Protection - d. belikov

Chapter 12

Kat let out a yawn. She was standing in the middle of the Novice training area. One of the Moroi teachers, Mrs Kapol, was standing across from her with her hands stretched out. She was trying to teach her control over her new elements. They had been at this for hours and she was exhausted. Kapol had decided that Kat needed to start with water. It left both women soaked from head to toe.

"Come on Katerina," Kapol spoke with her heavy Russian accent. "Lift up your hands."

"Can't we have a break?"

"Later," Kapol insisted so Kat lifted up her arms. She moved her hands in what looked like a peaceful motion, but felt the opposite because her arms were burning. She aimed her focus on the bucket of water in front of her. She gave a smile when the water moved the way that she wanted it to move. She lifted her left hand and the water floated just above the bucket. She brought her hands together and the water rose. She felt herself become one with the water. Her focus was broken when she heard someone cheer and clap their hands. She opened her eyes – that she had no memory of closing – and was met with Dimitri, Rose and Lissa. They were all smiling encouragingly.

"Can I go? We're leaving for St Ignatius in a few hours," Kat asked Mrs Kapol. At her nod, Kat ran to her friends. When Kat reached the group, Dimitri pulled her into him.

"Look at you. All savvy," Rose teased the pink haired Moroi. Kat blushed and buried her face in Dimitri's chest. He held her tighter and she smiled up at him. He always knew how to make her feel better.

"I have to go get ready," she said as she leaned up to kiss Dimitri's cheek. She went to her dorm room where her mother was waiting for her. "You look beautiful Mama."

"Oh, this old thing?" Her mother replied with a laugh. She was wearing a dark green gown that looked beautiful on her tan complexion.

"Why do we have to travel all dolled up?"

"We have an image to uphold. We're a royal family. The paparazzi will be waiting there with cameras."

"I think it's stupid."

"So do I."

Kat sat down at her vanity and her mother started pinning her hair into an elaborate updo. Kat smiled at her mom and Priscilla smiled back. A few minutes and a stunning make up look later, the two women left the room. Dimitri met them at the outside of the building. He had an awestruck look on his face. He met them halfway up the stairs and held out an elbow to Priscilla. Together they walked down the stairs to a group of black SUVs that was waiting for them. Dimitri opened the door for Priscilla and she joined her husband. As the SUV drove off Dimitri finally turned toward Kat.

"You look stunning," he spoke in a mere whisper. He pulled her closer with his hand on her neck for a kiss. She pulled back with a smile. She gave him a small peck and got into the car with her brothers.

She settled into the car and Ivan made kissing sounds to his sister.

"Cut it out Ivan," Alberta said from the driver's seat. "Let her be in love."

"Are you in love?" Lev asked his sister.

"I think I am."

"You think?"

"I've told him as much but how do I know for sure? We've only been doing whatever this is for a few weeks."

"How does he make you feel? Do you feel that you can tell him anything?"

"I do. He makes me feel safe."

"Do you seek his comfort?"

"How do you know to ask all these questions Ivan?"