DPOVSongs: It's Hard to Get Around the Wind by Alex Turner, What's in My Head by Fuzz"See you for demonstrations tomorrow, Coimheach." Her wild hair seemed to roll through the air as the wind cascaded along her dark waves. It appeared to have a mind of its own much of the time, but as I watched her jog away I felt somewhat entranced by it as the moonlight danced across those deep brown strands.I had finally become curious enough to ask what that term meant that she had deemed me as on more than one occasion. I discovered from a local troop member that it was often used to describe a stranger or foreigner—not all that clever if you really thought about it. Normally, she used it as a derogatory comment or an insult that admittedly stung a little, but tonight there was a hint of playfulness behind it that I hadn't heard before. Seeing that small, devilish grin that accompanied it made me think that maybe I didn't mind it so much anymore.I turned back towards my tent to see Daisy star
RPOVSongs: Ride this Out by Imaginary CitiesThe realization of what I had gotten myself into last night was enough to clear away any of the haze brought on by the whiskey, sobering me up faster than falling into a frozen pond. Which is why I was surprised by the sickening feeling overcoming me the next day. It must have been some kind of emotional hangover rather than physical. I guess that's what I deserved for acting like a complete idiot—not to mention desperate hussy.I had sent one of the castle Guardians over to camp to let Belikov know he could sleep in as I would not be at one-on-one training this morning. I could get by a few hours under the pretense that something else came up, but I wouldn't be able to hide from him, or my responsibilities, forever. After talking to Victor about the almost Viking attack, which had been only mildly unpleasant thanks to my quick action with the extra guards, I stopped by Lissa's room and had her pull my hair up in tight braids and wore some
RPOVA few years prior to becoming Marshall, I had tried to fit myself into a particular mold. Someone who was sensible, someone who didn't act rashly without thinking first—admittedly one of my more deprecating faults—someone who my family could have been proud of. It wasn't always easy, pushing aside my most primal instincts, but eventually, I had come to some sort of happy medium that I could be satisfied with.Now, I wouldn't necessarily describe myself as a pragmatic person, although it's certainly something I strived to be, but I could at least trust in my gut. I relied on it from time to time when I was on the verge of lashing out or unsure of what move to make, and it usually seemed to steer me in the right course. However, now I had no idea what to trust in. My head, heart, and gut were all screaming at me, begging me to make a choice that followed the correct path. But each path seemed to lead to a dead end and the deafening cries were nowhere close to being answered. I wasn
DPOVSongs: Up Against The Wall by Peter Bjorn and John, Wolf by First Aid Kit, Angel by Massive AttackThe next couple of weeks flew by. Since Rose and I were now conducting regular training sessions with some of the other Dragomir Guardians, I had constructed a schedule alternating mornings and nights so we wouldn't get too burned out; although, the early sessions were admittedly my favorite. We often used that time to take advantage of the lingering sunlight and ran through the Emerald woods. Those runs were some of the most peaceful moments I had ever experienced.I had fallen into an easy rhythm with Rose. Most days our relationship was nothing but professional, but every once in a while we would indulge in friendly conversation and I'd get the opportunity to learn another small piece about the enigma that was Rose Hathaway. She often spoke about Vasilisa and Victor and it was easy to tell how much she loved and admired them. I'd return with tidbits about my family and our life b
RPOVSong: Strong - RAC Remix by London GrammarSeveral days after the incident with the Strigoi, things were finally getting back to normal. Although Guardians were well trained to be prepared for such instances, it still caused unrest within the kingdom. Understandably so, since blood-sucking demons almost took out a well-known member of the Dashkov line.Natalie had told her father she had been down passed the wards to tend to some of the gardens out there. It wasn't entirely unbelievable since she was an exceptional earth user and especially indulged in her skills with herbology. I supposedly stumbled upon her after she had "lost track of time", and the rest was history. I was more than willing to keep Victor in the dark regarding her other...activities of the evening but gave a full detailed report on everything that had happened thereafter.It had been quite some time since a Strigoi sighting in the area occurred and I took it very seriously. Extra men were set up on guard at al
RPOVSongs: Overnight Sensation by BORNS, Absolute Loser by Fruit Bats, Reconfiguration by Other Lives, Clint Eastwood by Trey Anastasio"Not so tight Liss," I protested."Oh hush you big baby, I'm almost through."I jutted out my bottom lip in a pout and glared at my torturer through the mirror. Lissa pointedly ignored me and continued pulling thick strands of my hair into an elegant crown braid. I'm not sure why she insisted on dolling me up when this dinner was meant for her, but I obliged all the same. Besides, it seemed to calm her nerves and placate her for the time being.I knew she was beyond nervous about meeting Lord Ozera. If the jittery feelings through the bond weren't enough, her gnawed down fingernails and twitchy brow were a dead giveaway. Though I'm not sure why she would be worried. Even in one of her more modest dresses and uncombed hair, she was the depiction of elegant beauty, but now, adorned with a light blue dress that reminded me of a Robin's egg on a spring d
RPOVSongs: Tired as Fuck by The Staves, I'm in Here by Sia, Cocoon by Marty O'Reilly & The Old Soul Orchestra, Movement by HozierI sat up, finally relenting on feeling sorry for myself. It had been a long time since I'd cried like that, but the thought of the Dragomirs being ashamed of me was the tipping point to my resolve.I could hear the first signs of a storm rolling in and could only assume our guests had started to make their way home before it came down. I ran my hands through my hair, setting it free from the intricate braid Lissa had put it in for me. In the end, there had been no point in dressing me up. With my outburst, I might as well have just gone in my normal clothes. At least then Victor might not have been so caught off guard by my hostile reactions.I couldn't remember ever seeing him so furious, not even when Natalie and I had gotten into some of most notorious antics. I didn't understand why he had suddenly acted so uncharacteristically. Maybe he was under more
DPOVSongs: Drown by Marika HackmanI laid there still, basking in the feel of her warm skin pressed against my cheek. The storm had finally passed and the only sounds within my tent resonated from our easy breaths. I'm not sure if we ever really slept that night. Just stole brief moments of peaceful rest as we came down from whatever exhilaration our bodies brought us to.I knew her excuses to leave were valid, not only was she the leader of our regiment, she was a princess. She had responsibilities that in no way involved someone like me. With the state that the current Dragomir line was in, it was imperative that her and Vasilisa work to repair...and replenish it. Not only was I an unworthy candidate for that job, but Dhampir did not have the ability to reproduce with each other. I could never give her the children that her family desperately needed. So I decided if this night was going to be a one-time occurrence, I was going to make the most of it.Every new part of her I roamed,