Turning Tables

Chapter 20

Dimitri

We were in the inner chambers of the palace. It was supposed to be one of the more informal rooms, but it was still very formal in my opinion. This was part of the private space assigned to the Monarch and after the vote we had all come back here.

Back to the palace, because that is where Lissa now belonged.

She had won the vote and would be the youngest Queen in recent history. I don't think it has sunk in yet.

Lissa and Jill had come into the Courtroom side by side. Adrian had informed Jill that she needed to stand by Lissa and when asked about the quorum Lissa would do most of the talking. Lissa's speech had been good and for the first time I saw her as a Queen, standing there on that podium.

When I first had been restored, I saw Lissa as the angel that saved me. I still thought she was an amazing person and I would help her anyway I could, but I didn't worship her anymore. I realized it hadn't been very healthy or fair to Rose. Sometimes I wonder why she even took me back, I treated her like shit.

When the votes were counted and Lissa was announced Queen everyone who had fit into the room had cheered, you could also hear cheers coming from outside the building. They had the foresight to broadcast a live feed for all the people that didn't fit in the courtroom. Even now, an hour after the vote there were still a lot of people outside the palace cheering that the Dragon had returned.

"I can't believe I am Queen." Lissa had been saying that a lot.

Rose hadn't left her side. She hadn't gotten word from Hans yet about a position but I knew Lissa now had the authority to put Rose anywhere, and I knew she would make her part of her Queen's guard.

"I can't believe you made me Queen." She accused Rose.

Yes, it had been Rose's idea for her to run for Queen. Although, technically it had been Viktor's idea, but I don't think Rose ever shared that bit of information with Lissa and I don't think she ever will.

Rose just shrugged at the accusation. "I just got you nominated. You did the rest."

"But now what do I do?" Lissa seemed rather panicked.

"First, we will get you settled with some new Guardians. You and your sister." Hans said as he entered the room. Jill had had some protection in the Courtroom, but she was now officially the Dragomir Princess and the only thing that kept Lissa on the throne. Nobody had said it to Jill yet, but Lissa becoming Queen was very dangerous for Jill.

"Oh, and Lord Ozera would need a Guardian as well, as the official Consort of the Queen."

That made Rose laugh and I saw Christian wrinkle his nose in disgust. But it made sense. Christian could take care of himself but he too would be in more danger now, certainly because he was such an advocate for Moroi learning to fight.

I saw an opportunity there. Christian wouldn't need more than one guardian. He also wouldn't be a difficult charge, but he was close to Lissa. If Rose was on the Queen's guard and I guarded Christian, we could be together.

"Also we will need to organize a coronation. Until you are officially crowned you aren't Queen yet." Hans said.

"Does that mean I don't have to do much until then?" Lissa asked and Hans just laughed and laughed.

"How much paperwork is a new Queen?" Rose asked Hans with a sly smile and that shut him up fast, although Hans returned the gesture a moment later.

"Almost as much paperwork as leading the Queens guard." Hans replied, pointedly looking at Rose.