I wandered the halls of St. Vladimir quite lost, hoping perhaps I might stumble upon Lissa, if only by accident.
“Are you lost?” asked a voice.
I turned to see Christian walking towards me.
“I’m looking for Lissa,” I responded.
Grant tensed up, his senses all on high alert.
“What for?” asked Christian, standing a couple inches away from me.
“She offered to give me a tour around St. Vlad’s is all,” I shrugged casually.
Christian leaned in closer to me, “I think you’re here for another reason.”
Grant stepped closer, perceiving Christian as a threat. I put a hand on Grant’s arm to reassure him that it was okay. He backed off a little, but still remained alert.
“You would know all about that wouldn’t you?” I smiled.
“This is about Rose isn’t it?” smirked Christian.
“You’re very perceptive,” I nodded, “Her majesty is worried about the well-being of Lissa.”
Christian snorted, “I’d worry too. Do what you want, I won’t tell her.”
“Thank you,” I smiled warmly, applying a bit of compulsion, I continued, “Do you mind showing me where Lissa is?”
Christian nodded, muttered something inaudible and led us to a room in the basement of the school.
“What’s down here?” I asked curiously.
“Feeders,” returned Christian.
I shot Grant a look; he was very good at picking up on cues from Moroi. It was natural after all, that was what he was born to do.
“Hmm,” I acknowledged.
As Christian reached for the door, someone opened it from the other side.
“Hello Lissa,” beamed Christian amicably.
His aura glowed gold, so did hers. Rose on the other hand was like a dark storm cloud.
“Christian!” exclaimed Lissa excitedly, jumping on him.
Rose followed behind and made a face, but became serious when she saw me and Grant.
“Hi Lissa,” I said timidly, “Not too busy I hope?”
“Nope, how about that tour?” she smiled.
“That would be lovely,” I smiled.
“If you’re here to learn about American ways, you should start with the way you speak,” interjected Rose, “No one says lovely.”
“Truly?” I asked in surprise.
Rose rolled her eyes, “No one says that either. You defs need some help.”
I blinked a couple times, “Sorry?”
Christian laughed, “Spent too much time at court obviously. And not enough time with people your age.”
“That’s okay!” exclaimed Lissa defensively, “That’s why you’re here right? To learn!”
I nodded, “That’s right. Thank you Lissa.”
“I hope you don’t mind if Rose and Christian tag along for the tour,” added Lissa.
“Is it alright if Grant comes along?” I returned.
