**Chapter 1**

The festivities started after Lissa's coronation ceremony as queen, and as for me still in Dimitri's embrace. With my hands on his chest, look up at him then to their Lissa was getting up. When the queens guards started to move I jumped to attention, then I saw Lissa walking down the thrown steps. I gave Dimitri a quick glance as he smiled at me and I returned it with a warm loving smile back at him. He is also now moving with Christian. As for me being part of the royal guard means Lissa have at least 8 other personal guards following her and that 8 includes me. Now in my guardian mode we are moving swiftly with my colleges, I'm always at Lissa's side. My chest still hurts certain times but I'm recovering quickly from my two gunshot wounds. We head to a small room where we all could keep Lissa safe while her formally invites guests settle in at the banquet hall. Lissa took my hand and pulled me to sit next to her.

'I'm so proud of you.' I whispered first before she could speak. She was still so nerves, I can see it on her face. It is weird for me not to be bonded with her any more.

'Thank you. But I wanted to thank you.'

'For what, your highness?' She gave me a look.

'Rose come on. You're my best friend, there's no need for all these formalities.'

'As you wish, your highness.' Her look deepened.

'I wanted to thank you for bringing Jill into my life. I know we are having a rocky start here but with your help, I can see her becoming my blood sister but it would never be what we have Rose. Yet it is a start. We finally got to know each other a little, with the run through two days ago and the little we did speak is that I found that we can start as friends and work from there.' She said.

'I'm glad.' I smiled at her. The small room's door opened, I jumped up and moved in front of Lissa. Dimitri enters followed by Christian Ozra, Lissa's boyfriend. Okay more formally known as Lord Ozra. All the guards in the room tense up then relax as Christian strolled over to Lissa. I moved to the wall closes to the couch.

'Queen of my heart, finally.' Christian said kneeling in front of her, where she sat. He kissed her hand.

'Oh, Christian, please you don't have to kneel like that. Come sit with me.' She patted the seat next to her I just sat in. Leaning against the wall looking out the shoulder high picture window. Scanning everything outside then back into the room. Christian and Lissa in deep conversation about collage and how Christian is attending another college in another county, but that it is only a 6 hour drive away. Since all our guardians have mastered the skill of have a absent minded look while still surveying the whole room. Most of the guardians here have that look. My eyes met with Dimitri's as he just look straight at me. I do believe I blushed then smiled a small smile at him. His eyes, those eyes that always say so much.

We did not need any words to convey what he is telling me in just looking at me. He said, I'm beautiful and I could physically feel it. It also said he loves me. I absolutely without a ounce of doubt loved him back. I can even hear him say my name in Russian, 'Roza', in his warm loving familiar voice. Our head of security, Hans came to fetch us. We all filled out. With me in front of Lissa, and Eddie. Yes, Eddie managed to end up as a royal guard as he walk behind Lissa. Lissa pulled her arm through Christian's as we all walked a steady passé towards the banquet hall. The royal announcer, announced Lissa and Christian now in their formal titles. Half the royal guard walked into the room first as I stayed behind with Lissa.

Dimitri at my side behind the royals now, as we strolled into the room. Lissa and Christian received respectful bows. Dimitri and I took our formal guardian places behind Christian and Lissa's seats as we stood against the wall. Queen Lissa opened the festivities and then took her seat next to Christian. Everyone waited standing till Lissa gave the okay for everyone to sit along with her. Jill sat on Lissa's other side. Saw Lissa talk to Jill more comfortable than a few days ago. I even saw Jill smile a couple of times. Surveying the whole room constantly. I know Adrian would be here somewhere. Recalling our final harsh words, still broke my heart. I frown at the pain of it all.

'What is it?' Dimitri asked softly. I shook my head looking down at my hands. I'm just glad Lissa's and her whole table of guests have very high backed chairs. So Dimitri and I were quite hidden from the rest of the room.

'Roza?' I sighed heavily making my chest hurt. I wench a little and Dimitri being Dimitri saw that and concern was in his beautiful brown eyes for me.

'I'll be fine. It's in the past.' His concern turned to understanding. He nodded his head then stroke my cheek. Looking back up into his eyes again. The warmth and caring I saw there, took my breath away.

'Here I got us both new cell phones.' He said reaching into his duster pocket. The duster I got him, the one I promised I'll get him.

'Thank you.' I managed to say.

'This way we can communicate while we're apart.'

'Yes.' I flipped it open and all the people of importance's numbers are already stored on it. His, Lissa's, Christian's, Eddie's and even Sydney's. The list goes on and on. I quickly closed it after I turned it to silent. The festivities is now well on the way. We took turns patrolling, up and down the back of the VIPP's table. It is after all a long table. Christian and Lissa took to the dance floor to an instrumental song after that the dance floor was opened and people started dancing. Guardians walked among the royal moroi's and other guardians decorated the walls. As for Dimitri and me, we moved to the front of the table to observe the hall. As Lissa and Christian came back to their table we continued our watch behind them.

'So are you nerves to spend next weekend hunting with my Zyem father. Although I don't like the idea of him having a gun around you.' Dimitri laughed softly before he spoke again.

'Roza, he is your father of course he is allowed to be a little overprotective of his daughter. I would be too. Besides after everything you and I have faced this past year, hunting with your father must be the least of our worries.'

'Yeah, I guess. I know he is going to have you under cross interrogation and don't forget my mother.'

'Whatever they'll throw at me, I'll do whatever they want me to.'

'You really are the world's perfect man.' I said quickly giving him a kiss on his cheek. He gave me a shocked smile. A silent, I love you was on his lips. I replied the same way. We returned to our duties, always slightly brushing against each other as we pass one another. The evening passed by very smoothly and when Lissa and Christian left the banquet to retire for the evening in her new queenly quarters. Christian stayed the night. It only means more time with Dimitri. The rest of the royal guards took up their positions outside in the halls. As for me being the queens 1st guard, I get to stay inside her room but off in a separate room still monitoring everything. The room is furnished with a double bed, couch, full bathroom and large flat screen TV. The TV is to convey the surveillance of the queens whole home without having us to be in it. Cameras pointing at all the doors and windows, lounges but not the bedroom although the bedroom baloney has a camera outside monitoring the doors. Closing the door to my monitoring room. Dimitri joined me on the couch.

'You look tired.' He said pulling me towards him. I lay down on his lap.

'I'm fine.' He played with my hair. He took the fancy clip out of my hair and it fell down my shoulders.

'Rest Roza, I'll take first watch.'

'Okay.' I said drifting off on his lap. Was softly woken by Dimitri to change shifts. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Sitting up on the bed, how did I end up here?

'Okay you're up comrade.' I said getting out of bed. He looked at me, I got up and gave him a deep kiss. His hand was in my messy hair.

'Sweet dreams.' I said head to the couch. He grabbed my hand, pulled me towards him and gave me a proper kiss. When we pulled apart, we were out of breath.

'I always have sweet dreams when you are in them.' We looked lovingly at each other then took in our places. He kicked off his shoes then got into bed. He fell asleep instantly. I later covered him with more blankets. Still monitoring the cameras and I patrolled the rooms every few hours. The sun shone so beautiful today but the last of falls leaves are falling and the start of the winter chill is starting to show it's ugly head. They brought me Lissa's schedule for the week. I went through it over and over. Memorizing her daily activities for the next few days. I went back to monitor the TV and patrolling every few hours. As the sun starts to set, Dimitri woke up, walked over to me and kissed the top of my head as he sat down next to me pulling on his boots.

'Why don't you go take a shower, I'll keep watch.'

'Thanks.' I said as I bounced off to the bathroom. I took a welcome shower, shaving and washing my hair. Got dressed in a fresh uniform, it felt nice. Blow drying my hair quickly then twist it in a bun as I head back out. Dimitri turned to look at me as a small smile play on his face. I gave him a smile in return.

'Anything new?'

'No.'

'Good. Now your turn.' He heads to the bathroom, then stops in front of me and gave me a knee numbing kiss.

'You smell wonderful like cherries and jasmine.' He said cupping my face. It made me smile even more.

'Thank you.' He kissed my forehead, then went into the bathroom. I almost wanted to join him. I turned back to the monitors watching everything as the night vision cameras kick in. Christian was the first one up. He ordered some breakfast for Lissa and himself. Looking at Christian now and how he used to be at St Vladimir's. It's almost two different people, but the new and improved Christian is sometimes far wiser beyond his years. Dimitri came out also now wearing a fresh uniform walking out of the bathroom. He's own scent were intoxicating almost knocked me over. His also shaved. Hmmm…

'What's new?' He asked me.

'Christian just ordered some breakfast.'

'Great idea, want something to eat?' He asked me.

'Yes please.' I'm starving. Dimitri ordered us a great breakfast as well as large cups of coffee. Saw Christian and Lissa move about their suit. A knock on the room door, I answered it inspecting their food and drinks. I finally deemed it safe to be brought in. The non-royal moroi woman quickly placed two place settings and got everything on the table. When she was done, she left in a hast. I let her out and I put in my ear piece to catch up with what is happening outside, but no news. I greeted Lissa and Christian and handed Lissa her week's schedule. She thanked me and I returned back to my room with Dimitri. Our own breakfast arrived and we ate while talking about our guard detail for the day. 9PM came around and we were at Lissa's first monarch council breakfast. After that there was some court issues that needed seeing to.

Eskersia the former queen agreed to train Lissa as much as needed. Our day is going fairly quickly and all well. Early evening came and we get to settle in after our busy day. The whole weeks proceedings went smoothly. Although I miss Dimitri so much. Christian had to leave to sort out some family crisis. Dimitri and I text each other when we can. Haven't quite slept since Dimitri and Christian left. I've been actively busy for the past six days. I'm off duty the next 4 days. Spending the weekend at a cabin, Abe rented for 4-5 days. Mom, dad(Abe), Dimitri and I. Spending time together. All I really want is my man and some sleep. Back in my very own apartment, I'm already packed and ready to go. Lissa said I must enjoy my time off because since I became her lawful guardian I never sleep or take a break. According to her I'm just everywhere, all the time. Which is basically what a guardian is to do for all moroi.

I'm having some really strong espresso like coffee in a large travel mug. We still have a four hour drive ahead of us to the cabin. Heading out to the car I'll be driving for the weekend in the basement garage, I store away my luggage in the back of the SUV. Driving to the airport to pick Dimitri up, which is an hour's drive away. I put on some nice 'smashing pumpkin' and 'my chemical romance' music to keep me alert and awake while I drink my strong coffee. I managed to get Dimitri a gift. I swear this is no joke, a Russian watch. When I saw it- it just screamed Dimitri. According to the store clerk it's the latest model. Waiting on the tarmac for the courts jet to land. The jet finally pulled up on the courts privately own jet parking space. The passengers got off and Dimitri was the last to get off. Wearing his hot jeans, and a long sleeve black knitted v-neck shirt with his duster. Starting on my new cup of coffee. I drank it while I waited for him outside the car. He reached me and leaving my coffee on the car's bonnet. I jumped into his arms. We kissed.

'Hello.' I finally said as he put me back down on the ground.

'I have missed you so much Roza.'

'I have missed you to. Come let's go. We have quite a stretch of road still ahead of us before we reach the cabin.' I got in the driver's seat and gave Dimitri his favorite coffee and of course his gift. I drove off to the interstate and just followed the GPS coordinate Abe gave me.

'Thanks for the lovely gift.'

'You're welcome.' I said looking over to him. He took my free hand and kisses it. He looked me over. I saw him watching me from the corner of my eye.

'When was the last time you had proper rest?' He asked me. Since we know each other to well I can't lie to him.

'The day you and Christian left.'

'That… That was six days ago.'

'Yeah, things have been real busy around court.'

'I doubt that, you are just being Rose.' He said sounding a little pissed.

'You really do know me well.' This turned his mad face a bit softer.

'Like you said Roza, we were made for each other.'

'That's true.' I said pulling over for some gas. Dimitri went to get us something to drink and chew on. I went to pay for our gas, when I returned Dimitri took in the driver's seat.

'I'm driving here.' I protested. He just gave me his handsome half smile, and now I had no other choice but to get in the passenger side. He hand me a small box of milk, some crisps and gum. We set off again and he followed the GPS all the way to the cabin. Mom came running out when we arrived. Abe in an apron and a tea towel over his shoulder as they met us at the door. I insisted on carrying in my own luggage but between Abe and Dimitri they took care of our suit cases. Mom asked about our Russia trip we took a week after my injury.

We spend a week with Dimitri's family. In my opinion it was the best thing for him. I told my mother about the 'Blood king' an ancient strigoi killing off humans however hikes those part of the mountains and how Dimitri and Mark staked the 'Blood king' and of course annoying and naïve Ivan thought how he saved the day. The men joined us in the living room. I don't know what Abe was cooking but it smelled fantastic. Dimitri sat down next to me and took my hand then set to kiss it.

'So what is there to do around here?' I asked.

'Deer season opened on Wednesday and I got Dimitri and myself a couple of permits to go hunting.'

'Dad I don't like the idea of you two handling guns.' I said as panic took me and tense a bit. Dimitri must have felt it as he squeezes my hand a little. Then the thought hit me Zyem is my father and he is probably more comfortable handling guns then Dimitri is around them.

'It's okay Rose. We'll be okay. Between you and me, I think Dimitri here is a better shot then I am.' I doubt it but we as guardians are trained to handle all types of guns if we need to, but we prefer our silver stakes. With three highly trained, highly qualified guardians in the cabin, Abe could not be better protected. Realized I'm out numbered here I just sat back holding Dimitri's arm and hand.

'Very well just be safe out there.' I finally said feeling overwhelmed of exhaustion.

'Roza why don't you go rest up.' Dimitri said rubbing my cheek.

'Now that Dimitri mentions it, when was the last time you slept?' Mom asked looking me over closer.

'Six days ago.' Dimitri answered for me. Her mouth fell open and even Abe had a concern fatherly look on his face for me.

'Come you need to rest,' Abe insisted to show me to my room.

'I'm okay, really. I just need-' Dimitri finished my sentence; 'more coffee. No, Roza you need rest.' I looked at my mother for some sympathy but was disappointed.

'Lissa talked to me. Letting me know how worried she was about you.' Mom said.

'What?' I said crossing my arms across my chest.

'Rose, honey why don't you go take a nice shower and go lay down.' Abe suggested. Feeling like a cornered deer myself, I caved then went upstairs. Laying in a bubble bath, thinking of the last time I was in the woods. Not at all a nice warm and fuzzy memories, but I have to admit the second time I was in a cabin was a fantastic memory I would always hold dear. It made me smile. Dimiri walked into the bathroom.

'What are you smiling about?'

'Our time in the cabin.'

'Yes, it really was such a wonderful memory I have to agree.' He smiled at me, playing with the bubbles. I was about done in the bath so I got out, dried myself off and wrapped myself in a towel.

'So when are you guys going hunting?' I asked dropping my towel purposefully so Dimitri have something to gawk at. I pulled out sweat pants and a black tank top from my suit case and got dressed. Looking at Dimitri swallowing hard as he stumble over his own words.

'Early… (clearing his throat) Early tomorrow morning before sun rise.'

'That's nice.' I said untying my hair and let it fall around my shoulders. I got into bed and Dimitri came and sat down on his side of the bed.

'Please- please be careful out there.'

'I promise.' He said then lay down with me, holding me as I fell asleep instantly, as he played with my hair. He always loved my hair. Dreaming of Yeva's vision of Dimitri and me getting married. What a beautiful wedding it is small and intimate. The dream was so vividly detailed it is like watching everything in HD. Then everything changes and I'm back with Dimitri and Christian battling hoards of strigoi at St Vladimir. A nightmare a terrible bad one and all I saw was a boat load of red eyes. Started screaming as a swarm of red eyes surround me. Something woke me as I'm covered in sweat.

'Rose!' My mom said taking a wet hand towel from my forehead. I sat up.

'What's happened?'

'You are having the worst of a really bad dream. I've seen worst. You yelled no and help over and over for an hour now.'

'I'm sorry if I woke you.' I said rubbing my temples of a terrible forming headache.

'No need to apologize.'

'Where's Dimitri?'

'The guys left two hours ago on their hunting trip.'

'Oh.' I said now rubbing my forehead. I got out of bed, staggered towards the bathroom.

'What's wrong?' Mom asked helping me to the bathroom.

'I got the worst headache ever. Feels more like a migraine.

'It probably is.' Mom said helping me to get some pain killers. I drank it then went back to bed.

'Get more rest.' Mom said tucking me in. She haven't tucked me in since I was four. I did what I'm told, not really want to go against Janine Hathaway. I fell asleep dreamless this time a good thing to. I woke again in broad day light, still a slight headache and I'm starving. Sat up and Dimitri sat fully dressed in the chair reading one of his western novels.

'Hey.' I said first.

'Hi. How is your migraine?' He asked sitting forward in his chair touching my hand.

'It's a bit better but not over.' I sat up wanting to get up when the strangest thing happened, I passed out right into Dimitri's arms. I guess I got up to quickly.

'Roza! Roza!' Dimitri called out urgently. He lay me down on the bed.

'Please don't do this to me again.' I could hear his distress then I could hear him no more as darkness invade. Finally came to around midnight and saw that mom, dad and Dimitri was in full panic mode Dimitri passing up and down our room.

'Finally!' Abe said walking towards me and gave me a hug. Mom's look of relieve was very visible even for her. Then there was Dimitri who came to sit next to me on the bed embracing me in his loving arms, kissing my temple.

'What happened?' I asked confused.

'We were talking, you told me about your slight headache you still have. Then you wanted to get up and you passed out in my arms.' Dimitri explained.

'Sorry if I have you all worried.'

'No need to apologize darling.' Dad said sitting down on mom's chairs arm rest.

'Thank you everyone, for looking after me.' I felt like saying.

~~~ *** VA_VA *** ~~~

Sitting at the lunch table eating my father's pasta it was mouth watering delicious. My headache is over and I came to rather quickly after my fainting spell. Mom recons it's because my body has gone into shock because of the sudden rest it got. Abe and Dimitri each shot a deer and by the sound of it bonded more than mom and I did. We all talked about this and that, laughed at funny stories, of Abe and mom's childhood at their academy where they first met. After lunch I insisted on cleaning up. Mom helped me. The guys strolled out to the balcony overlooking the valley that spread out in front of the cabin. It was beautiful. Green trees turning yellow painting the scenery. Once done with all the cleaning up, Dimitri and I went for a nice walk through the woods to a stream not too far from the cabin.

'So I hope Abe didn't grill you too much. He can be very over bearing and very descriptive in his intentions.' Remembering poor Adrian at my trails. Pushing that memory back.

'He is just a concerned father and like you said he is very descriptive in his torture methods. I have to give him that. But I assured him I'm not planning on going anywhere in the near future and like my grandmother's vision maybe even suggested a wedding.'

'You've told him all that? But I-' He pulled me to a stop and placed a finger to my lips.

'I know, and I respect your wishes for waiting to be older first. Yet we don't have to rush anything.' He explained. I reached up and stood on my toes and gave him a kiss. He walked forward and me backwards till my back is against a tree. We continue our kiss till I felt aware of something to our left. Dimitri did to and we froze as our heads turn to the same direction. A mountain lion and a large one to, is busy stocking us. It leaps at us and being dhumpir I grabbed my stake and as the mountain lion leaps I stake it right though his ribs into his heart. Both Dimitri and I breathed hard. The mountain lion fell to the ground dead.

'We can't walk around without being attacked by something.'

'Yes. Not how I pictured on dying. Killed by a mountain lion. How embarrassing.' Dimitri said smiling as he shook his head.

'Me neither.' I said cleaning my stake, and then put it away. We continued our walk to the stream. It is so beautiful here. I sat on a large flat rock in Dimitri's arms just enjoying being with him and the sun on our faces. Being on a nocturnal vampire schedule, we as dhumpir don't see much sun in our day to day lives. Leaning back against Dimitri's chest.

'This is so nice.' He finally said kissing the top of my head.

'Yes, I wish we can stay here like this forever.'

'Yes that would be nice, but we both will be board out of our minds doing it.'

'You know me so well already.' I finally said.

'And you me, my special Roza.' I turned to look at him and he was smiling at me. I gave him a kiss and right there in the late afternoon sun we made love so wonderfully. We hastily got dressed then very happily head back to the cabin. We reach the cabin as the last bit of the sun sets behind the mountains. Mom was cooking tonight it smelled delicious.

'Sorry we took longer than we thought we had a run in with a rather large mountain lion.' Dimitri told mom and dad.

'What?' Dad asked panicked.

'Yes, Roza took it out.'

'You took out a mountain lion?'Abe asked taking a bread roll from the basket on the table.

'Yeah it was really no biggy.'

'Can't you go anywhere where there is no danger following you?' Mom asked with a rather large grin on her face.

'I've been asking myself that question for years and still haven't found the answer to that question.' Everyone laughed including me. We pass around the bowls of food and we started eating our fantastic dinner. I insisted on cleaning up after dinner with Dimitri. When we were done, we joined mom and Abe where they both were very lovey dovey with each other. Abe asked how our Baia trip went, and between Dimitri and myself we filled them in on everything. Leaving out the already told story of the 'Blood king.' The three of us being guardians heads jerked in the same direction.

With me already armed wearing my stake, only mom and Dimitri ran off to get theirs. I stayed protecting dad since he is the only moroi here. Keeping dad close I survey the woods around us there are at least six strigoi what I can see. Mom and Dimitri joined us and I gave them my observation so far. I told mom to stay with dad and Dimitri and I set out to the woods. We both moved as one, our first strigoi appeared and before the strigoi even knew what hit her, Dimitri staked her. I was not that lucky, we engaged in hand to hand combat, I kicked the strigoi with everything I have and he only stumbled back a few feet. He charged slapping me, sending me flying through the air. I got up and as he came for me again, I stood up in a flash and staked him as his own force drive my stake to his heart.

I finally found my feet again and my second enemy was upon me attacking me from behind, pulling my stake from the dead strigoi's body and face my attacker. He back hand me and I flew through the air backwards right into forearm length bare branch that impale my right thigh right threw. Ignoring my painful leg I charge with all my strength and leap at the strigoi, staking him as we wrestled on the ground. Moving to my next opponent. Dimitri and I standing back to back as the last three surround us and with a nod from both Dimitri and myself we strike out and attack. I took a couple of bad hits but saw my opening as the new strigoi did not protect his heart and that was my opening as I sink my stake into his chest. Dimitri was not having it easy so I jumped in and I kicked one large strigoi from the side and it gave Dimitri the opening he needed. I took on his other. My opponent took a couple of swings at me, I dodge most of them. Dimitri jumped the strigoi from behind.

'Now Rose!' He yelled and I staked the strigoi and our last enemy fell to the ground. Out of breath we both look around for more strigoi coming but nothing. That was it. We set the pile of bodies on fire and once they were dealt with we set back to the cabin. I tried to walk right so Dimitri won't notice my injury. Mom and dad where watching us the whole time. We got back inside and Dimitri and I made sure our surroundings outside were safe first, then joined mom and Abe inside. They both were astonished by how we both fought together like one man. I went to the bathroom in our room and was coming back down the stairs when my knees finally gave way. Mom and Abe saw it first and ran to me.

'Rose!' With that commotion Dimitri joined them. He picked me up and carried me to the kitchen counter the only place in the cabin with bright enough light to work in. Mom looked me over and found my injury on my leg. I was still on a adrenaline high from our fight, when they cut my pant leg off.

'How could you have fought the way you did with this kind of serious injury?' Abe asked whipping my hair from my face.

'That is what we do dad, keep going to keep you and all moroi safe at all cost. You come first.' Abe kissed my forehead. Mom and Dimitri frantically busy with my leg. Mom found half a bottle of vodka in the liqueur cabinet. They cleaned my leg back and front then mom poured the clean vodka on my leg it went straight through the large hole in my leg. I won't scream so I only clenched my teeth and breathed extremely hard arching my back in agony. Dimitri's face hovered over me along with Abe's.

'Roza. Hang on.' Dimitri said looking so concerned into my eyes.

'I'll try.' I said still breathing hard.

'This might hurt a lot Rose.' Mom said starting to stitch me up, and she was right. Breathing very hard again and swallowed. Abe and Dimitri held my hands, but not once took my eyes from Dimitri's face. In a mountain of pain I manage to turn around so mom could stitch the back of my leg. Apparently that is the worst wound. When she was done she poured the remainder of the vodka on my wound. That is when I could not hold on anymore and passed out of the intense pain.