Soul Bound

Chapter 2

RPOV

"Keep them separated, if we leave them alone for five minutes they will come up with an escape plan."

Naturally, tall, dark and handsome was not only well.. tall, dark and handsome but also smart. Although Lissa could convey messages through the bond, I could not communicate back. Stupid one-way bond.

We were ushered into a vehicle, I in one car and Lissa in another car. I was pretty upset about this and was about to protest but Lissa gave me a look that said to not start any trouble. We had to accept the consequences. I reluctantly climbed into the other car. Lissa was accompanied by five other guardians in that car and me with three in the car behind her. The last of the eleven guardians were in the last car. I almost had to laugh. We looked like one of those security details you see on Royalty or dignitaries. Not conspicuous at all. But I suppose Lissa was Royalty and now that we were in the open it meant if Strigoi got wind of where Lissa was, we would need this security detail. However, leaving Lissa's side made me anxious. Strigoi might not be such a problem with eleven guardians and me, but we still don't know who wanted to hurt Lissa. I trusted no one and one of the guardians could be relaying information as we speak.

We rode the car in silence, with tall, dark and handsome, I mean Guardian Belikov next to me. He had made the correct assessment that I was the one needing the closest watch. Although Lissa would probably be more effective with her compulsion, she would never attempt any escape route without me or without consulting me. He seemed to have realized this too. I was quietly fidgeting with the strings on my jacket glaring at the car in front of me, willing Lissa to be okay and making sure I didn't miss anything if something happened. I saw Guardian Belikov look at me from time to time.

"Rosemarie, don't worry, the princess will be safe with them."

I glared at him.

"It's Rose, not Rosemarie," I said, a little annoyed. Partly because I hated to be called Rosemarie and partly because I did not like the fact that he seemed to have guessed the source of my nervousness so easily. However, I must admit hearing him speak my name with a slight Russian accent did make it a little better.

We arrived at the airport and there was a jet waiting to take us back to the Academy. I was very conflicted. On the one hand, we would be putting Lissa in danger again at the Academy and I knew that once we were back, we (and by 'we' I mean 'I') would be punished. I would be blamed for letting Lissa escape. I would be lucky if they did not expel me.

However, I also missed our old lives. We had friends there and the Academy was the only place I had ever known. I gave it all up for Lissa and to keep her from going insane with thoughts of someone being after her, but I did miss the place. I never told Lissa that. She would feel guilty and I could not have that. Besides, being just the two of us alone in the world, away from politics, just living our lives, did have its charms too.

I saw the private jet on the runway and at least it meant I would be in the same room as Lissa again. Although I doubt that my Russian jailor would permit us to sit next to each other. I got on the plane and I saw Lissa was already in her seat. I smiled at her, letting her know I was ok. She was conveying the same message through the bond.

Don't worry Rose. I am fine. They can't keep us separated forever. We will find a way out of this, and who knows it has been two years, maybe the person that we were worried about isn't after us anymore.

I kept smiling at her as Guardian Belikov led me to my seat a few rows behind Lissa. I was a little grateful to him for getting me away from Lissa. I don't know if I could keep the skepticism of my face. Although Lissa could not read my mind, she was pretty good at reading people in general. I did not have the heart to tell her that probably when we would get back, I would be expelled and the person after Lissa would still be after Lissa, only I would not be there to protect her.