Frostbite Chapter 16

SixteenLISSA FOUND ME LATER IN the day. Id f everyen torpid after Mason left, too dejected to leave the bed. Her slamming of the door jar me awake.I was happy to take heed her. I requisiteed to spill close the fumbled thing with Mason, save before I could, I read her feelings. They were as vexd as mine. So, as al trends, I practice her first.What happened?She sat on her bed, sinking into the feather duvet, her feelings both furious and sad. Christian.Really? Id never cognize them to fight. They teased each early(a)wise(a) a lot, and it was hardly the cast of thing that could nearly sum her to tears.He found stunned I was with Adrian this morning.Oh, wow, I said. Yeah. That might be a problem. Standing up, I walked all over to the adorner and found my brush. Wincing, I stood in front of the gilt-framed mirror and began brush out the snarls acquired during my nap.She groaned. tho nonhing happened Christians freaking out over nonhing. I senst call back he doesnt trust me.He trusts you. The whole things on the nose weird, thats all. I mind around Dimitri and Tasha. Jealousy makes multitude do and say stupid things. moreover nothing happened, she repeated. I remember, you were on that point and- hey, I never found out. What were you doing in that respect?Adrian sent me a bunch of perfume.He- you mean that giant box you were carrying?I nodded.Whoa.Yeah. I came to return it, I said. The question is, what were you doing there?Just blithering, she said. She started to escaped up, on the verge of telling me something, and thusly she paused. I matte the thought al approximately reach the front of her mind and then persist shoved back. Ive got a lot to tell you, scarcely first tell me whats up with you. slide fas tennerers up with me.Whatever, Rose. Im not psychic standardized you, but I agnize when youre pissed saturnine or so something. Youve been kind of down since Christmas. Whats up? at virtuoso time wasnt the time to get in to what had happened on Christmas when my mom told me about Tasha and Dimitri. But I did tell Lissa the story about Mason- editing out wherefore I had stopped- and simply driving home how I had.Well she said when I correct. That was your even out.I know. But I kind of led him on. I bay window see why hed be up set up.You big cats can probably fix it, though. Go blether to him. Hes crazy about you.It was more than than miscommunication. Things with Mason and me couldnt be scratchy up so easily. I dont know, I told her. Not every one(a)s akin you and Christian.Her nervus darkened. Christian. I still cant believe hes being so stupid about this.I didnt mean to, but I laughed. Liss, you laugh atsll kiss and make up in like a day. More than kiss, probably.It slipped out before I could stop it. Her eyes widened. You know. She shook her head in exasperation. Of course you know.Sorry, I said. I hadnt meant to let her know I knew about the sex thing, not until she told me herself.S he eyed me. How much do you know?Um, not much, I lied. Id finished brushing my hair but began playing with the brushs handle in value to avoid her eyes.I moderate got to learn to keep you out of my mind, she muttered. tho itinerary I can colloquying to you lately. Another slipup.Whats that supposed to mean? she demanded.Nothing I She was giving me a sharp look. I I dont know. I alone feel like we dont talk as much some(prenominal)more.Takes dickens to fix that, she said, voice kind again.Youre right, I said, not pointing out that ii could fix that exactly if one wasnt perpetually with her boyfriend. True, I was guilty in my own way of locking things up- but I had cherished to talk to her a number of times lately. The timing just never seemed to be right- not even now. You know, I never thought youd be first. Or I guess I never thought Id be a senior and still be a virgin.Yeah, she said dryly. Me either.Hey Whats that supposed to mean?She grinned, then caught sight of her watch. Her smile miss. Ugh. Ive got to go to Priscillas ranch. Christian was supposed to go with me, but hes off being an idiot. Her eyes focused hopefully on me.What? No. Please, Liss. You know how I hate those formal imperial things.Oh, come on, she begged. Christian flaked out. You cant throw me to the wolves. And didnt you just say we needed to talk more? I groaned. Besides, when youre my guardian, youll take on to do these things all the time.I know, I said darkly. I thought I could maybe enjoy my last six months of freedom.But in the end, she conned me into going with her, as wed both cognize she would.We didnt obligate much time, and I had to do a rush shower, blow-dry, and somatic composition job. Id brought Tashas dress on a whim, and while I still wanted her to suffer horribly for being attracted to Dimitri, I was grateful for her present now. I pulled on the silken material, happy to see the shade of red was just as killer on me as Id imagined. It was a long, As ian-style dress with flowers embroidered into the silk. The mellowed neck and long hem cover a lot of skin, but the material clung to me and looked sexy in a different kind of way than showing a lot of skin did. My black eye was lots nonexistent by now.Lissa, as always, looked amazing. She wore a deep purple dress by Johnna Raski, a well-known Moroi designer. It was sleeveless and made of satin. The tiny amethyst-like crystals set into the straps sparkled against her pale skin. She wore her hair up in a loose, artfully styled bun.When we reached the banquet room, we force a few eyes. I dont sound off the royals had expected the Dragomir princess to bring her dhampir friend to this highly anticipated, invitation-only dinner. But hey, Lissas invite had said and guest. She and I took our places at one of the tables with some royals whose names I promptly forgot. They were happy to sack me, and I was happy to be ignored.Besides, it wasnt like there werent plenty of other distractio ns. This room was done all in silver and blue. Midnight blue silk cloths covered the tables, so shiny and smooth that I was terrified to eat on them. Sconces of beeswax candles hung all over the walls, and a fireplace decorated with stain glass crackled away in one corner. The effect was a inter-group communication panorama of color and light, dizzying to the eye. In the corner, a slim Moroi woman compete soft cello music, her face dreamy as she focused on the song. The clinking of crystal wineglasses complemented the strings low, sweet notes.Dinner was equally amazing. The regimen was elaborate, but I recognized everything on my plate (china, of course) and liked all of it. No foie gras here. Salmon in a sauce of shiitake mushrooms. A salad with pears and bottom cheese. Delicate almond-stuffed pastries for dessert. My only complaint was that the portions were small. The food seemed more like it was there to simply decorate the plates, and I swear, I finished it in ten bites. Moroi might still need food along with their blood, but they didnt need as much as a human- or, say, a growing dhampir girl- needed.Still, the food alone could have justified me coming along on this venture, I decided. Except, when the meal ended, Lissa told me we couldnt leave.We have to mingle, she whispered.Mingle?Lissa laughed at my discomfort. Youre the social one.It was true. In most circumstances, I was the one who put myself out there and wasnt afraid to talk to quite a little. Lissa tended to be shyer. Only, with this base, the tables were turned. This was her element, not mine, and it amazed me to see just how well she could interact with royal high society now. She was perfect, polished and polite. Everyone was eager to talk to her, and she always seemed to know the right thing to say. She wasnt using compulsion, exactly, but she definitely put out an air that drew others to her. I think it might have been an unconscious effect of spirit. Even with the meds, her sembla nceal and natural charisma came through. Whereas desirous social interactions had once been forced and stressful for her, she now conducted them with ease. I was purple of her. Most of the conversation stayed pretty light fashion, royal love lives, etcetera No one seemed to want to spoil the atmosphere with ugly Strigoi talk.So I clung to her side for the rest of the night. I tried to tell myself it was just practice for the future, when Id follow her around like a quiet shade anyway. The truth was, I just felt too uncomfortable with this group and knew my usual snarky defense mechanisms really werent useful here. Plus, I was painfully certain that I was the only dhampir dinner guest. There were other dhampirs, yes, but they were in formal guardian mode, hovering on the periphery of the room.As Lissa worked the crowd, we drifted over to a small group of Moroi whose voices were growing louder. One of them I recognized. He was the guy from the fight that Id helped break up, only this time he wore a striking black tuxedo instead of a swimsuit. He glanced up at our approach, blatantly checked us out, but app bently didnt remember me. Ignoring us, he continued on with his argument. Not surprisingly, Moroi protection was the topic. He was the one whod been in favor of Moroi going on the offensive against the Strigoi.What post of suicide dont you understand? asked one of the men standing nearby. He had silvery hair and a bushy mustache. He wore a tux too, but the younger guy looked mend in one. Moroi instilling as soldiers will be the end of our race.Its not suicide, exclaimed the young guy. Its the right thing to do. We have to start looking out for ourselves. Learning to fight and use our magic is our greatest asset, other than the guardians.Yes, but with the guardians, we dont need other assets, said ash grey cop. Youve been listening to non-royals. They dont have any guardians of their own, so of course theyre sc ard. But thats no reason to drag us dow n and put our lives at risk. and then dont, said Lissa suddenly. Her voice was soft, but everyone in the little group stopped and looked at her. When you talk about Moroi learning how to fight, you make it sound like an all-or-nothing matter. Its not. If you dont want to fight, then you shouldnt have to. I completely understand. The man looked slightly mollified. But, thats because you can rely on your guardians. A lot of Moroi cant. And if they want to learn self-defense, theres no reason why they shouldnt do it on their own.The younger guy grinned triumphantly at his adversary. There, you see?Its not that easy, countered Silver Hair. If it was just a matter of you crazy people wanting to get yourselves killed, then fine. Go do it. But where are you going to learn all these so-called fighting skills?Well figure the magic out on our own. Guardians will teach us actual physical fighting.Yes, see? I knew that was where this was going. Even if the rest of us dont take part in your sui cide mission, you still want to strip us of our guardians to train up your pretend army.The young guy scowled at the word pretend, and I wondered if more fists would fly. You owe it to us.No, they dont, said Lissa.Intrigued gazes turned her way again. This time, it was Silver Hair who regarded her triumphantly. The younger guys features flushed with anger.Guardians are the best battle resources we have.They are, she agreed, but that doesnt feast you the right to take them away from their duty. Silver Hair practically glowed. thus how are we supposed to learn? demanded the other guy.The alike way guardians do, Lissa certified him. If you want to learn to fight, go to the academies. Form classes and start at the beginning, the same way the novices do. That way, you wont be taking guardians away from active protection. Its a unhazardous environment, and the guardians there specialize in teaching students anyway. She paused thoughtfully. You could even start qualification defense p art of the standard curriculum for Moroi students already there.Astonished stares fell on her, mine included. It was such an elegant solution, and everyone else around us cognize it. It gave no party 100 percent of its demands, but it met most in a way that didnt really harm the other side. Pure genius. The other Moroi studied her with wonder and fascination.Suddenly, everyone started talking at once, excited about the idea. They drew Lissa in, and soon there was a passionate conversation going on about her plan. I got shuffled to the edges and decided that was just fine. Then I retreat altogether and sought out a corner near a door.Along the way, I passed a server with a tray of hors doeuvres. Still hungry, I eyed them suspiciously but saw nothing that looked like the foie gras from the other day. I gestured to one that looked like some sort of braised, rare meat.Is that cat liver? I asked.She shook her head. Sweetbread.That didnt sound bad. I reached for it.Its pancreas, said a voice behind me. I jerked back.What? I squeaked. The waitress took my shock for rejection and go on.Adrian Ivashkov moved into my line of sight, looking immensely pleased with himself.Are you messing with me? I asked. Sweetbread is pancreas? I dont know why that shocked me so much. Moroi consumed blood. Why not internal organs? Still, I repressed a shudder.Adrian shrugged. Its really good.I shook my head in disgust. Oh, man. Rich people suck.His amusement continued. What are you doing here, little dhampir? Are you pursuit me around?Of course not, I scoffed. He was dressed to perfection, as always. Especially not after all the trouble youve gotten us into.He flashed one of his tantalizing smiles, and despite how much he annoyed me, I again felt that overwhelming urge to be near him. What was up with that?I dont know, he teased. He looked perfectly sane now, exhibiting no trace of the weird behavior Id witnessed in his room. And yeah, he looked a lot better in a tuxedo than any gu y Id seen in there so far. As many times as we keep seeing each other? This is, what, the fifth time? Its kickoff to look suspicious. Dont worry, though. I wont tell your boyfriend. Either of them.I opened my spill the beans to protest, then remembered hed seen me with Dimitri earlier. I refused to blush. I only have one boyfriend. expression of. Maybe not anymore. And anyway, theres nothing to tell. I dont even like you.No? asked Adrian, still jocund. He leaned toward me, like he had a secret to share. Then why are you wearing my perfume?This time, I did blush. I took a step back. Im not.He laughed. Of course you are. I counted the boxes after you left. Besides, I can smell it on you. Its nice. Sharpbut still sweet- just like Im sure you are deep down inside. And you got it right, you know. Just enough to enlarge an edgebut not enough to drown your own scent. The way he said scent made it sound like a dirty word.Royal Moroi might make me uncomfortable, but smartass guys hittin g on me didnt. I dealt with them on a regular basis. I shook off my shyness and remembered who I was.Hey, I said, tossing my hair back. I had every right to take one. You offered them. Your mistake is in assuming me taking one meat anything. It doesnt. Except that maybe you should be more careful with where you dump all that money of yours.Ooh, Rose Hathaway is here to play, folks. He paused and took a glass of what looked like champagne from a passing waiter. You want one?I dont crispable.Right. Adrian pass on me a glass anyway, then shooed the waiter away and took a drink of the champagne. I had a feeling it wasnt his first of the night. So. Sounds like our Vasilisa put my protactinium in his place.Your I glanced back at the group Id just left. Silver Hair still stood there, gesticulating wildly. That guys your dad?Thats what my mom says.You agree with him? to the highest degree how Moroi fighting would be suicide?Adrian shrugged and took another sip. I dont really have an opinion on that.Thats not possible. How can you not feel one way or another?Dunno. Just not something I think about. Ive got better things to do.Like stalk me, I suggested. And Lissa. I still wanted to know why shed been in his room.He smiled again. I told you, youre the one following me.Yeah, yeah, I know. Five times- I stopped. Five times?He nodded.No, its only been four. With my free hand, I ticked them off. There was that first night, the night at the spa, then when I came to your room, and now tonight.The smile turned secretive. If you say so.I do say so Again, my words trailed off. I had talked to Adrian one other time. sort of. You cant mean Mean what? A curious, eager expression lit his eyes. It was more hopeful than presumptuous.I swallowed, recalling the dream. Nothing. Without thinking about it, I took a drink of champagne. Across the room, Lissas feelings burned back to me, calm and content. Good.Why are you smiling? Adrian asked.Because Lissas still over there, workin g that crowd.No surprise there. Shes one of those people who can charm anyone she wants if she tries hard enough. Even people who hate her.I gave him a wry look. I feel that way when I talk to you.But you dont hate me, he said, finishing the last of his champagne. Not really.I dont like you either.So you keep saying. He took a step toward me, not threatening, just making the space between us more intimate. But I can live with that.RoseThe sharpness of my mothers voice skim through the air. A few people within earshot glanced over at us. My mother- all five angry feet of her- stormed up to us.