Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 88 - Dancing in the Dark

They were in a large courtyard directly outside the side entrance to the palace. The same one Dimitri and I had used to enter earlier. It hadn't been busy when we'd entered, I'd actually paid it next to no attention, but I was happy to note it was now deserted – Queen's Guardians having secured the outer perimeter.

Even amongst the fear and dread, I couldn't help be struck by the beauty of the space. Wide open with massive square flagstones underfoot, the space was huge, yet it had the air of a space only ever used as a thoroughfare. It was subtly lit via lights concealed within the surrounding planter boxes. Planter boxes planted with deeply fragrant red tea roses. The whole area was heavy with their scent. You had to laugh. Some higher deity, if you believed in that sort of thing, obviously had a sense of irony.

I could see them, the best of the best Guardians, watching the scene in front of them with uncertainty. One Royal Moroi physically attacking another was virtually unheard of. That the victim in the attack was Princess Vasilisa Dragomir made it even more serious. She was the last Dragomir. In many ways one of the most precious of the Royals.

'Lissa? She probably doesn't know the bond is fully two-way now. Listen and wait for my instructions, ok? And when I tell you to do something, do it instantly. Dimitri and I have your back – we're going to get you out of this. Try and stay calm. We're just inside and will be out there in a moment.'

'Ok Rose' she replied. I could tell she was scared witless.

"Adrian – stay in here unless you're needed for healing." He nodded – for once as serious as cancer. "Your Majesty – please organize for medics to attend. I hope we won't need them, but we need to be prepared for every eventuality. Tasha might need to be sedated so get them to have a vial drawn and ready. Please also let your Guardians know they need to stay back and to follow our directions without hesitation. Finally, you need to understand if it comes to Lissa's safety, or Dimitri's, I'll do whatever I need to do to protect them."

"Same goes here," Dimitri said.

Queen Tatiana nodded in acquiescence. She knew we were telling her we'd kill Tasha if there were no other option.

I gave Dimitri a look and followed it with a quick hug – he understood without us needing words. The best chance of appeasing Tasha lay with him. In fact, I didn't intend on stepping out of the building unless I absolutely had to. We simply couldn't afford for Tasha to get more upset and do something stupid.

"I love you, Comrade," I said, trepidation churning in my gut.

"I love you too, milaya," he said. "Always."

"Always" I replied.

Then he handed me his stakes and stepped out into the courtyard alone.

"Tasha? What's the meaning of this?" he asked, his voice more confused than angry.

"Ahh, the whipped Guardian Belikov" she sneered, derision dripping from every word. "Where's the girlfriend? Sent you out to do her dirty work again has she?!"

"She's not of concern to me right now. It's you I'm worried about Tash. What's going on?" he asked gently using the tone you'd use to soothe a hurt and frightened animal.

Standing just inside the darkened doorway, I was watching Tasha intently, trying to see whether what he was saying was making any difference. It was hard to tell from here. I wasn't quite close enough to get a good read on her face, but there was no way to get any closer without stepping out into the courtyard.

Dimitri had moved to within about twenty feet but dared not get any closer because when he did, she stepped back – dragging Lissa with her, knife still at her throat. Looking at the knife, I could see it was a hunting knife. The sort with a sharp tip and a serrated edge. A serrated edge that was presently pressed against Lissa's neck. It was the sort of knife you'd use to slit the throat of a deer or a bear. If she used it, Lissa would be dead before her body hit the floor.