Here's the next chapter. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I own the plot. Anything you recognize belongs to Richelle Mead.

Chapter 1

17 months later

Warmth surrounds me. Arms are wrapped around me, pressing me against another body. A light sensation is felt upon my shoulder. As the fog of sleep recedes a bit more, I vaguely realize that a kiss is being pressed there. Rolling over, I cuddle up against the chest nearby, laying my head on his shoulder and resting an arm across his waist. Another kiss is placed on the top of my head and a small smile unfurls itself across my lips. I love waking up this way; it never gets old.

The alarm on the bedside table goes off and I feel the shift of Dimitri's muscles as he reaches over to turn it off before it can wake up the child in the next room. Returning to his former position, he lightly brushes my cheek with his fingers before laying a hand on the bare skin between my shorts and tank top, which had slightly ridden up in the night. I'm instantly awake.

He gently rolls me over onto my back, hovering over the top of me as his hair hangs down around us. Kissing me deeply, many thoughts cloud my mind, none of which are really appropriate. When we finally surface from the kiss, breathing heavily, I can make out the glare of Dimitri's teeth in the light from the clock as he smiles. The curtains are drawn, making it seem like we're in our own little world. Having a one and a half year old tends to cut down on the alone time we have, mainly consisting of the short moments in the early morning and late at night when she's still asleep. We try to take advantage of it whenever we can. Except, apparently, this morning.

"We should get up," Dimitri says. "We have a meeting in little over an hour."

"Shh…I'm trying not to think about it," I answer before pulling him back in for another kiss.

"Roza," he breathes as soon as we break apart, trying to suck more air into our lungs. "We have to get up." I recognize his firm tone, trying to convince himself, as well as me, that we really do need to begin getting around for the day. Pulling himself up, seeming to wear an expression similar to the night he'd unwrapped himself from me during the lust charm, he gets up and pulled guardian apparel out of the dresser across the room. Propping myself up on one side, the sheet covering me from the waist down, I watch him. God, I love him.

Returning to my side, he kisses me again, this time lightly as an encouragement to get up. "Come on, Rose."

"But you were distracting me so well," I whine. Chuckling, he runs his fingers through my hair before heading towards the adjoining bathroom and flipping on the light.

"Dimitri?" I call. Turning at the doorway, he looks back at me, one eyebrow raised in question. "I love you." His face lights up in a smile.

"I love you too, Roza," he answers before closing the door. Flopping back onto my back, I listen as the water is turned on in the shower. Enough inappropriate thoughts. Time to get up. Internally groaning, I sit up, stretch, and walk down the hall. On the way to the kitchen, I quietly open the bedroom door beside ours. Peeking over the side of the crib, I can't help but marvel at the little miracle within. Her fair complexion, which hasn't had much time to become the mocha color of her parents tanned skin, is highlighted with a rosy blush that fans out across her cheeks. One of her tiny hands is up against the side of her face, the skin there being one of the softest surfaces I've ever touched. Her dark eyelashes appear feather light but I know they'll probably be as thick as mine one day. Dark brown shoulder-length hair pillows her head as she continues to sleep. Carefully and silently backing out of the room, I leave the door open to better hear her when she does wake up and continue down the hall.

Boiling two cups of water, I make hot chocolate for Dimitri and me, using two packets per mug of course. The rich scent of the powder invades my nostrils, making me smile as I remember that day so long ago when Dimitri had made me a cup in the guardian meeting room at St. Vlad's. Taking a blue ceramic mug in my hands and leaving the other for Dimitri, I walk out onto the balcony off our living room.

The cool, crisp air of mid-autumn chills me a bit as I look out over the landscape. Being on the outskirts of court can be a bit inconvenient, but the scenery is so much better and everything seems so much quieter. The rolling hills of Pennsylvania, softly blanketed in fog in the evening light, butt up against a forest within a hundred yards of the apartment building. Fiery reds and oranges mix sporadically with mellow yellows as autumn takes its toll on the trees. The sun is just beginning to disappear behind the tree branches as it ends its daily trek across the sky, seeming to spray golds and pinks across the heavens as sunset continues. Stars are also beginning to appear, glittering like diamonds in the sapphire sky. Blowing on the steaming cup in my hands, I lean my arms on the balcony railing and think back over everything that has happened in the two years since the battle at St. Vladimir's Academy.

Mark and Oksana have remained in contact with me quite regularly since they left after the showdown at the academy. They often call and email me, keeping up to date with the research being conducted on Spirit and being Shadow Kissed, as well as seeing how I'm doing in general. I'd also been keeping in contact with Dr. Olendzski and Alberta, becoming quite close to them. I'd even occasionally talk to Stan, but this was very infrequent. Although I knew full well that he could still be a complete ass, ever since I'd saved his life he hadn't really been as horrible to me.

The Belikovs had returned to Baia soon after the battle as well, taking Ion with them. He is currently living with them, which seems to make Dimitri a little paranoid knowing that his sister's boyfriend is living under the same roof as she is. He trusts Ion, but I know that he feels that he should be in Russia to be big-brotherly and protect his little sister. Rolling my eyes, I think of how overprotective Dimitri can be. That tendency of his has only increased since our child was born. Pushing that thought aside, I thought of the few times we'd visited Baia in the past years, which I had enjoyed immensely. I'd liked spending time with the Belikovs on my very first trip to Russia, but seeing the place where the love of my life grew up with Dimitri at my side had only made it better.

Sonya and Mikhail had gotten married almost immediately after her restoration from Strigoi to Moroi, moving to a secluded area in Minnesota. Situated somewhere within the rolling hills and sparkling waters, they are said to have a pretty good sized cabin. I can admit that I'm marginally jealous that they can have a corner of the world to themselves, but I know they deserve it after everything they've been through to be together. Not to mention that I miss them quite a bit. I had become pretty close with them in the weeks after the attack and their being so far away was difficult. But I know that good things tend to happen in cabins in the woods, so I'm awaiting the announcement of a child on the way. I figure I can easily use that as an excuse to go see them.

Speaking of getting married, Eddie and Mia had followed Sonya and Mikhail's example and married quickly after their engagement, which had occurred shortly before the attack. They'd had a baby boy, named Mason Eddison, about eight months after Dimitri and I had had ours. Sometimes they could be sickening with how adorable they acted around each other, but I was happy for them. If nothing else, at least one more couple had found happiness within one another. I couldn't see a little more love in the world as being a bad thing, even if they could be a bit nauseating.

Sydney Sage, who I'd met while searching for Dimitri when he'd been turned Strigoi and spent a little time with in my years in Russia, had been transferred to an Alchemist post in New Orleans. She'd come to Court shortly thereafter, even though she was pretty paranoid about being surrounded by "evil creatures of the night," to catch up with me and had had the unfortunate opportunity to meet Adrian. They had argued, what seemed to be, constantly but I'd interpreted it as a type of flirting more than anything else. As evidence to those assumptions, they had both begun seeing each other more and more often, both in Louisiana and at Court. I was just happy because Sydney seemed to be a good influence on him, leaving Adrian drunk a lot less and happier a lot more.

Mom had given notice to Lord Szelsky soon after the events at the academy and had begun guarding Abe indefinitely. While I really don't want to think about what they do in their free time, I'm happy that my parents are working out the problems of the past and moving forward with a future together. They had decided to get married, Mom wanting to go to the local courthouse as soon as possible to get it done, but Abe, with my help, had convinced her to wait. Even if I didn't want to think about my parents as being romantically involved, I still wanted to be there to see their wedding.

Denis, Lev and Artur had come to Court with Christian and me, helping on the committee that was trying to implement the optional Moroi offensive and defensive training, both physical and magical, into the academy curriculums. They'd become really involved in the whole process and seemed to be enjoying the current monotony of life, however long it might last.

Lissa is set to become the next Queen of Moroi at the end of the year, her intricate coronation having been planned for about a year. Christian had gotten past his insecurities and moved into an apartment with Lissa, proposing to her a little over a year ago. They'd been married, surrounded by their family and friends and only the occasional government official. Although they have yet to have a child, I know they both want to take things slowly and just enjoy their time together. After nearly losing each other for good due to their pride and stupid mistakes of long ago, I knew it was important for them to do just that.

All in all, compared to everyone else, Dimitri and I hadn't really undergone any major changes. He'd continued guarding Lissa and we were both on the committee concerning altering the current academy curriculums. I had been offered a guarding job at Court, but I don't think I'll ever be able to look at guardian life quite the same way ever again, and had declined. And of course there was our daughter, which to most would be considered a life-altering adjustment.

She was a constant joy in our lives, little Katya Christina. The deep brown eyes that the Belikov genes had given her always seemed to be evaluating the world around her, always looking for more to learn even at such a young age. She seemed to have Dimitri's seriousness at times, increasing her level of maturity by quite a bit, while also having my impatience and large appetite. Curiosity was a large part of her nature as well, especially when faced with new faces and experiences. Already speaking fairly intelligently, she was able to identify certain objects, places, and people. When she'd been laid in my arms the night of her birth, I'd felt such overwhelming affection towards her that I'd been stunned. It still amazed me that I seemed to love her more each day.

Her middle name had come from the name I'd always used to tease and infuriate Christian, but when he'd found out he'd been included in such an intimate way, plus how he was named her godfather, tears had filled his ice blue eyes. Dimitri and I had debated who should be named godmother, but we'd eventually decided on Vika, who had been just as moved by her selection as Christian had been.

Watching as the world slowly seems to fall asleep in the beauty of dusk, I think of all the good things that had occurred recently. Things have been going extremely well. Strigoi attacks have lessened, although still appear periodically. It makes me a little nervous, even if quite a few were wiped out at the academy, knowing that they're probably just biding their time. Of course, that could also be perceived as me being paranoid. But my life has been dominated with upheaval and violent occurrences for so long that I guess I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, bringing those things with it.

I'm brought out of my musings when Dimitri's arms wrap around my waist. I'd been so preoccupied with my thoughts that I hadn't even noticed him place his mug on the railing beside me. He smells wonderful; fresh and clean, a mixture of soap and his trademark cologne. I lean back against him as he lightly presses his lips to my neck.

"You should come back inside," he says quietly between kisses. "I don't want to share you with the rest of the lusting males of Court." A smirk settles on my lips before it disappears in a gasp as he runs his hands a few inches up the bottom of my tight-fitting tank top.

Turning back around to face him, I kiss his lips. As he lifts me off the ground a few feet, I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me inside to the couch, our drinks long forgotten. Laying down on top of me, our bodies are pressed together. I sigh as he presses a kiss where neck and shoulder meet. I run my hands across his chest, admiring how muscular he is beneath his shirt. As he leans in to kiss me once again, a quiet cry echoes down the hall.

And our time alone is effectively brought to a halt.

Dimitri sighs, resting his head on my shoulder and trying to calm his breathing. I cup his cheek in my hand, smiling up at him. He returns it before we sit up.

"I'll get her," I say, getting up and moving down the hallway. Walking into the small bedroom, the sight that greets me makes me smile. Katya is standing with her feet spread apart, her tiny hands wrapped around the bars of the crib for support. Although she's tried to start walking, she hasn't been able to take her first steps without falling yet. Part of me is happy about it; she seems to be growing up much too fast.

"Mama!" she squeals happily. As I approach the crib, she raises her arms in the air, her hands opening and closing.

"Hi baby." Picking her up, I set her on my hip and kiss the top of her head. "How's my girl this morning?" She reaches up and lightly grabs onto a piece of my hair. I take her into the bathroom down the hall, just outside the kitchen. After giving her a bath, during which she fussed as she's lately taken to trying to do some things herself, ultimately giving me a bath as well, I get her dressed. Still pretty wet myself, I set her down on the floor in my bedroom, leaving a foam puzzle for her to play with, while I quickly change and brush my teeth and hair. I can already tell that this is going to be one of the days where she's more difficult.

Picking her up, I sit her on the counter in the bathroom before running a brush through the same nearly-black locks that are on my head. I carefully pull her thin hair up into two pigtails. Seeing herself in the mirror, she points, her face lighting up.

"Who is that?" I ask, tickling her stomach and making her laugh. "Who is that pretty girl?"

"I see two pretty girls," I hear from behind me. Looking up into the mirror, I meet Dimitri's gaze. The love and happiness within it is so plentiful that I could nearly drown in it.

After finishing up Katya's morning routine, and picking up the cheerios she threw on the floor, we all set out for Adrian's apartment, near the center of Court. Katya, riding in her stroller, giggles gleefully as a squirrel races across the concrete path in front of us. Dimitri watches her as he pushes her, mindful of any sign that she's unhappy or anything is wrong with the well-being of his little girl. Not finding anything to be concerned about, he reaches over and threads his fingers with mine. As we get closer to the main portion of the Royal Court, we come across more people out and about. A few guardians I recognize nod in our direction, smile at Katya, and continue on their way. After ten minutes of a brisk walk, we arrive at our destination and within a few seconds of knocking on Adrian's door, he's swinging it open.

"Hi, Kitty Kat!" he says happily, leaning down to unstrap Katya from her stroller. She swings her up high in the air as she laughs.

"Is Uncle Adrian being silly?" I ask Katya before turning my attention to said uncle. "You know she just ate. One of these days she's going to get sick on you."

"Nah," Adrian denies. "She loves me way too much to do that." Shaking my head, I hand him the bag on my shoulder containing diapers, toys, snacks, and anything else she might need during the hours that Dimitri and I are gone.

"Be good for Uncle Adrian," I tell Katya, running a hand over her hair.

"She's always good," Adrian claims.

"Really?" Dimitri asks innocently. "Because I could've sworn that a few weeks ago you were hiding behind the island in your kitchen and trying to get her to stop throwing food at you and your kitchen walls." Adrian glares reproachfully at him, putting a hand over one of Kat's ears.

"Shh! Don't remind her about that. I don't want her to get any ideas." Dimitri laughs and kisses Katya's nose.

"Good luck," he says.

When Dimitri and I arrive at the meeting, it's obvious that we're the last ones there. Lissa, with her blonde hair curled in ringlets and wearing a blazer and pencil skirt, sits with Christian, his eyes sparkling as mischievously as they usually do even though he's in a serious-toned meeting. Denis, Lev, and Artur sit beside them on one side of a long wooden table, two seats left open for Dimitri and me. A few other select guardians, including Hans, the guardian in charge of the Court guardians, sit beside them as well. Across the table are respected Moroi, the best of the best in their elements. And at the head of the table sits Queen Tatiana Ivashkov herself.

My relationship with the queen has been spotty at best, with me calling her Queen Bitch more often than not, but she had been surprisingly supportive of Dimitri and me the past few years. Although she doesn't say it, I think she respects that I don't take any bullshit from anyone, not even a highly respected government official. She's also been working very closely with the curriculum committee and hasn't seemed nearly as bad as I first thought her to be. Even with all of these things going for her, I'm still reserving judgment. Like I said, I may be paranoid, but I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The meeting gets underway as soon as we take our seats. We discuss many issues, including whether or not Moroi students should be able to decide if they want to participate or if their parents should dictate that. And if the answer is the parents, when can the students make up their own minds about the issue? Knowing my love of deep fried dough, the queen has taken to having a wide variety of donuts and bagels brought to the meetings, being sure that there are at least two or three chocolate ones for me. As soon as the platter arrives, I snag my designated donuts and chow down. This meeting seems to be turning into one of the longest ones I've ever attended. Of course, that could also be because I tend to be a bit impatient.

The talk drags on and on, going back and forth as Dhampirs and Moroi work together. I am briefly sucked into the past, remembering the words I'd spoken back at the academy…You need to put your differences aside and work together instead of fighting each other. We'd been doing just that for the past two years. It was an accomplishment that I was pretty proud of and one that I was honored to be a part of. Even if Moroi still tend to see themselves above Dhampirs, at least they were working with us now. It was an improvement.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, but I don't answer it. I know that if Adrian has had any problems, he would come to me himself or send someone. So when the door opens I don't think anything of it, just continue speaking to a Moroi on the other side of the table. When the person doesn't say anything or simply pass a note to the queen, which usually happens at least three or four times throughout the course of a meeting, I glance over at them. A guardian is holding a cordless phone in his hand, his palm covering the receiver.

"Miss. Hathaway," he says. "You have a phone call."

"Tell them that I'm in a meeting and take a message," I answer, not really paying attention to him. I turn back to the Moroi, but his eyes are still locked on the guardian.

"I'm sorry Hathaway," he says. "But…"

"But what?"

"You're going to want to take this call." I look over at the guardian, still framed in the doorway. His face is extremely pale, jaw tight, and expressionless mask gone. He looks worried…no more like frightened. It's this simple act, the act of displacing the regular guardian mask, that sends a slight shiver up my spine.

And I suddenly believe that I'm not paranoid…that the inevitable other shoe has finally fallen.