it. How strange. Not long ago, I'd made this same journey, with nearly the same people, hurrying away from Court. We'd worn spirit disguises then, too, and had been seeking escape. Now we were knowingly walking into peril. I was convinced if I could make it in undetected and deliver my news, everything would work out. Sonya's charm had worked perfectly when I saw the Alchemists. I had no reason to doubt it, but the fear still lurked in the back of my mind: what if it stopped functioning? What if the disguise failed and I was spotted before even getting into the building? Would they arrest me? Or would they simply shoot first?
The doors were barred to spectators, but guardians were allowed access, so once again Mikhail talked us in--using a sullen Adrian as the reason. The late queen's nephew could hardly be refused, and with the chaos inside, more guardians--which Dimitri and I appeared to be--were welcome. Adrian kept an arm around Jill as they entered, and the guardians let her pass.
We slipped into the ballroom, completely unnoticed. I'd seen the arguing through Lissa's eyes, but it was totally different in person. Louder. More grating. My friends and I exchanged looks. I'd braced myself for a big confrontation with the audience--hell, it wouldn't be the first time--but this was a test of even my skills.
"We need someone to get the room's attention,' I said. "Someone not afraid to make a spectacle--I mean, besides me, of course.'
"Mikhail? Where have you been?'
We turned and saw Abe standing before us.
"Well, speak of the devil,' I said. "Exactly what we need.'
Abe peered at me and frowned. Charms could be seen through when others knew one was being used. Charms were also less effective if others knew the wearer well. It was how Victor had recognized me in Tarasov. Sonya's was too strong for Abe to fully break through, but he could tell something wasn't right.
"What's going on?' he demanded.
"The usual, old man,' I replied cheerily. "Danger, insane plans ... you know, the stuff that runs in our family.'
He squinted his eyes again, still unable to fully see through the charm. I was probably blurry. "Rose? Is that you? Where have you been?'
"We need the room's attention,' I said. I wondered if this was what it felt like when parents busted their kids for breaking curfew. He looked very disapproving. "We've got a way to settle this whole argument.'
"Well,' observed Adrian dryly, "we've at least got a way to start another one.'
"I trusted you at my hearing,' I told Abe. "Can't you trust me now?'
Abe's expression turned wry. "You apparently didn't trust me enough to stay put in West Virginia.'
"Technicalities,' I said. "Please. We need this.'
"And we're short on time,' added Dimitri. Abe studied him too. "Let me guess. Belikov?' There was uncertainty in my father's voice--Adrian was doing a good job in keeping the illusion over Dimitri--but Abe was clever enough to deduce who would be with me.
"Dad, we have to hurry. We've got the killer--and we've got Lissa's ...' How did I explain it? "A chance to change Lissa's life.'
Not much startled Abe, but I think my earnest use of "Dad' did. Scanning the room, his eyes landed on someone, and he gave a small jerk of his head. Several seconds later, my mother squeezed her way through to us. Great. He called; she came. They were awfully chummy lately. I hoped Lissa remained the only one with a surprise sibling.
"Who are these people?' my mother asked.
"Guess,' replied Abe flatly. "Who would be foolish enough to break into Court after escaping it?'
My mom's eyes widened. "How--'
"No time,' Abe said. The sharp look he got in return said she didn't like being interrupted. Maybe no siblings after all. "I have a feeling half the guardians in this room are going to be all over us soon. Are you ready for that?'
My poor, law-abiding mother looked pained, realizing what was being asked of her. "Yes.'
"Me too,' added Mikhail.
Abe studied us all. "I guess there are worse odds.'
He headed up to where Nathan Ivashkov was leaning against his podium. He looked weary and defeated--and utterly at a loss on what to do with the mess before him. At our approach, the monarch candidates glanced over curiously, and I sensed a sudden jolt of surprise through the bond. Lissa could see right through the spirit charms. I felt her breath catch at the sight of us. Fear, shock, and relief played through her. And confusion,