Tainted Blood

- FIVE -

Bright and early in the morning, Dimitri and I drove to court to see Lissa. It feels like forever since I've seen my best friend and I'm super excited and nervous to see her. It took a bit of convincing before Dimitri let me leave the house, and he only agreed to take me on the basis that I'm not to overexert myself and make sure I tell him if I'm not feeling one hundred percent. Dimitri pulled up into a car space in the court's car park before turning off the ignition. He turned to face me in his seat.

"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Looking back at him I pulled a face.

"Of course, I want to see my best friend" I can't believe he would ask me such a stupid question. Obviously, he was just making sure and looking out for me but I don't need protection, I'm Rose Hathaway, I'm strong, I'll be fine.

Dimitri nodded his head and gave a sigh before opening his door and exiting the car. I followed suit and met him around the back of the car. Together, hand in hand, we walked towards the door that would lead to court. All the memories that happened at court flashed in my mind, making me wary. This place may seem to have top-notch security, but there has been a lot of blood.

Dimitri and I walked up the path that leads to the main court building. We both smile or wave at the Guardians who were on duty as we walk. Most of them seemed familiar, but there were a few I haven't met before. They obviously seemed to notice who we were, some forgot all sense of guardian duty as they turned to the person who was next to them and started gossiping. This all just made me angry. You are protecting the queen. A queen who needs very tight and strict security. There is no time for gossip.

Letting out an annoyed puff of breath I tightened my hand around Dimitri's before he squeezed mine back with reassurance. We both reached the main building and had to identify ourselves with the main guardians stationed at the door. The process was quite simple as these guardians' knew us and just let us in after we had a small chat with them as they put our names down in the registry.

As the door opened Dimitri let go of my hand, and I quickly caught a glimpse of blonde hair and a tiara. Lissa came running at me, arms outstretched with a grin on her face.

"Rose!" She excitedly squealed my name and tightened her hug. Yeah, she has definitely put on some muscle over the last few months.

"Hey, Lissa. How's my favourite queen going?" She lets go of me and I give her a wink.

"I'm okay. Just a little stressed out about everything" My face contorts into a frown. I start to take in her face, she looks tired. Like really tired, there are bags under her eyes. She looks like she hasn't slept in days. Whatever 'everything' is it must be taking a toll on her.

"Hey Dimitri" She gives him a smile and a small hug which he returns.

"C'mon, let's go and have something to eat" She takes the lead as we follow her through to a little dining room. Cakes and doughnuts fill the table and my stomach gives me a deep rumble. Now, this is what you call a welcome back party. We all sit around the table when sparky enters the room with some glasses and juice.

"So what have you guys been up to?" Lissa asks before starting to eat one of the chocolate icing cupcakes. I gave Dimitri a quick look.