Getting Out While You Can

That Leaves Three

Once I was dressed and presentable, aside from my still wet hair, Dimitri and I made our way over to the Moroi hospital. Yes, the Moroi had their own hospital that was separate from Dhampirs. Even for us to go in was a spectacle. I wonder how much of a spectacle we would make for seeing the Queen after her attempted assassination.

I signed in at the main desk and gave the nurse a small smile when she gave me a friendly look. I guess she was one of the ones who didn't think I had done this. I rubbed at the side of my head as we walked towards Tatiana's room and knew that Dimitri noticed it.

"I'm fine," I said quietly.

"Okay," he said but I could tell by the sound of his voice he didn't believe me. I looked up at him and gave him a sheepish look.

"I have a bit of a headache," I admitted.

Dimitri nodded and gave me a soft look. "While you're speaking with Tatiana, I'll ask if we can get you something for that."

I brushed my hand over his and came to stop at the doors of the intensive care unit. I rolled my shoulder back and pushed the doors open and walked in. I knew where Tatiana's room was already so I headed straight for it. I noticed the two Guardians stationed outside her room and I nodded at the two of them, but they stopped me.

"Her Majesty is expecting me," I said but the one got defensive.

"I highly doubt that. The judge may have been fooled, but you aren't going in."

"Guardian Croft himself told me that Her Majesty had asked for me. If I attempted to kill her, why would she request for me?" I stated with raised brows. I looked at the two of them before one pulled his phone out and dialled. I waited with an annoyed look on my face as he spoke, only for him to nod and put the phone down.

"You have five minutes."

"I'll have as long as her Majesty requests," I snipped and pushed the door open. I took a slow breath and walked quietly into the room. Tatiana's eyes were closed but by the way she was breathing, I knew she wasn't asleep. I lifted the chair and placed it beside her bed and sank down onto it. I let out a quiet sigh when I did and her eyes opened.

She swallowed and turned her head to look at me. I had to admit, she looked decent for someone who had almost died. Her complexion was still paler than normal and her face looked a little gaunt, but she still seemed regal.

"Rosemarie," she said quietly.

"Tatiana," I responded in the same volume.

"You've looked better," she said and I barked a laugh, groaning as I ran my hand over the side of my head.

"So have you," I snickered and crossed my legs.

Tatiana nodded slowly and sat up, reaching into the table beside her. She pulled something out and handed it to me, her eyes trained on the door. I took it from her and looked down before looking back up at Tatiana.

"The pendant you sent me, where did you get it?"

"I pulled it off who attacked me," Tatiana said. "This was planned. And they had help from a Guardian."

"How can you tell?"

"Because I know exactly when the shifts change. She came in with a key card before I told you to come, and I told you to come during the shift change."

"Do you know who did it?"

Tatiana nodded but I could see a flicker of apprehension. "Yes, but I don't know who I can trust anymore."

I frowned and looked towards the door when it opened and a nurse came in. She had a tray of food for Tatiana and set it down on the table before lifting one of the paper cups and bringing it to me.