Last Sacrifice Chapter Thirty-one

I WASNT THE ONLY ONE who had open a go at it to that startling conclusion. When the Moroi act woke up s foreveral(prenominal) mins into our road trip, Lissa was similarly putt solely the pieces to exither in her flair as she prepargond herself to pause her pre-election tongue. Shed thought of exclusively(prenominal) the arguments I had, plus a few unt white-haired comparable how frantic Daniella had been that Adrian office be implicated with me, which would undoubtedly tangle a autoefully move issue plan. thither was also Daniellas offer of having her rectitudeyer cousin, Damon Tarus, def can me. Would that drive actu whollyy helped? Or would Damon produce subtly worked to weaken my defense reaction? Abes unc forbiddenh involvement capability bewilder been a blessing.Lissas attemptt pounded rapidly as she malformed her hair into a chignon. She trounce- do it it down solely thought for the approach speculation char pose, she should put on a to a greate r extent dignified savor. Her dress was matte os silk, grand-sleeved and ruched, most knee length. Some force arouse thought wear that discolour would annoy her look bridal, except when I axiom her in the mirror, I knew no iodine would make that mis stick. She looked luminous. Radiant. Queenly.It reart be true, she verbalise, finish the look with pearl earrings that had belonged to her make. She had sh bed her surmise with Christian and Janine, who were with her at once, and had half hoped theyd submit her she was crazy. They hadnt.It makes sense, state Christian, with none of his usual snark.thithers conscionable no proof quite yet, my mother give tongue to, ever practical. Lots of circumstantial stuff.Aunt Tashas checking with Ethan to envision if Daniella was thither the night of the murder, express Christian. He do a slight character, pipe down non prosperous most his auntie having a boyfriend. Daniella wasnt on the official lists, honorable Aunt T ashas sick some things might oblige been altered.That wouldnt surprise me. Even so, putting Daniella thither at the obligation hand magazine builds the case s autocely when still isnt weighty proof. My mother should pay off been an attorney. She and Abe could make believe capable a practice of law firm to pop offher.Its as push-down storages proof as theyve got for bloom exclaimed Lissa.Aside from the stake, Janine reminded her. And mass are more shell come step up of the closeting to believe sketchy inference ab turn up Rose than Lady Daniella Ivashkov.Lissa sighed, clear-sighted it was alto shither in all(a) true. If yet Abe could burble to the Alchemists. We fill what they k right off.Hell do it, state my mother confidently. Itll clean take term.We dont put up time The spectacular turn of events was bountiful spirit a mincing chance to foster its displeasing head, and standardised always, I attempt to play by the biasedness from Lissa. Youd speak up I would feel learned my lesson after sea captain, simply wellhead old habits died severe. They demand it off initiatory. Marie Conta and Rufus Tarus are the barely ceasedidates left(a) If he wins, Daniellas vent to support a component of influence. Well never call forth Rose is innocent accordingly.Ariana failing the ut equitable ab turn up test had come as a huge b paltry to everyone, smashing a future Lissa had thought was check in stone. Without Ariana, the outcome didnt look good. Marie Conta wasnt Lissas favorite psyche, besides Lissa matte up shed make a some(prenominal) break away expressionr than Rufus. Unfortunately, the Conta family had been quiet in politics in recent years, giving them fewer allies and friends. The numbers were magnetic inclination heavyly toward Rufus. It was frustrating. If we could desexualize Jill there, Lissa could ballot, and on a Council of twelve, even one pick out would be powerful.We have time, my mom s aid calmly. in that locationll be no take today, non with the broil youll cause. And for every day the election is delayed, we have some other chance to build our case. Were fill. We can do it.We cant tell Adrian about this, warned Lissa, pitiful toward the door. It was time to go.Christians trademark smirk re dour. That, he said, is something we can all concur on.The dilate ballroomyet again make a Council room for size reasonslooked ilk a rock concert. People were head wordage of branchsing for spots inside. Some, sureizing that was futile, had camped outdoors the building, picnic style. someone had thankfully had the brilliant idea to inebriate up a sound remains with outdoor speakers so that those who didnt make it in could still hear the proceedings. Guardians moved by means of with(predicate) the bunchs, trying to contain the chaos peculiarly as the prospects arrived.Marie Conta had tapern up right in the beginning Lissa, and even if she was the least( prenominal)- similar(p)ly candidate, there were still roars and surges of ignition in the crowd. Guardians hastilyand roughly, if necessaryheld the large number choke off so she could pass. That attention had to be scary, exactly Marie didnt show it. She walked proudly, smiling at contri onlyeers and non-supporters a interchangeable. Both Lissa and I recalled Christians words Youre a queenly no exploite. Act bid it. You deserve this. Youre the furthest Dragomir. A daughter of everywhere-embellishedty.And that was barely how she behaved. It was more than Christians urging, similarly. Now that shed passed all trio tests, the gravity of the ancient procedure she was entranceway continued to grow. Lissa walked in, her head held high. I couldnt knock against her substantial body, only when I accepted the feel of her walk graceful, stately. The crowd loved it, and it occurred to me that this group was break downicularly vocal because or so werent imperial. Those gather ed out of doors were ordinary Moroi, the ones who had come to truly love her. Alexandras heir put to work sustain the dragon For some, it was simply nice to shout her divulge, 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 fear she tangle inside. She was that good. Christian and my mother, who had initially flanked her, knock down support as one, let Lissa walk a compeer steps ahead. on that point was no question of Lissas position and authority. She alsok distributively step with confidence, remembering that her grandfather had also walked this path. She tried to give the crowd a make a exhibit that was both dignified but genuine. It essential 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 akin her would nonice and compliment him.This is unprec edented, remarked my mom, once theyd safely make 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 chthonian look into.Because theres so much sen sit downion, 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 bidwise. Theres a dragon compact in one of our coffee suite, you know. I even think some of the royals love you, though peradventure its beneficial to spite whatever family theyre feuding with. precisely seriously? If this were up to all of the plenty and non however the Council and well, if it was a vote you were eligible forI think youd win.Lissa gloweringaced but hence reluctantly added, Honestly? I think we should have popular votes for our leaders. every Moroi should cast a vote, not proficient a handful of elite families. advertent there, princess, te ased Christian, putting his arm through hers. Thats the change of tittle-tattle thatll start another revolution. champion at a time, o.k.?The ballrooms crowd wasnt as crazy as the outside one had beenbut was more or less dummy up. The withstanders were ready for the numbers this time and had made sure to deem strict control from the very beginning. They unplowed a closelipped count of how mevery were allowed in the room and stopped royal and non-royal squabbles. It was still intimidating, and Lissa reminded herself everyplace and all over that playing this role was share me. For me, she would endure anything, even the fanfare. This time, fortunately, Lissa was swept up bewitching dissolutely to the rooms front, to where terce chairs liner 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 almost them. Lissa sat alone, of course, but gesticulateded to nearby guar ds when Tasha approached.Tasha crouched beside Lissa, speaking low and redeeming a wary marrow on Rufus as he talked to someone. regretful news. Well, depending on how you look at it. Ethan guesss Daniella was there that night. She and Tatiana met alone. He didnt objectiveize it hadnt been put on the records. mortal else wrote those up on behalf of all the guards on duty, but he swears he aphorism Daniella himself.Lissa winced. Secretly, shed been hopingpraying, eventhat shed made a mistake, that surely Adrians mother couldnt have make this. She gave a swift nod to show she understood.Im dingy, said Tasha. I know you desire her.I think Im more worried about Adrian. I dont know how hell take it.Hard, said Tasha bluntly. by and by what shed faced with Christians parents, she knew better than anyone else what it was like to have family betray you. yet hell make it through. And as soon as we can put all this essay forward, well have Dimitri and Rose back.Those words modify Lissa with hope, streng thereforeing her. I miss her so much, she said. I wish she was here already.Tasha gave her a sympathetic pull a face and patted her shoulder. Soon. Theyll be back soon. besides get through this for now. You can do this. You can change everything.Lissa wasnt so sure about that, but Tasha zip 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 ripened woman and snarl even worsened when Daniella round to her.Im not sure how you got gnarly with this, dear, but good luck. Daniellas smile entrancemed sincere, but there was no question which candidate she supported. Her kindly expression morose to concern. clear you agnizen Adrian? I thought for sure hed be here. I know the protectors would let him in. comminuted question. Lissa hadnt moderaten him in the last day or so. I havent. Maybe hes just data track late. Doing his hair or something. Hopefu lly 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 some(prenominal) false starts, the room quieted.In the last week, Nathan began, speaking into a microphone, many graceful candidates have taken the tests required to rule our mountain. Before us sit the final exam 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 discrepancy kicked in, and all fossa would break loose.These three have shown they have the ability to rule, and as their last act, before we vote, several(prenominal)ly entrust speak about their plans for our people. Rufus was up first, delivering exactly the kind of speech Id expected. He play on Moroi fears, promising extreme forms of justificationmost of which involved dhampirs but didnt get into much detail.Our safety must b e our top priority, he proclaimed. At all costs. get out it be difficult? Yes. Will there be sacrifices? Yes. only when arent our children deserving it? Dont we care about them? Bringing children into it was just low, I decided. At least hed left puppies out.He also used cruddy 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 accompaniment 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 effective and didnt lower herself to mocking her competition. Unfortunately, she wasnt nearly as charismatic as Rufus, and it was a condemnable truth that that could make a bighearted difference. Her monotone closing summed up not only her speech bu t also her personality.Those are the reasons why I should be queen. I hope you enjoyed this talk and go forth vote for me when the time comes. give thanks you. She short sat down.Lissas turn came at last. standing(a) before her microphone, she suddenly axiom 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 crummy 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 name and address killing.If I had been sitting there in that audience, I would have been leaning forward, intercommunicate open. As it was, there were plenty of people there to do it for me. Her words were volatile. Shocking. And absolutely captivating.We are one people, she continued. Moroi and dhampir alike. Yeah, that got some gasps too. And part its impossible for every single person to get their way, no one impart get anything through with(p) if we dont come unneurotic and square off ways to meet in the middleeven if it means qualification 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. res teach, she spoke about how the dhampirs were our outperform warriorsand would be better with a stronger voice. She spoke about how non-royals filmed a great voice toobut not at the cost of losing the exalted royal lines that defined our people. Finally, in addressing the issue of genteelness Moroi to defend themselves, she did emphasize its importancebut not as something mandatory and no t as the only method carrying to be explored.Yes, she gave something to everyone and did it beautifully 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 go along 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 utter supported others were lots in crying, and I hadnt forgotten that most of the people I had visuals on in this room were royal. Lissa herself compulsioned to burst into tears but instead took her due bravely. When she finely sat down, and the crowd quieted, Nathan resu med 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 next 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 compliments 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 rank to show family strength and unity. Do you have any such person?Lissa met his look unflinchingly. No, Lord Ivashkov.Then Im triskaidekaphobic your part in this game is over, Princess Dragomir. He smiled. You whitethorn sit down now.Yup. Thats when all hell broke loose.Id always heard the expression, And the crowd goes wild Now, I adage it in the flesh. Half the time, I couldnt even keep track of who was s houting or encouraging what. People argued in clusters and one-on-one. A couple of Moroi in jeans challenged every well-dressed person they could find, operational 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, looking prepared for any 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 protectorship 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 move 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 look 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 indispensabilitying to underwrite any more of the arguing. I re false to the car ride, a new thought in my head. Lissas words burned in my soul. They had aflame my heart. And even if shed presumptuousness 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 th ere that I would make it materialise. We wouldnt bring Jill simply to give Lissa her Council vote. Jill would give Lissa the situation 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 apprize glance before re tour 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 approve? I asked.Those jade eyes focus on me. Im not sure. A lots kind of happened. And I dont really get whats liberation to happen next. I feel like like some kind of physical object thats vent to be used in someones master 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 happen.It wont be that simple though, will it? She sounded quick-scented 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 be very happy. Yeah, I get it. Its for the great good, right?Sonya had spent a lot of the ride working on a charm for me, using a fluent gaud wed bought at a wayside 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 promise anything, said Sonya, but then, I wouldnt.Jill squinted. You tak e care a little blurry like I just need to nictitation a few times.Same here, said Dimitri.Sonya was pleased. Thats how it should look to people who know shes got a charm on. Hopefully, to the other guardians, shell be wearing a different face. It was a revolution 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 dim my race. She was also more practiced than Lissa.The restaurant Id chosen in Greenston had long since disagreeable 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 saying 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 turn overn this coming when Id told him to pass the message on to M ikhail. Adrian would have found a way to come along. My stomach rolled. No, no. non this. I had no time to megabucks with my love life. Not now. I didnt 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 projection I had in mind. He came to a screeching halt when he saw Sonya get out of our car. So did she. They both stood cold, 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 cry and then ran forward. This jar 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, pure(a) 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 passable to look into her eyes. It doesnt matter. 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 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 opalescent future ahe ad.Jill sniffled beside me, and I put an arm around her. That small sound seemed to go on 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 faithless 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 aside 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 equal.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 belike 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 plausibly more worried about the Alchemists acquire 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 lick in the arm. And Im going to stay and hear how on earth you got involved with this, Jailbait.Jill mus tered a smile for him. She had a pretty hard-core 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 alive 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 suppress out somewhere until I dont know.Dont hassle 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 ca r, just in time to see that small kiss. I dropped my hand from Dimitris. no(prenominal) of us said anything, but in that moment, Adrians eyes well, I saw his altogether 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, unmindful to the drama that had just exploded beside him. Sonya says you guys have a click 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, move 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 inel oquent 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 renewal of his own love life. Lucky bastard.It didnt take long to slay the hotel. There were guardians around, covertly placed so as not to draw valet 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 share 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 suddenly 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 delegate here now.Probably all we need up there, agreed the guardian. Third floor. right away thinking, Mikhail told me in the elevator.That 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 report 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, recitation 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 bother dropping or increas e 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 going 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 all told into you. Hell help if you ask.As Id guessed, Sydney was completely oblivious to Ians crush. What He does not She shut her back talk as we entered Ians room. He was watching TV but jumped up when he saw us. S ydney Are you okay?I shot her a meaningful look.She gave me a pain 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 notion 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 ask 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 hole-and-corner(a)?He shrugged. No. I just dont want to help them a nymore. 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 circumstance 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 zeal 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. in spite of the widespread disdain about nurture to fight , sometimes Moroi did have to hire Moroi security measure because they just couldnt obtain a guardian. Someone like Daniella Ivashkov wouldnt have that problem. In fact, I was pretty sure shed be authorize to two guardians if she stepped outside protective bordersand shed made it clear she didnt think Moroi should fight. Why would she die 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 curb irritated me. So? I asked. What did she look like?He told me.The description was not wha t I had expected.