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and dedicated our lives to serving and protecting them. The likelihood was strong that many of
us gathered here would die young, and the queen had to show her respect for that.
When she got to the Moroi section, she paused longer and actually spoke to a few students. It
was a big deal to be acknowledged, mostly a sign that someone's parents had gotten in good
with her. Naturally, the royals got the most attention. She didn't really say much to them that
was all that interesting, mostly just a lot of fancy words.
"Vasilisa Dragomir.”
My head shot up. Alarm coursed through the bond at the sound of her name. Breaking protocol,
I pushed out of my position and wiggled over to get a better view, knowing no one would
notice me when the queen herself had personally singled out the last of the Dragomirs.
Everyone was eager to see what the monarch had to say to Lissa the runaway princess.
"We heard you had returned. We are glad to have the Dragomirs back, even though only one
remains. We deeply regret the loss of your parents and your brother; they were among the finest
of the Moroi, their deaths a true tragedy.”
I'd never really understood the royal "we" thing, but otherwise, everything sounded okay.
"You have an interesting name," she continued. "Many heroines in Russian fairy tales are
named Vasilisa. Vasilisa the Brave, Vasilisa the Beautiful. They are different young women, all
having the same name and the same excellent qualities: strength, intelligence, discipline, and
virtue. All accomplish great things, triumphing over their adversaries.
"Likewise, the Dragomir name commands its own respect. Dragomir kings and queens have
ruled wisely and justly in our history. They have used their powers for miraculous ends. They
have slain Strigoi, fighting right alongside their guardians. They are royal for a reason.”
She waited a moment, letting the weight of her words sink in. I could feel the mood changing in
the room, as well as the surprise and shy pleasure creeping out from Lissa. This would shake
the social balance. We could probably expect a few wannabes trying to get in good with Lissa
tomorrow.