Chapter 9

                                    

                                          
DPOV
                          
I decided to try and put in a good word for Rose with regards to the shopping trip. She deserved some fun now more than ever. I just hoped mine and Lord Dashkovs joint efforts would be enough.
                          
I walked into Headmistress Kirova's office and she and Guardian Petrov were there expecting me. Alberta always seemed to be there when Rose was discussed. I knew she had a soft spot for Rose and I imagine she tried to be a buffer between Rose and Kirova. I honestly didn't understand Kirova's disdain for Rose. Yes, she was a handful, but you couldn't help but be drawn in by her charm.
                          
Maybe I was biased.
                          
"Headmistress, thank you for seeing me."
                          
She hardly looked up from her papers. She didn't seem to care that I was there.
                          
"What can I do for you today, Guardian Belikov?"
                          
Still not looking at me. Okay, I suppose she just needed to hear me and not see me, but it was common courtesy. Something she was obviously lacking when dealing with Guardians. I was glad I got to leave this place when Vasilissa graduated. I think otherwise Kirova and I would have a problem.
                          
"I have been informed that the Princess will be leaving for an off campus trip. I would like to ask for permission to take Rose along for this as well."
                          
That got her attention and she looked up at me. Her sharp eyes took me in. I knew she would be hard to convince. She seemed adamant to keep punishing Rose, she seemed to take some pleasure from it.
                          
"Guardian Belikov, I don't see how a shopping trip is in any way appropriate for someone who is still under punishment."
                          
Ah, I thought about this. I knew Headmistress Kirova would never agree to have her just go. And her mentor asking her would be considered inappropriate. God if they only knew. So I had come with a different strategy. Rose would not like it very much but at least she would be able to go and get off campus.
                          
"I was not asking her to join the shopping, I was asking if she can come along as a trainee. She needs to learn how to protect the princess in public spaces and how pair guarding works. I have a feeling this will not be the last mall the Princess will visit. This shopping trip will be a training exercise for her, not a social event."
                          
Alberta gave me a funny look to see if I was asking this for the right reasons.
                          
"Oh Ellen, let her join. She has shown nothing but exemplary behavior since she has been back, and as Guardian Belikov stated, this could be a very valuable lesson. I am sure Guardian Belikov will keep an eye on her so that she doesn't go shopping but does her job. Plus I will be one of the guardians going along for the trip. I'll ensure she doesn't have too much fun."
                          
Maybe this is how they function together. One is too strict for Rose and the other too soft, balancing each other out. Maybe it was the same with all Dhampir students. 
                          
I saw the wheels turning in headmistress Kirova's head. She was contemplating what would be a better punishment. Not letting her go or let her go but not actually being allowed to shop. I knew both me and Alberta would ensure that Rose at least got to let loose some. I would assign Rose as near guard that way she could go into all the stores and keep a close eye on Lissa. She wouldn't actually get to try on anything but at least she could join the girls in their fun.
                          
She must have settled on the latter option because she did eventually agree. She sounded like she was making a big sacrifice but I could see the smirk pulling at her lips.  She was enjoying this. 
                          
RPOV
                          
A few days and another dead animal later we were on our way to the mall. I had told Dimitri about the dead rabbit and calmed Lissa down. She was less upset than the first time. I talked to Lissa about my theory that someone was testing her and that I will keep a close eye on her.