- Is that the nature of his power?
- Yeah. You could say that.
- Is there any other way to say it?
- And he can also guide, support... I need his experience and his strength to keep mine under control. And some blanks for the amulets.
- Gold?
I shrugged my shoulders.
- I don't know. Maybe some kind of natural stone. Peter and I will discuss it. Just like that or in a silver frame.
- Silver isn't good for both us and the werewolves.
- But that doesn't make it any worse. And they won't forget to wear the amulet. When he arrives... Peter?
- Along with Alfonso da Silva. As soon as he's there, so is this one.
- That's very nice of them.
- Yulia, you know it's hard for us to move around the country. When there's at least half a day with you. Kill you, throw you out in the sun, burn you at the stake...
- Danielle was quite decent in the sun. So did you.
- First, in winter, when it's inactive. Second, it was Daniel's property to act during the day. Even as a vampire, he remained an artist in the first place. And he could not limit himself to the night side of the world. I suspect that he was so weak in other areas precisely because of his talent. But let's leave it at that. Okay? It was much harder for me, for instance. If it hadn't been for our connection, the power you didn't give me...
- Let's leave it at that," I agreed.
Danielle died. And I'm alive. What for? Even Clara didn't hesitate when it was time to make a choice. She tried to take me with her, but she went to her Diego. Hoping to be born again someday and meet her. And I... I can't even do that. I'm trying to at least see the person I love, call them, but it's all useless. Don't argue. Either he's gone too far or he's gone.
And it hurts even more.
- I called you for one more reason. Another candidate for the role of Prince Tula has come to us.
- Again?
Three vampires have visited us in the last month. All of them were united by their age - not one under a thousand years old - and bastardism - if any of them had been bitten by a dog, the poor animal would have died instantly. Even if it had been a Baskerville dog. The "sweet" character was accompanied by arrogance and ingratiation. It's a terrific blend. When they look at you like you're a flea and you're scratched through your teeth, "...could you tell your master that I would be very grateful to him..."
Mecislav rejected all three of them.
Me, too. I don't need a bastard like that in the neighborhood with a surcharge. Between you and me, I was hoping to put this case on the Council. But Mieczyslaw's stuck to all his limbs. Well, a neighbor can be an ally, too. We don't know who the Council will choose.
- Again," sighed Mechislav.
- What, so pretty?
- Rudolfo Aguilar.
Mecislav said it like... "Adolf Hitler" or "Augusto Pinochet". I immediately demanded a detailed explanation.
- And what can you expect from him?
The vampire looked at me with surprise, then remembered that I - only six months as communicating with particularly fangers and nodded.
- Briefly, there's a problem. You arrogant, smug bastard. That's what he is. He's strong as hell. But to trust him, you better sleep with a cobra on your chest. The snake is so cute next to him, you just want to kiss him.
- Him?
- Cobra," the vampire snapped at him as he walked around the room. - If Rudolfo says it's raining outside, make sure you look out the window. It's probably been like drought and fire for three weeks now.
- And he has the power.
- More than any of those three.
- Ugh.
There's a problem.
- What do you suggest?
- You were very good at playing idiot with Ivan Tulsky. And with Ramirez. Do you want to play again?
I wonder if that's a compliment - or a rudeness? Oh, why not play. Except... I nodded my head.
- It's not hard to play. But what will it do us? It's still cheaper to give than to explain. Or do you have another option for this place?
- I don't have one. But Boris called from Tula.
- How's he doing? Did you give him my regards and kisses?
- Yes. I did. Now listen to this. I need to make time with Rudolfo. Boris mentioned that he found someone in this place. And he should be here in three or four days.
- Yeah. And at the same time, Alfonso da Silva is coming. Rudolfo complains to him, and we get in trouble?
- We'll get in trouble if I refuse Rudolfo and don't present a better candidate. Then Rudolfo complains to Alfonso, he rips my head off - all fun and interesting. And if Rudolfo doesn't even have time to tell me what to do, I can first present my candidate to Alfonso - and get approval before Rudolfo gets to the Council member.
- Mm-hmm. So what do you suggest?
- You're gonna have to break up today's conversation. At least take off your clothes naked, but...
- In your dreams.
- I can't even dream?
Mecislav sent me a gentle smile.
- Fluffy, I love you. We can fight all we want, but when we're in danger from the outside, you instantly forget all your principles and resentments. And you're willing to do whatever it takes to protect your people or your territory.
- This is my most precious quality.
- And your amazing charm?
I slammed my eyes.
- Sweetie, you flatter me so brazenly! I just can't... oh! Why can't I, actually?
- Just keep going, the vampire nodded. - Now I'm gonna have to ask you to deliver a suit that fits you. And we'll pay a visit to our guest.
- Oh! And I'm not even wearing makeup today! Oh, what a nightmare!
Mieczysław wince from my squeal, but he did not kick me out.
- I can personally work as your makeup artist, curly.
- And a manicurist, too? Hee-hee...
The laugh came out particularly nasty. The vampire wincered and picked up the phone.
- Tanya? Lisa? Ask Tatiana to come to my place with a suit for Julia. And have her bring some makeup.
There's no need for cosmetics. Especially since I'm here in a hurry. Well, not especially, but blue jeans and a red shirt with short sleeves and a neckline that doesn't even open the collarbone is not the style you need for the highest visit. And a ponytail hair would be nice to let loose. And to tint your eyes. Because I'm too lazy to get my hair done in the summer. I don't want to get any pimples.
Why pimples?
That's why. I jumped up on a girl's face with a pimple. She immediately squeezed it out - or just put cream on it, the top tone, and also put powder on it. Of course, oxygen does not enter the skin - and instead of the usual pimple, which would have passed itself, cauterize it originally cologne, we get a natural ulcer. And an ugly mark on his face. And in the summer, it gets even worse with dust and then.
Knocking on the door broke my mind. And Tanya slipped into my office. She had a case to carry dresses over her hand and a healthy cosmetic bag in her other hand.
- Hey, I waved at her.
We only met the werewolf this summer. But we've already made friends. Tanya was just as good as Nadia. It's the same ulcer and echidna. Even if she risked the skin for her long tongue, it didn't stop her. It didn't stop me either.
- Hello, tails!
- Yeah, and you too! Should I put you on or undress you?
- Do you think Mechislav couldn't handle undressing himself?
Tanya measured the Prince of the City with a frank, cheerful look.
- I think our boss would have taken first place in the women's Undressing Speed Contest.
- He always preferred slow undressing to music, too," the vampire did not owe him. - Shall I turn on something classic for you?
- The Beatles. And get out," I decided.
Mechislav winked at me.
- And what do I get for it?
- My full support in today's negotiations. Not eno
ugh?
- It's not enough.
- And there won't be any more.
- Curly, you've become terribly cruel!
- Why did you just do that? She was a contagion," Tanya wondered.
- I summed up who you're going to be with. - So are we communicating here - or are we changing?
- We're having a striptease," snapped at Mecislav. Then he went to the computer, clicked the mouse - and the famous Beatle's "Yesterday" spilled across the room.
I slapped on the couch and started unbuttoning my shoes. Mieczysław headed for the door, but he turned around on the doorstep.
- Fluffy, take off your clothes slowly. And try to turn around and face my desk, I have a camera attached to it.
I immediately threw shoes at him. Missed him.
- A misfire," Tanya commented. - You think the chief didn't lie about the camera?
- And who knows his fang soul. Couldn't have lied. Okay, show me.
Tanya pulled the dress out of the case and slightly shaken it, straightening the barely noticeable folds.
- Awesome!
The dress was one of those usually called "evening dresses." It was light lilac, with woven fabric in a complex pattern of silver threads. Like everything that Mecislav chose, it was short and snug. With open shoulders and almost no sleeves. Only with a narrow strip of slightly picked lace of the same shade. It sat on me like an infusion, perfectly showing the protruding ribs and protruding collarbones. Alas. I never wanted a model figure in my life. But after my illness, I never got better. Neurosis, psychosis, whatever you call it, it's gonna be right. And it put the final cross on my attempts to look like a normal woman, not a skeleton. Normal women rush to the fridge in their moments of mental pain. I've been vomiting wildly.
Okay, let's not talk about sad.
There was a purse made of the same cloth attached to the dress. And silvery sandals on transparent acrylic heels so high that you could parachute out of them. Fifteen centimeters, at least. Well, why is the tall Mecislav? If he were lower, I'd feel better.
Tanya kicked me on the couch and took care of my poor face.
- Do something dumber like a Barbie doll," I asked.
A werewolf according to the nod.
- Is this about Rudolfo Aguilar?
- Yes. By the way, have you met him yet?
- And it's not. Mostly your old friend hangs out with him.
- Who?
- The one that got you into a fight with Duke.
- Katya? I mean...
- Anna.
- Is she still alive?
- Why not?
- That's too bad.
I didn't have any good feelings for my ex-girlfriend. Yeah, well, they made you a vampire. But what's my fault?! That I was luckier? No, you're not. This is a lottery. Someone's got blue eyes, someone's got brown eyes. Someone's blond, someone's brunette. Somebody got a certain power at birth and somebody broke down. So what? The lottery.
I tried to get the skating rink out honestly. Until the last minute. And it's not my fault it didn't work out. That Duke killed her before I could help.
But I will never forgive Daniel in her life.
I'll die, not forgive.
Or better yet, let her die.
Looks like Tanya read something on my face because she kept quiet and made me up in silence. Then she took up curling tongs. She stuck a pair of studs. She took a step back, looked at me critically from all angles, and smiled.
- Yeah, it's done. Would you like to see it?
- I'm terrified.
I went to the little toilet in the vampire's office. It's a big, good mirror.
And from this mirror, a typical barbie was looking at me. She wasn't blonde just now. Otherwise, a barbie is not an appearance, it's a diagnosis. Hair curled in sheep's curls. Densely applied makeup - bow lips and strongly underlined eyes. Stupid and round. Excess blush and tonal cream - even if it is red, even pale, but still not visible under the plaster. It's the right one.
- Tanya, you're a genius!
- No. Just making you a barbie is a lot easier than a human," that cheeky girl said. I showed her my tongue. And at that moment Mechislav entered the office.
- Beautiful!
- Yeah, you'd have been painted that way, I snapped.
- Curly, you go ahead, get in the role, not the spike.
I sighed. Yes. After Vadim told me about my tender meeting with Ivan Tulsky, Mieczyslaw fell to exploit my long tongue. On the other hand, it's better this way than the other.
I slammed my eyelashes, hoping they wouldn't fall off a gram or two of 200 mascara.
- Ow! Sweet! They're waiting for us, right?!
- Yes!
Mecislav picked me up and we went to the bar together. Oh, as long as no one I know was there. I will not justify myself!
Glory to Allah is lucky. Nobody paid attention to me. You can even put King Kong next to Mecislav, only a vampire will look anyway. All women will look at him first. And then men will pretend to stuff his... face.
I smiled like a real Barbie.
Rudolfo was waiting for us in one of the rooms of the restaurant. Separate rooms. And soundproofed.
And a cute vampire. Banderas-style Spanish macho. Smoothly licked back black hair, black eyes, typical Spanish features - lucky for passionate Spaniards. Too bad they're not lucky on us. I smiled with a Julia Roberts smile in all forty-five teeth.
- Oh! And you are Rudolfo!? Tell me, have you never lived in Russia?!
Rudolfo slammed his long eyelashes. You bet he did. I broke the whole welcome ritual to him and Mieczysław from the doorstep. And I was going to make fun of him further.
- What makes you think that?
- Oh! Come on! That's an old Russian name - Rodion! And if it's short, it's Rudolph. Or is it a German name? Rudolph, Adolf... Oh! You should say hello now! Sweetie, how do vampires determine who's older and who's younger? By age? Does it matter after a couple of thousand years!? Or by status? Or is it even by height? Or by strength? You tried to explain it to me once, but I... you know, Rudolph... I mean Rodion...
- Rudolfo! - barked a vampire.
I slammed my barbie eyes on him.
- Okay... what's the short for? Dolph? Or Rudick?
- What!?
That's what I call the Slava! And he doesn't mind! What about you?
- Against what? - was squeezed out by a vampire I was finally confused about.
- Against Slavochki! I mean Rudica!
- Yes. I mean, no...
- Oh! I think you are a foreigner after all! As Zadornov said, it's just a little hard for you to understand our Russian dialect...
- The language," Mechislav corrected me.
I put out my tongue and started to look at it carefully, with my eyebrows and eyes on my nose bridge. The vampires sighed a sigh of relief and exchanged understanding sights:
Rudolfo: Is she sick in the head?
Mechislav: But strong.
Rudolfo: How can you stand it?!
Mechislav: Hardly. You should.
I didn't let them see me again, and I've got another one.
- Sweetie! You're joking again! Nothing happened to my tongue! Where were we!?
- Julia, please sit down at the table. Should I order you something?!
- Yes! I want halves! In chocolate!!! Roth front! Or Babaevskaya! And don't let them slip the Red October! She's bad!!!
- With what?
- She makes you fat!
Why one species makes calories get fat and the other doesn't, the vampires didn't understand, because I was shouting.
- I also want pineapple juice! Or I don't want pineapple juice! Birch!!! So funny! Juice squeezed out of a birch! Hee-hee! Oh! It's just a shop now! Then it's better pineapple juice! It's definitely fresh pineapple juice! Rudolfo, are the pineapples now ripe!?
- What!?
- Well, you grew pineapples in Spain!?
- Julia, vampires don't grow pineapples. Sit down and be quiet," Mechislav sa
t me down and smiled at Rudolfo. - Please forgive my surname. She is still too young and enthusiastic!
- Nothing! Sweetie, you said yourself that after five hundred years with you...
Rudolfo shuddered distinctly. Probably imagined five hundred years next to me Barbie. I could understand him. And then I shouted even louder.
- Rudik, can you imagine five hundred years!? That's so much... You have to tell me later - what it's like when you live so long!
- Julia, eat some candy, - Mechislav asked me.
- But they haven't been brought in yet.
- Then imagine you eat candy and be quiet for five minutes.
- Sweetie, not hammy!
I got inflated and turned away.
Mecislav drew the highest attention to Rudolfo.
- I'd be happy to hear from you.
Rudolfo obviously didn't like it, but did the petitioner come? We didn't call him here. On the contrary, we wouldn't have seen the century, lived and rejoiced.
- I suppose you already know why I'm here.
Ta-aka, we must quickly take the conversation aside so that Mechislav is not at a disadvantage.
- Slavik! So you knew everything! - I made the accusatory bequest. And immediately I switched to Rudik. - There! You vampires have completely lost your trust in humans! You're just swinging even from your shadow! I'm his last name, almost his legal and dear wife, and he! He doesn't trust me! He doesn't explain it! Doesn't explain anything! And if I'm trying to find out where he was yesterday - or why he has women's names on his phone - silent as a Gestapo partisan! Oh! Or should I say guerrilla? Who's what? Parental or creative case? Rudik, you don't know?!
- What!? - squeezed out by a poor vampire.
I rolled my eyes showing you how stupid vampires are! Almost like the Zadornos Americans.
- Togo! What's the case?
- Fall for what? The cattle?
- Oh! Rudik! Where did you see cattle in Russian!?
Judging by the face of the vampire, he only saw me and the cattle in one place - the coffin. I wonder if he's gonna get hurt or run away.
- Yulia, be quiet, - Mechislav interfered.
The waiter quickly served us the table with pineapple juice and candy - and removed.
- Sweetie! You are not a good tyrant! Homemade! - I gave it away. And I took up the juice brought in time, pulling it through a straw, with the sound of a working vacuum cleaner "Tsunami".
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