise for the numbers this time and had made sure to dungeon strict control from the very beginning. They kept a tight direct of how umteen were allowed in the room and stopped royal and non-royal squabbles. It was still intimidating, and Lissa reminded herself over and over that playing this role was helping me. For me, she would endure anything, even the fanfare. This time, fortunately, Lissa was swept up pretty quickly to the rooms front, to where three chairs fa cing the crowd had been set up for the candidates. Rufus and Marie were already seated, speaking in low voices to a few select family members. Guardians stood some them. Lissa sat alone, of course, but nodded to nearby guards when Tasha approached.Tasha crouched beside Lissa, speaking low and keeping a wary eye on Rufus as he talked to someone. Bad news. Well, depending on how you look at it. Ethan says Daniella was there that night. She and Tatiana met alone. He didnt realize it hadnt been put on the records. Someone else wrote those up on behalf of all the guards on duty, but he swears he cut Daniella himself.Lissa winced. Secretly, shed been hopingpraying, eventhat shed made a mistake, that surely Adrians mother couldnt have through with(p) this. She gave a swift nod to show she understood.Im sorry, said Tasha. I know you wish her.I think Im more worried about Adrian. I dont know how hell take it.Hard, said Tasha bluntly. After what shed faced with Christians parents, she knew better than anyone else what it was like to have family go wrong you. But hell make it through. And as soon as we can put all this evidence forward, well have Dimitri and Rose back.Those linguistic process filled Lissa with hope, potenceening her. I miss her so much, she said. I wish she was here already.Tasha gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her shoulder. Soon. Theyll be back soon. Just get through this for now. You can do this. You can change everything.Lissa wasnt so sure about that, but Tasha hurried off to join her activist friends and was replaced byDaniella.Shed come to talk to Rufus, offering support and family love. Lissa couldnt bear to look at the older woman and felt even worse when Daniella spoke to her.Im not sure how you got involved with this, dear, but good luck. Daniellas smile seemed sincere, but there was no question which candidate she supported. Her kindly expression turned to concern. Have you seen Adrian? I thought for sure hed be here. I know the guardians would let him in.Excellent question. Lissa hadnt seen him in the last day or so. I havent. Maybe hes just running late. Doing his hair or something. Hopefully not passed out somewhere.Daniella sighed. I hope so.She left, taking a seat in the audience. Once again, Adrians father was running the session, and after several false starts, the room quieted.In the last week, Nathan began, speaking into a microphone, many worthy candidates have taken the tests required to rule our people. in the beginning us puzzle the final three Rufus Tarus, Marie Conta, and Vasilisa Dragomir. Nathans tone sounded displeased over that last one, but thus far, the law would let her give her speech. After that, the laws inconsistency kicked in, and all hell would bypass loose.These three have shown they have the ability to rule, and as their last act, before we vote, each will speak about their plans for our people. Rufus was up first, delivering exactly the kind of speech Id expected. He played on Moroi fears, promising extreme forms of protectionmost of which involved dhampirs but didnt get into much detail.Our safety must be our top priority, he proclaimed. At all costs. Will it be difficult? Yes. Will there be sacrifices? Yes. But arent our children worth it? Dont we care about them? Bringing children into it was just low, I decided. At least hed left puppies out.He also used dirty politician tricks, slandering his rivals. Marie was mostly slammed for her familys lack of activity. Lissa, however, was a great target. He pushed her age, the danger of spirit, and the fact that her being there in the first place was a violation of the law.Maries speech was much more thoughtful and detailed. She laid out very explicit plans on all sorts of issues, most of which were reasonable. I didnt agree with all she said, but she was clearly competent and didnt lower herself to mocking her competition. Unfortunately, she wasnt nearly as charismatic as Rufus, and it was a sad truth that that could make a big difference. Her monotone closing summed up not only her speech but also her personality.Those are the reasons why I should be queen. I hope you enjoyed this talk and will vote for me when the time comes. Thank you. She abruptly sat down.Lissas turn came at last. Standing before her microphone, she curtly saw the chalices dream, where shed faltered in front of the Council. But no, this was reality. She wouldnt fail. She would go forward.Were a people at war, she began, voice loud and clear. Were constantly attackedbut not just by Strigoi. By one another. Were divided. We fight with one another. Family against family. Royal against non-royal. Moroi against dhampir. Of course the Strigoi are picking us off. Theyre at least united behind a terminal killing.If I had been sitting there in that audience, I would have been leaning forward, mouth open. As it was, there were plenty of people there to do it for me. Her words were volatile. Shocking. And utterly captiva ting.We are one people, she continued. Moroi and dhampir alike. Yeah, that got some gasps too. And while its impossible for every single person to get their way, no one will get anything done if we dont come together and find ways to meet in the middleeven if it means making hard choices.Then, extraordinarily, she explained how it could be done. True, she didnt have the time to give fine details on every single issue in our world, but she hit a lot of the big ones. And she managed to do it in a way that didnt offend anyone too badly. After all, she was right in saying not everyone could get their way. so far, she spoke about how the dhampirs were our best warriorsand would be better with a stronger voice. She spoke about how non-royals ask a greater voice toobut not at the cost of losing the exalted royal lines that defined our people. Finally, in addressing the issue of training Moroi to defend themselves, she did emphasize its importancebut not as something mandatory and not as the only method needing to be explored.Yes, she gave something to everyone and did it attractively and charismatically. It was the kind of speech that could make people follow her anywhere. She concluded with, We have always mixed the old with the new. Weve kept magic alongside technology. We conduct these sessions with scrolls andwith these. She smiled and tapped her microphone. Thats how we have survived. We hold onto our pasts and embrace our present. We take the best of it all and grow stronger. Thats how we have survived. Thats how we will survive.Silence met her conclusionand then the cheers began. I actually heard the roar from outside on the lawn before it started within. People I would have sworn supported others were practically in tears, and I hadnt forgotten that most of the people I had visuals on in this room were royal. Lissa herself wanted to burst into tears but instead took her due bravely. When she finely sat down, and the crowd quieted, Nathan resumed his role. Well, he said. That was a very pretty speech, one we all enjoyed. But now, the time has come for the Council to vote on our coterminous leader, andby lawonly two candidates stand ready for that position Rufus Tarus and Marie Conta. Two Moroi, one each from the Tarus and Conta families, came forward to join their respective candidates. Nathans gaze fell on Lissa who had risen like the others but stood alone. According to the election lawslaws set down since the beginning of timeeach candidate must approach the Council, escorted by someone of their bloodline in order to show family strength and unity. Do you have any such person?Lissa met his eyes unflinchingly. No, Lord Ivashkov.Then Im afraid your part in this game is over, Princess Dragomir. He smiled. You may sit down now.Yup. Thats when all hell broke loose.Id always heard the expression, And the crowd goes wild Now, I saw it in the flesh. Half the time, I couldnt even keep track of who was shouting or supporting what. People ar gued in clusters and one-on-one. A couple of Moroi in jeans challenged every well-dressed person they could find, operating under the irrational assumptions that anyone in nice clothes must be royal and that all royals hated Lissa. Their devotion to her was admirable. Creepy, but admirable. One group from the Tarus family stood face to face with a Conta group, tone prepared for either a gang fight or a dance-off. That was one of the most bizarre pairings of all since those two families were the only ones who should be in complete agreement on anything.On and on it went. People fought about whether Lissa should be eligible for the vote. They fought about having a session to change the law books right at that moment. Some fought over things Id never even heard of before. A rush of guardians to the door made me think the outside crowd was trying to break in. My mother was among that defense, and I knew shed been right thered be no vote today, not with this anarchy. Theyd have to close the session and try again tomorrow.Lissa stared at the crowd, feeling numb and unable to keep up with all the activity. Her stomach twisted as something dawned on her. All this time, shed sworn that shed respect the dignity of the election tradition. Yet, it was because of her that things were now anything but dignified. It was all her fault. Then, her eyes fell on someone sitting in a back corner, far from the pandemonium. Ekaterina Zeklos. The old former queen caught Lissas eyeand winked.I faded out of that room, not needing to see any more of the arguing. I returned to the car ride, a new thought in my head. Lissas words burned in my soul. They had stirred my heart. And even if shed given her speech as a decoy, there had been passion in themardent belief. If she had been eligible to be queen, she would have stood behind those words.And thats when I knew. She would be queen.I decided then and there that I would make it happen. We wouldnt bring Jill simply to give Lissa her Counci l vote. Jill would give Lissa the status that would allow Moroi to vote for her. And Lissa would win.Naturally, I kept these thoughts to myself.Thats a dangerous look, said Dimitri, giving me a brief glance before returning his eyes to the road.What look? I asked innocently.The one that says you just got some idea.I didnt just get an idea. I got a great idea.Jokes like that used to make Jill laugh, but turning to look at her in the backseat showed me she didnt find much funny at all.Hey, you okay? I asked.Those jade eyes focused on me. Im not sure. A lots kind of happened. And I dont unfeignedly get whats going to happen next. I feel like like some kind of object thats going to be used in someones schoolmaster plan. Like a pawn.A bit of guilt tugged at me. Victor had always used people as part of a game. Was I any different? No. I cared about Jill. Youre not an object or a pawn, I told her. But youre very, very important, and because of you, a lot of good things are going to happ en.It wont be that simple though, will it? She sounded wise beyond her years. Things are going to get worse before they get better, arent they?I couldnt lie to her. Yeah. But then youll get to contact your mom and well, like I said, good things will happen. Guardians always say They come first when were talking about Moroi. Its not exactly the same for you, but in doing this well She gave me a smile that didnt seem very happy. Yeah, I get it. Its for the greater good, right?Sonya had spent a lot of the ride working on a charm for me, using a silver bracelet wed bought at a roadside gift shop. It was tacky-looking but made of real silver, which was what counted. When we were about a half hour from Greenston, she deemed it finished and handed it over. I slipped it on and looked at the others.Well?I dont see anything, said Sonya, but then, I wouldnt.Jill squinted. You seem a little blurry like I just need to blink a few times.Same here, said Dimitri.Sonya was pleased. Thats how it s hould look to people who know shes got a charm on. Hopefully, to the other guardians, shell be wearing a different face. It was a variation of what Lissa had made when wed busted Victor out of prison. Only, this required less magic because Sonya only had to slightly alter my features and didnt need to obscure my race. She was also more practiced than Lissa.The restaurant Id chosen in Greenston had long since closed when we rolled in at eleven thirty. The parking lot was nearly black, but I could make out a car in the back corner. Hopefully, it was Mikhail having gotten there earlyand not a guardian hit squad.But when we parked nearby, I saw that it was indeed Mikhail who got out of the car along with Adrian.He grinned when he saw me, pleased at the surprise. Really, I should have seen this coming when Id told him to pass the message on to Mikhail. Adrian would have found a way to come along. My stomach rolled. No, no. Not this. I had no time to deal with my love life. Not now. I did nt even know what to say to Adrian. Fortunately, I wasnt given the chance to speak.Mikhail had come striding toward us with guardian efficiency, ready to find out what task I had in mind. He came to a screeching freeze when he saw Sonya get out of our car. So did she. They both stood frozen, eyes wider than seemed physically possible. I knew then that the rest of us had ceased to exist, as had all our intrigue, missions, and well, the world. In that moment, only the two of them existed.Sonya gave a strangled predict and then ran forward. This jolted him awake, in time to wrap her in his arms as she threw herself against him. She started crying, and I could see tears on his face too. He brushed her hair back and cupped her cheeks, staring down at her and repeating over and over, Its you its you its you Sonya tried to wipe her eyes, but it didnt do much good. MikhailIm sorryIm so sorryIt doesnt matter. He kissed her and pulled back only enough to look into her eyes. It doesnt mat ter. Nothing matters except that were together again.This made her cry harder. She buried her face against his chest, and his arms tightened more fiercely around her. The rest of us stood as frozen as the lovers had been earlier. It felt wrong witnessing this. It was too buck private we shouldnt have been there. Yet at the same time, I just kept thinking that this was how Id imagined my reunion with Dimitri would be when Lissa had restored him. Love. Forgiveness. Acceptance.Dimitri and I briefly locked eyes, and an uncanny sense told me he was recalling my words You have to forgive yourself. If you cant, then you cant go on either. We cant. I glanced away from him, looking back at the happy couple so that he wouldnt see me tear up. God, I wanted what Mikhail and Sonya had. A happy ending. Forgiveness of the past. A bright future ahead.Jill sniffled beside me, and I put an arm around her. That beautiful sound seemed to draw Mikhail back to our world. Still holding Sonya, he looked over at me.Thank you. Thank you for this. Anything you need. Anything at allStop, stop, I said, afraid I might choke up. Id only just managed to blink away traitorous tears. Im glad glad to have done it, and well it wasnt really me at all.Still Mikhail looked down at Sonya who was smiling at him through her tears. Youve given me my world back.Im so happy for you and I want you to have this, to just enjoy this right now. But I have a favor. One more favor.Sonya and Mikhail exchanged glances in a knowing way. You never would have guessed theyd been apart for three years. She nodded, and he returned his gaze to me. I figured thats why he brought me here. He inclined his head toward Adrian. I need you to get me into the hotel where the Alchemists are staying.The small smile on Mikhails face dropped. Rose I cant get you into any place. You being this close to Court is dangerous enough.I pulled the bracelet from my pocket. Ill have a disguise. They wont know its me. Is there a reason youd have to see the Alchemists?Sonya stayed in his arms, but his eyes were dark with thought. Theyll have guardians near their rooms. We could probably pass ourselves off as relief.Dimitri nodded in agreement. If its too different from their scheduled shift change, itll raise eyebrows but hopefully youll have long enough to get in and find out what you need. The guardians are probably more worried about the Alchemists getting out than other guardians getting in.Absolutely, said Mikhail. So its you and me, Rose?Yup, I said. The fewer, the better. Just enough to question Sydney and Ian. I guess everyone else waits here.Sonya kissed his cheek. Im not going anywhere.Adrian had strolled over by now and given Jill a light, brotherly punch in the arm. And Im going to stay and hear how on earth you got involved with this, Jailbait.Jill mustered a smile for him. She had a pretty hardcore crush on him, and it was a sign of her stress that she didnt blush and go all weak-kneed. They started a conversation, and Dimitri gestured for me to follow him around the car, out of sight.This is dangerous, he said quietly. If that charm fails, you probably arent going to get out of that hotel. There was an unspoken unrecorded at the end of his words.It wont fail. Sonyas good. Besides, if were caught, maybe theyll bring me back to Court instead of killing me. Imagine how much that will slow the elections.Rose, Im serious.I caught hold of his hand. I know, I know. Thisll be easy. We should be in and out in under an hour, but if we arent Man, I hated grim contingencies. If we arent, then send Adrian to Court with Jill, and you and Sonya insure out somewhere until I dont know.Dont worry about us, he said. You just be careful. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead.Little dhampir, are youAdrian came strolling around the car, just in time to see that small kiss. I dropped my hand from Dimitris. None of us said anything, but in that moment, Adrians eyes well, I saw his wh ole world come crashing apart. I felt sicker than if a fleet of Strigoi were around. I felt worse than a Strigoi. Honor, I thought. For real the guardians should have taught it. Because I hadnt learned it.Lets hurry, said Mikhail, walking over, oblivious to the drama that had just exploded beside him. Sonya says you guys have a ticking clock at Court too.I swallowed, dragging my eyes from Adrian. My heart twisted within my chest. Yeah Go, said Dimitri.Remember, I murmured to him. Talking to him is my responsibility. Not yours. I followed Mikhail to his car, slipping on the charmed bracelet. Before getting inside, I cast a quick glance back. Jill and Sonya were speaking together, Dimitri stood alone, and Adrian was taking out a cigarette, his back to them all.I suck, I said dismally, as Mikhail started the car. It was ineloquent but pretty much summed up my feelings.He didnt respond, probably because it wasnt relevant to our task. Either that, or he was still too wrapped up in the re newal of his own love life. Lucky bastard.It didnt take long to reach the hotel. There were guardians around, covertly placed so as not to draw serviceman attention. None of them stopped us as we walked inside. One even gave Mikhail a nod of recognition. They all looked at me like well, like they didnt recognize me. Which was good. With so many guardians helping at Court, new faces were to be expected, and mine didnt look like Rose Hathaways. No one was concerned.Which rooms are they in? Mikhail asked a guardian who was standing in the lobby. Were supposed to relieve that shift. Mikhails manner was perfectly self-assured, enough that the guardianwhile a little surprisedseemed to think this must be okay.Only two of you? There are four up there.I saved us on that one. They want more back at Court. Things are getting out of hand, so just two are being assigned here now.Probably all we need up there, agreed the guardian. trine floor.Quick thinking, Mikhail told me in the elevator.Tha t was nothing. Ive talked myself out of much worse.The rooms were easy to spot because a guardian stood outside them. The rest are inside, I realized, wondering if that would be a problem. But, with that same authoritative attitude, Mikhail told the guy that he and the others had been recalled to Court. The guardian summoned his colleaguesone from each Alchemists rooms, though we couldnt tell whose was whoseand they gave us a brief status reveal before leaving, including who was in which room.When they were gone, Mikhail looked to me. Sydney, I said.Wed been given key cards and walked right into Sydneys room. She sat cross- legged on her bed, reading a book and looking miserable. She sighed when she saw us.Well, what is it now?I took off the bracelet, letting my illusion vanish.There was no jaw dropping or raised eyebrows from Sydney. Just a knowing look. I should have guessed. Are you here to free me? There was a hopeful note in her voice.Um, not exactly. I hated that Sydney was g oing to get punished, but smuggling her out wasnt part of the plan now. We need to talk to Ian, and its probably best if youre there. He knows something important. Something we need.That got the raised eyebrow. She pointed at the door. They wont let us talk to each other.They arent out there, I said smugly.Sydney shook her head ruefully. Rose, you really do scare me sometimes. Just not for the reasons I originally thought you would. Come on. Hes next door, but youll have a hard time getting him to talk. Thats where youll help, I said, as we walked into the hall. I slipped the bracelet back on. Hes totally into you. Hell help if you ask.As Id guessed, Sydney was entirely oblivious to Ians crush. What He does not She shut her mouth as we entered Ians room. He was watching TV but jumped up when he saw us. Sydney Are you okay?I shot her a meaningful look.She gave me a pained one in return and then turned her attention back to Ian. They need your help with something. Some information.He turned his gaze on us, and it immediately went colder. We answered your questions a hundred times.Not all of them, I said. When you were at Court, you saw a examine on the table. Of a dead man. Who was it?Ians lips went into a straight line. I dont know.I sawer, that is, we know you recognized him, I argued. You reacted.I actually saw that too, admitted Sydney.His tone turned pleading. Come on, we dont need to help them anymore. This whole hotel-prison thing is bad enough. Im sick of their games.I didnt blame him, really, but we needed him too much. I glanced at Sydney beseechingly, telling her that only she could get us through this.She turned back to Ian. Whats the deal with the guy in the picture? Is it is it really horrible? Something secret?He shrugged. No. I just dont want to help them anymore. Its irrelevant.Will you do it for me? she asked sweetly. Please? It might help me get out of trouble. Sydney was no master of flirting, but I think just the fact she came close to it astonished him. He hesitated for several moments, glanced at us and then back to her. She smiled at him.Ian caved. I meant what I said. I dont know who he is. He was with a Moroi woman over in the St. Louis facility one day.Wait, I said, derailed. Moroi come to your places?Sometimes, said Sydney. Just like we came to yours. Some meetings happen in person. We dont usually hold your people prisoner, though.I think this guy was like her bodyguard or something, Ian said. She was the one there on business. He just followed and stayed quiet.A Moroi bodyguard?Not uncommon for those that cant get guardians, said Mikhail. Abe Mazur is proof of that. Hes got his own army.I think of them more as a mafia. My joke aside, I was getting confused. Despite the widespread disdain about learning to fight, sometimes Moroi did have to hire Moroi security because they just couldnt obtain a guardian. Someone like Daniella Ivashkov wouldnt have that problem. In fact, I was pretty sure shed be entitled to two guardians if she stepped outside protective bordersand shed made it clear she didnt think Moroi should fight. Why would she travel with Moroi protection when she could have better trained guardians? It made no sense. Still if youd killed a queen, you probably did all sorts of unorthodox things. They didnt have to make sense. Who was she? I asked. The woman?I didnt know her either, said Ian. I just passed them while they were on their way to something. A meeting, maybe.Do you remember what she looked like? Something. We needed something. This was on the verge of falling apart, but if Ian could identify Daniella, we might just be set.Sure, he said. Shes easy to remember.The ensuing silence irritated me. So? I asked. What did she look like?He told me.The description was not what I had expected.