Last Sacrifice Chapter Ten

WHEN YOUR BOYFRIEND IS A dream-walker, you pick up a few lessons. unitary of the most important is that doing physical things in dreams generates exactly manage doing them in the real world. Say, corresponding kissing ab stunned superstar. Adrian and I had ploughshared a procedure of dream- kisses intense enough to spark my body commanding to try a building block cope more. Although Id never actu exclusivelyy attacked psyche in a dream, I was willing to bet a punch here would timbre rightful(prenominal) as painful as a real one.With start hesitation, I lunged toward master copy, uncertain as to whether I should sock him or choke him. deuce seemed equal good ideas. Turned out, I did neither. Before I could make him, I slammed into an invisible jetty ruffianly. It some(prenominal) blocked me from him and bounced me substantiate at the impact. I stumbled, tested to regain my footing, scarce instead landed painfully on the ground. Yupdreams felt in effect(p) like real life.I glared at Robert, tactility a mix of both(prenominal) anger and uneasiness. I tried to hide that populate emotion. Youre a organization subprogramr with telekinesis?Wed cognize that was possible, tho it was a skill neither Lissa nor Adrian had mastered yet. I sincerely didnt like the idea that Robert might generate the power to throw objects approximately and create invisible barriers. It was a disadvantage we didnt claim. Robert remained enigmatic. I control the dream. superscript was looking shore at me with that smug, calculating expression he excelled at. Realizing what an demeaning position I was in, I leapt to my feet. I unbroken a hard stance, my body tense and ready as I wondered if Robert would keep the w alone up continuously. are you done with your tantrum? asked maestro. Behaving like a train individual will make our talk so much more pleasant.I gift no interest in talking to you, I snapped. The scarcely thing Im going to do is hunt you d own in the real world and drag you keystone to the authorities.Charming, tell success. We flush toilet share a cell.I winced.Yes, he continued. I sock all most what happened. Poor Tatiana. Such a tragedy. Such a loss.His mocking, melodramatic measure sparked an alarming idea. You you didnt study everything to do with it, did you? superiors scat from prison had triggered a smoke of fear and paranoia amongst the Moroi. Theyd been convinced he was coming for them all. Knowing the truth most the campaign, Id dismissed such talk and figured hed simply lie low. Now, recollect how hed once privationed to start a revolution among the Moroi, I wondered if the pouffes liquidator actually was the most evil villain we knew.Victor snorted. Hardly. He edit his reach behind his back as he paced the room and dissemble to study the art. I again wondered how far Roberts shield extended. I deliver much more sophisticated methods to secure my goals. I wouldnt stoop to something l ike thatand neither would you.I was most to point out that messing with Lissas mind was just sophisticated, but his last words caught my attention. You dont think I did it?He glanced back from where hed been studying a man with a top hat and cane. Of write down across non. Youd never do anything that required that much foresight. And, if what Ive heard more or less the disgust scene is true, youd never leave that much evidence behind. in that respect was both an insult and a compliment there. Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. Ive been worrying about what youd think. This earned me a smile, and I crossed my arms over my chest. How do you guys nonwithstanding get along whats happening at Court? Do you amaze spies?This sort of thing spreads byout the Moroi world quickly, say Victor. Im not that out of touch. I knew about her murder almost as soon as it happened. And about your most impressive escape.My attention mostly stayed on Victor, but I did cast a quick glance at Robert. He remained silent, and from the blank, distracted look in his look, I wondered if he was even assured of what was being said around him. Seeing him always sent a chill down my spine. He was a prominent example of spirit at its worst.Why do you care? I demanded. And wherefore the hell on earth are you b otherwiseing me in my dreams?Victor continued his pacing, pausing to operate his fingertips along the harps smooth, woody surface. Because I stimulate a undischarged interest in Moroi politics. And Id like to know whos responsible for the murder and what their game is.I smirked. Sounds like youre just jealous soul else is pulling the strings besides you for a change. No pun intended.His hand dropped from the harp, back to his side, and he fixed his sharp eye on me, eyes the same pale green as Lissas. Your witty commentary isnt going to get you anywhere. You can either let us help you or not.You are the last person I want help from. I dont need it.Yes. Things seem to be going sort of comfortably for you, now that youre a hunted fugitive and on the run with a man that many dormant believe is Strigoi. Victor gave a calculated pause. Of course, Im sure you dont mind that last part so much. You know, if I found you two, I could probably shoot you and be wel scratchd back as a hero.Dont bet on it. Rage burned by dint of me, both at his insinuation and because hed caused so much trouble for Dimitri and me in the past. With great force of will, I replied in a low, deadly congresswoman I am going to get wind you. And you probably wont live to see the authorities.We already established murder isnt in your skill set. Victor sat down in one of the cushioned chairs, making himself comfortable. Robert continued standing, that out-of-it expression still on his face. Now, the first thing we need to do is determine why someone would want to kill our late queen. Her abrasive personality is scarce motivation, though Im sure it didnt hurt. People do th ings like this for power and advantage, to stir up their agendums through. From what I hear, Tatianas most controversial action recently was that age legal philosophyyes, thats the one. The one making you scowl at me like that. It stands to reason that her liquidator opposed that.I didnt want to comply with Victor at all. I didnt want a reasonable discussion with him. What I wanted was some indication of where he was in real life, and then, I wanted to regaining a chance on slamming into that invisible wall again. Itd be cost the risk if I could do some damage. So, I was a smirch surprised when I found myself saying, Or, whoever did it wanted to push something worse throughsomething harsher on dhampirs. They thought her decree was too soft.I admit, catching Victor Dashkov off guard was one of the greatest joys of my life. I had that satisfaction now, seeing his eyebrows rise in astonishment. It wasnt easy proposing something a master schemer like him hadnt already considered . Interesting, he said at last. I may have underestimated you, Rose. Thats a brilliant deduction on your part.Well, um it wasnt exactly my deduction.Victor waited expectantly. point Robert snapped out of his daze and focused on me. It was creepy.It was Tatianas. I mean, not her deduction. She said it directlywell, that is, the note she leave for me did. Why was I rambling in front of these guys? At least I surprised Victor again.Tatiana Ivashkov left you a note with clandestine information? Whatever for?I bit my lip and turned my attention over to one of the paintings. It showed an elegant Moroi char with those same jade green eyes most Dashkovs and Dragomirs shared. I short wondered if perhaps Robert had formed this dream in some Dashkov mansion from their childhood. course in my periphery made me instantly turn back to the familiars.Victor rose and took a few steps toward me, curiosity and cunning all over him. Theres more. What else did she tell you? She knew she was in d anger. She knew this honor of nature was part of it but it wasnt the only thing, was it?I remained silent, but a crazy idea began forming in my mind. I was actually considering seeing if Victor could help me. Of course, in retrospect, that wasnt such a crazy notion, considering Id already busted him out of prison to get his help.Tatiana said Should I say it? Should I give up the secret even Lissa didnt know? If Victor knew there was another(prenominal) Dragomir, he might use that knowledge for one of his schemes. How? I wasnt sure but had long in condition(p) to expect the un anticipate from him. Yet Victor knew a lot of Moroi secrets. I would have enjoyed watching him and Abe match wits. And I didnt doubt that a lot of Victors inside knowledge involved the Dragomirs and Dashkovs. I swallowed. Tatiana said that there was another Dragomir. That Lissas dad had an affair and that if I could find whoever this is, itll give Lissa her power back on the Council.When Victor and Rober t exchanged shocked looks, I knew my plan had backfired. Victor wasnt going to give me insight. Instead, Id been the one to just yield valuable information. Damn, damn, damn. He turned his attention back to me, his expression speculative. So. Eric Dragomir wasnt the saint he so often played.I balled my fists. Dont slam her dad.Wouldnt dream of it. I liked Eric immensely. alone yes if this is true, then Tatiana is right. Vasilisa technically has family backing, and her liberal views would certainly cause friction on a Council that never seems to change their ways. He chuckled. Yes, I can unimpeachably see that upsetting many peopleincluding a murderer who wants to vanquish dhampirs. I imagine he or she wouldnt want this knowledge to get out.Someone already tried to get rid of records linking Lissas dad to a mistress. I again spoke without thinking and hated myself for it. I didnt want to give the brothers any more info. I didnt want to play like we were all working together here. And let me guess, said Victor. Thats what youre trying to do, isnt it? reckon this Dragomir bastard.Hey, dontIts just an expression, he interrupted. If I know you twoand I feel confident I do Vasilisa is desperately trying to clear your fall upon back at Court while you and Belikov are off on a sexually charged adventure to find her brother or sister.You dont know anything about us, I growled. Sexually charged indeed.He shrugged. Your face says it all. And in truth, its not a bad idea. Not a great one either, but not bad. Give the Dragomir family a quorum, and youll have a voice speaking on your behalf on the Council. I dont suppose you have any leads? Were working on it, I replied evasively.Victor looked at Robert. I knew the two didnt have any psychic communication, but as they exchanged glances, I had a feeling they were both thinking the same thing and corroboratory with each other. At last, Victor nodded and turned back to me. real well then. Well help you. He made it sound like he was reluctantly agreeing to do me a big favor.We dont need your helpOf course you do. Youre out of your league, Rose. Youre wandering into a nest of ugly, complex politicssomething you have no experience with. Theres no shame in acknowledging that, just as Im not ashamed to admit that in an irrational, ill-planned fist fight, you would certainly prove superior. other backhanded compliment. Were doing just fine. We have an Alchemist helping us. There. That would show him who was out of whose league. And, to my credit, he did look slightly impressed. Slightly.Better than I expected. Has your Alchemist come up with a location or any lead yet?Shes working on it, I repeated.He sighed in frustration. Were going to need time then, arent we? both for Vasilisa to investigate Court and you to start tracking this child.Youre the one who acts like you know everything, I pointed out. I figured youd know something about this.To my chagrin, no. Victor didnt really sound all that set out. But as soon as we get a thread, I assure you, Ill be essential in unraveling it. He walked over to his brother and patted Roberts arm comfortingly. Robert stared back adoringly. Well visit you again. allow us know when you have something useful, and then well meet up with you. My eyes widened. Youll do no such I hesitated. Id let Victor escape in Las Vegas. Now he was offering to come to me. Maybe I could repair that mistake and make good on my earlier panic to him. Quickly, I tried to cover my lapse of speech. How do I know I can trust you?You cant, he said bluntly. Youve got to take it on faith that the enemy of your enemy is your friend.Ive always hated that saying. Youll always be my enemy.I was a bit surprised when Robert suddenly came to life. He glared and stepped forward. My brother is a good man, shadow-girl If you hurt him if you hurt him, youll pay. And next time you wont come back. The world of the dead wont give you up a second time.I knew better than to take the th reats of a crazy man seriously, but his last words sent a chill through me. Your brother is a psychoEnough, enough. Victor again gave Robert a reassuring pat on the arm. Still scowling at me, the younger Dashkov brother backed off, but I was willing to bet that invisible wall was back in place. This does us no good. Were wasting timewhich is something we dont have enough of. We need more. The monarch elections will start any day now, and Tatianas murderer could have a hand in those if there really was some agenda going on. We need to slow down the electionsnot just to gravel the assassin, but also to give all of us time to accomplish our tasks.I was getting tired of all this. Yeah? And how do you resolve we do that?Victor smiled. By running Vasilisa as a medical prognosis for queen.Seeing as this was Victor Dashkov we were dealing with, I really shouldnt have been surprised by anything he said. It was a testament to his level of monomania that he continually caught me unprepared .That, I declared, is impossible.Not really, he replied.I threw my hands up in exasperation. Havent you been paying attention to what weve been talking about? The wholly point is to get Lissa full family rights with the Moroi. She cant even vote How could she run for queen?Actually, the law says she can. According to the way the nomination policy is written, one person from each royal line may run for the monarch position. Thats all it says. One person from each line may run. There is no mention of how many people need to be in her family, as there is for her to vote on the Council. She simply needs three nominationsand the law doesnt specify which family they come from.Victor spoke in such a precise, crisp way that he might as well have been reciting from a legal book. I wondered if he had all the laws memorized. I so-called if you were going to make a career of breaking laws, you might as well know them.Whoever wrote that law probably assumed the candidates would have family mem bers. They just didnt bother spelling it out. Thats what people will say if Lissa runs. Theyll fight it.They can fight it all they want. Those who are denying her a Council spot base it on one line in the law books that mentions another family member. If thats their argument, that every degree must count, then theyll have to do the same for the election laws which, as I have said, do not mention family backing. Thats the beauty of this loophole. Her opponents cant have it both ways. A smile twisted at Victors lips, supremely confident. I assure you, there is absolutely nothing in the wording that prevents her from doing this.How about her age? I pointed out. The princes and princesses who run are always old. The title of prince or princess went to a familys oldest member, and traditionally, that was the person who ran for king or queen. The family could decide to nominate someone else more fitting, but even thento my knowledgeit was always someone older and experienced.The only age restriction is full adulthood, said Victor. Shes eighteen. She qualifies. The other families have much larger pools to draw from, so naturally, theyd select someone who seemed more experienced. In the Dragomir case? Well, thats not an option, now is it? Besides, young monarchs arent without precedence. There was a very famous queenAlexandrawho wasnt much older than Vasilisa. Very well loved, very extraordinary. Her statue is by the Courts church.I shifted uncomfortably. Actually its, um, not there anymore. It kind of blew up.Victor just stared. Hed apparently heard about my escape but not all of the details.Its not important, I said hastily, feeling guilty that Id been indirectly responsible for blowing up a renowned queen. This whole idea about using Lissa is tight.You wont be the only one who thinks so, Victor said. Theyll argue. Theyll fight. In the end, the law will prevail. Theyll have to let her run. Shell go through the tests and probably pass. Then, when voting comes, the laws that govern those procedures reference a family member assisting with the vote.My extend was spinning by now. I felt mentally exhausted sense of hearing to all these legal loopholes and technicalities.Just come right out and put it in simple language, I ordered.When voting comes, she wont be eligible. She has no family to bring through the role required at the actual election. In other words, the law says she can run and take the tests. Yet, people cant actually vote for her because she has no family.Thats idiotic.Agreed. He paused. I dont think either of us ever expected to concur on something.Lissa would hate this. She would never, ever want to be queen.Are you not following this? exclaimed Victor. She wont be queen. She cant. Its a badly written law for a situation no one foresaw. Its a mess. And it will peat bog down the elections so badly that well have extra time to find Vasilisas sibling and find out who really killed Tatiana.Hey I told you Theres no we here. Im no t going toVictor and Robert exchanged looks.Get Vasilisa nominated, said Victor abruptly. Well be in touch soon on where to meet you for the Dragomir search. ITThats notI woke up.My immediate reaction was to swear, but then, remembering where I was, I kept my expletives inside my own head. I could make out Dimitris silhouette in the corner, alert and watchful, and didnt want him to know I was awake. Closing my eyes, I shifted into a more comfortable position, hoping for true sleep that would block out the Dashkov brothers and their ridiculous schemes. Lissa running for queen? It was crazy. And yet it really wasnt much crazier than most of the things I did.Putting that aside, I let my body relax and felt the dig of true sleep start to take me down. Emphasis on start. Because suddenly, I felt another spirit dream materializing around me.Apparently, this was going to be a busy night.