SPIRIT BOND: Anna and Vladimir's story

CHAPTER 12: Vladimir's Secret

Vladimir's POV

We waited for the advisor to return, I turned to Anna and saw a look of wonder in her eyes. I was glad to see her mood a bit better than what it had been in the carriage. The fact that she had been talked about and pointed at didn't seem to phase her either. The doors opened and we were motioned inside, I took the lead walking in first with Rina behind me and Anna and Danila just behind her. It bothered me that Anna found so much comfort being around Danila, but I kept my emotions hidden about it hidden from everyone including Anna. As we entered the throne room glittering in gold, I saw the Queen for the first time sitting on her throne wearing a beautiful red dress with gold embroidery she had long dark blonde curls falling elegantly over her shoulders and her hazel eyes caught mine, she was young a little older than Anna by at least two years. She smiled standing up from her throne she was tall as all moroi are. We bowed "Please rise" She said coming down from the throne "Saint Vladimir Dragomir I presume" Her voice was soft yet held a lot of authority "Queen Alexandra" I said bowing again "And who is your company?" She asked turning her attention towards Anna and the others. I walked to them "This is Rina Mazur a very good friend of mine, This is guardian Danila Belikov and this is guardian Anna Romanov" She nodded at each one of them but was surprised seeing Anna "Your a guardian?" She asked Anna making me fear the worst "Yes my lady” Anna answered, I never thought Anna had it in her to be so formal.

Alexandra smiled "I should introduce you to Valeria" Anna's eyed brightened even more like it was a dream come true for her. At that moment I realised just how little I really knew about Anna and yet she almost knew me better than I knew myself from just being with me for three weeks "I'd really like that your majesty". She tuned back to me "You must be tired from your trip. I'll have Princess Voda escort you to your rooms" Panic set in "Will we be staying in connected rooms?" I asked, She looked at me "If that is how you wish it my dear Saint than it shall be done" Her eyes told me she was curious as to why "Thank you my Queen" I chose not to give her an answer and followed a older woman in her fifties. She had shoulder length brown hair and green eyes and a look on her face, I could only explain as eating something sour. Anna heard my thoughts and smiled at me telling me that she was no longer mad at me. I smiled back at that thought knowing it was something she couldn't hear.

We were left alone in our room it was a big sitting room with four doors connecting to it. Anna immediately headed for the books, something I never thought she would do "Vladimir?" Rina called my attention away from Anna "Yes Rina" She pulled me away from the dhampirs "Can Anna hear us now" I looked back towards Anna "No she's preoccupied. Why?" I asked curious as to her motives "Have you told her yet?" My light mood changed into a dark one "No, not yet" Her eyes looked like they were going to burn a hole right through me "Why not?" I couldn't respond to her words "Vladimir" She said forcing me to say something "I don't know" She grabbed my hands "You'd better, if she finds out on her own Vladimir she's going to feel betrayed" I frowned "Why would she feel that way?" Rina sighed "Because she's a woman Vladimir" I didn't understand but I didn't ask her to explain. She went to bed shortly after that and so did Danila after Anna argued with him over sleep. "Anna come with me I need to make a trip to the feeders" She flinched "Alright" We headed for the door.

The night sky was clear and the smell of pine trees was faintly in the air, a cold breeze blew through the trees and I enjoyed being 'save' for the time being. Anna walked next to me avoiding eye contact with the other guardians "Anna show them your proud to be a guardian, don't hide those eyes" She looked at me, then took a more confident stance "Vladimir why are we here?" She asked softly "I looked towards the sky asking for help, I didn't want to tell her not yet "It's nothing to worry about Anna" I knew she wanted more answers but I wasn't willing to give them yet. We walked into the feeders hall and I was escorted to a feeder. Anna stayed by my side even though she didn't like seeing moroi feed. After I finished we walked back to the room and I went to take a bath. As I came out of the bathroom I noticed Anna wasn't in the room, I walked out to the sitting room connecting our rooms but she wasn't there either. Panic filled me as I saw her jacket was gone too, she went outside alone. I ran back into my room and got dressed, I moved with speed looking for her, but I couldn't find her.