Hey all! Welcome to the 3rd and final story in the Alissa Markov series.

First thing is first, have you read Starting Over Again? No? Go read that!

Have it read? Great! Have you read Fighting Destiny? No? Get to it or this one will make no sense.

Have both those read? Carry on and ENJOY!

Disclaimer: Not mine.


Adrian's POV:

I was walking through the halls of the court when I heard sobbing coming out of AJ's room. I slowly opened the door and saw Roza sitting on my daughter's bed. "Roza?"

She looked up at me. I know I should be happy because it is Mason's birthday, but it is hers too...."

I sat down next to her on the bed. "I miss her too."

"No you don't! You wanted her in prison. If she hadn't broken out, she would have spent her life there or worse."

"Roza... You have to understand that I was confused and upset and very pressured to make a decision."

"So you chose me?"

"YOU are the heir."

"ALLI is your daughter!!!!!"

"She's not my daughter... she likes to remind me of that."

Roza jumped up. "Get. Out."

"Sorry sweetie, but this is my house."

"Then I am leaving."

"I can't stop you."

"I'm going to find her."

"I wish you well."

Roza started to walk out of the room, but turned back. "If you don't care about your daughter, that's fine. Though if Alli has fully turned, I would be worried about the fate of your grandchild." She turned and left.

I sat down on Alli's bed and looked around the room. It was definitely a teenager's room, but I could see mementos of her childhood poking through. Pictures of her and her siblings covered the walls. Everyone had a few, but it was overwhelmingly her and Mason. I saw a notebook lying on the floor and I picked it up with a smile. She and Roza had passed these back and forth for years. I opened it to a random page.

A: He hates me.

R: He doesn't hate you.

A: All he EVER talks about are Ella and Greg. He looks at me and sees my father.

R: Looking like your father isn't a bad thing. It is part of who you are.

A: It makes me feel worthless.

R: You aren't worthless.

A: I AM! I am a stupid daughter of a blood whore and an abuser. I am a poser and will never be one of you.

R: If I wanted one of us I have a line waiting for me. I want you Alissa Janine Markov-Ivashkov.

A: I want you more.

R: Doubtful.

A: I have to go. Duty calls! At least this gets me out of class on occasion.

R: I'll be there too. Just smile and think about what we can do while Adrian is BSing all the others.

A: I hate you.

R: ?

A: I won't be able to keep a straight face at all.

R: I love you.

A: I love you too.

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. I knew she had been unhappy, but I didn't realize she thought I hated her. I would give anything to have her back here with me and what would be my 4 year old grandchild. "Happy 21st birthday Alissa Janine." There was a knock on the door and I looked up. "Yes?"

"The others are starting to arrive, your highness."

"Thank you." I shut the journal and put it back on the shelf.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Okay, let's review, what is your name?"

"My name is Victoria Dashkov. I was named after my Uncle Victor who was wrongly imprisoned at the time of my birth."

"What about your daughter?"

"Her name is Natalia. I named her after my cousin who was murdered."

"Excellent!" I lightly touched her stomach. "And this baby?"

She looked over at me with a blank expression. "This is our future. This baby is going to be the new heir of the new kingdom."

"You are doing well sweetie, but what are you supposed to do when we get to the court?"

"I'm not supposed to speak unless I am spoken to."

"And what happens if someone calls you Alissa?"

"I attack."

Well, what do you think? I can't wait until Chapter 2 so you can get to know Victoria! She is going to be a blast.